re APPARATUS FOR SENSING THE UNSTRESSED SHAPE OF A THIN STRIP SUBJECTED TO HIGH TENSILE STRESS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Jun 1971 08:00:00 EDT A cold rolling mill is described wherein the unstressed shape of metal sheet is continuously sensed during rolling by a plurality of negligible displacement force sensors perpendicularly disposed relative to the pass line at a mill location producing a tensile stress above 4,000 p.s.i. in the metal sheet being rolled. The output signals from those sensors underlying opposite edges of the metal sheet are compared to equalize reduction at the sheet edges while the difference between the force measured by a centrally situated sensor and the average force measured by the sensors underlying opposite edges of the sheet provide a signal indicative of the roll bending force required to produce flat sheet. Full Article
re Method for fabrication of communicative buttons and buttons made thereby By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Dec 1976 08:00:00 EST A method for fabrication of a relatively low cost display or communicative novelty button in which a consumable restrictor sheet is placed over a vacuum draw type female mold cavity. The restrictor sheet may be of cardboard and be apertured with a diameter smaller than the mold cavity diameter. A thermoplastic sheet material is then placed over the restrictor sheet, heated to reach a formable state and vacuum drawn through the restricted aperture and down so that the sheet comes into contact with and generally conforms to the desired shape defined by the mold cavity. The plastic sheet material may then be trimmed near the edge of the restrictor sheet to leave a button shell mounted on a restrictor sheet which may then be used for purposes of display. The restrictor sheet also enables fabrication with an inwardly facing peripheral groove that may be used to secure a pin fastener. An alternate form of fastener in which a portion of the remaining plastic sheet is used is also disclosed. Full Article
re Fabric-covered button and the method for fabricating same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Sep 1979 08:00:00 EDT A fabric covered button comprising a button head having a peripheral groove for receiving a locking ring. The fabric is secured to the button head and the marginal edge thereof is retained within the groove by the locking ring. Full Article
re Apparatus for assembling covered buttons By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 1980 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus for assembling covered buttons in which a first die assembly including a first punch carrying a first sleeve which sequentially receives a piece of covering material and the button shell with its flange extending toward the open end of the sleeve. A second assembly including a second sleeve having a bore one end of which is formed with a first cam surface extending axially inwardly of the above. The second sleeve is spring loaded to an extended position on a supporting post having a centrally located button back fastener receiving cavity in the end thereof with a second cam surface extending inwardly from the outer edge of the end to the bottom of a recess surrounding the cavity. An annular boss at the inner edge of the recess around the cavity is elevated to allow the material and the shell flange to curl inwardly under the button back. In the retracted position of the second sleeve on the post, the second cam surface forms a continuation of the first. In operation, when the first assembly carrying the covering piece and the shell moves toward the second assembly, the first sleeve stops against the spring loaded bottom sleeve and the punch continues forcing the material down so that the material is tucked inward by the beveled or curved surface of the second sleeve. Upon continued relative movement of the assemblies, the shell flange acts on the cam surface of the second sleeve to force the sleeve to its retracted position and the shell flange is moved inwardly of the back wall under the continued action of the first post, the extent of the inward movement of the shell flange being determined by the thickness of the material of the covering piece, as well as the height of the shell and the type of back used. Full Article
re Method for manufacturing pre-assembled, two-part merchandise display hooks and the like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Nov 1988 08:00:00 EST An improved method of forming and assembling two-part merchandise display hooks, including new design features of the hook itself, enable two-part hooks to be manufactured and assembled at extremely low cost. Wire from a continuous length is gripped and bent to form the outer portion of the hook. The wire is then severed and bent in a single operation to form a hook-mounting portion. While the severed wire remains gripped by its shaped outer end, a preoriented and guided base member is applied over the just-formed mounting portion of the wire. A retractable bend-forming member is withdrawn when the base member is applied to the wire, to enable the bent portion to be fully received within the plastic base. Major manufacturing economies are realized. Full Article
re Device for pressing buttons by resisting upward movement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Dec 1993 08:00:00 EST A device is disclosed for pressing objects by lifting the objects into a waiting pressing shaft. The shaft includes a forming element at its lower end for forming the object, and the shaft is engaged by its upper end through a pivot member to an air cylinder in a manner which provides a force advantage to the air cylinder. Also, a system for pressing objects is disclosed, in which the press device is employed in conjunction with a turntable for sequential and continuous pressing operations. Full Article
re Wireless surround sound speaker system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a wireless surround sound speaker system wherein a transmitter broadcasts a variety of FM signals that correspond to the individual speaker channels commonly found in a surround sound system. Receivers, individually equipped with signal receiving, conditioning and amplification components, are configured to receive any one of the broadcast signals in a remote location and are used to drive a conventional loudspeaker in that location. Powered by wall socket or via DC battery packs, the receivers, used in conjunction with the transmitter, provide surround sound capabilities without the need for complex and difficult wiring. Full Article
re Custom button system and method for identifying a fiber from which an associated article of apparel is manufactured By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 08:00:00 EST A button system and method of manufacturing the same are provided for identifying fiber from which an article of apparel is manufactured. Initially, an article of apparel manufactured with a predetermined fiber is identified. Next, indicia indicative of the predetermined fiber is selected. Next, at least one button is manufactured with the indicia thereon for identifying the fiber from which the article of apparel is manufactured. Full Article
re Method and apparatus for forming multi-colored cap part of snap button By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:00:00 EDT A method for forming a multi-colored cap part of a snap button including the steps of forming a design portion of the cap part of snap button using a first group of molds, which includes a first female mold, a first male mold, and a plate-shaped middle mold, and a slide-plate mold adapted to movably assembled to the first male mold and having a plurality of mold cavities for forming the design portion; removing the slide-plate mold having the design portion molded therein from the first male mold; movably positioning the slide-plate mold into a second female mold included in a second group of molds for forming a body portion of the cap part of snap button; positioning a post for the cap part of snap button in a second male mold of the second group of molds; and forming the body portion. Full Article
re Button making device, button, and method of mounting pressing mold in button making device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT A button making device capable of simply exchanging a first pressed mold, a second pressed mold, and a pressing mold so as to produce buttons of different sizes; a polygonal button whose front surface plate is dome-wise curved and has its shape fixed; and such a button making device, are provided. The button making device has a sliding platform, two pressed molds, a fixed member, a pressing shaft, a pressing mold, and an operation mechanism. The pressed molds are provided on an attachment member which is removably attached to the sliding platform. The pressing mold is removably attached to a lower end of the pressing shaft using magnetic force. The present invention can be used for a button making device which can easily form a metal button by press processing which can be used as an accessory adhered to clothes or the like by a pin or the like. Full Article
re ADSORPTION AND REMOVAL OF 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for removing 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) from solution may include contacting an alkaline earth metal silicate with a solution containing 4-MEI and adsorbing at least some of the 4-MEI using the alkaline earth metal silicate. The method may further include removing at least some of the alkaline earth metal silicate having the adsorbed 4-MEI from the solution. The alkaline earth metal silicate may include magnesium silicate or calcium silicate. A method for removing 4-MEI from solution may include contacting an adsorbent clay material with a solution containing 4-MEI and adsorbing at least some of the 4-MEI using the adsorbent clay material. The method may further include removing at least some of the adsorbent clay material having the adsorbed 4-MEI from the solution. The adsorbent clay material may include smectite, bentonite, or an activated or un-activated AOCS day material. Full Article
re Preservation of Native Fruit and/or Vegetable Coloring in Cooked Food Products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A shelf-stable snack product having visibly impactful vegetable inclusions, a composite dough for forming the shelf-stable snack product, and method of manufacture is disclosed herein. The shelf-stable snack product includes masa and a fresh vegetable ingredient, and a final moisture content in the range of about 1.7-2.5 weight percent. Additionally, the shelf-stable snack product has an l-value no less than a corresponding l-value of a plain version of the shelf-stable snack product lacking the vegetable inclusions. Full Article
re Compositions and Methods for Improving Rebaudioside M Solubility By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Rebaudioside M compositions with improved aqueous solubility and methods for preparing the same are provided herein. The rebaudioside M compositions include (i) disordered crystalline compositions comprising rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D, (ii) spray-dried compositions comprising rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D and steviol glycoside mixtures and/or rebaudioside B and/or NSF-02, (iii) spray-dried compositions comprising rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D and at least one surfactant, polymer, saponin, carbohydrate, polyol, preservative or a combination thereof. Sweetened compositions, such a beverages, containing the rebaudioside M compositions with improved water solubility are also provided herein. Full Article
re BEVERAGE BREWER AND RELATED METHODS FOR BREWING BEVERAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The brewing system disclosed herein includes a spinning or rotating inlet nozzle for use in intermixing hot water and coffee in a coffee cartridge. The inlet nozzle may include one or more flow ports that inject hot water into an inner chamber of the coffee cartridge at select angles, locations and pressures to create the desired fluidized mixture of hot water and beverage medium. Such an inlet nozzle may be adapted for use in commercial coffee brewers and the amount of coffee brewed may be user regulated with an external indicator dial coupled to a controller-regulated rheostat that governs fluid flow to the brewer head by taking readings from a pump, flow meter or strain gauge. Full Article
re OVEN SYSTEM FOR PRESSED FOOD ITEMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for creating a pressed food item in an oven cooking cavity. The oven system is secured within the oven cooking cavity and is not dependent upon oven door movement or any other oven function. An upper platen is configured to move up and down with respect to a lower platen in order to press a food item during the cooking process. The lower platen is generally secured with respect to the oven interior, whether to a jet plate, to an oven wall, or to a frame that is secured within the oven. The upper platen moves along a vertical support system. When the oven system is not in use to create a pressed food item, the upper platen can remain in a lowered position so that the oven may be used without the pressing features described. Full Article
re RECONSTITUTED PLANT MATERIAL AND ITS USE FOR PACKAGING, WRAPPING AND FOOD APPLIANCES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a plant-based wrapping paper for wrapping food. The plants (raw materials) may be fruits, herbs, medicinal plants, tea, vegetables and/or spices. The invention further relates to a method for producing said wrapping paper, its use for wrapping food or its use as packaging material. Full Article
re Capsule For Preparing A Beverage Such As Coffee And The Like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule has a flange which is partially made of paper and partially made of polymer. The polymer is essentially arranged on the flange to cover at least partially the paper part and so to improve the inside tightness of the capsule, in particular, to prevent air enters inside the capsule via folds and creases. Full Article
re Quantitative In-Situ Texture Measurement Apparatus and Method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A measurement apparatus and method for in-situ quantitative texture measurement of a food snack. The apparatus includes an acoustic capturing device and a data processing unit. The physical interaction in the mouth with saliva, when a human being eats/drinks a food snack, sends pressure waves that propagate through the ear bone and produce an acoustic signal. The acoustic capturing device records and forwards the signal to a data processing unit. The data processing unit further comprises a digital signal processing module that smoothens, transforms and filters the received acoustic signal. A statistical processing module further filters the acoustic signal from the data processing unit and generates a quantitative acoustic model for texture attributes such as hardness and fracturability. The quantitative model is correlated with a qualitative texture measurement from a descriptive expert panel. Another method includes a food snack fingerprinting using an in-situ quantitative food property measurement. Full Article
re Microwavable Pancake Mixes and Methods of Preparing Pancakes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Pancake mixes comprising at least one type of whole grain flour, at least one natural sweetener, at least one fat and a leavening system are provided herein. Packaged food products comprising single-serving containers containing said pancake mixes, as well as methods of preparing pancakes, are also provided. The pancakes described herein are preferably 100% whole grain and free from preservatives and/or artificial colorings. Full Article
re METHOD TO PRODUCE A MODULAR, EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE, EASILY AERATE-ABLE ICE, NO ICE CREAM MACHINE NEEDED ICE CREAM AND FROZEN DAIRY AND NON-DAIRY DESSERT DRY MIX WITH ENHANCED SOLUBILITY AND HYDRATION PROPERTIES, AND PRODUCTS MADE BY THAT METHOD. By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT This disclosure describes a simple, low cost method to produce a modular dry mix that can easily be modified and customized to produce a wide range of easy to aerate, no ice cream machine needed, ice cream and frozen dairy and non-dairy desserts and products made by this process. The method relies on successive simultaneous particle size reduction and blending steps without the use of traditional mix drying operations. The formulations produced by this process are modular and allow quick and simple ingredient substitutions to create distinct finished products. The process yields mixes that produce stronger, more stable foams that don't leave an oily mouth feel. The disclosure also includes a formulation and process used to make ice cream, and related frozen dairy and non-dairy desserts at room temperature in one step where the ingredients do not need to be aged, or homogenized, and aeration occurs without the need for simultaneous cooling or freezing. The process allows the end-user to control and vary the texture, freezing rate, melting point and eating qualities of the product without the use of traditional, home or industrial ice cream machines and a product made by this process. A product produced from this mix consists of a (protein-concentrate and emulsifier)—stabilized, protein-based foam created by combining a powder mix with one or a combination of a large range of above freezing temp liquids then immediately whisking the mixture at room temp to a target overrun without pre-aging, and then freezing that product statically till desired hardness is achieved. The main execution of this process involves the use of dry powders that are transported and sold dry and then reconstituted by the end user before they are combined without pre-treatment, freezing homogenization or aging. The manufacturing process offers significant advantages over current dry mix production methods which require significant upfront investment and produce hard to customize mixes. The formulation and finished product making portions of the invention offer significant improvement over existing manufacturing methods for frozen desserts and dessert mixes that require simultaneous freezing and aeration in terms of cost, convenience, customizability, shelf-stability and environmental impact. Full Article
re PET TREAT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A composition and process for making pet food treats is described herein. Auxiliary ingredients are combined to form a meat mixture. The meat mixture is formed into portions. The portions of meat mixture are positioned on a chew stick that comprises rawhide. The pet treat gives the appearance of a grilled shish kabob, where the meat portions are meant for initial taste, while the chew stick will provide the dog with a longer-lasting chewing portion. Full Article
re VEGETABLE AND FRUIT KABOB PET TREAT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A composition and process for making pet food treats is described herein. Auxiliary ingredients are combined to form a plant mixture. The plant mixture is formed into portions. The portions of plant mixture are positioned on a chew stick that comprises rawhide. The pet treat gives the appearance of a grilled shish kabob, where the plant portions are meant for initial taste, while the chew stick will provide the dog with a longer-lasting chewing portion. Full Article
re PIZZLE STICK KABOB PET TREAT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A process for making pet food treats including a base material, the treats themselves and a processing system for making the treats. The auxiliary ingredients are combined to form a foodstuffs mixture. Portions of the foodstuffs mixture are formed. The portions of foodstuffs mixture are positioned on a chew stick that comprises pizzle stick. The pet treat gives the appearance of a grilled shish kabob, where the meat portions are meant for initial taste, while the chew stick will take provide the dog with a longer-lasting chewing portion. Full Article
re BABY FOOD PUREE PROCESS AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are methods for making a baby food purée, such as a sweet potato purée, by employing a recipe management system that uses the steps of cold extraction followed immediately by cold deaeration to produce an all-natural baby food purée. The processes disclosed herein eliminate the need for addition of exogenous enzymes, preservatives or anti-oxidants, while further obviating any requirement for blanching vegetable ingredients. Also contained in the present disclosure are methods and systems for generating purees from one or more starting ingredients. Full Article
re Cereal-Based Product with Improved Eating Quality Fortified with Dietary Fiber and/or Calcium By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Inhibition of expansion of a cereal product, such as a ready-to-eat cereal, by a particulate insoluble component such as fiber and/or calcium is avoided by pelletizing the particulate insoluble component. A binder component, such as gelatinized starch, is used to bind particles of the particulate insoluble component into a coherent mass which is formed into non-expanded pellets for fortification of the cereal product. The expanded cereal products, such as extruded puffed RTE cereals which contain the pellets, exhibit a crisp, uniform texture and cell structure, improved, prolonged bowl life, a non-gritty mouthfeel, and a smooth, uniform surface appearance even though they are fortified with high amounts of the solid or particulate insoluble nutritional components. Full Article
re BREW BASKET By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A brew basket is described that has a handle and a body attached to the handle. The body provides an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A top opening to the upper chamber is substantially circular with a center C. A floor of the upper chamber provides a shelf for initially supporting a beverage medium filter pack above the lower chamber. When viewed from above, the shelf is substantially rectangular. A discharge port is located at a bottom of the lower chamber and is offset from the center C when viewed from above. Full Article
re AN APPARATUS FOR PREPARING BREWED BEVERAGES, AND A CAPSULE, CAPSULE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A BREWED BEVERAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A brewing system includes a brewing apparatus and a capsule containing a substance for brewing. The capsule has an opening on one side and a base on an opposite side. The base includes a light input surface, a light-output surface and a light conductor to conduct light from the light input surface to the light output surface. The apparatus includes: a brewing chamber including an inlet for heated water, an outlet for the brewed beverage, and an opening in communication with the opening of the capsule. A light source on the brewing apparatus emits light into the base via the light inlet surface of the capsule. The light conductor conducts the light to the light-output surface. A light detector of the brewing apparatus detects light emitted by light-output surface on the base of the capsule. A method of operating the brewing system and a capsule system are also described. Full Article
re CARTRIDGE FOR PREPARING A LIQUID PRODUCT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING IT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance for preparing a liquid product, e.g., coffee, by means of liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10). The cartridge comprises a body (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12), with a bottom wall (142), through which the liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10), and a cover (16) that closes the body of the cartridge (10) at the end of the body opposite to the bottom wall (142). The body (14) comprises a crushed-plant-fibre material (e.g., with a base of rice husk), which may also be used for producing the cover. Alternatively, the cover (16) may be made of paper material (e.g., filter paper). The body (14) and the cover (16) are connected together via purely mechanical connection, it thus being possible to avoid gluing or welding. Full Article
re CAPSULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a flexible sheet-shaped third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall, the third wall being at least one of perforate and porous. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. The third wall includes a filtering material. The second wall is one of a flexible porous sheet, a flexible foil provided with a plurality of entrance openings, and a substantially rigid wall that comprises a plurality of entrance openings. Full Article
re ENERGY SAVING BREWING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Barley based beverages are produced in large quantities, employing highly energy consuming methods, for example in the malting and brewhouse facilities for kiln drying and wort boiling operations, respectively. The present invention relates to energy saving methods for preparing barley based beverages, as well as to barley plants useful in such methods. In particular, the invention describes barley plants with combined traits of null-lipoxygenase-1 (null-LOX-1), null-lipoxygenase-2 (null-LOX-2) and null-S-adenosylmethionine:methionine S-methyltransferase in one plant, which is particularly useful for energy saving methods to prepare barley based beverages, such as beer. Full Article
re ENHANCEMENT OF BEER FLAVOR BY A COMBINATION OF PICHIA YEAST AND DIFFERENT HOP VARIETIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT It has unexpectedly been found that Pichia spp. strains have advantageous properties useful in the beer fermentation process. In particular, Pichia spp. yeast strains can be combined with normal beer yeast strains and different hop varieties in a fermentation process to produce synergistic effects—namely, the increased production of esters in the fermentation product. More specifically, the yeast can be used to produce increased levels of isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl decanoate and ethyl octanoate in beer. In addition, the Pichia spp. strain interacts differently with different hop varieties, so the flavor profile of beer can be tuned by using different combinations of Pichia spp. strains and hops. The present invention relates to a method of brewing beer using a Pichia spp. yeast strain and at least one hop variety, a beer obtainable by such a method and use of a Pichia spp. yeast strain according to the present invention. Full Article
re RECOMBINANT THRAUSTOCHYTRIDS THAT GROW ON SUCROSE, AND COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MAKING, AND USES THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to recombinant thraustochytrids that grow on sucrose and cell cultures comprising the recombinant thraustochytrids as well as methods of producing cell cultures, biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, and biofuels using the recombinant thraustochytrids. Full Article
re Pass-thru ratchet wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pass-thru ratchet wrench includes a wrench body. A front end of the wrench body has a head portion. A ratchet is provided in the head portion. The ratchet has a receiving hole to receive a socket. The ratchet has a first neck portion at an upper edge thereof and an annular groove around the outer wall of the first neck portion. The annular groove has a certain depth. The ratchet has a plurality of through holes in annular groove. A C-shaped buckle ring is disposed in the annular groove. The C-shaped buckle ring extends out of the through holes to form a limit portion. The limit portion is adapted to stop the socket, thereby the receiving hole of the ratchet can limit the socket from displacing. Full Article
re Ratchet drive for a ratchet wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A powered ratchet drive for a ratchet wrench includes a pair of elongate pawls for driving an output member of the wrench. Each pawl may have a lower portion pivotally attached to a rocker and an upper portion comprising teeth for engagement with teeth of the output member to turn the output member. The upper portion of the pawl extends outward at an angle with respect to the lower portion. The ratchet may include a compression spring secured inside a cavity of each pawl for biasing the pawl into engagement with the output member. The ratchet also includes a reversing switch mechanism for selectively configuring the ratchet in a forward-driving configuration and in a reverse-driving configuration. The switch mechanism includes a cam disposed between the pawls. The cam has a groove for receiving one of the pawls during operation depending on the configuration of the ratchet. Full Article
re Reaction device for reducing stress on torque generating tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT 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. Full Article
re Ratchet wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A ratchet wrench includes a reception hole defined through the function end of the wrench and a recess is defined in the inner periphery of the reception hole. A ratchet wheel is rotatably located in the reception hole. A pawl, a restriction member and a resilient member are received in the recess. The two ends of the resilient member respectively contact the pawl and the restriction member to bias the pawl to be engaged with the ratchet wheel. A restriction ring is located in the reception hole and has a rod extending therefrom, the rod extends into the recess. The restriction member is located between the rod and the inner periphery of the recess. Full Article
re Geared clickless socket wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A geared socket wrench hand tool is disclosed. The socket wrench is a clickless wrench allowing for more precise movement of the socket. The socket wrench, through a series of gears, can rotate in infinitesimally small rotations. Full Article
re Torque wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A torque wrench equipped with a cam-type torque detection mechanism is provided which is capable of detecting a torque with high accuracy, providing a non-unusual-feeling of handle operation after torque has been detected, and enabling tightening of fastened members such as bolts with safety. In a torque wrench equipped with the cam-type torque detection mechanism, a cam portion 27 formed on the outer circumference of a tubular cam 22 includes: a static engagement cam surface 27a with which a roller member 18 in a static status engages in a non-operated status; a gradually increasing torque peak cam surface 27b which is connected to the static engagement cam surface 27a and with which the roller member 18 is brought into contact while moving to thereby gradually increase the torque peak value; a cam top surface 27c forming the cam top portion continued to the gradually increasing torque peak cam surface 27b; a gradually decreasing torque cam surface 27d for gradually decreasing a plus torque to the roller member 18 to zero; and a minus torque cam surface 27e for imparting a minus torque to the roller member 18 having passed over the gradually decreasing torque cam surface 27d. Full Article
re Insulating ratchet wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An insulating ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet assembly, a main insulator and a knob. The wrench body is covered with the main insulator. The main insulator has a first insulating ring and a second insulating ring. The first insulating ring has a main annular wall and a sub annular wall. The knob has a main annular groove and a sub annular groove. Under this arrangement, the knob is assembled with the main insulator by the main annular groove and the sub annular groove sleeving onto the main annular wall and the sub annular wall respectively so as to form an overlapping structure between the ratchet assembly and the knob. When a user rotates the knob or holds the wrench body near the ratchet assembly, the main insulator avoids an electric shock in a saltatory conduction manner from a charged object via the ratchet assembly. Full Article
re Torque wrench adaptor tool assembly and methods of operating the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adaptor tool comprises a locking pin removably engaged with a main body defining a hook portion. The main body is configured to pivot about a pivot pin. The adaptor tool further includes a first link having first and second ends, and a first contact face. The first link is configured to receive the locking pin. A second link includes first and second ends, and a second contact face. The second link is pivotally coupled to the main body via the pivot pin. At least a third link includes first and second ends, and a third contact face. The first, second, and at least third links are pivotally coupled end-to-end such that the first, second, and third contact faces define a circular opening. The circular opening is configured to receive a workpiece such that rotational force applied to the main body rotates the adaptor tool and the workpiece. Full Article
re Wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wrench includes a handle, a first driver, and a second driver. The first driver and the second driver are integrally connected to two ends of the handle respectively. An angle between a driving axis of the first driver and a central axis of the handle is α, an angle between one opening end of the first driver and the handle is φ, an angle between a driving axis of the second driver and the central axis of the handle is β, and an angle between one opening end of the second driver and the handle is θ. The angle α and the angle β are located at two sides of the central axis of the handle respectively. The other opening end of the first driver and the other opening end of the second driver are horizontally connected to the handle respectively. Full Article
re Screwing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a screwing device for mounting and alignment of sub-constructions, in particular in dry construction, consisting of a bit holder (2) with a shank (2.1) for connection with a screwing tool and a bit receiver (3). Especially advantageously the bit receiver (2) is surrounded circumferentially at least to a partial extent along its longitudinal axis (LA) by a sleeve element (4) and a measuring gradation is affixed to the outer side of the sleeve element (4). Full Article
re Ratchet wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet rotatably mounted in the wrench body and defining therein a through hole for accommodating a screw nut, a magnetic member mounted in the through hole, and one or multiple limiters mounted in the through hole of the ratchet to hold the magnetic member in place. Thus, the opposing ends of the ratchet can be selectively used to accommodate a mating screw nut and the accommodated screw nut can be secured in place inside the ratchet by the magnetic attractive force of the magnetic member, avoiding screw nut displacement or falling and facilitating the use of the ratchet wrench. Further, the ratchet can be configured to have a stepped through hole for selectively accommodating different sizes of screw nuts. Full Article
re Socket with a reinforced strength By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A socket includes a body and a sleeve. The body is made of metal and includes first and second coupling ends for respectively coupling with a fastener and a driving tool. The first coupling end includes an outer periphery having a first protruded section, a second protruded section, and an engagement section extending between the first and second protruded sections. The sleeve is made of metal having a hardness greater than a hardness of the body. The sleeve includes an inner periphery extending between first and second end faces of the sleeve. The inner periphery of the sleeve includes an engagement portion engaged with the engagement section of the body, with the sleeve not contacting the first and second protruded sections. Full Article
re Wrench adaptor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The wrench adaptor of this invention provides an easy and convenient tool for connection and disconnection of the SMA connections in constrained spaces while allowing use of a standard torque wrench or just fingers. The channel design of the wrench adaptor, accommodating the cable and the protective sleeve therefor, allows access to SMA connectors without bending or disturbing semi-rigid or rigid cables. The wrench adaptor is shown in two embodiments—a single-ended and a double-ended form. The adaptor facilitates access to the hexagonal nut at the panel of an RF device which is mounted to a threaded stud and offsets the wrench application to a location away from the panel. As many of the RF cables have crimped or soldered portions adjacent or within the connector, provision is made in the adaptor by way of a hollow semicylindrical form to cradle the semi-rigid or rigid cable. Full Article
re Wireless small motor driver having rotation reduction gear By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wireless small motor driver, in which power consumption is decreased by adjusting a gear ratio, the efficiency of an operation is increased due to a high torque, and the safety of a worker at night is ensured using an illumination lamp. The wireless small motor driver includes a driver case inside of which a motor is provided. A driver bit has a predetermined length in a bilateral direction, the driver bit being replaceable, with one or both ends thereof conforming to the shape of a bolt, and has a fixing projection. A socket is coupled to an end portion of the driver case, the driver bit being fastened to the socket. A rotation reduction gear is coupled to the motor, the rotation reduction gear transmitting rotary force to the socket and increasing a torque. A USB and a battery for supplying uniform power to the motor are added. Full Article
re Wire stripper By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for stripping coating from electric wires is provided with a function to detect any contact between a wire core and stripping blades even for electric wires which have been cut short. This device has a signal analyzer circuit for measurement of impedance via stripping blades capable of detecting any contact between the stripping blades and the wire core by detecting a change in impedance as a result of addition of impedance of the wire core to that of the stripping blades at the moment of any contact of the stripping blades with the core of the electric wire in the course of stripping coating from the electric wire. Full Article
re Ratchet wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A ratchet wretch includes a first recess, a second recess and a third recess. A ratchet wheel is rotatably located in the first recess and a pawl is located in the second recess. The pawl has a curved recess defined in the rear side thereof and a protrusion extending therefrom. A first face is defined between the protrusion and the curved recess. A second face is defined in the pawl and located away from the third recess. The rotatable unit comprises a rotatable member, a first hat and a resilient member. The rotatable unit has a circular rod pivotably connected to the third recess. The circular rod has a restriction slot and three top surfaces. One of the top surfaces contacts the second face to restrict the rotatable member from disengaging from the third recess. The first hat and the resilient member are located in the restriction slot. Full Article
re Milling tool holder wrench By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A milling tool holder wrench is provided. A wrench includes two knobs that protrude outward and perpendicular from a surface of the wrench at a top end of a u-shaped portion of the wrench. The knobs adapted to snuggly engage recessed fittings of a milling tool holder to lock the milling tool holder steady within a milling machine while a tool is changed from the milling tool holder. Full Article
re Torque wrench and method of operating the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A torque wrench includes a hollow body, a clutch mechanism, a force-applying member, and driving arms. The clutch mechanism is mounted in the hollow body. The force-applying member is pivotally mounted in the hollow body. Each of driving arms has a coupling end is detachably mounted at the second end of the force-applying member and a driving end for driving a workpiece, wherein each of the driving arms is coaxial to the force-applying member when the coupling end thereof is mounted at the second end of the force-applying member, and wherein the interchangeable driving arms are different in length from each other. Full Article