Operator Supported Patents (Class 269/3)
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Patent number: 8104811Abstract: A hooking device attaches an equipment like a fall limiter to an anchorage structural element by means of a stick. The device comprises an elongated member to which the equipment is attachable. A hooking head slides along the elongated member. The hooking head has a hook forming an opening in which the anchorage structural element is engageable. An actuating mechanism operates a locking element of the opening in response to a sliding of the hooking head with respect to the elongated member. A stick detachable fastening element is used to slide the hooking head with respect to the elongated member in response to a movement of the stick when the anchorage structural element is engaged in the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Hydro-QuebecInventors: Paul Antoine Sèguin, Pierre Beaulieu, Sébastien Riopel, Yves Thibault, Yves Vermette, Bertrand Legrand
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Patent number: 8096535Abstract: An apparatus for holding martial arts boards includes a first grip including a curved section for grasping the first grip in varying positions and a slot for holding a first end of the martial arts board. The slot is perpendicular to and distal from the curved section where when the martial arts board is inserted in the slot the martial arts board is perpendicular to the curved section and in front of a user's hand grasping the curved section such that the user's hand is protected from striking blows to the martial arts board. The apparatus accommodates martial arts boards of varying thickness and grips the martial arts board in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Darryl Oliver
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Patent number: 8096536Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed toward an alignment device for soldering roughed-in pipes for plumbing applications that assists plumbers by acting as a third hand for the plumber. One portion of the device removably attaches to a plumbing wall-strap while another portion of the device holds one or more pipes perpendicularly in place, in order that a plumber may solder the pipes in place without the need for assistants or additional tools.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Perry Anthony Steele
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Patent number: 8091874Abstract: A bar clamp with adjustable jaw pads for clamping and for spreading work pieces includes a main housing having a bar opening for extending a bar therethrough, and a bar advancing mechanism with a bar gripping member in proximity to the bar opening. There is an elongated slide bar extending through the bar opening, and a handle and trigger connected to the main housing wherein the trigger is connected to the bar advancing mechanism such that activation of the trigger causes advancement of the bar through the main housing. It also includes a first jaw base connected to the main housing and extending upwardly therefrom. A first jaw pad is rotatably connected to the first jaw base, so as to be rotatable in at least two planes, to adjust angles between the elongated slide bar and the first jaw pad. A separate, second jaw base is connected to the elongated slide bar. There is a second jaw pad rotatably connected to the second jaw base, so as to adjust an angle between the elongated slide bar and the second jaw pad.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventor: Bianca R. Ray Avalani
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Patent number: 8087138Abstract: A bead crimping tool for crimping a bead element and method for use, wherein the tool includes a base handle, a crush plate member, a pair of opposed pincer members, an actuator handle, and a crush arm member. The bead element is placed on the crush plate and preferably secured in place by the crush arm. Crimping the bead includes squeezing of the actuator handle. During a first portion of such actuation, a cam portion of the actuator handle cases the pincer members to impart a lateral compressive force to a lateral portion of the bead element sufficient to collapse the bead element in a lateral direction. During a subsequent second portion of the single actuation cycle, the crush arm is caused to impart a longitudinal compressive force about a top portion of the bead element sufficient to compress the collapsed bead element in a longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Nikhil Gupta
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Patent number: 8079577Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for securing and clamping work-piece quickly and efficiently. The clamping device includes an elongated slide bar; a first support assembly and a second support assembly. The first support assembly affixed at a proximal end portion of the elongated slide bar includes a first body portion, and a first clamping member. The second support assembly includes a second body portion, a second clamping member configured on the second body portion, and a locking mechanism configured on the second body portion. The second body portion is slidably coupled to the elongated slide bar for assuming a plurality of positions with respect to the first body portion. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are positioned in a spaced apart relationship for abuttingly clamping the work-piece there between to assume a clamped position of the plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventor: Donald Simon
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Patent number: 8074340Abstract: A method of operating a clamp (100) that includes a first clamping jaw (102), a support element (104) to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle (118) pivotably mounted to a clamp body (112). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Chris W. Cicenas, Charles R. McKean, Thomas M. Chervenak, Anthony B. Fuller
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Patent number: 8066268Abstract: The present invention can be used to hold one's screw driving bits directly on the tool so a specific bit can easily be found and employed as needed. Each holder may be produced from a heavy duty plastic or rubber. There may be approximately 8-10 openings for assorted bits, which allow 16-20 different bits to be inserted. The bits may stick out the top and bottom of the holder so a user may see exactly what type each is.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventors: Charles E. Brauer, Mary A. Brauer, legal representative
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Patent number: 8042246Abstract: A tool and method of repair for removing a bulge in a stained glass window by providing at least one aperture in the metal earning of the stained glass window; positioning at least one threaded rod member through at least one of such aperture(s); further positioning two tool members one on each side of the stained glass window, each tool member having at least one aperture defined therein and a flat surface with the flat surface of one tool member being positioned against the bulge in the stained glass window and the other positioned behind the bulge, each of such tool members receiving such rod member(s), respectively, in such tool member aperture(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Peter B. Ureneck
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Patent number: 8042244Abstract: A bearing adjuster includes a grip. A rotatable wheel is mounted with the grip. The rotatable wheel has a through hole centrally defined therein. The rotatable wheel has multiple arc grooves spirally and concentrically defined in a bottom thereof. An adjusting member has spindle extending from a top thereof. The spindle is connected to grip via the through hole in the rotatable wheel. The adjusting member has multiple grooves radially defined therein for corresponding to the multiple arc grooves. Each groove has a movable member movably received therein. Each movable member has a stub extended form a top thereof to be received in a corresponding one arc groove in the rotatable wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Jin-Tsai Lai
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Publication number: 20110254212Abstract: A wood kindling hand tool has a handle and a head. The head includes spikes that may be driven into a piece of wood to securely hold the wood steady while a user chops the wood.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Stephen B. Collins
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Patent number: 8038135Abstract: A sliding clamp and clamp assembly are provided. The clamp assembly includes a cam member that, when actuated, biases a stationary clamp jaw assembly toward another jaw assembly. The cam member utilizes a ball-and-socket coupling to couple the cam member to the sliding clamp bar. The ball-and-socket coupling allows the cam member, and an extended actuator, to be pivoted and rotated into an infinite number of positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Penn United Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Phillips, Sr., Mark P. Noah
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Patent number: 8033003Abstract: A fastening assembly, comprising a first element forming a first contact surface and a second element forming a second contact surface, which for producing a clamping force may be moved relative to one another in an axial direction is disclosed. The fastening assembly also comprises a device for performing a relative motion of the two contact surfaces with respect to one another. The second element is provided in the form of a plastically deformable sleeve which may be detachably fastened to the first element designed as a pretensioning element. The disclosure further relates to a disposable sleeve for use in such a fastening assembly, and to a method for fixing and/or clamping at least one in particular multilayer component.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Fairchild Fasteners EuropeInventors: Marcus Scheinberger, Reynald Rousselle
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Patent number: 8025275Abstract: A single hand operated ratchet clamp comprises a finger ring lever and a typical ratchet clamp having a slide rail, a sliding arm, a fixed arm, and a lever element with pressure plate. The finger ring lever is pivoted to the free end of the lever element so that the ratchet clamp can be operated with one hand only.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Harry Wong
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Patent number: 8025279Abstract: A one-handed ratcheting C-clamp is provided. The C-clamp incorporates a spring loaded handle mechanically coupled to a ratcheting mechanism. The ratcheting mechanism has a plurality of gear teeth that engage the threads of a corresponding rod disposed through a hole formed in one section of the C-shaped C-clamp. The handle rotates the bidirectional ratchet such that the threaded rod is lowered or raised within the hole of the C-shaped C-clamp. A button located in the side of the handle may release the ratchet mechanism pawl to provide axial sliding engagement of the rod to a corresponding work piece. The handle and corresponding ratchet mechanism secure the rod against the work piece. Further tightening engagement of the work piece is accomplished via a lever located on a top portion of the rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Seber Design Group, Inc.Inventor: Brett P. Seber
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Patent number: 8020840Abstract: A versatile clamp which consists, at least in part, of at least one extendable arm, one fixed-length arm, pivotable clamping legs on the distal ends of the fixed-length arm and extendable arm, and locking means; wherein clamp adjustments, by the user, to the extendable arm and pivotable legs are retained by a locking action, which, prevents an inadvertent change of the extendable arm's effective length and the clamping legs' angular orientation from their set positions. The combination of a variable-length extendable arm and variable angular positioning of the legs enable a single versatile clamp to be used in a variety of clamping configurations. The versatile clamp may be easily made, without the use of any tools, to clamp onto thick and thin materials, alike, and to perform in applications which require an offset clamping operation. The versatile clamp may also feature one or more interchangeable clamping arm extensions and legs.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Herbert L. Hall, Jr., Ronald J Hamilton
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Patent number: 8016276Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping and/or spreading tool having a stationary jaw and a support to which the stationary jaw is fixedly connected. A push or pull rod is slideably supported on the support and a movable jaw is fixedly arranged on the push or pull rod, wherein the clamping and/or spreading tool is designed to displace the push or pull rod relative to the fixed jaw in an advance direction. The clamping and/or spreading tool further comprises at least one trigger with at least two lever configurations, wherein a mechanism for switching from a first lever configuration to a second lever configuration is provided. At least two active levers are engageable with the push or pull rod via at least one driver to displace the push or pull rod in an advance direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauβ, Phil Reed
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Patent number: 8001668Abstract: The connector installation tool is an elongate, substantially flat Y-shaped body having a base, a pair of spaced first and second bracket holding jaws projecting upwardly from the base, an elongate handle extending downwardly from the base, and an adjustable abutment spanning perpendicular to the bracket holding jaws, the abutment and jaws defining a bracket holding space therebetween. The connector installation tool presets the proper positioning of the bracket, resulting in more reliable, fast, safe and accurate installation of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventors: Carl L. Coffman, Jr., Michael J. Thomas
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Patent number: 8001872Abstract: Embodiments of an improved jar opener and method for loosening jar lids particularly suitable for persons with arthritic hands are generally described herein. The jar opener includes first and second leveraging elements coupled by a threaded rod and a dual-axis hinge assembly. The jar opener includes curved cut-out regions of different curvatures and the dual-axis hinge assembly includes selectable pivot points to accept jar lids of various diameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: Andrew G. Gorrie
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Patent number: 7996971Abstract: One embodiment of a seal removal tool may include a handle, a seal grasping member, and a biasing member. The handle may have an end with a curved surface to roll back a seal. The seal grasping member may be adapted to move from an open extended position into a closed position in order to grasp and secure a seal. The biasing member may bias the seal grasping member towards the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael M. Newton
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Patent number: 7997633Abstract: Elevating a handle of the lifter tool creates a clamping force between a bottom support plate and a top clamping plate operatively attached to the handle, allowing a worker to transfer, simultaneously, a number of stacked pavers, or similar block-like objects, quickly, efficiently and safely. A push-off plate facilitates unloading of the pavers from the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventor: Philip J. Bahler
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Patent number: 7992850Abstract: A method for operating an electromagnetic lift that includes a generator-driven electromagnet comprises adjusting a position of the electromagnet, in response to a first position command. Upon receiving a lift command, an output power level of a generator is established at a predetermined level above a predefined normal power level. In response to an excess release command, the output power level is set to a first predetermined level below the normal power level. In response to a transport command, the output power level is established as approximately the normal power level. Upon receiving a release command, the output power level is established at a second predetermined level below the normal power level.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Xiaojun Zhang, Timothy Lynn Cooper, James Ivan Portscheller
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Patent number: 7984895Abstract: A jaw assembly for a clamp is provided that comprises a jaw body having a jaw rotatably mounted on the jaw body. A locking member is movable between a first position where the jaw is locked relative to the jaw body and a second position where the jaw is unlocked relative to the jaw body such that it can rotate relative thereto. A clamp is also provided that incorporates the jaw assembly. In the unlocked position the jaw can pivot such that it can orient itself relative to the workpiece and in the locked position the jaw is fixed such that it can clamp the edges of a workpiece. A method of operating a clamp is also set forth.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Ralf Strauss, Patrick Barry
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Patent number: 7959140Abstract: A magnetic positioning device is disclosed and claimed wherein two magnetic arms are hingeably connected by an axle connector with locking bolt and nut, and an activation hole with pin inserting through the connection disks having arc-shaped toothed-groove made the selection of frequently used angles straight-forward and easy, when the pre-select angles are built to the “indents” in the toothed-groove, so that the enlarged head on the pin can be used to easily engaging to the selected angle, by pushing toward the spring located inside the hole on the disk. An optional switch is provided on the second end of the magnetic arm for easy control of the magnetic power direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventors: Harry Wong, Daming Zhao
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Patent number: 7954794Abstract: The assembly method of the invention uses a cartridge that is separate from the housing of the device being manufactured. The cartridge is configured such that the location of the various components is defined and the components are easily accessed. The cartridge and its components may be assembled off of the main assembly line. Once the cartridge is assembled, the cartridge and assembled components can be placed in the housing. The assembly of the device can then be completed.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Anthony B. Fuller, Ralf Strauβ, Matthew Shute
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Patent number: 7950637Abstract: An adjustable holding apparatus is provided, including a base unit, a clapping unit, and at least two stopping units. The base unit includes a surface on which the electronic device can be placed. The clapping unit is partially embedded in the base unit, and can move in the direction parallel to the surface of the base unit. The clapping unit includes a clapping part. The clapping part is located on one side of the clapping unit vertically. The stopping units are located at the lower part of the base unit with a distance separating the two stopping units. Each stopping unit includes a stopping part located at the upper part of stopping unit, and is off-center. The clapping part of the clapping unit and the stopping parts of the stopping units are located on the opposite sides of the surface of the base unit to form a three-point clapping on the device placed on the surface. The clapping units and the stopping units can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of objects.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventor: Eagle Fan
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Patent number: 7950122Abstract: The pool cue clamp is a spring squeeze clamp having sturdy, flexible fingers extending therefrom for holding pool cues. The fingers are rotatable within the clamp and can be configured to comply with horizontal, vertical or angular surfaces. The pool cue clamp holds up to five cue sticks in a vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventor: Lewis J. Saylor
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Patent number: 7942878Abstract: A cerclage tool for placement of a wire around a bone for internal fixation of the bone comprising a first member having a handle portion, a central portion and a first bent tube portion and a second member having a handle portion, a central portion and a second bent tube portion. The first member and the second member are configured and adapted to be inserted separately through an incision into soft tissue surrounding the bone and subsequently joined together after insertion such that the first bent tube portion and the second bent tube portion form a continuous tube that encircles the bone.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Synthes USA, LLCInventor: Alberto Angel Fernandez
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Patent number: 7942392Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool comprising a push or pull rod to which a mobile jaw is fixed, a fixed jaw, a gear mechanism which can be used to move the mobile jaw towards or away from the fixed jaw by moving the push or pull rod in a clamping or spreading direction, and to apply clamping and/or bracing forces between the jaws, and a lock used to block movement of the push or pull rod in an opening direction opposing the clamping or spreading direction, in order to maintain clamping and/or spreading forces produced between the jaws. A mechanism for dissipating the stored clamping and/or spreading forces enables an absorption movement of the push or pull rod in the opening direction along a pre-determined absorption course, and especially detachably blocks an absorption movement of the push or pull rod over the predetermined absorption course, in the opening direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company GmbHInventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauβ
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Patent number: 7934711Abstract: An angle bracket formed of a block of material. It has an elongated upper arm member formed adjacent the top end of a connecting member and an elongated lower arm member connected to the bottom end of the connecting member. The rear surface of the respective arm members make a 90 degree angle with each other. The top surface of the respective arm members have a swivel pad recess and a plurality of locking channels extend radially outwardly therefrom for receiving the arm of a clamp. An alternative embodiment angle bracket is capable of adjustable angles. It has an L-shaped upper clamp arm that is pivotally connected to an L-shaped lower clamp arm. Each of these arms have a V-shaped support clamp portion formed at their free end.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: Harry Wong
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Patent number: 7926156Abstract: Valve keeper pliers that facilitate the installation of the two-part valve keepers in an internal combustion engine, the pliers comprising jaws and handles with a pivot point therebetween, at least two grasping pins per keeper projecting outwardly from a shoulder stop at a terminal end of each jaw, the pins adapted to abut an outer surface of a keeper, and at least one magnet substantially flush with each shoulder stop for engaging an end of a keeper, the magnet adapted to releasably retain a keeper in contact with its grasping pins while minimizing the magnetic attraction between the pins and the engine, whereby each keeper is retained in contact with its magnets and pins without requiring grip pressure to retain it in place allowing easier insertion of the keeper, particularly in cases where the keeper has more than one retention groove. The jaws are preferably offset from a plane created by the handles to facilitate reaching into the locations where the valve keepers must be installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Inventor: Harold Jenks
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Patent number: 7909314Abstract: Device for extending the clamping width for a clamping tool, comprising a first rail to which a first workpiece abutment element is fixed, a second rail to which a second workpiece abutment element is fixed, a first bracket on which the first rail and the second rail are mounted for sliding displacement, and a second bracket on which the first rail and the second rail are mounted for sliding displacement, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket serve for engagement of the clamping tool thereon.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans Roesch, Gerhard Kloepfer, Michael Moesslein
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Patent number: 7895925Abstract: A clamping device includes an elongated seat unit and a clamping lever unit which respectively have mated and mating jaw segments to clamp a to-be-clamped part of an instrument, grip and actuating segments confronting each other, and mount and fulcrum segments pivotally mounted such that, when the actuating segment is turned away from the grip segment, the mating and mated jaw segments are moved toward each other. A lengthwise extending beam is secured to the elongated seat unit, and is spaced apart from the grip segment. A tubular member has an inner peripheral retained surface displaceably engaged with the beam, and an outer rim surface configured to force the actuating segment to permit the mating jaw segment to clamp the to-be-clamped part with an increased friction force when the tubular member is displaced towards the mount segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Taiwan Carol Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chao-Chih Chang
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Patent number: 7896322Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool including a push or pull rod, comprises at least one lock blocking displacement of the push or pull contrary to the clamping and/or spreading direction by it being canted by at least one biasing mechanism, such as a spring, relative to the push or pull rod, and a releasing mechanism which when actuated cancels the blocking effect of the lock such that the biasing mechanism and the releasing mechanism functionally engage the lock at least at opposite sides of the push or pull rod.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company GmbHInventors: Manfred Geler, Ralf Strauβ
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Patent number: 7896323Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may me made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Exceptional IP HoldingsInventors: Scott A. Murray, Sun Xiao Wei
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Patent number: 7887034Abstract: A method and clamp system for use on an ion implanter system for aligning a cathode and filament relative to one another in-situ are disclosed. The invention includes a clamp system having a clamp including a first clamp member separably coupled to a second clamp member, and an opening to a mount portion of one of the cathode and the filament in at least one of the clamp members. Each clamp member includes a surface to engage a mount portion of one of the cathode and the filament. The opening is adapted to receive a positioning tool to position the cathode and the filament relative to one another by moving the mount portion when the clamp is released. The mount portion may include a tool receiving member to facilitate accurate positioning.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Krause, Eric R. Cobb, Russell Low
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Patent number: 7850154Abstract: An assembly for clamping a workpiece, the workpiece comprised of two pieces. The assembly includes a clamp having an L-shaped member. The L-shaped member has a leg and foot portion. The clamp also has an upright extending generally perpendicularly to the leg and the upright has a threaded portion. The clamp includes a threaded adjuster having a head, a threaded body, and a base. The base includes outer walls defining a polygon shape and handle. The handle has removed ends thereon. The handle has outer walls and inner walls, the inner walls are dimensioned to removably, slideably and snugly engage the outer walls of the base. The handle has more than one set of walls and so can be positioned to apply different torque to the base. A drill, a drill bit, and a socket may also be included in the assembly, to engage the handle and drive the threaded adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventor: Robert Feuge
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Patent number: 7819388Abstract: An apparatus for gripping smooth and/or deformed cylindrical or multiple stranded tendons (rods) commonly used in the Art of Construction, the apparatus comprising a housing (barrel), a plurality of jaws (wedges) within the housing, a tightening device to align the jaws (wedges) and to cause engagement of the jaws (wedges) to the tendon (rod), a tensioning device to properly position the apparatus. The tendon (rod) gripping apparatus includes a first aperture and a second aperture that facilitate passage of a tendon (rod) through the apparatus. The jaw (wedge) cluster comprises a plurality of elongated members, that surround the tendon (rod), are generally wedge shaped and complementary to an inner tapered wall of the housing (barrel).Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: James P. McCallion
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Patent number: 7815175Abstract: A method of operating a clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle pivotably mounted to a clamp body. The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Chris W. Cicenas, Charles R. Mckean, Thomas M. Chervenak, Anthony B. Fuller
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Publication number: 20100258992Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, to assist in the signing of baseballs or other sports memorabilia articles. Means for attaching or holding a writing implement is provided on the crescent-shaped apparatus, into which a baseball or other sports memorabilia article is removably inserted to allow for more than one use of the apparatus or storage or display of the removed signed baseball or article. In an alternative embodiment, the inner surfaces of the apparatus may also bear rubberized pieces to prevent scuffing or damage of the baseball or sports memorabilia article upon insertion or removal. In a second alternative embodiment, the apparatus may permit differently-sized writing implements to be held. The apparatus may also bear graphical or alphanumeric information for advertising, identification, or other informational uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: James Schroeder
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Patent number: 7798478Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece is provided. In one form, the apparatus is configured such that the clamping jaws of the apparatus lie flush against the workpiece and the pressure from the pressure application mechanism is distributed substantially equally over the surface of the workpiece in contact with the jaws of the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus is provided with a brake mechanism which allows at least one of the clamping jaw members to be secured in a desired position on the elongated member without having to tilt the jaw member connected thereto. In another form, the apparatus may have two brake release mechanisms to account for the various positions the apparatus may be placed in with respect to a workpiece. The apparatus may also have mating structures which allow the apparatus to be connected to a work surface. In addition, the apparatus may also include a pivoting pressure application member handle to assist the user in applying or removing pressure to the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Walter Meier (Manufacturing) Inc.Inventors: John C. Janson, Guojue Yan, Steven A. Erbach, Timothy J. Shipley
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Patent number: 7784774Abstract: The assembly method of the invention uses a cartridge that is separate from the housing of the device being manufactured. The cartridge is configured such that the location of the various components is defined and the components are easily accessed. The cartridge and its components may be assembled off of the main assembly line. Once the cartridge is assembled, the cartridge and assembled components can be placed in the housing. The assembly of the device can then be completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Anthony B. Fuller, Ralf Strauβ, Matthew Shute
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Patent number: 7766313Abstract: A spring clamping system includes improved spring clamping mechanisms and a gimbal mechanism. Removable attachment clips securely join each clamping mechanism to the gimbal mechanism while allowing positive-lock positioning and rapid repositioning of a workpiece through at least two planes of motion. Curved strengthening and alignment sections resist lateral misalignment during operation while maintaining handle alignment and clamp opening scope.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Amarillo Hardware CompanyInventor: Michael Panosian
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Patent number: 7757740Abstract: A film-supplying device is provided for supplying a ring-shape adhesive-film to a film-affixing device having an alignment shaft-member, where the ring-shape adhesive-film is attached on a release sheet. The device comprises a table and a sheet transport mechanism. The release sheet is transported in a predetermined direction on the table by the sheet transport mechanism. The table is provided with an opening. The alignment shaft-member is inserted through the opening. The table is also provided with a peel portion that is used to peel off the ring-shape adhesive-film from the release sheet. Further, the table is provided with a passageway that is formed from the opening to the peel portion, in the predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Lintec CorporationInventor: Masahiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 7740216Abstract: A support system for a bird feeder. The support system allows vertical and circumferential adjustment of the bird feeder, and prevents dislodgement of the bird feeder from the support system.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Droll Yankees, Inc.Inventors: Betsy P. Puckett, Paul Artigues
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Patent number: 7735813Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool comprises a drive for displacement of a push or pull rod to which a movable jaw is fixed with respect to a support carrying a stationary jaw in longitudinal direction of the push and pull rod, the drive comprising a torsion spring and being adapted to enter torque transmitting engagement with the push or pull rod for displacement of the same.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tools GmbHInventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauss, Phil Reed
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Patent number: 7735814Abstract: A clamp including at least one clamping element (e.g., clamping jaw, clamping strap, etc.) and a hand-operated actuator operative to move the clamping element in a clamping direction, and a clamping force sensor in operative connection with the clamping element.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Tefentools Ltd.Inventor: Zion Ben-Gigi
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Patent number: 7722019Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Tri-Vise, LLCInventors: Raymond H. Losi, Jr., David W. McManama
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Patent number: 7712731Abstract: The gutter clamp is a handheld clamp allowing a user to temporarily clamp a gutter to a support surface, such as a face board, while work is being performed on the gutter. The gutter clamp includes an handle portion and a clamping portion extending from the handle portion. The clamping portion includes first and second clamping members joined to the handle portion in such a manner that the clamping members pivot toward and away from each other. The first clamping member is adapted for contacting an outer face of the support surface, and the second clamping member has a substantially U-shaped upper end, allowing the upper end to be mounted on an outer wall of the gutter, and to securely contact an inner face of the outer wall, the handles being resiliently biased to hold the clamping members, thus releasably securing the gutter to the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Alban J. Candiff
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Patent number: 7699297Abstract: A method of operating a clamp (100) that includes a first clamping jaw (102), a support element (104) to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle (118) pivotably mounted to a clamp body (112). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Chris W. Cicenas, Charles R. McKean, Thomas M. Chervenak, Anthony B. Fuller