With Support Patents (Class 81/57.4)
  • Patent number: 11724374
    Abstract: A hollow-cylindrical preloading cartridge of an installation tool of a wire thread insert has a mandrel channel extending within the preloading cartridge, in which an assembly mandrel with an installation end and a drive end is guided in an inner mandrel guiding thread. The cartridge has an outer wall which encompasses the mandrel channel at least partly with a radial positioning window adjacent to a first axial end of the preloading cartridge facing away from the drive end of the assembly mandrel, through which a wire thread insert is positionable on the assembly mandrel. At least one first tactile detection unit projects beyond a ring-like front side of the cartridge on the first axial end and is offsetable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, wherein an axial offset of the at least one tactile detection unit can be detected with a first detection sensor of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Marcel Purrio, Thorben Schiemann, Alexej Butov
  • Patent number: 11278995
    Abstract: For tightening screwed connections by a multi-screwing device with first and second screwing tools, each with rotary drive for screwing an exchangeable bushing on and off, a device for longitudinally straining a threaded bolt, and a tool for retightening the nut, the screwing tools are moved at right angles relative to tool axes by an actuating drive. When the bushings of the screwing tools are both screwed onto a threaded bolt, these steps are performed: a) bushing of first screwing tool is unscrewed from threaded bolt and raised; b) first screwing tool is moved relative to the second into a position in which tool axis of first screwing tool is aligned with screw axis of a further threaded bolt; c) first screwing tool is lowered and screwed onto further threaded bolt; d) threaded bolt is longitudinally strained, and e) steps a) to d) are repeated for second tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 10285694
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros, Michael A. Soltz, Robert DeSantis, Henry E. Holsten, Russell Heinrich, Michael Ingmanson, Philip Irka, David M. McCuen, Gene A. Stellon
  • Patent number: 9700978
    Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece, including a rotary drive having a path along which a flow of a fluid is established during operation, a sensor in communication with the path, to generate a signal responsive to the flow of the fluid and not to generate the signal responsive to an absence of the flow, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to enable the operation of the rotary drive subsequent to a termination of the signal if a duration interval thereof is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and to prevent the operation if the duration interval of the signal is less than the predetermined value. The rotary drive may include a drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James Albert DeLand, Darrell Darwin Jones
  • Patent number: 9222523
    Abstract: Techniques for transferring torque between a first unit, such as a mobile machine or a robot, and a second unit, such as a fixed or stationary machine. The units are arranged such that a drive coupler of the first unit designed for delivering torque about a drive axis can engage the driven coupler, which belongs to the second unit and has a driven axis, along an engagement direction that is nearly perpendicular to the direction of the driven axis. A lateral displacement mechanism of the first unit achieves a first-order coaxial alignment between the drive and driven axes. Additional measures are provided for improving engagement, coupling and reducing the level of axial misalignment. Techniques disclosed are tolerant of imprecise alignment between the drive and driven couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SOLARCITY, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel I. Fukuba, Benjamin D. Sumers, Jeremy P. Dittmer, Merritt J. Jenkins, Kevin C. Chu, Vayardo L. Ruiz
  • Patent number: 9016173
    Abstract: A reaction arm for use with a torque generating device, the reaction arm including a reaction bar, and a body portion having a first internal diameter, and having formed on an internal surface thereof a female spline having a second internal diameter and a guide bushing having a third internal diameter, the first, second, and third internal diameter being distinctly sized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Torq Fusion LLC
    Inventor: Radu Saftoiu
  • Publication number: 20150107419
    Abstract: A reaction arm for use with a torque generating device, the reaction arm including a reaction bar, and a body portion having a first internal diameter, and having formed on an internal surface thereof a female spline having a second internal diameter and a guide bushing having a third internal diameter, the first, second, and third internal diameter being distinctly sized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: TORQ FUSION LLC
    Inventor: Radu Saftoiu
  • Publication number: 20150047471
    Abstract: A screw fastening device (10) includes a base part (11), an extended part (12) with one end (12a) which is attached to the base part in a pivotable manner, a tool part (13) which is fastened to another end (12) of the extended part and makes a screw which is engaged with its front end rotate, a pushing mechanism (15) which pushes the tool part against the screw (14) through the extended part in an axial direction of the screw, a guide part (16) which is fastened to the base part and has an arc shaped part, a torque generating part (17) which generates a torque which makes the extended part rotate along the arc shaped part in a fastening direction of the screw, and a first detection part (18a) which detects when a reaction force of a predetermined value or more acts against the torque generating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshimichi Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 8851432
    Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Chiasson, Henry Maxwell, Thomas R. Faucher, John Lefavour, Richard Robicheau
  • Patent number: 8827216
    Abstract: A tool support system is disclose having a yoke; a plurality of concentric rings having at least one ring pivotally connected to the yoke; a tool fastening mechanism to secure a tool in the support system; and one or more rotation components to permit the tool to rotate within a ring of the support structure. One or more of the concentric rings can be added to the system or can replace one or more concentric rings to accommodate tools of different sizes. The invention includes a method of configuring a support apparatus and a support apparatus kit with various interchangeable parts, and parts that can be built out to varying degrees to permit the support structure to be used on numerous types of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Garrett W. Brown, Anthony D. Sacksteder, Micah Black, David G. Asmann
  • Patent number: 8813610
    Abstract: An automatic screw tightening apparatus is to fasten at least one screw into a screw hole of a workpiece and comprises a work platform, a movable carrying deck, an image observation module, a screw fastening module and a fastening inspection module. The movable carrying deck has a carrying portion to carry and hold the workpiece and a movement portion to control the workpiece moved sequentially to a first position, a second position and a third position that are respectively corresponding to the image observation module, screw fastening module and fastening inspection module to confirm the position of the screw hole, fasten the screw and inspect fastening correctness of the screw. Thus the workpiece can be assembled quickly and fastening can be done correctly to achieve mass production and reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tera Autotech Corporation
    Inventor: Yi-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 8777934
    Abstract: A balancer swivel arm assembly includes an articulated arm configured to be pivotably attached to a work station at a proximal end. A linear slider is slidably mounted on a distal end of the articulated arm. A spring balancer is mounted on the distal end of the articulated arm and is coupled to the linear slider. The spring balancer is configured to support the linear slider and a tool mounted to the linear slider through a linear range of motion along an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jit Han Tan, Sie Cheang Phuah
  • Publication number: 20140190314
    Abstract: A tightening system for tightening a fastening member includes: a driving section producing torque for tightening the fastening member; an extension bar coupled to the driving section and rotating by the torque; a spindle to which the torque is transmitted via the extension bar and which is connected to the extension bar such that the spindle moves forward or backward in a rotational axis direction of the extension bar with respect to the extension bar; a socket provided at a tip of the spindle and engages in the fastening member; a spindle case housing the spindle and helically spline-engaging with the spindle along a rotational axis direction of the spindle; an outer case housing the spindle case; and a switch for switching between held and separated states between the spindle case and the outer case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicants: GIKEN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Ono, Seizo Fukumoto
  • Publication number: 20140137705
    Abstract: A screw-removing device used for removing a number of screws screwed into a workpiece includes a support frame, a removing mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a transporting mechanism. The removing mechanism includes a first driving member mounted on the support frame and a number of universal shafts. The universal shaft comprises a main body, a transmitting portion connected to the first driving member, and a connection portion. A removing member is connected to the connection portion. The positioning mechanism is mounted in the support frame to position the workpiece below the removing member. The transporting mechanism is mounted on the support frame to transport the workpiece to the positioning mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: WEI SHEN, XIN-HONG LU, JIAN-JIAN YANG
  • Publication number: 20130340572
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pipe tong fixture for a conventional pipe tong apparatus, which may be installed within a mast for a long lateral completion system. The pipe tong fixture allows for the movement and precise control of the conventional pipe tong apparatus in relation to a borehole for efficient and safe remote operation of the pipe tong fixture and conventional pipe tong apparatus. The present disclosure also relates to torque measurement and the communication and analysis of such measurements during a completion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Complete Production Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
  • Patent number: 8448548
    Abstract: A tightening head (1) is provided with at least two sockets (4i, 4ii) which are alternatively connected to an output shaft of a nut runner (3), a socket replacing mechanism (6) and a bolt supplying mechanism (7). The socket replacing mechanism (6) is provided with a moving mechanism (61) and a posture changing mechanism (64). The moving mechanism (61) moves each socket (4i, 4ii) between a using position where the socket (4i, 4ii) agrees with an axis of the output shaft of the nut runner (3) and a waiting position which is distant from the axis. The posture changing mechanism (64) changes a posture of each socket (4i, 4ii) to an upward posture corresponding to the waiting position and to a tightening posture corresponding to the using position. The bolt supplying mechanism 7 is provided with bolt magazines (8i, 8ii) and bolt holding mechanism (9i, 9ii). During a bolt tightening step is executed by one socket in the using position, the bolt (B) is supplied to the other socket in the waiting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Kobayashi, Tetsuo Ishii
  • Patent number: 8424824
    Abstract: A balancer swivel arm assembly includes an articulated arm configured to be pivotably attached to a work station at a proximal end. A linear slider is slidably mounted on a distal end of the articulated arm. A spring balancer is mounted on the distal end of the articulated arm and is coupled to the linear slider. The spring balancer is configured to support the linear slider and a tool mounted to the linear slider through a linear range of motion along an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jit Han Tan, Sie Cheang Phuah
  • Patent number: 8272296
    Abstract: A screw fastener with simple configuration is provided, which automatically moves a rotary tool such as a nut runner to fastening positions to fasten screws, and the automation is achieved at low thrust. A screw fastener includes: X, Y, and Z-axis linear motion robots that move a nut runner along the directions of X, Y, and Z-axes, respectively, the axes being orthogonal to one another; a reaction force supporting member that supports a main body of the nut runner in a movable manner along each of the directions of the X, Y, and Z-axes and restricts the rotation of the main body around the rotary shaft; and positioning means that positions a body, and thus the screw fastener with simple configuration can automatically move the nut runner to positions to fasten screws, and achieves the automation at low thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Tohyama, Koji Tomida
  • Patent number: 7963017
    Abstract: The method is used for automated tightening of a screwed joint (16), which is fitted to a component (10) in advance and contains a screw (12) and a nut (14), using a programmable industrial robot system (18). In this case, the invention provides that the industrial robot system (18) has a first robot (20) with a screw driving head (22) and a second robot (24) with a mating holding head (26). In order to tighten the screwed joint (16) on the component (10), the screw driving head (22) is positioned in a defined screw driving position, and the mating holding head (26) is positioned in a defined mating holding position in order to produce an interlocking connection, which is suitable for tightening of the screwed joint (16), between the mating holding head (26) and the nut (14), as well as between the screw driving head (22) and the screw (12). The screwed joint (16) on the component (10) is tightened with a predeterminable fixing torque. The interlocking connections are then disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Ehleiter, Willi Klumpp, Uwe Pfister, Thomas Prager, Michael Schunko
  • Patent number: 7930955
    Abstract: A screw fastener includes a screwdriver that includes a sleeve having an absorption hole configured to absorb a top surface of a screw, a bit housed in the absorption hole and having a tip engageable with a recess of the screw, and a rotation unit configured to rotate the bit with the sleeve, a movement unit configured to move the screwdriver between a container configured to accommodate the screw and a work, an optical sensor provided to the sleeve and configured to detect the recess of the screw while a bottom surface of the sleeve and a top surface of the screw are arranged in noncontact manner, and a controller aligns the tip of the bit with the recess of the screw based on a detection result of the pressure detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tsutomu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7698969
    Abstract: A nut runner mounting structure for supporting one or more nut runner spindles includes a spindle supporting base plate, and at least one support pillar extending in parallel with the spindles and secured at its forward end to the base plate and at its rear end to a mounting structure support. Each support pillar has a tube element provided with a forward end piece and a rear end piece, and a tension bolt engaging the rear end piece and the base plate to exert an axial clamping force on the tube element. The forward end piece is formed with sharp edged teeth for penetrating into and forming matching teeth in the tube element and the base plate for locking the tube element against rotation. Clamping units are attachable to the tube elements for carrying additional equipment and connecting the structure to a mounting structure support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Christer Hansson
  • Patent number: 7690281
    Abstract: A tong positioning apparatus including: (a) a base having a powered cylinder; (b) a first articulating arm attached at a first end to the cylinder and pivotally attached to the base; (c) a second arm attached at a first end to a second end of the first articulating arm; (d) a tong attached to a second end of the second arm, so that when the cylinder moves from retracted and expanded positions, the first and second arms articulate to move the tong between engaged and disengaged positions relative to conjoined tubular members; and (e) a bow structure forming an interface between the tong and the second arm that enables rotation about a generally vertical axis and with respect to an underlying support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: John Paul Hobgood
  • Publication number: 20100031781
    Abstract: A rechargeable electric tool includes a housing having a lower end, to which a battery is attached, and a fastener tool configured to be attached to a lower side surface of the housing. The fastener tool includes a plate-like base portion, and an engagement portion joined to the base portion. The engagement portion protrudes rearward of the housing when the fastener tool is attached to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATAION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ito, Koji Takahagi
  • Publication number: 20090277307
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for loosening or tightening bolts on subsea structures. The tool grasps a portion of the structure and, using hydraulic wrenches, tightens or loosens bolts located on the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jefferson R. Scofield
  • Publication number: 20090025515
    Abstract: In a housing of a power tool is formed a hook-receiving portion, with openings facing leftward and rightward, through which a substantially U-shaped hook having a left hook leg and a right hook leg is movable among a left protruding position in which the left hook leg protrudes leftward from the hook-receiving portion, a right protruding position in which the right hook leg protrudes rightward from the hook-receiving portion, and an accommodating position in which the left and right hook legs are both accommodated in the hook-receiving portion. Also provided in the housing is a retaining mechanism by which the hook is retainable in one of the positions of the left protruding position, right protruding position, and accommodating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shibata, Tomohiro Ukai
  • Patent number: 7387049
    Abstract: An economical system and method for eliminating manual operations in smaller scale animal feeding water bottle management is provided. A hand held cap removal tool captures the perimeter of the water bottle cap for automatic capping or decapping. Provisions for suspending the tool for convenient universal motion over a work area are described. The cap removal tool accommodates straight and angled water delivery tubes and most popular water bottle cap sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Ver Hage, Glenn Ver Hage
  • Patent number: 7325777
    Abstract: A portable multiple-component articulating support apparatus for engaging, moving, orientating and manipulating a hand-operated power tool within and throughout a three-dimensional workspace. The apparatus includes a clamping device for demountable engagement with a structural element, an elongate double-link hinge member, a spacer arm having opposite ends adapted for detachable engagement and rotational communication with the clamping device and the double-link hinge member, a vertically disposed pivotably connected counterbalance arm assembly adapted for detachable engagement and rotational communication with the double-link hinge member. The counterbalance arm assembly is equipped with a gas-charged cylinder for balancing the weight of hand-operated power tools. The clamping device, spacer arm, double-link hinge and counterbalance arm assembly are interconnected with removable hinge pins. A tool-mounting bracket is provided for grippingly engaging a power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon Daniel Thiessen
  • Patent number: 7249538
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to the manufacture and/or repair of trailer and truck decks or similar. In particular, the invention relates to the installation of self tapping screws into pre-drilled holes or the installation of self drilling, self tapping screws where no hole yet exists. The machine has a cross beam with rails for a wheeled carriage which supports a linear actuator for an automatic screwdriver or, in another variation, a screw driving machine with an integral linear actuator. This wheeled carriage facilitates the movement of the screwdriver in a straight line in the X direction, laterally, across the deck, while wheeled trucks on the cross beam allow it, along with the carriage, to be moved in the Y direction, longitudinally, down the length of the deck. The actuator moves the screwdriver axially (Z direction) with each installation of a screw. Said movement is facilitated by a linear actuating device, such as a pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald John Calzone
  • Patent number: 7210379
    Abstract: A rigging tool for use with a turnbarrel for joining ends of cables together in which the rigging tool has a first gripping member with a receptacle suitable for receiving a terminal end of a cable therein, a second gripping member having a receptacle suitable for receiving a terminal end of another cable therein, and a translating rod assembly connected to the first and second gripping members for allowing the gripping members to translate with respect to each other when the turnbarrel is rotated. The translating rod has a tubular body with a first rod fixedly adjustably received in one end of the tubular body and a second rod resiliently mounted in the second end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron P. Pepin
  • Patent number: 7055789
    Abstract: A power hand-tool support apparatus includes a multi-component articulating arm with pneumatic lifting assist to hold the hand-tool and protect the operator from tool induced torque, the apparatus equipped with positional feedback optical encoders, to communicate with a dedicated control unit to define a selectable datum position of the hand-tool in the work-space with a lock-out of the tool if the positions do not comply with programmed tightening sequences on bolt patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Automation Tool Company
    Inventors: Lucian Curt Libbey, James Phillip Cranford, Michael S. Janko
  • 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: 7013760
    Abstract: A torque reaction control jig that transfers reaction torque from a drive member to a wheel upon tightening of a spindle nut onto a vehicle axle. The jig includes a jig body, an alignment member, and a barrier member. The jig body is secured to the drive member in a non-rotatable fashion. The alignment member includes a pair of stud nests that are each adapted to slidingly receive a wheel stud. The barrier member is secured to the jig body in a location such that the barrier member will engage the wheel stud should the jig be misaligned with the wheel. Engagement between the barrier member and the wheel prevents further tightening of the spindle nut onto the axle until the jig is properly aligned with the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Aaron Kennison
  • Patent number: 7013759
    Abstract: A device for torquing a tubular connection. The device comprises an upper assembly having an upper jaw member, a lower assembly having a lower jaw member, an upper gear for advancing the upper jaw member, and a lower gear for advancing the lower jaw member. The upper jaw member includes a first jaw operatively associated with a first rack, a second jaw operatively associated with a second rack, and a third jaw operatively associated with a third rack. The lower jaw member includes a fourth jaw operatively associated with a fourth rack, a fifth jaw operatively associated with a fifth rack, and a sixth jaw operatively associated with a sixth rack. A method of torquing a first tubular with a second tubular is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Access Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Childress, II
  • Patent number: 7000503
    Abstract: A tong assembly having a powered tong mounted over a backup tong is supported at its rear by a post with torque measuring means. The powered tong is supported at its front, near its throat, by one or more struts that extend downwardly to the backup tong. Such strut (s) provide support for the powered tong when the assembly is placed on a support surface for storage. The struts each have a joint with a retracted condition in which the joint is rigid when the tong is placed on a support surface, and an extended condition in which the joint allows a degree of lateral displacement when the tong assembly is applying torque to a pipe string. This maximizes the amount of torque passing through the rearward post, and therefore ensures a more accurate sensing of applied torque by the torque-measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: McCoy Bros. Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Dagenais, Leslie L. Szalacsi, Jonathan B. Fraser, Hermann Basler
  • Patent number: 6973856
    Abstract: In order to provide a space-saving inexpensive screw tightening apparatus by forming the same apparatus as a whole to a rational simple construction, a screw tightening apparatus M is provided with a robot 5 for retaining a nut runner 1, which is adapted to tighten a recess bolt 8, with respect to a work 10, and support members 2, 3, 4 for supporting the nut runner 1 so that the nut runner 1 can be displaced in three axes which orthogonally cross one another. An air cylinder bearing the weight of the nut runner 1 or support members 2, 3, 4 are connected to the support member 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetaka Shibata
  • Patent number: 6960910
    Abstract: A method for phase matching matches a relative phase of a first element and a second element by detecting a magnetic flux. The method provides a magnetic flux generator to generate the magnetic flux. The method also provides a magnetic sensor in order to detect the magnetic flux. According to the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic sensor, the relative position of the first element and the second element is adjusted until the magnetic flux reaches a predetermined value, which means that the phase of the first element and that of the second element are matched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventors: Tung-Lung Lin, Chih-Tsung Liu, Sen-Chih Chan
  • Publication number: 20040163497
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond Ormachea, Robert Bailey
  • Patent number: 6776070
    Abstract: An iron roughneck has a pair of upper jaws carrying pipe gripping dies for gripping tool joints. The jaws have recesses formed on each side of the pipe gripping dies to receive spinning rollers. By positioning the spinning rollers in the upper jaws at the same level as pipe gripping dies, the spinning rollers are able to engage the pipe closer to the lower jaws and thus can act on the tool joint rather than on the pipe stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc
    Inventors: David B. Mason, George Boyadjieff, Johannes Henricus Antonius Marie Kamp, Ronaldus Richardus Maria Roling
  • Patent number: 6736033
    Abstract: A device for controlling the vertical translation of a pneumatic tool includes a drive means and a control means. The pneumatic tool is supported by a holding device which configured to allow the pneumatic tool to be translated in a vertical direction. The pneumatic tool is connected to an air supply line having a pressure associated therewith. The drive means exerts a lifting force on the holding device to support the pneumatic tool. The control means adjusts the lifting force delivered by the drive means and is configured to monitor the pressure in the air supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Gerardo Castanon
  • Publication number: 20040069095
    Abstract: An articulated support for a manually-operated power tool, such as a manually-positioned and trigger-operated tool having a driven rotary spindle for engagement with a work, includes a plurality of elongated segments that are connected by articulating joints to thereby define several relative joint angles. Angle sensors at the joints generate relative angle information that is used by a controller to determine when the tool has been placed in a position, relative to either the support's fixed base or the work, in which a selected tool operation is likely to be performed successfully. Thereafter, the controller enables trigger-operation of the tool, monitors the length of time that the selected tool operation is performed, and, preferably, determines the likelihood of a successful completion of the operation based at least in part on the monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Joyner, Michael G. Vitale
  • Patent number: 6711972
    Abstract: An articulated support for a manually-operated power tool, such as a manually-positioned and trigger-operated tool having a driven rotary spindle for engagement with a work, includes a plurality of elongated segments that are connected by articulating joints to thereby define several relative joint angles. Angle sensors at the joints generate relative angle information that is used by a controller to determine when the tool has been placed in a position, relative to either the support's fixed base or the work, in which a selected tool operation is likely to be performed successfully. Thereafter, the controller enables trigger-operation of the tool, monitors the length of time that the selected tool operation is performed, and, preferably, determines the likelihood of a successful completion of the operation based at least in part on the monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Joyner, Michael G. Vitale
  • Publication number: 20020184973
    Abstract: A device for the control of the thrust force of a pneumatic screw driver movingly suspended on a holding device. The device includes a drive means for the application of a lifting force opposing the weight force of the pneumatic screw driver. Furthermore the device possesses control means able to produce a reduction or switching off of the lifting force due to the drive means when there is a certain drop of the operating pressure of the pneumatic screw driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: FESTO AG & CO.
    Inventor: Gerardo Castanon
  • Patent number: 6364318
    Abstract: A device for holding a tool bit and selectively transmitting or releasing torque between a torque generating means and the tool bit, comprises an elongate body having a tool bit holding means at one end and a torque input shaft at the other end, the torque input shaft shaped to be accepted by a drive means of the torque generating means whereby the body rotates about a longitudinal axis with rotation of the drive means of the torque generating means, a sleeve surrounding the tool bit holding means end of the body, the sleeve biased away from the torque input shaft end of the body by a biasing means and the sleeve slidably arranged between a first end position and a second end position, and a sleeve retaining means to prevent the sleeve from sliding past the first end position and the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Maxtech Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bedi, Maz A. Hasan
  • Patent number: 6321622
    Abstract: A screwdriver 1 includes a hook 7 which is configured to fit in an accommodating recess 20 grooved in a motor housing 4 and a handle cover 5. The hook 7 includes an extending portion 8 for being accommodated in a first groove 21 and a base block 9 for being accommodated in a second groove 22. The base block 9 is provided with a pair of slide plates 10 which in turn includes retainer flanges 11 at its free ends. To draw out the hook 7, it is manually pulled up at the top end of the extending portion 8 and slid rearward so that the retainer flanges 11 of the slide plates 10 enter support slots 27 provided at the rear of the second groove 22. Simultaneously, a support plate 12 of the base block 9 abut the top wall 5a of the handle cover 5. In this drawn-out position, as the retainer flanges 11 interfere with the edges of the support slots 27, the hook 7 is prevented from slipping out the screwdriver 1 and secured on the handle cover 5 outside the accommodating recess 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Tsuge, Yukihiko Yamada, Tomohiro Ukai
  • Patent number: 6308593
    Abstract: In a tie rod adjusting apparatus which adjusts a tie rod of a steering mechanism for steering a front wheel of a motor vehicle, an open end wrench is supported by a supporting mechanism which has a freedom of four axes so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, tiltable in the vehicle width direction, and tiltable about an axial line (U-axis) which extends longitudinally along the length of the open end wrench. A tilting member of the supporting mechanism for tilting in the vehicle width direction is supported by a guide rail which is arcuate with the top end portion of the open end wrench serving as a center of arc. By the arcuate movement of the tilting member along the guide rail, the open end wrench is tiltable in the vehicle width direction without deviating the top end portion thereof in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Shibayama, Atsushi Osada, Masaru Maruo
  • Patent number: 6289774
    Abstract: A mobile automatic machine for fastening fasteners which includes a rod mounted on wheels (11) and is attachable to and held in contact with a workpiece by a vacuum in suction cups (3) is disclosed. The fasteners are blown from a fastener feeder (14) through hoses (15) to a fastener driver (20) which includes a fastener holder (6). The fastener driver engages fasteners held by the fastener holder (6) and drives them into the workpiece under the control of a controller. The fastener driver (20) is slidably mounted on the rod and moves linearly at repeatable intervals or at a uniform speed along the entire length of rod (1) under the control of a controller. Other tools, such as drills or milling devices can substituted for the fastener driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Roger Söderlund
  • Patent number: 6244138
    Abstract: A torque reaction device (16, 90, 110, 130, 150) is disclosed which can be used with a power wrench (14) to open and close a valve (10) in a valve assembly (12) which absorbs the shock of opening and closing the valve. The torque reaction device includes a torque reaction arm (18) which is mounted on the power wrench. A torque reaction frame (20, 94, 114, 132, 154) is provided which is mounted to the valve assembly in a manner dependant upon the configuration of the valve assembly. The torque reaction frame mounts a U-channel (22) which interacts with the torque reaction arm (18) to prevent uncontrolled movement of the power wrench relative to the valve while opening and closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Furmanite Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Joseph Campbell
  • Patent number: 6189417
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for assembling a metal picture frame having mitred frame sections connected to each other by L-shaped corner pieces which have legs extending into receiving channels within the frame sections and screws in each leg accessible from the back of the frame through an elongated slot in the frame sections. The machine comprises a base on which a corner of the frame can be supported, and a pair of guide rails on the base for engaging the elongated slots to two adjacent frames sections. A corner brace is provided for securing a corner edge of the frame in a fixed position. Two screw drivers extend through the base at a position in which they are aligned with the corner piece screws when the slots of two frame sections engage the guide rails and the corner edge of the two frame sections engages the brace. A motor attached to the base plate rotates the screw drivers to tighten the screws and thereby fasten the frame sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nielsen & Bainbridge L.L.C.
    Inventors: Vazgen Houssian, Eugene Cox