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Manufacturers Index - Snap-on, Inc.

Snap-on, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI; Kenosha, WI, U.S.A.
Company Website: https://www.snapon.com/
Manufacturer Class: Wood Working Machinery & Metal Working Machinery

Patents
This page contains information on patents issued to this manufacturer.

Submitting Patent Information

If you find a patent number or patent date by this manufacturer that is not on this list, please contact the Site Historian.

Key to Links for Patent Information

USPTO = U.S. Patent Office . Images of the actual patent can be viewed on the U.S. Patent Office web site but a special TIFF viewer must be installed with your browser in order properly work. More information on how to configure your computer to view these patents can be found at TIFF image Viewers for Patent Images.
DATAMP = Directory of American Tool And Machinery Patents . A sister site to VintageMachinery.org with information on patents related to machinery and tools. A much easier user interface than the USPTO's for finding information on machinery patents.

Patent Number Date Title Name City Description
1,424,069 Jul. 25, 1922 Wrench Fred W. Blackmar Providence, RI The patent describes a 12-point socket attached to a handle that extends at a 45 degree angle from the plane of the socket. Catalog listings for Blue-Point Boxocket (r) wrenches and contemporary 12-point sockets produced by Snap-On (r) tools cite this patent.
Alloy Artifacts notes J. H. Williams also licensed the patent for early 1930s "DUOHEX" double box end wrenches.
1,443,413 Jan. 30, 1923 Socket Wrench Joseph Johnson Milwaukee, WI This ratchet action is an in-line device used for "T" handled ratchet socket drivers produced by Snap-On Tools. The patent number also appears on a similar in-line ratchet produced by Blackhawk Mfg. A spring between two elements with "teeth" provides a clutch.
1,544,520 Jun. 30, 1925 Push-Rod Adjusting Tool Earl P. Putrow Milwaukee, WI The tool combines a screwdriver and socket wrench, designed to adjust push-rod tappets in overhead valve engines.
The patent number appears on Snap-On tappet adjusting tools. Some tool sets based on this patent included three sizes of sockets. Other specialized versions were made to correspond to specific engine applications.
1,772,723 Aug. 12, 1930 Method Of Making Socket Wrenches Walter F. Klein Milwaukee, WI The patent is a modification of an existing method of forming the interior of sockets by broaching.
A careful examination of the interior of Snap-On sockets from the period might reveal signs this process was employed.
1,772,524 Aug. 12, 1930 Ratchet Wrench William A. Seidemann Milwaukee, WI The focus of the patent is a "tubular handle" with internal spring and means to engage the handle with the shank. The shank is in line with the socket. This is intended as "speed" option to coordinate with a ratchet handle.
The ratchet in the drawing corresponds to the early version of No. 7 ratchet produced by Snap-On.
1,790,238 Jan. 27, 1931 Socket Connection Walter F. Klein Milwaukee, WI
1,827,202 Oct. 13, 1931 Ratchet Wrench Walter F. Klein Milwaukee, WI The focus of the patent is the unique ratchet pawl which because of its circular shape is not liable to bend or shear compared to a pin or lever type pawl. The structure and dating of this ratchet appear to correspond to late 1920s ratchets produced by Snap-On and marked "Pat. Applied For."
The idea of a circular pawl was refined in Louis A. Hummel's reversible ratchet patent (no. 1,854,513) which was produced by Snap-On.
1,854,513 Apr. 19, 1932 Reversible Ratchet Wrench Louis A. Hummel Milwaukee, WI A unique tensioning spring and rotary pawl which can be positioned to ratchet in either direction are the core of the patent. The patent number appears on reversible ratchet wrenches produced by Snap-On. Some known examples have digits in the patent number transposed in the markings.
1,855,461 Apr. 26, 1932 Valve Spring Compressor Christian Tennyson Milwaukee, WI Valve spring compressor for "valve in head" aviation engines. It uses the pivot pin of the valve tappet lever as an anchor to the engine block.
Louis O. French - patent attorney
    Valve Spring Compressor Arthur H. Yordi Milwaukee, WI  
1,898,121 Feb. 21, 1933 Vehicle Spring Spreader Gideon R. Gayne (Gagne) Kenosha, WI Ratchet driver forces wedges between springs on both sides of a vehicle simultaneously. The center arch in the frame is to clear a differential or similar drive train element.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Note: Other patents list this patentees name as Gideon R. Gagne.
1,922,392 Aug. 15, 1933 Valve Lifter Stanton Palmer Chicago, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
1,958,705 May. 15, 1934 Apparatus for Thin Wall Broaching Walter F. Klein Milwaukee, WI Clamping collar pieces and a "stripper plate" serve to support the exterior of the piece during the broaching process. Several options are shown and described. It is assumed Snap-On used this process for manufacturing sockets, and built or procured equipment, jigs, etc. to put it into practice.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
1,970,682 Aug. 21, 1934 Bushing Tool Arthur Yordi Milwaukee, WI Tool for inserting throttle rod bushings in brass or other soft metal carburetor bodies.

Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,005,202 Jun. 18, 1935 Universal Joint Emil F. Pilger Kenosha, WI The patent is for the friction springs on the intermediate member of the universal joint which makes it possible to set the angle of the joint.
This patent and no. 2,196,297 are noted in 1941 and 1946 Snap-On catalogs in relation to universal joints and "flex" features on Nut Spinners.
2,020,883 Nov. 12, 1935 Ratchet Wrench Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI
Used in Snap-On's FR-42 and LR-42 ratchets.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,024,852 Dec. 17, 1935 Stud Remover Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI The "collecting Snap-On" web site shows this as the A-50 stud remover.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,027,161 Jan. 07, 1936 Tube Flaring Tool Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,028,561 Jan. 21, 1936 Wrench Handle Emil F. Pilger Kenosha, WI A spring between the handle and a pivoted extension allows for holding the handle at a pre-selected angle.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,067,442 Jan. 12, 1937 Clutch Aligning Tool George F. Frisz Indianapolis, IN Adjustable central shaft and attachments to accomplish several alignment measurements for automotive clutches. The remaining drawings demonstrate the adjustments and types of measurements that this tool could accomplish.
Chapbell & Earl - patent attorneys
2,078,631 Apr. 27, 1937 Locking Device Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI A rotating collar on the drive member will firmly latch sockets with a corresponding exterior including a protrusion or spring ball detent.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,119,128 May. 31, 1938 Valve Spring Compressor Ira J. Clark Fort Morgan, Morgan County, CO Valve spring compressor with adjustable width jaw, and screw jack type operation.
2,132,947 Oct. 11, 1938 Tube Flaring Device Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,136,188 Nov. 08, 1938 Valve Refacing Device Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI Adjustable motorized valve dresser.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Valve Refacing Device Lon Spraker Indianapolis, IN  
2,196,297 Apr. 09, 1940 Tool Handle Joint and the Like Gideon R. Gagne Kenosha, WI The key element in the patent is the spring which helps the universal joint retain any particular angular setting until the point the joint is turned. This feature facilitates reaching a socket into hard-to-reach locations and holding a socket in horizontal alignment.

A DATAMP correspondent advises 1941 and 1946 Snap-On catalogs cite this patent and earlier patent no. 2,005,202 in relation to "flex" features on Nut Spinner handles.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,199,380 May. 07, 1940 Metal Panel Cutter George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,212,090 Aug. 20, 1940 Body Jack George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,216,878 Oct. 08, 1940 Method of Forming Detents Leroy F. Densmore Kenosha, WI Since this is a process patent, examination of the manufactured pieces could show if this process was used to form spring / ball detents.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
D126,215 Apr. 01, 1941 Tool Cabinet Albert P. Siersma Chicago, Cook County, IL Frank Murch's "Collecting Snap-On" web site shows a 1941 Snap-On catalog illustration of K-300 "Rolla-Bench" matching this design.
2,270,014 Jan. 13, 1942 Body Jack Attachment George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
D132,891 Jun. 30, 1942 Tool Handle David Chapman Chicago, Cook County, IL Term of patent 7 years.
2,312,104 Feb. 23, 1943 Torque Wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL The wrench measures the relative deflection between the handle and a secondary lever attached to the drive head. The handle is structured as a rigid casing enclosing the secondary lever and linkage to the dial indicator gauge. The patent number appears on the face of the dial indicator gauge of Snap-On's TORQOMETER torgue wrench and in advertising and catalog copy describing the line.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,314,623 Mar. 23, 1943 Ratchet Mechanism Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Ratchet Mechanism George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI  
2,343,380 Mar. 07, 1944 Torque Ratchet Wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Torque Ratchet Wrench George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI  
2,354,184 Jul. 25, 1944 Drive Socket Connector William W. Daniel Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,367,224 Jan. 16, 1945 Torque Wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Torque Wrench George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI  
2,374,217 Apr. 24, 1945 Ratchet Measuring Wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Ratchet Measuring Wrench George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI  
D142,267 Aug. 21, 1945 Screwdriver or Similar Article George M. Walraven Kenosha, Kenosha County, WI Flat sides for a "non-rolling" screwdriver handle.
463,713 Mar. 14, 1950 Torque wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL
2,544,795 Mar. 13, 1951 Reversible Ratchet Mechanism Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
This patent is for an improved pawl control for ratchet devices of the reversible type such as found in patent #2,020,883.
2,557,840 Jun. 19, 1951 Valve Seat Gauge Floyd W. Preslan Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,561,577 Jul. 24, 1951 Pneumatic Impact Pullers and the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,566,507 Sep. 04, 1951 Cylinder Sleeve Puller George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Cylinder Sleeve Puller Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI  
2,583,617 Jan. 29, 1952 Ratchet Control Mechanism George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Ratchet Control Mechanism Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI  
2,583,544 Jan. 29, 1952 Reversible Ratchet Mechanism Clifford I. Burdick Racine, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,613,983 Oct. 14, 1952 Sleeve Pulling Device Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,642,848 Jun. 23, 1953 Air Valve Mechanism for Controling the Operation of Pneumatic Devices and the Like George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Air Valve Mechanism for Controling the Operation of Pneumatic Devices and the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI  
2,644,131 Jun. 30, 1953 Timing Indicator for Internal Combustion Engines George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Timing Indicator for Internal Combustion Engines William R. Elwell Kenosha, WI  
2,645,142 Jul. 14, 1953 Spark Plug Adjusting Pliers Otto Schwenzfeler McCook, Willow County, NE A rotatable spark plug gap gauge and anvil are fixed to one jaw; the other jaw has an adjustable width gap to fit the spark plug body.
The patent number appears on examples of the Snap-On CF series of spark plug gappers.
The tool is described (with no maker name noted) in Mar. 1954 POPULAR MECHANICS.
Patent nos. 64,904, 764,212, 1,085,461, 1,249,394, 1,263,412, 1,384,209, 1,421,465, 1,439,664, 1,629,000 and 2,492,380 are cited as references.
2,682,796 Jul. 06, 1954 Predetermined torque release and torque indicating wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL
2,687,567 Aug. 31, 1954 Door Handle Pin Removal Tools and the Like George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,715,333 Aug. 16, 1955 Torque Measuring Wrenches Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,776,470 Jan. 08, 1957 Cylinder Sleeve Pulling Device and the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,792,734 May. 21, 1957 Pre-set indicating wrench George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Improvements to patents 2,312,104, 2,367,224, and 2,682,796. These patent torque wrench designs all use the amount of twist, rather than flex, of a beam to indicate the torque. This patent provides an audible indicator when a pre-set torque is reached.
    Pre-set indicating wrench Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL  
2,792,733 May. 21, 1957 Pre-Set Torque Indicating Wrench George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Pre-Set Torque Indicating Wrench Edward H. Adams Kenosha, WI  
2,817,151 Dec. 24, 1957 Tappet or Valve Lash Gauge Holder Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Tappet or Valve Lash Gauge Holder Robert F. Arnold Kenosha, WI  
2,823,542 Feb. 18, 1958 Compression Gauge for Internal Combustion Engines and the Like George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Compression Gauge for Internal Combustion Engines and the Like Melvin Kenneth Kuehl Kenosha, WI  
2,830,450 Apr. 15, 1958 Torque Wrenches Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,909,835 Oct. 27, 1959 Stud Puller for Rocker Arms and thr Like George M. Walraven Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
2,930,136 Mar. 29, 1960 Linkage Gauge for Automatic Transmissions and the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Linkage Gauge for Automatic Transmissions and the Like Floyd W. Preslan Kenosha, WI  
2,995,965 Aug. 15, 1961 Flexible Strap Wrenches Fred B. Hockney Kenosha, WI The object of the patent is to produce a strap wrench where the strap is not "pinched." The ends of the body member holding the strap have sockets for turning handles.
Patent nos. 714,610, 1,383,123, 2,787,924, and 2,793,550 are cited as relevant prior art.
The patent no. appears on a Snap-On #A91C strap type filter wrench with sockets for 1/2" and 3/8" drive.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,069,903 Dec. 25, 1962 Torque measuring wrenches of the torsion type Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Improvements to patents 2,312,104, 2,367,224, and 2,682,796. These patent torque wrench designs all use the amount of twist, rather than flex, of a beam to indicate the torque. This patent provides a design that can work accurately across a wide range of torques, from inch-ounces on up, by changing the "torsion resisting element".
D201,171 May. 18, 1965 Handle for Manual Tools such as Screw Drivers or the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI This patent # is imprinted on a Snap-On stubby screw driver model # SSDP22.
    Handle for Manual Tools such as Screw Drivers or the Like Robert E. Badger Kenosha, WI  
    Handle for Manual Tools such as Screw Drivers or the Like Peter Langmack Brooklyn, NY  
3,236,127 Feb. 22, 1966 Pre-Set Torque Measuring Wrenches and the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Pre-Set Torque Measuring Wrenches and the Like Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI  
3,250,157 May. 10, 1966 Magnetic Ratchet Mechanism for Wrenches and he Like Robert E. Badger Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,253,463 May. 31, 1966 Checking and Testing Devices for Coil Springs and the Like Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,255,624 Jun. 14, 1966 Apparatus for Testing and Checking Measuring Devices Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,273,430 Sep. 20, 1966 Wrench Sockets, Socket Drives and Similar Couplers Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI The central principle in patent no 3,273,430 is a geometry whereby wrench sockets, etc. grip hexagonal nuts on the flats rather than the corners. There are no sharp inside corners in this geometry. This avoids "rounding " the nut corners and sharp corners in the sockets which lead to stress cracks and breakage. The patent number appears on a wide range of Snap-On sockets, box end wrenches and the like. (See Snap-On "FLANK DRIVE")
U.S. Patent nos. 2,445,905, 2,961,905, 3,079,819 and 3,125,910 along with three foreign patents are cited as relevant prior art.
The same drawing appears in patent no. 3,495,485. Cited in patent no. 3,675,516.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Wrench Sockets, Socket Drives and Similar Couplers James W. Price Kenosha, WI  
    Wrench Sockets, Socket Drives and Similar Couplers Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI  
3,279,286 Oct. 18, 1966 Pre-Set Torque Measuring Device Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,347,075 Oct. 17, 1967 Tubular Wall Ridge Removing and Expanding Devices of the Portable Type Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Tubular Wall Ridge Removing and Expanding Devices of the Portable Type Robert E. Badger Kenosha, WI  
    Tubular Wall Ridge Removing and Expanding Devices of the Portable Type Raymond R. Zuzinec Kenosha, WI  
3,355,970 Dec. 05, 1967 Pre-Set Adjustable Torque Wrenches Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
    Pre-Set Adjustable Torque Wrenches Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI  
3,456,485 Jul. 22, 1969 Testing Device for Torque Wrenches Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,475,953 Nov. 04, 1969 Pre-Set Adjustable Torque Measuring Devices Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,487,732 Jan. 06, 1970 Preset Adjustable Torque Measuring Devices of the Braille Type Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,495,485 Feb. 17, 1970 Wrench Sockets, Socket Drives and Similar Couplers Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI This patent uses the same drawing as 3,273,430.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
The portion of the term of the patent subsequent to 20 Sep 1983, has been disclaimed.
    Wrench Sockets, Socket Drives and Similar Couplers Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI  
    Wrench Sockets, Socket Drives and Similar Couplers James W. Price Kenosha, WI  
3,498,103 Mar. 03, 1970 Dead Weight Checking Attachment for Calibrating Torque Wrench Testing Apparatus Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,535,958 Oct. 27, 1970 Preset Torqueing Devices for Measured Fastener Turning Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,599,483 Aug. 17, 1971 Torque Wrench Translating Devices Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney


Abstract
The invention involves a self-contained torque-measuring wrench that is provided with an elongated lightweight member between a work-engaging member and a meter spaced therefrom to effectively translate the twist load in the work-engaging member to a calibrated meter with minimum friction and without variation for accurate meter measurement commensurate with the manually applied work-engaging turning load irrespective of whether or not frictional variations should develop owing to departures from the prescribed manual application of the turning force which may inadvertently occur. This is accomplished with an improved twist-translating arm and mount therefor which is subject to minimum frictional displacement and negligible deflection responses even though the applied directional manual force for fastener turning is not entirely in the plane of fastener rotation therewith.

3,608,353 Sep. 28, 1971 Checking and Testing Devices for Force Measuring Instruments Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
3,633,418 Jan. 11, 1972 Adjustable Torque Wrench Translating Devices Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
A torque-measuring wrench that effectively and accurately translates the twist in a work-engaging member to a calibrated meter spaced therefrom through an improved elongate twist-translating member operatively disposed therebetween that maintains a fixed meter-actuating moment arm for each setting, and provides for the convenient straight line moment arm adjustment between the translating member and the calibrated meter to enable simple and accurate calibration corrections by the user to insure precise measurements commensurate with the applied turning load. The translating member is of comparatively light nonflexible construction to render such irresponsive to abnormal deflections when the prescribed manual application of the turning force is inadvertently applied during the use thereof. This is accomplished with an improved twist-translating arm and mount therefor which embodies an improved straight line moment arm that is capable of adjustable setting with the calibrated meter operating lever through a removable housing closure without dismantling any part of the wrench assembly.

3,675,516 Jul. 11, 1972 Wrench Splines, Spline Drives and Similar Couplers Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI One of the underlying principles is the socket bears on "faces" rather than corners -- as in patent no. 3,273,430. 12-point splined sockets were widely discussed in mid-1970s trade journals, and a wide variety of new and used SNAP-ON splined sockets are available in online auction venues.
Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
The invention involves multisided and specially shaped jaws or splines in wrench sockets or other rotary drivers or couplers configurated around an internal periphery to present uniformly spaced flat driving sides, jaws, or flanks for flat surface-to-surface engagement to impart torque turning loads to complemental flat multifaced externally polygonal fastener faces or driven coupler elements rather than to the corners thereof, and to accommodate hexagon, double hexagon, triple square, and complementally fluted or fluted or multi-splined nuts and the like. The internal and radially extending peripheral splines are configurated to present specially angulated engaging jaw sides or flanks with intervening and alternately spaced complemental grooves for flat surface engagement with the sides of either hexagon, double hexagon, triple square, or complementally splined nuts or the like without any corner engagement therewith.
Patent nos. 3,273,430, 3,495,485, 3,354,757 and French patent 1012053 are cited as references.

    Wrench Splines, Spline Drives and Similar Couplers James W. Price Kenosha, WI  
    Wrench Splines, Spline Drives and Similar Couplers Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI  
3,675,464 Jul. 11, 1972 Portable Testing and Checking Apparatus with Adjustable Mounts Kenneth R. Larson Des Plaines, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
A torque wrench tester is mounted upon an adjustable bracket so that it may be changed from one angle to another with respect to horizontal. The purpose is to check torque wrenches at a plurality of positions because their calibration may vary from one to another. The embodyment shown combines two torque wrench testers of different capacities connected by common spacer bars so that wrenches of different capacities may be tested.


3,713,356 Jan. 30, 1973 Socket Release Mechanism for Wrenches and the Like Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
The invention concerns itself with an improvement in release mechanisms for wrench sockets which are detachably connected to a turning shank such as but not limited to a ratchet driven shank by a spring impelled detent. The spring impelled detent is readily adapted to frictionally hold and retain wrench sockets to a turning shank, but it usually involves the use of two hands to remove such sockets from turning shanks equipped with spring impelled detents, and to obviate this requirement and to afford the ready release of the sockets from their turning shanks with one hand manipulation, and elongated displaceable and combined detent positioning and release member is provided in the turning shank that is simple and serves as a detent camming element cooperating with the detent to displace it relative to the socket recess responsive to finger longitudinal displacement thereof.

3,738,152 Jun. 12, 1973 Pointers, Dials, and Methods of Calibrating Dials for Measuring Instruments Talmage O. Green Schaumburg, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
Improved mechanical dial pointers and methods of calibrating dials for precise measuring instrumentalities wherein the mechanical pointer operating linkage moving in a non-linear path, is compensated to reflect the action of their equivalent movements in a linear direction, and take into account the yield in the load applying member. The effective non-linearity of the mechanical linkage between the applied turning load in fastening or loosening fasteners and the meter operating linkage, however small, is caused by an ever increasing linkage angle of movement as such approaches the extremes of displacement around a meter dial. The compensations for the non-linear movement of the linkage are arrived at trigonometrically by resort to the mechanical secant which has a direct relationship with the equivalent arc of movement of any given angle of mechanical linkage movement from zero to their extreme angle of displacement to rotate a calibrated dial pointer within its range for any calibrated dial measuring capacity. The standard method of calibrating measuring meter dials involve uniform graduations of the entire 360.degree. range of a complete circle, but this method is not sufficiently accurate for the state reasons. By utilizing the trigonometric functions of secants, the dial graduations will be farther apart at the full extreme dial scale than at the lower or near zero range of mechanical linkage movements with proportional secant variations between these extremes which also take into account yield in the load applying member. This more closely matches the actual values applied by trigonometrically using the mathematical secant for greater accuracy in graduating the markings around a calibrated dial to more closely interpret the linear displacement in terms of the equivalent non-linear movements of the mechanical linkage, and by measuring the angularity of the mechanical linkage at the maximum rated capacity of the measuring instrument, this reflects the yield in the load applying member.

3,763,724 Oct. 09, 1973 Automatic Torque Release Wrench of the Preset Type Talmage O. Green Schaumburg, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
The structure embodies an elongated tubular handle member with a work engaging member projecting therefrom at one end thereof to provide a transverse shank to which detachable sockets of various standard sizes are applied to turn fasteners to a predetermined torque load. Confronting primary and secondary flex beams are disposed in the tubular handle member for engagement with each other and the work engaging member. A spring urged trigger release is movably mounted on one flex beam to cooperate with the other flex beam in the region of its maximum flex responsive to resisting the torque load, and this trigger release is in the path of the other flex beam end to normally engage therewith until the trigger moves with the flex of both beams to engage the internal wall of the tubular handle member, thereby mechanically releasing its connection therewith so that the load in the primary beam momentarily equals the combined bending load originally sustained by both primary and secondary beams. A calibrated multiple scale slide fitted with a pivotal ramp cooperates with the spring urged primary beam end to preset the release of the secondary beam relative to the trigger latch connection therebetween at any applied turning load within the capacity range of the torque wrench as preset on any scale of the calibrated slide which is viewed through openings on both sides of the tubular handle member serving also as a housing for the instrumentalities. When the applied load equals the preset value on the calibrated scale, the trigger latch engages the inside wall of the housing, thereby releasing the secondary beam which causes an audible signal and also a sudden relaxation of part of the applied force or torque to create a momentary interruption which effects a mild vaibratory shock and an audible click due to the trigger latch disconnect between the beams to notify the user that the preset load has been reached. The user then stops applying any further turning load, and this momentary release will permit the spring urged trigger latch and the primary beam to re-connect the parts for further application of the wrench to another fastener.
3,879,996 Apr. 29, 1975 Meter Translation Devices for Torque Measuring Wrenches and the Like Talmage O. Green Schaumburg, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
The invention involves a meter translation instrumentalities that effectively and commensurately translates movement between an actuator and a calibrated measuring dial or the like spaced therefrom, and readily affords adjustment for simple, accurate calibration corrections to insure precise measurements commensurate with the applied load irrespective of wear or frictional variations that may develop owing to deflections in the prescribed manual application of the twisting or flecing force occurring in the use thereof. In the present embodiment this is accomplished with a thin wire tensioning sling on the twist or flex translating arm utilized in torque wrenches and the like wherein the dial pointer actuator constitutes a tensioned wire instrumentality instead of meter gear elements for pointer displacement. This constitutes an improved, more simple and less expensive measurement translation element which minimizes the number of parts and dispenses with gear train elements that are more expensive to produce and require greater accuracy in their manufacture.
3,983,595 Oct. 05, 1976 Arcuate Scraper for Concave Surfaces Raymond G. Knudsen Kenosha, WI Edward U. Dithmar. - patent attorney
Abstract
An arcuate scraper for concave surfaces, such as the inside surface of many automobile windshields, having an elongated handle with a forward end portion arcuate in transverse cross section, a scraping blade disposed transversally on the concave surface of the forward end of portion, a longitudinally movable slider connected with the blade for extending and retracting the scraping edge thereof with respect to the forward end of the handle and a tiltable keeper operatively related to the slider for locking same and the blade alternatively in blade-extended and blade-retracted positions.

    Arcuate Scraper for Concave Surfaces Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
4,052,665 Oct. 04, 1977 Capacitive Pickup Device for Pulsating High Voltage Measurements Clifford F. Guenwald Franksville, WI Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
A capacitive pickup device for deriving a measurable voltage which is a linear function of the magnitude of pulsating high voltage of the order of 15 to 40 kilovolts in an insulated conductor, the pickup device having a pair of electrically conducting plate members connected together electrically to form one plate element of a capacitor, the conductor itself forming the other plate element of the capacitor and the conductor insulation forming the dielectric. The pickup device also includes a pair of electrically conducting plates respectively carried in spaced relation with the plate members, the plates being centrally relieved to accommodate the plate members and adapted to be connected to ground. An indicating and protective gaseous conduction lamp is electrically connected between the plate members and plates, and a capacitor and a resistor are connected in parallel across the lamp to form an output circuit for connection to apparatus for indicating in linear manner the magnitude of the high voltage in the conductor. The plate members and plates are relatively movable so they selectively may open and close for receiving a portion of the insulated conductor without requiring conductor disconnection.

4,072,375 Feb. 07, 1978 Drawer Slide Assembly with Tapered Runner Jack L. Boone Algona, IA Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
A drawer slide assembly for slidably mounting a drawer in a cabinet includes a pair of channel track members, each substantially C-shaped in transverse cross section, respectively secured to the adjacent side walls of the drawer and cabinet housing, each of said track members defining upper and lower channels respectively provided with longitudinally extending substantially flat planar parallel support surfaces. A runner is provided with a pair of laterally spaced apart upwardly extending arms respectively disposable in the upper channels of the track members and a pair of laterally spaced apart downwardly extending arms respectively disposable in the lower channels of the track members, each arm having a substantially flat planar bearing surface disposable in parallel sliding engagement with the associated one of the support surfaces. Each bearing surface has end portions inclined so as to diverge from the associated support surface toward the adjacent end thereof.

4,095,170 Jun. 13, 1978 Meterless Ignition Advance Measuring Device for Internal Combustion Engines Herbert R. Schmitt Lake Forest, IL Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
The ignition advance measuring device for internal combustion engines comprises a strobe lamp, a sawtooth generator and a threshold detector coupled to the generator. When the instantaneous amplitude of the sawtooth signal reaches a predetermined fixed value, the threshold detector produces a switching voltage. The switching voltage is fed back to the input of the sawtooth generator to initiate the rising portion of the sawtooth cycle. The falling portion of each cycle is initiated by the spark plug firing voltage. A knob calibrated in degrees of engine rotation is mechanically coupled to an adjustable circuit element in the sawtooth generator, which varies the duration of the falling portion of the sawtooth signal, thereby controlling delay between the occurrence of a spark and energization of the strobe lamp. The threshold level of the detector and the characteristics of the sawtooth signal itself are independent of average engine speed.

4,127,928 Dec. 05, 1978 Measuring Meter Pointer Assembly Talmage O. Green Schaumburg, IL Abstract
Improved dial pointers and mounts therefor to facilitate the method involving a press-fitted clutching and frictional assembly with non-slip permanent engagement there between for use with calibrated measuring meters as an adjunct to torque measuring wrenches and other measuring devices. This is preferably, though not essentially, accomplished with slitted dial pointer bodies in the region of and contiguous with the mounting hole therein for the yieldable reception of tapered hub body mounts that are peripherally grooved for press-fitted clutching and frictional engagement there between to effect their permanently fixed assembly, and in turn slightly tapering the axial hole of the mounts for press-fitted connection with the driven meter pins to more readily and less expensively assemble these components of relatively small calibrated measuring meters.

4,129,828 Dec. 12, 1978 Oscilloscope Pretrigger Circuit James A. Jindrick Kenosha, WI Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
The circuit includes a phase-locked loop that produces pulses a fixed number of engine degrees before the ignition signals. These pulses are used to initiate the horizontal sweep of an oscilloscope that displays the ignition pulses. Accordingly, the ignition signals commence not at the beginning of the display where useful information may be lost, but rather a predetermined number of engine degrees later.

4,168,909 Sep. 25, 1979 Optical Toe Gauge with Angled Screens for Vehicle Wheels Raymond G. Knudsen, estate of (deceased) Kenosha, WI Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
E. M. MIller, executor of Mr. Knudsen's estate.
Abstract
An optical toe gauge for measuring the toe-in and toe-out of vehicle wheels includes a pair of support arms respectively mounted from the wheel hubs and carrying light beam projector assemblies at the forward ends thereof so that the direction of each beam is dependent upon the toe of the associated wheel. Each arm also carries therebelow a screen on which is projected the beam from the opposite projector, each screen being disposed at approximately a 45.degree. angle to the corresponding wheel axis and facing inwardly between the wheels, each screen having toe increment lines thereon with enlarged spacing therebetween to facilitate reading of the toe measurement on the screen.

    Optical Toe Gauge with Angled Screens for Vehicle Wheels James W. Nelson Union Grove, WI  
4,205,543 Jun. 03, 1980 Spring Winder Richard D. Wright Kenosha, WI Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
A spring winder includes a base and a mandrel rotatably held against the base by a pair of mounting blocks which include aligned grooves in which the mandrel is seated. Each block is connected to the base by a pair of mounting screws which cooperate with associated compression springs for resiliently holding the mandrel between the mounting blocks and the base with a variable force. A length of spring wire is fed between a cam and washer rotatably mounted on the side of the base by means of an adjustment screw, the wire then being fed through an aperture in the adjacent end of the mandrel. The cam and washer are resiliently urged together by a compression spring for applying a drag to the wire which is variable by adjustment of the associated screw. A pin on the washer rides in a complementary groove in the cam for retaining the wire in position. As the mandrel is rotated the wire is wound thereon against the drag of the cam and washer to form a series of helical coils. The cam has a wedge-shaped camming surface thereon which is insertable between adjacent coils of the wire on the mandrel to establish the spacing between adjacent coils. Rotation of the cam permits adjustment of this spacing. A double-wedge cam is also disclosed for forming either right-hand or left-hand springs.

4,262,527 Apr. 21, 1981 Self-Adjusting Engine Timing Pickup Probe Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys


Abstract
A self-adjusting engine timing pickup probe adapted to be received in a tubular engine mounting bracket, the probe extending into close proximity with a position indicator on a rotating engine part to provide an air gap. An elongated sensor assembly extends through the tubular member and has relative axial movement therewith for initial manual adjustment of the sensor assembly to provide an effective air gap. Interference means are provided between the tubular member and the sensor assembly, the interference means establishing substantial resistance to relative axial movement between the tubular member and the sensor assembly. The tubular member has a spring means which engages the engine mounting bracket and holds the two together in a yielding manner. The spring means urges the tubular member and associated sensor assembly inwardly toward the rotating engine part. However, during engine operation, the rotating engine part, due to tolerances, wear, vibrations, etc., engages the sensor assembly and tends to move both the sensor assembly and the tubular member outwardly of the mounting bracket. In so doing, the spring means holding the tubular member in the engine mounting bracket yields, while the interference means between the tubular member and the sensor assembly does not yield. Thus, the engagement between the sensor assembly and the rotating engine part does not cause relative axial movement between the tubular member and the sensor assembly.

    Self-Adjusting Engine Timing Pickup Probe Jerome A. Thompson Milford, MI  
4,290,329 Sep. 22, 1981 Torque Release Wrench of the Preset Type Talmage O. Green Schaumburg, IL Harry C. Alberts - patent attorney
Abstract
The structure in its preferred embodiment involves a preset control device for measuring instruments such as but not limited to torque release wrenches of the preset type wherein an elongated casing and handle confines a work engaging member, an elongated load translating member extends therefrom, and adjustible measuring instrumentalities are intergeared therewith to preset the turning load of release. The measuring instrumentalities are dominated by a simple and compact control unit disposed transversely of the elongated casing and handle member to provide a calibrated dial positoned to rotate in the path of a viewing opening in the casing for manual presetting to a selected load. More specifically, this calibrated dial is peripherally geared to mesh with a pinion fixed to a micrometer-like elongated screw which threadedly engages the work engaging translating member to synchronously set its position simultaneously with the rotary setting of the calibrated dial responsive to manually turning a knob fixed to an accessible end of the micrometer-like screw member. This provides a fully geared control unit to release the work engaging load translating member in relation to a trip element adjustably fixed to the interior of the elongated housing in the path of the translating member.

4,302,724 Nov. 24, 1981 Pickup Probe for Engine Timing Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
A pickup probe for engine timing which is responsive electrically to an indicator on a rotating engine part. The free end of the probe is adapted to extend through an access opening in an engine member into proximity with the indicator on the rotating engine part. A sensor is contained within the free end portion of the probe. The probe includes a mounting means adapted to be detachably secured to the engine member adjacent the aforesaid access opening. The free end of the probe has limited longitudinal movement with respect to the mounting means so as to accommodate dimensional irregularities in the engine and enable the free end of the probe to be moved in adjusting manner to a selected longitudinal position with respect to the rotating part indicator to establish an effective air gap, and means are provided to maintain the free end of the probe in the selected position, thereby insuring continued proper spacing of the sensor and indicator by the effective air gap and the generation of timing signals of high quality for processing in associated equipment.

    Pickup Probe for Engine Timing Norbert C. Neumann Kenosha, WI  
4,369,660 Jan. 25, 1983 Electronic Pressure Measuring Apparatus Richard P. Lentz Kenosha, WI Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
There is disclosed a transducer to sense the vacuum in the intake manifold of an engine or other chamber. The electrical signal it produces is converted into digital signals for operating a liquid crystal display. The output of the transducer is also coupled to a driver which is operable in one mode to produce energizing currents on all of its outputs corresponding to the amplitude of the electrical signal. The driver is coupled to LEDs which are thus illuminated. The driver is also operated in a second mode so that only one of the outputs is energized and in that mode the driver receives only the AC component of the transducer output.

    Electronic Pressure Measuring Apparatus Thomas J. Lasky Kenosha, WI  
    Electronic Pressure Measuring Apparatus Stephen B. Servals Franksville, WI  
4,373,384 Feb. 15, 1983 Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
The apparatus comprises a luminosity probe to provide an electrical signal in response to the combustion event in a diesel engine and also comprises a probe to provide another electrical signal indicative of top dead center. Both electrical signals are processed and applied to a circuit which generates an output pulse having a duration corresponding to the time between the start of the electrical signals. A meter displays the angle represented by the duration of such pulse. Circuitry is provided to compensate for offset.

    Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Jerome A. Thompson Milford, MI  
    Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI  
    Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Christopher B. Stout Kenosha, WI  
    Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Glenn A. Kaufman Kenosha, WI  
4,402,222 Sep. 06, 1983 Bolt Load Determining Apparatus Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
A first signal at a first frequency which is a selected harmonic of the resonant frequency of a bolt in a first loaded condition is determined. Then there is determined a second signal at a second frequency being the same harmonic of the resonant frequency of the bolt in a second loaded condition. Both frequencies are multiplied by a factor M. The up input of a counter receives one of the signals for a predetermined duration, and the down input receives the other signal for the same duration. The number of pulses remaining in the counter is representative of the difference in load between the first and second loaded conditions.

    Bolt Load Determining Apparatus Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI  
    Bolt Load Determining Apparatus Christopher B. Stout Kenosha, WI  
    Bolt Load Determining Apparatus Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Bolt Load Determining Apparatus Glenn A. Kaufman Kenosha, WI  
    Bolt Load Determining Apparatus Norbert J. Kot Milwaukee, WI  
4,416,338 Nov. 22, 1983 Control Mechanism for a Pneumatic Tool James W. Nelson Union Grove, WI Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
Control mechanism for a pneumatic hand tool which provides improved performance, speed regulation and control of the tool in air pressure ranges up to at least 116 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). A pneumatic hand tool embodying subject control mechanism includes a cylinder having an implement, such as a chisel, secured thereto and a reciprocating piston in the cylinder, the piston adapted to be driven by pressurized air into impact engagement with the front head of the cylinder, and returned to the rear cylinder end without impact. The control mechanism comprises an adjustable control valve which meters the volume of incoming pressurized air to that amount which produces desired tool operation, and an improved ball valve between the control valve and the cylinder. The control valve includes a radially movable spring-biased valve pin which cooperates with a valve seat, and a rotatable control ring in effective relation with the valve pin. The control ring has an internal spiral cam surface extending through about 90.degree. adapted to move the valve pin from a radially outward fully opened position to a radially inward closed position where the valve pin firmly engages the valve seat. Intermediate settings of the control ring provide intermediate valve actions. The internal cam surface has a scallop configuration providing discrete valve pin detent positions between closed and fully opened positions.

    Control Mechanism for a Pneumatic Tool Raymond R. Zuzinec Kenosha, WI  
    Control Mechanism for a Pneumatic Tool Michael L. Foster Kenosha, WI  
4,417,211 Nov. 22, 1983 Apparatus for Determining the Advance of a Timing Light Patrick E. Ciriacka Carpinteria, CA Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
A first pulse train is generated by a phase-locked loop circuit of which the frequency is adjustable to correspond to engine speeds of between 10 and 9,990 rpm. The pulse train is again divided to furnish a second pulse train for use in firing the timing light. A photoelectric sensor is responsive to flashes from the timing light. A D type flip-flop is coupled to the second pulse train and to the photoelectric sensor and generates an enable signal commencing with a pulse in the second pulse train and terminating with the sensor signal. A counter receives the first pulse train and is operative to count the pulses therein during the presence of the enable signal. A display depicts a number representative of the number of pulses counted by the counter.

    Apparatus for Determining the Advance of a Timing Light Gary S. Gibson Evanston, IL  
4,441,021 Apr. 03, 1984 Luminosity Probe for Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
Abstract
The probe includes a tubular housing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to be mounted in place of the glow plug of a selected engine cylinder. A light pipe within the first portion directs light from the combustion zone to a phototransistor within the second portion. The front of the first portion has a reduced size aperture defined by an internal shoulder against which the front of the light pipe is seated. The rear of the first portion carries resilient sealing means which is deformed when the second portion is telescoped thereon so as to provide a detachable, frictional, light-tight thermally insulated connection therebetween. A phototransistor is mounted within the second portion to convert light passing through the light pipe into electrical signals. A cable carries these electrical signals to processing equipment. A base resistor is located in the second portion between the base of the phototransistor and the cable. The part of the first portion that projects from the engine is short with respect to the part that fits into the engine. The projecting portion carries wrench-engaging bosses.

    Luminosity Probe for Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Jerome A. Thompson Milford, MI  
    Luminosity Probe for Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI  
    Luminosity Probe for Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Christopher B. Stout Kenosha, WI  
    Luminosity Probe for Diesel Engine Timing Apparatus Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
D274,496 Jul. 03, 1984 Hammer Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman & Levy - patent attorneys
    Hammer David J. Draeger Kenosha, WI  
    Hammer Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI  
4,459,548 Jul. 10, 1984 Alternator Testing Apparatus Richard P. Lentz Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An alternator produces current that has an average component and a ripple component. The alternator testing apparatus produces one voltage representative of the magnitude of the peak-to-peak amplitude of the ripple component and a second voltage representative of the sum of the average component and the peak-to-peak amplitude of the ripple component. A series of comparators each have their signal inputs coupled to receive the first voltage and their control inputs coupled to a divider network which is in turn coupled to receive the second voltage. Indicators are coupled to the comparators.

    Alternator Testing Apparatus Stephen B. Servais Franksville, WI  
4,469,952 Sep. 04, 1984 Adapter for Diesel-Engine-Timing Meter Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The adapter includes a housing containing a rectifier for supplying flash voltages to an LED. The rectifier rectifies inductive signals derived from an inductive pickup. The adapter can be used to enable a spark-ignited engine calibrator to calibrate a diesel-engine-timing meter by converting the inductive electrical signals from the calibrator to light signals for the diesel timing meter. The adapter also can be used to enable a diesel-engine-timing meter and analyze and time a spark-ignited engine by converting the inductive pulses derived from a spark plug wire into light impulses for the diesel-engine-timing meter.

    Adapter for Diesel-Engine-Timing Meter Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Adapter for Diesel-Engine-Timing Meter Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI  
4,477,213 Oct. 16, 1984 Chuck Key Holder for Power Tool James W. Nelson Union Grove, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A chuck key holder for a power tool, such as an electric or pneumatic drill or the like, comprises an elastic member mounted on a part of the power tool such as the handle. The elastic member has an aperture therein adapted to receive a part of the chuck key, the aperture being of such size as securely to retain the chuck key frictionally, and to permit ready removable thereof for use, and easy replacement following use. The end of the aperture into which the chuck key part enters advantageously is defined by a chamfered surface which serves to facilitate entry of the inserted part. The holder is permanent in nature, enables the user to return the chuck key to a definite place following each use, thereby assuring that the key will be available conveniently for the next use.

    Chuck Key Holder for Power Tool Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
4,484,469 Nov. 27, 1984 Luminosity Probe with Positively Retained Light Pipe Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The luminosity probe includes an elongated tubular member having a bore extending therethrough. Within the bore is a light pipe having a diameter less than the diameter of the bore so as to create an annulus therebetween. Such annulus is filled with epoxy.

    Luminosity Probe with Positively Retained Light Pipe Ralph H. Mueller Auburn, NY  
4,489,498 Dec. 25, 1984 Bracket Qualifier Device Steven L. Christophersen Clarkston, MI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The bracket qualifier device comprises a body and first and second legs carried thereby. The first leg is adapted to be inserted into the magnetic probe receptacle of a combustion engine. The second leg carries a foot which mates with a corresponding shaped portion on the bracket which carries the receptacle.
4,493,208 Jan. 15, 1985 Dual Engine Probe Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The probe includes an elongated body having a reduced diameter portion at the front thereof. A light-transmitting tube is located in the bore of the body and abuts against the shoulder defined by the reduced diameter portion. A microwave conductor in the tube protrudes from the front end. A plastic tubular shield is located at the rear end of the body and is held in place by a sleeve encompassing both shield and the body.

4,497,405 Feb. 05, 1985 Wrench Holder Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The wrench holder comprises a pair of elongated, plastic members that slide or telescope together. Each of the members includes a body and a pair of bifurcated legs extending therefrom. The members pass through openings in a set of wrenches and telescope or slide together. Heads respectively at the ends of the elongated members retain the wrenches therebetween. A latching element at the distal ends of the legs and another latching element on the body in the region of the head enable the two members to be releasably interconnected.

    Wrench Holder John E. Fuhreck Kenosha, WI  
    Wrench Holder Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI  
4,502,664 Mar. 05, 1985 MacPherson Spring Compressor Roy B. Bendickson Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A MacPherson strut spring compressor has a drive mechanism to move a strut clamp assembly toward and away from the front of the frame. Upper and lower positioning assemblies are vertically movable with respect to the frame to accommodate MacPherson struts of different sizes and spring offsets, with the upper positioning assembly being vertically adjustable independently of the lower positioning assembly and the lower positioning assembly being vertically adjustable with respect to frame. There is also disclosed locking mechanism for each of the positioning assemblies to retain the MacPherson strut in place during operation of the compressor.

    MacPherson Spring Compressor Raymond R. Zuzinec Sr. Kenosha, WI  
4,503,509 Mar. 05, 1985 Calibrator for Timing Meter Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An oscillator provides a series of pulses to the first of a plurality of cascaded counters. The BCD outputs of each counter provide a particular digit in the number of pulses counted during selected intervals. At least two AND means are coupled to respective sets of the counter outputs to provide speed signals when the corresponding numbers of pulses have been counted. A selected one of such signals resets the counters and also provides an inductive output for the magnetic probe of a timing meter. Additional AND means are respectively coupled to different sets of the counter outputs and provide timing signals when their respective numbers of pulses have been counted. A selected one of the timing signals energizes an LED which produces a light flash for the luminosity probe of the timing meter.

    Calibrator for Timing Meter Christopher B. Stout Kenosha, WI  
    Calibrator for Timing Meter Gene P. Hopp Racine, WI  
4,506,546 Mar. 26, 1985 Adapter for Converting Luminosity Signals into Inductive Signals Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The adapter includes a luminosity probe for replacing the glow plug associated with the selected cylinder in a diesel engine, a timer circuit responsive to inception of each electrical signal generated by the luminosity probe to produce a timer signal. The timer signal is differentiated to produce a spike. A pickup loop receives the spike and produces an inductive signal for application to the clip of a spark-ignited-engine timing meter.

    Adapter for Converting Luminosity Signals into Inductive Signals Christopher B. Stout Kenosha, WI  
    Adapter for Converting Luminosity Signals into Inductive Signals Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI  
    Adapter for Converting Luminosity Signals into Inductive Signals Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
4,508,005 Apr. 02, 1985 Quick Release Mechanism for Ratchet Wrench Timm R. Herman Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The mechanism, used in a ratchet wrench, includes a body carrying an integral stud. A bore extends axially into both and a formed-spring actuator is reciprocally mounted therein. A transverse bore in the stud slidably holds a pin which is connected to the actuator. A socket is applied to the mechanism by pushing the socket against a camming surface on the pin to enable the socket to be snapped onto the pin without operating the actuator. The socket is removed by depressing the actuator. A ramp-like structure in the bore engages an offset part of the formed-spring actuator causing it to divert and move the pin to its release position. An elastomer push button is preferably attached to the actuator to sealingly protect the mechanism and also to provide a nice appearance.

    Quick Release Mechanism for Ratchet Wrench Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI  
4,512,220 Apr. 23, 1985 Fast Lead Socket Wrench Martin L. Barnhill III Union Grove, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A socket wrench for an hexagonal fastener wherein the clockwise and counterclockwise drive portions of the internal surface configuration of the wrench engage an associated hexagonal fastener with substantially surface to surface contact on each fastener side in close proximity to, but always spaced from, a fastener corner, thereby providing a maximum practical moment arm between wrench and fastener, and yet avoiding deteriorating engagement between the wrench and the fastener corners. The clockwise and counterclockwise drive portions of the wrench occupy the middle about 1/2 of each uniform 60.degree. segment of the wrench opening. The space on the internal surface configuration of the wrench between adjacent pairs of drive portions is relieved just enough to avoid interference with the corners of the fastener, thereby providing a rotational clearance of about 25.degree. with the fastener, the precise angular amount depending on manufacturing tolerances in the wrench and fastener. This extended rotational clearance is particularly advantageous in the field of power driven socket wrenches, especially power driven socket wrenches of the multiple spindle type commonly used in manufacturing operations.
    Fast Lead Socket Wrench William T. Pagac Kenosha, WI  
4,512,222 Apr. 23, 1985 Loosening Tool for Tie Rod Sleeves Steven L. Christophersen Clarkston, MI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The loosening tool includes a U-shaped body with a bore in one of the legs thereof. A shaft is slidably located in the bore and carries a hammer at one end and a reciprocating hammer engaging means at the other end. The hammer and the other leg have surfaces that generally match the surfaces of interconnected threaded members which are to be loosened.

4,522,310 Jun. 11, 1985 Housing Holder and Cooperating Detachable Housing Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A housing holder adapted to be mounted securely on a support and a cooperating detachable housing capable of being quickly and easily attached and detached with respect to the holder. The holder and housing are formed of suitable plastic material, the latter having various compartments and securing means as are appropriate to the apparatus contained within the housing. The holder and housing have cooperating engaging and interlocking integral rigid parts, while the holder also has a resilient portion including a downwardly extending latching rib, the latter cooperating in interlocking manner with an upwardly extending flange on the housing. The housing is mounted on the holder by means of "snap action" involving the resilient portion of the holder, and is detached by simple manual manipulation of the resilient portion.

    Housing Holder and Cooperating Detachable Housing William T. Pagac Kenosha, WI  
4,577,496 Mar. 25, 1986 Transducer and Holder Therefor for Ultrasonic Acoustic Tachometer Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An engine timing apparatus includes a piezoelectric transducer and a device for mechanically coupling it to a fuel injector body of the engine. A 6-inch clamping-type pliers is clamped to the injector body. A metal housing is fastened to the pliers at the jaw pivot, the housing having a cylindrical side wall and a circular bottom wall in positive contact with the pliers. The transducer is supported in a recess in a rubber sleeve in the housing and cooperates with the housing to define a resonant chamber at substantially 40 Khz. The dimensions of the pliers are such that the ultrasonic acoustic emissions of the injector body induce in the pliers a standing wave at substantially 40 Khz or a harmonic thereof, the jaw pivot being disposed substantially at an antinode, or point of maximum displacement, of the standing wave. The housing above the transducer is filled with an acoustically insulating foam and covered with a plastic cap.

    Transducer and Holder Therefor for Ultrasonic Acoustic Tachometer Glenn A. Kaufman Kenosha, WI  
4,578,755 Mar. 25, 1986 Microprocessor Controlled Timing/Tachometer Apparatus Robert O. Quinn Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The apparatus comprises a combustion sensor to sense the combustion event in an engine, and a magnetic sensor to sense top dead center. Electrical signals from the sensors are converted to two trains of pulses which are applied to a microprocessor. Under the stored program, the microprocessor determines the time between pulses in one train and converts such time into engine speed in rpm. Also, the microprocessor determines degrees of rotation between corresponding pulses in the two trains. The offset angle, which is applied to a keyboard is subtracted from the degrees of rotation to provide the timing angle. The engine speed and timing angle appear in digital displays.

    Microprocessor Controlled Timing/Tachometer Apparatus Craig F. L. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Microprocessor Controlled Timing/Tachometer Apparatus James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
4,627,164 Dec. 09, 1986 Wire Stub Retainer and Handle Opening Spring Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A clip-like, resilient wire stub retainer and handle opening spring adapted for secure positioning on the pivoting joint area of a wire cutting pliers having a pair of cutting edges extends along a first cutting edge of the pliers in an overlapping manner so as to engage and retain a severed wire stub portion in contact with a second cutting edge of the pliers until the pliers are released in preventing the wire stub from being projected away from the pliers. The resilient clip-like retainer/spring biases the pliers to the open configuration and includes a sheath-like covering on the wire engaging portion thereof to enhance its wire retention characteristics.

    Wire Stub Retainer and Handle Opening Spring Daniel W. Williams Milwaukee, WI  
4,656,418 Apr. 07, 1987 Molded Clamp-Type Ammeter Probe John T. Boston Wauwatosa, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A clamp-type ammeter probe includes two opposed jaws interconnected for pivotal movement between open and closed conditions and biased to the closed condition, with each of the jaws being of unitary one-piece molded construction. Each jaw includes a magnetic core unit comprising a core segment molded to a spacer segment and fitted within a channel-shaped shield segment to form a unit which is then molded between an outer shell and an inner segment of the jaw for encompassing the core unit except for exposed end portions thereof. These exposed portions on one jaw mate with those on the other jaw when the jaws are closed so that the core segments form a magnetic loop to encircle an associated conductor while the shield segments form a shield path encompassing the core loop. Stop surfaces on the inner segments provide a gap in the core loop in which a magnetic sensor is disposed. Guide surfaces control movement of the jaws to their closed condition to provide repeatable accurate alignment of the exposed portions of the core and shield segments to provide proper mating thereof.

    Molded Clamp-Type Ammeter Probe Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI  
4,663,971 May. 12, 1987 Static Wheel Balancer Jerry R. Bakula Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The wheel balancer includes a plastic one-piece body for mounting on the shaft of a wheel and also having a window. A bar is carried by the body and is slidable therein to a position where the wheel is in balance, whereupon indicia on the bar, visible through the window, informs the mechanic how much weight is to be added to the wheel to place it in balance. The bar is also rotatable about its axis, in the body, so that several labels corresponding to several wheel diameters can be provided on the same bar. A detent mechanism on the body and on the bar holds the bar in a selected rotational orientation while enabling the sliding movement during balancing.

4,718,127 Jan. 12, 1988 Helmet Visor with Locking Hinge Assemble Nancy C. Rittmann Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A locking hinge assembly for mounting a visor on a helmet includes a cylindrical body which is fixed in an opening in the helmet and is loosely received through an aligned opening in the visor. The body has an annular detent flange with detent recesses therein in which are received detent studs carried by the visor for accommodating movement of the visor among a plurality of discrete detent positions. The locking assembly includes a shaft extending through an axial bore in the body and having an enlarged cam head at the outer end thereof. A cam disk is disposed between the head and the visor and has cam studs which cammingly engage cam recesses in the head. A spring washer is disposed between the cam disk and the visor for urging the detent studs into the recesses to resiliently hold the visor in each detent position and for urging the cam disk against the head. The cam disk responds to manual rotation thereof for axial camming movements toward the visor for frictionally locking it in a selected detent position and away from the visor to release it for movement among its detent positions.
    Helmet Visor with Locking Hinge Assemble Richard S. Stever Kenosha, WI  
    Helmet Visor with Locking Hinge Assemble Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
4,776,244 Oct. 11, 1988 Open-End Wrench Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The open-end wrench has a pair of jaws with parallel planar jaw surfaces. In each jaw surface is a configured notch having a planar drive surface, a clearance surface and a spacing surface between the drive surface and the clearance surface. The two clearance surfaces are on segments of a circle having a diameter greater than the across-corners dimension of the fastener to be tightened by the wrench. The distance between the planes of the driving surfaces is slightly greater than the across-sides dimension of the fastener. The spacing surface in each notch is a segment of a circle having a relatively small radius of curvature and is tangent to the associated clearance surface.
    Open-End Wrench Paul B. Lemens Kenosha, WI  
4,777,852 Oct. 18, 1988 Ratcheting Screwdriver Timm R. Herman Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The ratcheting screwdriver comprises a handle having a bore and a keyway substantially tangent thereto. In the bore is a gear and in the keyway are a pair of pawls which are movable individually into and out of engagement with the gear. An actuator is provided at the forward end of the handle to move these pawls. A cap operates the actuator.

    Ratcheting Screwdriver Donald J. Caldwell Milwaukee, WI  
    Ratcheting Screwdriver Allan J. Bliemeister Kenosha, WI  
    Ratcheting Screwdriver Eric T. Gustafson Racine, WI  
    Ratcheting Screwdriver Mark S. Bakula Muskego, WI  
4,794,828 Jan. 03, 1989 Quick Release Mechanism for Ratchet Wrench Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The mechanism, used in a ratchet wrench, includes a body carrying an integral stud. A bore extends axially into both and an actuator rod is reciprocally mounted therein. A transverse bore in the stud slidably holds a pin which is linked to the rod. A socket is applied to the mechanism by pushing the socket against a camming surface on the pin to enable the socket to be snapped onto the pin without operating the actuator. The socket is removed by depressing the actuator.
4,800,378 Jan. 24, 1989 Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order, RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs. The waveform pattern data derived from the analog input signals is stored in a dual bank waveform memory and read out for display on the CRT screen under hardware control, and address data representing alphanumeric data and screen formats for the various operating modes to be displayed is stored in a dual bank display memory for application to a character generator, a bank switching arrangement being used for both the waveform memory and the display memory to enable the banks of each memory to be alternately written to and read from. A main microprocessor receives and processes analog input signals, other than the waveform pattern signals, and a display microprocessor receives numerical data from the main microprocessor and causes display of the numerical data on the CRT screen.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Leonard J. Wisneski Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Gordon Lindhard Racine, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Dennis W. Weidenbenner Union Grove, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Robert O. Quinn Wheeling, IL  
4,804,921 Feb. 14, 1989 Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order, RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs. The waveform pattern data derived from the analog input signals is stored in a dual bank waveform memory and read out for display on the CRT screen under hardware control, and address data representing alphanumeric data and screen formats for the various operating modes to be displayed is stored in a dual bank display memory for application to a character generator, a bank switching arrangement being used for both the waveform memory and the display memory to enable the banks of each memory to be alternately written to and read from. A main microprocessor receives and processes analog input signals, other than the waveform pattern signals, and a display microprocessor receives numerical data from the main microprocessor and causes display of the numerical data on the CRT screen.
    Digital Engine Analyzer Leonard J. Wisneski Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Gordon Lindhard Racine, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Dennis W. Weidenbenner Union Grove, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Robert O. Quinn Wheeling, IL  
4,812,768 Mar. 14, 1989 Digital Engine Analyzer Robert O. Quinn Wheeling, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order, RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs. The waveform pattern data derived from the analog input signals is stored in a dual bank waveform memory and read out for display on the CRT screen under hardware control, and address data representing alphanumeric data and screen formats for the various operating modes to be displayed is stored in a dual bank display memory for application to a character generator, a bank switching arrangement being used for both the waveform memory and the display memory to enable the banks of each memory to be alternately written to and read from. A main microprocessor receives and processes analog input signals, other than the waveform pattern signals, and a display microprocessor receives numerical data from the main microprocessor and causes display of the numerical data on the CRT screen.
4,816,752 Mar. 28, 1989 Method and Apparatus for Low Power Offset Correction of Amplified Sensor Signals Steven E. Michalski Franklin, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A sensor is periodically energized and the sensor output is amplified, the amplified signal being applied to two sample-and-hold circuits which are alternately activated in response to the sensor drive, one being activated only when the sensor is energized and the other being activated when the sensor is not energized. One of the samples is subtracted from the other in a summer for cancelling the amplifier offset. The summer output may be buffered, and there is also applied to the summer an offset correction signal for cancelling sensor offset and buffer offset inaccuracies.

    Method and Apparatus for Low Power Offset Correction of Amplified Sensor Signals Kevin M. Andrews Rockford, IL  
    Method and Apparatus for Low Power Offset Correction of Amplified Sensor Signals Daniel Mieczkowski Kenosha, WI  
4,825,734 May. 02, 1989 Variable Leverage Tool Handle Peter K. Schwalbe Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A variable leverage tool handle comprises a handle having first and second elongated parts and a pivotal tongue and clevis joint therebetween, accommodating movement approximately 90.degree. in opposite directions from a normal in-line configuration. The joint includes a detent pin resiliently biased against the tongue for engagement with at least one pin-receiving depression thereon resiliently retaining the first and second handle parts in their normal in-line configuration.
    Variable Leverage Tool Handle George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI  
4,845,792 Jul. 11, 1989 Two-Part Adjustable Approach Ramp Gerald R. Bakula Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An approach ramp for an automotive support platform includes first and second ramp members, the trailing end of the first ramp member being pivotally connected to the leading end of the platform. The second ramp member is both slidably and pivotally movable with respect to the first ramp member. Each ramp member carriers rollers at its leading end for engagement with the floor when the platform is lowered to an access position. In one configuration the ramp members are disposed in overlapping parallel relationship to define a single ramp incline. In a second configuration the second ramp member is extended from the first and is inclined with respect thereto to form a dual-slope ramp incline.
    Two-Part Adjustable Approach Ramp Donald J. Caldwell Milwaukee, WI  
    Two-Part Adjustable Approach Ramp Andrzej J. Dingolecki Milwaukee, WI  
4,849,744 Jul. 18, 1989 Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order,RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs. The waveform pattern data derived form the analog input signals is stored in a dual bank waveform memory and read out for display on the CRT screen under hardware control, and address data representing alphanumeric data and screen formats for the various operating modes to be displayed is stored in a dual bank display memory for application to a character generator, a bank switching arrangement being used for both the waveform memory and the display memory to enable the banks of each memory to be alternately written to and read from. A main microprocessor receives and processes analog input signals, other than the waveform pattern signals, and a display microprocessor receives numerical data from the main microprocessor and causes display of the numerical data on the CRT screen.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
4,851,833 Jul. 25, 1989 Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order, RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs. The waveform pattern data derived from the analog input signals is stored in a dual bank waveform memory and read out for display on the CRT screen under hardware control, and address data representing alphanumeric data and screen formats for the various operating modes to be displayed is stored in a dual bank display memory for application to a character generator, a bank switching arrangement being used for both the waveform memory and the display memory to enable the banks of each memory to be alternately written to and read from. A main microprocessor receives and processes analog input signals, other than the waveform pattern signals, and a display microprocessor receives numerical data from the main microprocessor and causes display of the numerical data on the CRT screen.

4,863,267 Sep. 05, 1989 Fiber Optic Toe/Track Measurement System Roy B. Bendickson Wausau, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An optical toe/track measurement system includes a pair of toe gauge assemblies respectively mountable on the two wheels at one end of a motor vehicle and a pair of track scale assemblies respectively mountable on the other two wheels of the vehicle. Each toe gauge assembly includes an elongated tubular housing having toe and track projection systems for respectively projecting toe and track light beams from the opposite ends of the housing, the track beam being projected coaxially with the housing onto the track scale on the same side of the vehicle, while the toe beam is projected perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing onto a scale carried by the toe gauge assembly on the other side of the vehicle. Light is supplied respectively to the two toe gauge assemblies throught two fiber optic cables from a single remote light source. Each fiber optic cable has an input end which plugs into a receptacle in the source enclosure and a bifurcated output end which is optically coupled to both of the projection systems in the associated toe gauge assembly.

    Fiber Optic Toe/Track Measurement System Edward S. Wahoski Kenosha, WI  
    Fiber Optic Toe/Track Measurement System Michael A. Norris Kenosha, WI  
4,879,847 Nov. 14, 1989 Cover for Pneumatic Tool James K. Butzen Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A cover for use with a motor and handle extending from the motor comprising, a soft, resilient, fairly rigid, thermoplastic elastomeric material of one-piece construction. The cover has a first body portion having a sidewall and a dome extending from the sidewall defining a cavity to receive the motor, with the dome being spaced from the motor to define a chamber between said dome and motor which serves as a muffler to reduce noise. The cover has a hollow second body portion extending from the first body portion and having a bore to receive the handle.

    Cover for Pneumatic Tool Kenneth C. Happ Silver Lake, WI  
    Cover for Pneumatic Tool Robert D. Giese Kenosha, WI  
4,898,524 Feb. 06, 1990 Fluid Driven Rotary Motor James K. Butzen Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An improved, fluid driven rotary motor of the vane type includes a housing having a rotor cover disposed between a pair of end plates, a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing and a drive shaft torsionally affixed to the rotor. In the improved rotary motor of the invention, the rotor is slidable on the drive shaft so that the axial position of the rotor is permitted to "float" with respect to the housing. The degree of axial displacement, or degree of "float", is limited by a compression spring means and an abutting ring which cooperate with a pair of bearings in the end plates so that contact between the rotor and housing is avoided. Furthermore, the compression spring means is operative to force the rotor to return to a predetermined normal operating position upon axial displacement of the rotor.
D307,236 Apr. 17, 1990 Screwdriver Steven S. Cascio Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Screwdriver Donald J. Caldwell Milwaukee, WI  
    Screwdriver Tom S. Severson Kenosha, WI  
    Screwdriver Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
    Screwdriver Mark S. Bakula Muskego, WI  
4,919,020 Apr. 24, 1990 Spring-Loaded Magnetic Driver and Method of Assembly Thereof David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool for rotatably driving a fastening member includes a hollow tubular shank closed at one end by a handle fixed thereto and having coupled to the other end thereof in communication therewith a socket for receiving an associated rotatable fastening member. A helical compression spring is disposed coaxially within the shank, having the inner end thereof embedded in a body of adhesive material and having the outer end thereof fixed to the keeper of a magnet disposed for magnetic engagement with a fastening member received in the socket. In assembly, the adhesive material is inserted in the shank in a fluid state, the inner end of the spring is immersed in the fluid, and the adhesive is then cured to a solid state.

4,922,574 May. 08, 1990 Caster Locking Mechanism and Carriage Charles H. Heiligenthal Oak Creek, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A wheeled carriage has a chassis with a plurality of swivel casters, and a locking assembly actuated by a foot pedal located along the front of the carriage. Pushing down on the foot pedal rotates a cam that engages a cam follower on a "T" bar frame supporting two locking rings which respectively overlie two of the caster wheels to move the rings into a locking position in engagement with the wheels to lock the wheels and the casters in any position. The cam follower surface includes a ramp portion engageable by the cam for driving the rings to their locking position and a horizontal latch portion engageable by the cam in its "overcenter" position for holding the rings in their locking position. A lifter bar is engageable by the user's foot to rotate the cam back off the follower and permit the rings to resiliently return to their release position. The cam and follower surfaces are so arranged that a limited rotation of the cam through less than about 25 degrees is sufficient to move the assembly between its release and locking configurations so that the locking assembly can be used where only a few inches of clearance beneath the chassis is available.

    Caster Locking Mechanism and Carriage George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI  
    Caster Locking Mechanism and Carriage Jack A. Parise Kenosha, WI  
4,934,220 Jun. 19, 1990 Sealed Reversible Ratchet Wrench Randall J. Slusar Greenfield, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A ratchet mechanism in a reversible ratchet wrench is sealed by novel means. The sealed reversible ratchet wrench includes a ratchet body having a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion has a head cavity formed therein, which cavity receives the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism communicates exteriorly of the head cavity via at least two journal bearings which respectively receive journal pins associated with the ratchet mechanism. The novel sealing means comprises a pair of annular lip seals, each of which includes an opening that receives one of the journal pins. The annular lip seals bridge the gap between the exteriorly communicating journal bearings and journal pins, thereby facilitating the retention of lubricant and hindering the entry of foreign particles in the head cavity and ratchet mechanism housed therein.

    Sealed Reversible Ratchet Wrench Jeffrey R. Annis Waukesha, WI  
    Sealed Reversible Ratchet Wrench John W. Roberts Yorkville, WI  
4,934,222 Jun. 19, 1990 Ergonomic Tool Nancy C. Rittmann Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool is a pliers or cutters having two members that are pivotally joined. The portions of the members on one side of the joint define cutter jaws or plier jaws as the case may be. On the other side of the joint, the members define handles located on the same side of the jaw axis. The rear handle has a first section nearest its associated jaw extending away from the jaw axis at an acute angle, and a second section extending from the first section at an obtuse angle. The other handle also has two sections, the first section nearest the jaws having a slight curvature and the second section having a curvature which is convex outwardly and is more pronounced than that of the first section.

    Ergonomic Tool Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI  
4,937,527 Jun. 26, 1990 Lead Assembly for a Distributorless Ignition Interface John C. Sniegowski Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A distributorless ignition interface unit for use with an engine analyzer for analyzing an internal combustion engine includes a processing circuit which responds to analog signals representing true and wasted firings for the cylinders of the engine under test to determine the number of cylinders of the engine and the polarity of the firing of each cylinder and to then characterize the engine by determining the order of the true and wasted firing signals produced during an engine cycle and for producing a parade pattern of true or wasted secondary signals for application to the engine analyzer.

    Lead Assembly for a Distributorless Ignition Interface Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Lead Assembly for a Distributorless Ignition Interface Dennis G. Thibedeau Franklin, WI  
    Lead Assembly for a Distributorless Ignition Interface Ron D. Geisler Kenosha, WI  
D309,246 Jul. 17, 1990 Screwdriver Steven S. Cascio Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Screwdriver Donald J. Caldwell Milwaukee, WI  
    Screwdriver Tom S. Severson Kenosha, WI  
    Screwdriver Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
4,942,356 Jul. 17, 1990 Modular electronic device David R. Ellingen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The modular electronic device includes a main unit and at least one plug-in module adapted to be removably slid on to and mounted on the main unit. There are first and second interfitting connectors respectively on the main unit and the module which automatically interfit when the module is mounted. First and second interfitting track structure are respectively on the module and main unit to facilitate sliding the module onto the main unit. Finally, there is first and second interfitting latching elements respectively on the main unit and the module to hold the module latched in place.

    Modular electronic device Steven E. Michalski Franklin, WI  
    Modular electronic device Daniel Mieczkowski Kenosha, WI  
    Modular electronic device Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI  
4,958,541 Sep. 25, 1990 Electronic torque wrench with tactile indication Jeffrey R. Annis Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An electronic torque wrench has a hollow handle portion in which are disposed a DC motor mechanically coupled to the handle portion with a mass eccentrically mounted on its shaft, a control circuit for the motor and a battery for powering the motor and the control circuit. A strain sensor on the wrench produces an output signal when the torque applied to a workpiece equals or exceeds a predetermined torque level for causing the control circuit to actuate the motor to vibrate the handle portion and provide a tactile indication to the user.

    Electronic torque wrench with tactile indication Timm R. Herman Kenosha, WI  
    Electronic torque wrench with tactile indication Ronald T. Strobel South Milwaukee, WI  
4,965,494 Oct. 23, 1990 Capacitor Charging Circuit for Timing Light Power Source Leonard J. Wisneski Jr. Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A strobe light power source includes a capacitor which is alternately charged through an inverter transformer and a rectifier and discharged through a strobe lamp. A MOSFET switch is connected in series with the transformer primary and has applied to its gate electrode a rectangular wave output signal from an oscillator. The oscillator and the transformer primary are coupled to a power supply independently of each other. A breakdown diode is connected in parallel with the MOSFET to limit the voltage thereacross.

    Capacitor Charging Circuit for Timing Light Power Source Gordon Lindhard Racine, WI  
4,970,922 Nov. 20, 1990 Torque Driving Tool and Retainer for Driven Member Bert Krivec Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A rotatable driving tool for imparting torque to a driven member, such as a threaded fastener having an axial recess in the head thereof, comprises a circularly cylindrical body with a plurality of substantially circularly helical driving portions projecting laterally therefrom and equiangularly spaced about the cylindrical axis, each of the driving portions having a small helix angle, preferably between one and three degress. The driving portions mate with lobes of the fastener recess but are slightly inclined with respect thereto to provide a wedge fit to retain the fastener in engagement with the tool body.

4,980,845 Dec. 25, 1990 Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer recieved analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order, RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs. The waveform pattern data derived from the analog input signals is stored in a dual bank waveform memory and read out for display on the CRT screen under hardware control, and address data representing alphanumeric data and screen formats for the various operating modes to be displayed is stored in a dual bank display memory for application to a character generator, a bank switching arrangement being used for both the waveform memory and the display memory to enable the banks of each memory to be alternately written to and read from. A main microprocessor receives the processes analog input signals, other than the waveform pattern signals, and a display microprocessor receives numerical data from the main microprocessor and causes display of the numerical data on the CRT screen.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Gurnee, IL  
4,982,612 Jan. 08, 1991 Torque Wrench with Measurements Independent of Hand-Hold Position Nancy C. Rittmann Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A torque measuring wrench includes a deflection beam provided with a socket head at one end and having a region of reduced cross-sectional area. Four strain gauges are mounted on the beam and connected in a measuring bridge, with one gauge disposed at the region of reduced cross-sectional area and the other gauges disposed closer to the ratchet head. A tubular handle is connected to the othe end of the beam and encloses battery-powered control circuit including indicating means. The torque wrench measurements are independent of the position along the handle at which the force is applied by the user.
4,993,289 Feb. 19, 1991 Drive Element with Drive Bore Having Compound Entry Surface James R. Parks Franklin, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A drive element includes a drive bore having an entry end within which is formed a sloping entry surface. The entry surface extends from an outer surface of the drive element partially into the drive bore and has discrete portions respectively inclined with respect to a central axis of the drive bore at different slopes. The sloping entry surface may include a portion with a continuously varying slope. A driver is disclosed for use with the drive element.

4,994,890 Feb. 19, 1991 Rectifier Structure with Individual Links Donald J. Caldwell Milwaukee, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The rectifier structure comprises a plurality of diodes including opposed first and second terminals. A plate electrically connects the first terminals to one another. A retainer locates the diodes on the plate. A plurality of individual links including an outer end portion, an inner end portion, and a fuse portion therebetween are located on the retainer such that the outer end portion of each link is in contact with the second terminal of a respective diode. A washer is in contact with the inner end portion of each link for electrically connecting the second terminals to one another. The links provide fuses for disconnecting the diodes from the washer when excessive current flows through a diode.

5,004,984 Apr. 02, 1991 Magnetic Field Pickup Assembly for Diagnositics on Specific Engine Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An inductive pickup assembly senses the electromagnetic fields of plural ignition elements of an automotive engine, access to which elements is prevented by associated engine housing structure. The pickup assembly includes a frame having a flat platform on which multiple sensors are mounted, each sensor comprising an electromagnetic pickup coil with a magnetizable metal core integral with a magnetizable metal shield plate which covers one end of the coil. The frame has a support member with depending feet having apertures which mate with fasteners on the housing structure to serve as a template for accurately locating the pickup assembly on the housing structure.

    Magnetic Field Pickup Assembly for Diagnositics on Specific Engine Sohrab S. Rameshk Libertyville, IL  
    Magnetic Field Pickup Assembly for Diagnositics on Specific Engine Matthew M. Crass Kenosha, WI  
5,011,324 Apr. 30, 1991 Detent Structure Having a Retaining Lip with a Smooth Continuous Outer Surface Free from Stress-Concentrating Corners Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A detent ball is retained in a recess against a bias spring by deforming the material around the open end of the recess radially and axially inwardly of the recess to define a retaining lip to hold the ball in place, the lip having a substantially part-spherical outer surface. The deformation is accomplished by an embossing tool having a part-spherical embossing surface which converges from an end wider than the recess to an end narrower than the recess. A part-spherical cavity in the end of the embossing tool accommodates the ball during the deformation process.

5,020,205 Jun. 04, 1991 Freeze Plug Installer Head and Tool Kit Including Same Gerald A. Wridt Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A freeze plug installation tool kit includes a drive tool having a coupling ball and a plurality of selectable carrier heads respectively sized for mating engagement with different-sized freeze plugs and detachably mountable on the coupling ball. Each carrier head has a cylindrical socket with an annular groove in which a split ring is disposed for snap engagement with the coupling ball to retain the ball in the socket. A flexible disk in the socket cooperates with the split ring to limit movement of the ball when it is retained in the socket.

5,020,399 Jun. 04, 1991 Self-Adjusting Pliers with Curved Handles Jeffrey R. Annis Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
Self-adjusting pliers for single-handed manual manipulation will automatically adjust to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaw portions of the pliers, which jaw portions respectively extend parallel to jaw portion axes. Upon closure from the maximum opening, parts first undergo a sliding action along an axis until the workpiece is engaged and then a pivoting action. The plier handles have bearing surfaces inclined at angles in predetermined ranges to the sliding axis and to the jaw portion axes to facilitate shifting from the sliding action to the pivoting action.

    Self-Adjusting Pliers with Curved Handles Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI  
5,022,289 Jun. 11, 1991 Ratchet Tool with Flattened Pocket James K. Butzen Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The ratchet tool comprises an elongated housing and a drive body carried by the housing and being rotated by a ratchet ring the toothed opening of which is in engagement with a pawl carried by the drive body. A pocket in the ring has semi-cylindrical side surfaces which engage mating semi-cylindrical surfaces of the pocket. The front of the pocket is flat, thereby increasing the thickness of the region between the pocket and the toothed opening. With increased thickness, the stress in such region is reduced and the ring is less likely to crack during use.

5,038,869 Aug. 13, 1991 Fatigue-Resistant Spindle End Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The fatigue-resistant spindle end of the invention is an elongated body having an axis of rotation. The spindle end comprises a drive engaging portion at one end, a male tool engaging tang at the other end, and a torque transfer section disposed therebetween. The torque transfer section includes a cylindrical journal portion and a frustoconical transition portion. The transition portion retains the geometric characteristics of both the tang and the cylindrical journal portion and blends those geometric characteristics so as to eliminate sharp discontinuities which may function as stress concentrators. In one embodiment of the invention, a stop barrel is also included to prevent a socket or other tool from engaging the transition portion.

D324,800 Mar. 24, 1992 Sander James K. Butzen Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Sander Kenneth C. Happ Silver Lake, WI  
    Sander Robert D. Giese Kenosha, WI  
5,117,714 Jun. 02, 1992 One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Serated Jaws William T. Pagac Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The open-end wrenching head includes two jaws and a throat interconnecting the jaws. The jaws include planar jaw driving surfaces each with at least one serrated region thereon constructed and arranged to engage a portion of a selected side of a fastener. The throat may include either an arcuate surface or two planar throat driving surfaces having serrated regions thereon. Each of the serrated regions on the driving surfaces may include symmetrical or asymmetrical grooves. The plane of these grooves may be parallel to the driving surfaces or at an angle of about 1° to 3°.
    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Serated Jaws Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI  
    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Serated Jaws Thomas S. Severson Kenosha, WI  
    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Serated Jaws Douglas M. Sorbie Salem, WI  
5,130,700 Jul. 14, 1992 Electronic Torque Wrench and Overshoot Compensation Circuit Therefor Jeffrey R. Annis Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A torque wrench has a battery-powered sensing circuit which produces a torque signal proportional to the level of the torque applied. A reference signal corresponding to a predetermined torque level is subtracted from the torque signal to produce a difference signal which is, in turn, compared with a compensation signal which is proportional to the rate of change of the torque signal and is produced by differentiating the torque signal. When the value of the difference signal exceeds the value of the compensation signal, an indicator is triggered to produce a tactile indication, the indication being produced prior to the time that the torque signal reaches the reference level by a predetermined time period.

    Electronic Torque Wrench and Overshoot Compensation Circuit Therefor Timm R. Herman Kenosha, WI  
    Electronic Torque Wrench and Overshoot Compensation Circuit Therefor Ronald T. Strobel South Milwaukee, WI  
5,142,952 Sep. 01, 1992 Ratchet Tool Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool includes a housing having two substantially semi-cylindrical members. An air motor in the housing has motor end members located adjacent each end thereof. Two O-rings, respectively disposed between the motor and the end members, are squeezable axially so as to be forced radially outwardly to abut the housing. A manifold includes a chamber of a size that dampens Helmholtz frequencies in the exhaust air. A bearing block includes an outer surface configured to transfer operating loads from a crank shaft extending through the bearing block to the housing. Each of the members of the housing has an arm with a cylindrical opening for receiving a rotatable drive body. The drive body has a knob including a shaft having an ear cooperating with an O-ring in the drive body for preventing the knob from inadvertently rotating between operating positions while the tool is in use. An O-ring between the knob and the drive body isolates the housing from shock to the knob resulting when the tool is dropped. A bushing disposed within the opening of one of the arms includes an outer surface having a plurality of serrations to provide a secure fit between the bushing and the arm. A washer and a retaining ring are located adjacent the bushing. A spring is located between the bushing and the retaining ring for biasing the drive body against the arm to provide friction between the drive body and the arm. An elastomeric jacket surrounds the housing.
    Ratchet Tool Martin S. Scolaro Racine, WI  
    Ratchet Tool Kenneth C. Happ Silver Lake, WI  
5,148,726 Sep. 22, 1992 One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Roughened Jaws David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to June 2, 2009 has been disclaimed.
Abstract
The open-end wrenching head includes two jaws and a throat interconnecting the jaws. The jaws include planar jaw driving surfaces each with a roughened region thereon adjacent to the throat and an unroughened region adjacent to the outermost end of the jaw driving surface, each of the roughened and unroughened regions being constructed and arranged to engage a portion of a selected side of a fastener. The throat may include either an arcuate surface or two planar throat driving surfaces. Each of the roughened regions has a coefficient of friction substantially greater than that of the unroughened regions and may be formed by deposition of an abrasive material by any of a number of processes or by deformation of the jaw driving surface by any of a number of processes.

    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Roughened Jaws William T. Pagac Kenosha, WI  
    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Roughened Jaws Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI  
    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Roughened Jaws Thomas S. Severson Auburn Hills, MI  
    One-Piece, Open-End Wrenching Head with Roughened Jaws Douglas M. Sorbie Kenosha, WI  
5,157,994 Oct. 27, 1992 Ratchet Wrench with Lost Motion Reversing Mechanism Bert Krivec Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A reversible ratchet wrench has a housing containing a ratchet wheel and a pawl selectively pivotal between first and second conditions, respectively engageable with the ratchet wheel for accommodating rotation thereof in opposite directions, with the pawl undergoing a ratcheting movement in response to rotation of the ratchet wheel. The pawl is biased by either a torsion band or an over-center leaf spring to the selected condition. A reversing member has a lever arm pivotally movable between first and second positions to pivot the pawl. The pawl and the reversing member respectively have first and second drive portions thereon which respectively form diametrically opposed sectors of a common cylinder, each less than 180.degree. in extent, so as to define a clearance therebetween when the reversing member is in either its first or second position, the second drive portion being engageable with the first drive portion after lost motion through the clearance distance to shift the pawl between its first and second conditions. The clearance between the first and second drive portions is sufficient to accommodate ratcheting movement of the pawl without movement of the reversing member. The lever arm is flexible and resilient and has a cam following finger engageable with a cam surface on the wrench housing to resiliently resist movement of the reversing member from its first or second position.

5,163,345 Nov. 17, 1992 Spring-Loaded Magnetic Driver and Method of Assembly Thereof Jimmy T. Doan Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool for rotatably driving a fastening member includes a hollow tubular shank having a socket coupled to one end thereof in communication therewith for receiving an associated rotatable fastener member. A helical compression spring is disposed coaxially within the shank, having the outer end thereof affixed to a magnet disposed for magnetic engagement with the fastening member received in the socket, and having an end coil at the other end thereof disposed outside the other end of the shank with an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the shank, the other end of the shank being received in a bore in a handle for cooperation therewith to trap the end coil of the spring, therebetween.

    Spring-Loaded Magnetic Driver and Method of Assembly Thereof Scott W. Predny Kenosha, WI  
5,174,742 Dec. 29, 1992 Rotary Air Motor with Curved Tangential Vanes Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A rotary air motor has a stator with a cylindrical inner surface defining a chamber and a cylindrical rotor mounted by hub structure for eccentric rotation within the chamber and end plates closing the opposite ends of the chamber and spaced from the adjacent ends of the rotor by end clearance spaces. The rotor has a plurality of arcuate slots therein extending the length thereof and respectively slidably receiving arcuate vanes arranged so that when the rotor is rotated the outermost edges of the vanes are centrifugally urged into sliding engagement with the inner surface of the stator. The hub structure includes a cylindrical shaft extending coaxially through the rotor and hub members having cylindrical outer surfaces intersecting each of the slots, with the vanes being so dimensioned that each vane tangentially engages the cylindrical outer surfaces of the hub members along substantially the entire axial extend of the end clearance spaces in all positions of the vane, thereby to provide an effective seal between the vanes and the hub structure. The end clearance spaces may be substantially greater than the clearance between the end plates and the adjacent axially spaced ends of the vanes.

5,187,974 Feb. 23, 1993 Vehicular pressure-testing apparatus Kirk E. Mellits Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The pressure-testing apparatus comprises a manifold having a pair of conduits extending therefrom and being substantially parallel. Quick connectors at the free ends of the conduits have receptacles the axes of which are substantially parallel. A pair of adapters are respectively attached to the fittings of a broken coupler in a vehicle. The quick connectors are respectively applied to the adapter elements. The apparatus also comprises a pressure gauge on the manifold and/or means on the manifold for connection to a gauge.

    Vehicular pressure-testing apparatus Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
    Vehicular pressure-testing apparatus Gary S. Wollert Kenosha, WI  
5,195,636 Mar. 23, 1993 Metal Socket Tray with Pivoting Socket Retainer Gerald A. Wridt Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tray for a set of sockets of varying diameters includes an elongated, open-top, trapezoidal receptacle with upstanding end walls each having an opening therein in the shape of a 270.degree. sector of a circle, with the ends of each sector defining stop surfaces. A bail retainer has an elongated flat bight and depending end portions which respectively extend along the outside of the end walls, and each provided with an inwardly projecting rectangular tab which extends into the asociated opening to form a chord thereof. The retainer is pivotal between a retaining position wherein the bight closely overlies the receptacle to retain the sockets therein and a position alongside the receptacle permitting removal of the sockets from the receptacle, the pivotal movement being limited by the stop surfaces of the openings. An elongated flange depends from one side wall of the receptacle to facilitate hanging on an associated support, such as a tool chest.

5,199,146 Apr. 06, 1993 Tensioning and Crimping Tool Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool includes a housing and a pair of forwardly projecting tubes respectively containing slidably mounted rods, one for use in tensioning a lock wire and the other for use in crimping a ferrule onto the lock wire. Camming structure moves the rods forwardly and rearwardly. First, the tensioning rod snaps back under the control of a spring to tension the wire. Then, the ferrule is crimped by forward movement of the other rod.

    Tensioning and Crimping Tool Theodore H. Kunkel Cincinnati, OH  
    Tensioning and Crimping Tool Jeffrey A. Stafford Dayton, OH  
D335,073 Apr. 27, 1993 Cordless Impact Wrench Phillip M. Anthony Lindenhurst, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Cordless Impact Wrench John E. Fuhreck Racine, WI  
    Cordless Impact Wrench Michael A. Norris Kenosha, WI  
    Cordless Impact Wrench Gerald J. Smolinski Bristol, WI  
    Cordless Impact Wrench Edward S. Washoski Kenosha, WI  
D335,093 Apr. 27, 1993 Digital Oscilloscope Robert J. Holmen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Digital Oscilloscope Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Oscilloscope Theodore J. Caron Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Oscilloscope Thomas J. Green West Bend, WI  
    Digital Oscilloscope David R. Ellingen Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Oscilloscope Michael C. Putrow Racine, WI  
    Digital Oscilloscope Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
5,213,913 May. 25, 1993 Latching Arrangement for Battery Pack Anthony M. Philip III Lindenhurst, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A cordless electric device has a main body portion extending along an axis and a handle portion extending at an obtuse angle with respect to the axis, the handle portion receiving therein along a second axis a battery pack. The device has a two-part housing, with the parts respectively defining the front and rear of the body and handle portions. The front housing part has latching shoulders respectively disposed on the opposite sides thereof, with each defining a first latching surface disposed substantially parallel to the first axis, while the battery pack has two identical latching members respectively disposed on opposite sides thereof and each resiliently displaceable between latching and release positions, each latching member having two second latching surfaces thereon in a V-shaped configuration, so that one of said second latching surfaces on each of said latching members is disposed substantially parallel to the first axis for engagement with the first latching surface of the corresponding latching shoulder to latch the battery back in place on the device. The latching members are interchangeable and molding of the forward housing part is facilitated.

    Latching Arrangement for Battery Pack Edward S. Wahoski Kenosha, WI  
    Latching Arrangement for Battery Pack Michael A. Norris Kenosha, WI  
5,218,891 Jun. 15, 1993 Double-Ended Reversible Box Wrench with 71/2 Degree Swing Clearance Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The double-ended reversible box wrench for use with a hexagonal fastener includes two box wrenching heads interconnected by a handle shank, with each head having a double-hexagonal socket opening therethrough, each of the outwardly directed corners of which has an axis extending through the center of the socket opening. One socket has a corner inclined at an offset angle of 33/4 degrees to the shank axis and the other socket has a corner inclined at an offset angle of 111/4 degrees to the shank axis so that, by sequential application of the four wrench faces to a hexagonal fastener, the fastener maybe repeatedly rotated in the same direction while the wrench undergoes a swing of no more than 71/2 degrees during any one application. A wrench with offset angles of zero degrees and 10 degrees and a pivoting head wrench are also disclosed.

    Double-Ended Reversible Box Wrench with 71/2 Degree Swing Clearance William T. Pagac Kenosha, WI  
5,220,856 Jun. 22, 1993 Pivotal Hand Tool and Pivot Joint Therefor Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A pivotal hand tool includes first and second lever members which intersect and have aligned openings therethrough in which is received a pivot pin having an enlarged head at one end adjacent to one of the lever members and having the other end thereof welded to the other lever member or to a flat washer which bears against the other lever member. The head and the flat washer may be received in complementary recesses in the lever members. A frustoconical washer may be disposed beneath the head of the pivot pin for resiliently urging the lever members together.

    Pivotal Hand Tool and Pivot Joint Therefor Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI  
    Pivotal Hand Tool and Pivot Joint Therefor Bert Krivec Waukesha, WI  
    Pivotal Hand Tool and Pivot Joint Therefor Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI  
    Pivotal Hand Tool and Pivot Joint Therefor Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
5,228,761 Jul. 20, 1993 Tool Chest with Sliding Retractable Step David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool cabinet has rollers depending from a bottom wall for rolling engagement with an underlying floor. A retractable step has depending legs and spring-loaded casters which support the step so that it can freely roll except when weight is placed on the step driving the legs into engagement with the floor. The step has a vertical slot in which is received a depending arm of an angle bracket which is fixed to a roller slide assembly mounted on the underside of the cabinet so that the step can be horizontally rolled between a stowed position beneath the cabinet and an extended position extending from beneath the cabinet and can move between raised and lowered positions when extended.

    Tool Chest with Sliding Retractable Step George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI  
    Tool Chest with Sliding Retractable Step Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI  
5,231,901 Aug. 03, 1993 Ratchet Tool Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool includes a housing having two substantially semi-cylindrical members. An air motor in the housing has motor end members located adjacent each end thereof. Two O-rings, respectively disposed between the motor and the end members, are squeezable axially so as to be forced radially outwardly to abut the housing. A manifold includes a chamber of a size that dampens Helmholtz frequencies in the exhaust air. A bearing block includes an outer surface configured to transfer operating loads from a crank shaft extending through the bearing block to the housing. Each of the members of the housing has an arm with a cylindrical opening for receiving a rotatable drive body. The drive body has a knob including a shaft having an ear cooperating with an O-ring in the drive body for preventing the knob from inadvertently rotating between operating positions while the tool is in use. An O-ring between the knob and the drive body isolates the housing from shock to the knob resulting when the tool is dropped. A bushing disposed within the opening of one of the arms includes an outer surface having a plurality of serrations to provide a secure fit between the bushing and the arm. A washer and a retaining ring are located adjacent the bushing. A spring is located between the bushing and the retaining ring for biasing the drive body against the arm to provide friction between the drive body and the arm. An elastomeric jacket surrounds the housing.

    Ratchet Tool Martin S. Scolaro Racine, WI  
5,237,885 Aug. 24, 1993 Ratchet Tool Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool includes a housing having two substantially semi-cylindrical members. An air motor in the housing has motor end members located adjacent each end thereof. Two O-rings, respectively disposed between the motor and the end members, are squeezable axially so as to be forced radially outwardly to abut the housing. A manifold includes a chamber of a size that dampens Helmholtz frequencies in the exhaust air. A bearing block includes an outer surface configured to transfer operating loads from a crank shaft extending through the bearing block to the housing. Each of the members of the housing has an arm with a cylindrical opening for receiving a rotatable drive body. The drive body has a knob including a shaft having an ear cooperating with an O-ring in the drive body for preventing the knob from inadvertently rotating between operating positions while the tool is in use. An O-ring between the knob and the drive body isolates the housing from shock to the knob resulting when the tool is dropped. A bushing disposed within the opening of one of the arms includes an outer surface having a plurality of serrations to provide a secure fit between the bushing and the arm. A washer and a retaining ring are located adjacent the bushing. A spring is located between the bushing and the retaining ring for biasing the drive body against the arm to provide friction between the drive body and the arm. An elastomeric jacket surrounds the housing.

    Ratchet Tool Martin S. Scolaro Racine, WI  
    Ratchet Tool Kenneth C. Happ Silver Lake, WI  
5,238,300 Aug. 24, 1993 Retractable Step and Tool Cabinet Incorporating Same George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool cabinet has rollers depending from a bottom wall for rolling engagement with an underlying floor. A retractable step is carried by a support arm which extends laterally from the step and has an upstanding shaft portion which extends through an axial bore in a spiral cam which is fixed to the bottom wall of the cabinet. The shaft has a cam follower pin which extends therefrom and is slidably engageable with a spiral cam surface on the cam for accommodating simultaneous pivotal swinging movement and vertical movement of the step between a stowed position disposed beneath the cabinet and above the floor and a use position extending from beneath the cabinet in engagement with the floor.

    Retractable Step and Tool Cabinet Incorporating Same Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI  
    Retractable Step and Tool Cabinet Incorporating Same Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
5,245,324 Sep. 14, 1993 Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed. The analyzer is provided with a scanner interface, so that a scanner designed to read data from a vehicle on-board computer, can transfer this data to the analyzer for display on the analyzer oscilloscope. The analyzer processor, when operating in the scanner interface mode, operates under stored program control to reconfigure analyzer keyboard and soft key functions to duplicate scanner control functions, so that the scanner control functions can be effected from the analyzer.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Racine, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer John C. Sniegowski Kenosha, WI  
5,245,755 Sep. 21, 1993 Force-Multiplying Mechanism Bert Krivec Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A force-multiplying device includes a base or stationary structure and three levers all pivotally mounted on the base and each having a force input end and a force output end and being arranged in a folded configuration such that each lever extends from the force input and to the force output end thereof in a direction generally opposite to that of adjacent levers in the series. The pivot point of each lever is closer to its force output end than to its force input end so that the force delivered at the output end is greater than that applied at the input end. The base and the output lever may operate as a pair of opposed jaws, each carrying a removable force application device for different applications such as cutting, crimping, punching, lifting and spreading. The input lever and the base structure may be configured as handles of a hand-operated tool and the levers may be arranged to either open or close the jaws in response to movement of the handles together.

5,246,286 Sep. 21, 1993 Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool cabinet is formed without the use of fasteners or weldments by providing back and side panel sections in an integral unit having top and bottom flanges, and separate top and bottom panel sections having attachment flanges adapted to be interfitted with the flanges on the back and side panel unit to form an open-front housing. Three continuous loop frame members are spaced apart front-to-back inside the housing and are adhesively secured to the top, bottom and side panel sections and support drawer assemblies mounted in a front opening. A lock bar guide is adhesively secured to the back panel section and receives a lock bar which is inserted through a notch in the bottom panel section after the housing has been assembled. Adhesive or frictional interengagement may also be used to secure together the flanges of the panel sections. An internal framework comprising a single, wide loop frame member with spaced-apart ribs is also disclosed.

    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Glenn A. Kaufman Kenosha, WI  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Gerald P. McGlinn Kenosha, WI  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Robert L. Schmale Clear Lake, IA  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Dean A. Hoskins Algona, IA  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Walter K. Krahenbuhl Algona, IA  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Gary J. Erdman Whittemore, IA  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Robert J. Blair Chillicothe, MO  
    Adhesively bonded tool cabinet and method of assembly thereof Theodore J. Caron Kenosha, WI  
5,247,287 Sep. 21, 1993 Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, digitizes the signals, captures the digital peak ignition voltage values for each cylinder and stores only these values for each cylinder over a number of successive engine cycles, and then simultaneously displays all the stored values for any one cylinder over a number of engine cycles to provide a historical display. Each peak value is stored twice and displayed twice to provide width to the value display and effectively produce a bar graph-type display.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Racine, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer John C. Sniegowski Kenosha, WI  
5,248,068 Sep. 28, 1993 Caulk Gun with Ergonomic Handles Richard S. Goergen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A caulk gun has a cartridge-carrying body with a fixed handle and a pivoting handle depending therefrom, the pivoting handle being coupled to a plunger for axial movement thereof to dispense material from the cartridge in response to movement of the pivoting handle toward the fixed handle. The pivoting handle has a proximal end portion which diverges from the fixed handle to an index finger engaging portion and a distal end portion which is curved toward the fixed handle in the normal rest configuration of the gun, such that the pivoting handle, at both its distal end portion and its index finger engaging portion is spaced from the fixed handle generally the same distance. The fixed handle has a widened portion intermediate the ends thereof.

    Caulk Gun with Ergonomic Handles Nancy C. Rittmann Gasperi Racine, WI  
    Caulk Gun with Ergonomic Handles Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
5,250,896 Oct. 05, 1993 Hand-Held Magnetic Contact Tachometer with Toothed Rotatable Wheel Daniel Mieczkowski Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A hand-held contact tachometer includes an elongated hollow handle comprising two interconnected members defining a clevis at one end thereof and carrying therewithin a magnetic sensor disposed adjacent to the clevis and conditioning circuitry coupled to the output of the sensor. The clevis has hub portions defining an axle on which is rotatably mounted a contact wheel of molded construction including a body of non-magnetic material in which is embedded a toothed magnetic wheel and a bearing. The wheel is provided with a frictional ribbed surface on its outer periphery to facilitate engagement with an associated moving surface, thereby rotating the wheel to generate a pulsating signal having a frequency proportional to the speed of the moving surface.

    Hand-Held Magnetic Contact Tachometer with Toothed Rotatable Wheel Robert J. Holmen Kenosha, WI  
    Hand-Held Magnetic Contact Tachometer with Toothed Rotatable Wheel Robert D. Johnson Kenosha, WI  
    Hand-Held Magnetic Contact Tachometer with Toothed Rotatable Wheel John E. Stanley Racine, WI  
5,250,935 Oct. 05, 1993 Waveform Peak Capture Circuit for Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menudriven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed. Peak capture circuitry permits the display of a full cylinder period of a waveform, even though it contains very high frequency portions, by selectively switching between normal and high resolution modes. The circuitry samples the analog waveform at a very high rate and selects samples for display at a much slower display rate. The circuitry captures and stores the highest magnitude sample in each cylinder cycle by storing each sample only if its magnitude exceeds that of the previously stored sample. In the normal mode, at each display clock pulse the most recent sample is selected for display, irrespective of its magnitude. In the high resolution mode the stored peak value is selected for display at each display clock pulse.

    Waveform Peak Capture Circuit for Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Waveform Peak Capture Circuit for Digital Engine Analyzer Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI  
    Waveform Peak Capture Circuit for Digital Engine Analyzer James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
    Waveform Peak Capture Circuit for Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Racine, WI  
    Waveform Peak Capture Circuit for Digital Engine Analyzer John C. Sniegowski Kenosha, WI  
5,254,952 Oct. 19, 1993 Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Glenn E. Salley Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A battery and charging system tester includes an automatically-operated carbon pile for loading the battery, the pile having a shaft therethrough rotated by a stepper motor, and a compression nut threadedly engaged with the shaft for movement into and out of engagement with the carbon pile in response to rotation of the shaft for varying the compression of the pile and, thereby, the impedance thereof. Probes are provided for sensing battery load current and output voltage, and the output current of an alternator charging unit. A feedback control circuit including a microprocessor operating under stored program control converts the analog probe outputs to digital signals and compares the battery output voltage and load current to selectively variable references for controlling the stepper motor to vary the battery load so as to regulate either the battery load current or the battery output voltage to a predetermined reference value, depending upon the test being performed. A selectively variable timer controls the time period during which the battery is loaded. A display indicates the reference values, the values of the parameters being regulated and the state of the timer.

    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Sohrab S. Rameshk Milwaukee, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Dennis G. Thibedeau Franklin, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Ronald D. Geisler Kenosha, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Paul A. Willems Kenosha, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
5,257,860 Nov. 02, 1993 Drawer Lock Mechanism Including Push Button Latch George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A cabinet has a plurality of drawers, each provided with a latch hook at its rear end which is receivable through a corresponding one of a plurality of apertures in a lock bar at the rear of the cabinet which vertically reciprocates between a lowered position interfering with the latch hooks to prevent opening of the drawers and a raised position accommodating free movement of the latch hooks through the apertures to permit opening of the drawers. A lock at the front of the cabinet rotates an elongated rod, the rear end of which engages a coupling bracket on the lock bar to lift it part way to its raised position, at the same time moving a sliding portion of the coupling bracket into position for engagement with a pivoting crank coupled to the rear end of a second spring-biased and push button-actuated rod. When the push button is depressed, the crank is pivoted to lift the lock bar the rest of the way to its raised position.

5,258,753 Nov. 02, 1993 Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed. The engine calculates and displays real-time cylinder time balance information by calculating for each cylinder the cylinder time period from the firing of that cylinder to the firing of the next cylinder, storing the cylinder time values for each cylinder for a number of successive engine cycles, averaging the time period values for each cylinder over that number of engine cycles, calculating an overall average of the cylinder averages, calculating the percentage difference between each cylinder average and the overall average and then displaying the percentage differences in both numerical and bar graph form along with the overall average value.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Racine, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer John C. Sniegowski Kenosha, WI  
RE34,433 Nov. 09, 1993 Caster Locking Mechanism and Carriage Charles H. Heiligenthal Oak Creek, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A wheeled carriage has a chassis with a plurality of swivel casters, and a locking assembly actuated by a foot pedal located along the front of the carriage. Pushing down on the foot pedal rotates a cam that engages a cam follower on a "T" bar frame supporting two locking rings which respectively overlie two of the caster wheels to move the rings into a locking position in engagement with the wheels to lock the wheels and the casters in any position. The cam follower surface includes a ramp portion engageable by the cam for driving the rings to their locking position and a horizontal latch portion engageable by the cam in its "overcenter" position for holding the rings in their locking position. A lifter bar is engageable by the user's foot to rotate the cam back off the follower and permit the rings to resiliently return to their release position. The cam and follower surfaces are so arranged that a limited rotation of the cam through less than about 25 degrees is sufficient to move the assembly between its release and locking configurations so that the locking assembly can be used where only a few inches of clearance beneath the chassis is available.
    Caster Locking Mechanism and Carriage George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI  
    Caster Locking Mechanism and Carriage Jack A. Parise Kenosha, WI  
5,259,277 Nov. 09, 1993 Electrically Insulating Composite Hand Tool Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An insulating hand tool has an elongated composite shank including a pultruded polyester/glass core overbraided with an epoxy/glass outer layer. One end of the shank is received in an axial bore in a plastic handle and the other end thereof is received in one end of a braided glass/epoxy sleeve, which receives in the other end thereof a bit holder which carries a permanent magnet for magnetically retaining an associated working bit. The shank is adhesively secured to the handle and to the sleeve and the sleeve is adhesively secured to the bit holder. The handle may have a bit storage cavity therein closed by a threaded cap.

5,269,545 Dec. 14, 1993 Plastic Utility Cart with Sliding Cover and Accessories David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A molded plastic utility cart includes a one-piece hollow molded frame filled with a foamed plastic material, the frame being generally I-shaped in configuration and including an upstanding wall with a generally horizontal base at its lower end and a generally horizontal top at its upper end defining an open-top receptacle. A plastic cover is slidably mounted on the top for movement between a closed position covering the receptacle and an open position extending laterally from the top and uncovering the receptacle. The cover itself defines additional receptacle compartments. Accessory article supports may be mounted on any of the upstanding wall portion, the base or the top, and may be in the nature of additional receptacles, tool hangers or the like. A plurality of caster wheels are mounted on the underside of the base and handles are provided at both ends of the top.

    Plastic Utility Cart with Sliding Cover and Accessories Kirk E. Mellits Racine, WI  
    Plastic Utility Cart with Sliding Cover and Accessories Timothy B. Strandell Racine, WI  
    Plastic Utility Cart with Sliding Cover and Accessories Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI  
5,269,733 Dec. 14, 1993 Power Tool Plastic Gear Train Philip M. Anthony Lindenhurst, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A power tool with a two-part housing has a drive motor with a pinion gear on the motor shaft. A plastic cylindrical ring gear is fixed to the motor in coaxial surrounding relationship with the pinion gear and has attachment lugs which fit between the two parts of the tool housing and are fixedly secured to each. A plastic gear carrier frame is insert molded on a splined end of a metal output shaft and is receivable within the ring gear and has radial slots for respectively receiving pins which respectively rotatably mount three planet gears in meshing engagement with the pinion gear and the ring gear. The carrier frame has a hollow stub shaft portion which receives the pinion gear therethrough, the stub shaft portion having an elastomeric O-ring seated in a circumferential groove therein for press-fitting a ball bearing thereon, the ball bearing being in turn press-fitted in a seat in the ring gear to support the planet gear assembly.
5,271,300 Dec. 21, 1993 Composite Hand Tool Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
This patent continued with patent #5,448,932.
Abstract
A totally non-metallic wrench formed entirely of fiber-reinforced plastic material includes a core of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material extending around the periphery of the core which are subjected to compression molding to form a composite wrench structure.

    Composite Hand Tool Paul M. Machmeier Racine, WI  
5,277,531 Jan. 11, 1994 Device having socket with retention surfaces Bert Krivec Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A device includes a member having an axis and a socket recess formed axially therein. The recess is polygonal in shape at its open outer end and has planar drive surfaces parallel to the axis alternating with retaining surfaces disposed at the corners of the polygonal shape and sloping inwardly of the recess toward the axis. Each of the retaining surfaces is substantially triangular in shape, having one apex at the adjacent corner at the outer end of the recess and having the other apices in adjacent drive surfaces at the inner end of the recess. The device may be a rotatably drivable device, wherein the axis is the axis of rotation.

5,284,245 Feb. 08, 1994 Portable Socket Holder George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The portable socket holder comprises a corrugated base plate, a plurality of rails attached to raised sections, a handle attached to the center of the plate, and a plurality of socket-receiving clips frictionally and slidably carried by the rails.
    Portable Socket Holder Kenneth C. Happ Burlington, WI  
5,292,191 Mar. 08, 1994 Latch Mechanism for a Cabinet Drawer George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A latch mechanism includes a trim member secured to a drawer pull at the front of a drawer. An actuator plate is located under the drawer pull and is disposed in a slot of a trim member on the drawer pull. A keeper is located on a side wall of the cabinet adjacent the hook. A hook is attached to one end of the actuator plate and is arranged to engage the keeper when the drawer is closed. The hook is releasable from the keeper by pivoting the actuator plate toward the drawer pull to open the drawer.

5,295,423 Mar. 22, 1994 Bit with Frictional Retention in Drive Socket Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A polygonal bit is frictionally retained in a mating socket opening of a drive socket by the provision of recesses in the flat surfaces of the bit, the formation of each recess creating a raised ridge of material displaced from the recess and projecting from the flat surface around the perimeter of the recess for frictional engagement with the corresponding drive surface of the drive socket. Recesses may be formed in flat surfaces on opposite sides of the bit, with one or two recesses being formed in each such surface. Various shapes of recess are disclosed.

5,296,869 Mar. 22, 1994 Digital Engine Analyzer Gary D. Jonker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed and calculates and display spark plug burn time information derived from a single analog input signal, the data being displayed in both numerical and bar graph form. The measured burn time is the time that the ignition voltage signal is above a predetermined threshold level which is greater than the amplitude of the ringing portion of the ignition voltage signal.

    Digital Engine Analyzer Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer Michael C. Putrow Racine, WI  
    Digital Engine Analyzer John C. Sniegowski Kenosha, WI  
5,309,714 May. 10, 1994 Ratchet Tool with Exhaust Chamber Manifold with Sound Dampening Properties Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool includes a housing having two substantially semi-cylindrical members. An air motor in the housing has motor end members located adjacent each end thereof. Two O-rings, respectively disposed between the motor and the end members, are squeezable axially so as to be forced radially outwardly to abut the housing. A manifold includes a chamber of a size that dampens Helmholtz frequencies in the exhaust air. A bearing block includes an outer surface configured to transfer operating loads from a crank shaft extending through the bearing block to the housing. Each of the members of the housing has an arm with a cylindrical opening for receiving a rotatable drive body. The drive body has a knob including a shaft having an ear cooperating with an O-ring in the drive body for preventing the knob from inadvertently rotating between operating positions while the tool is in use. An O-ring between the knob and the drive body isolates the housing from shock to the knob resulting when the tool is dropped. A bushing disposed within the opening of one of the arms includes an outer surface having a plurality of serrations to provide a secure fit between the bushing and the arm. A washer and a retaining ring are located adjacent the bushing. A spring is located between the bushing and the retaining ring for biasing the drive body against the arm to provide friction between the drive body and the arm. An elastomeric jacket surrounds the housing.

    Ratchet Tool with Exhaust Chamber Manifold with Sound Dampening Properties Kenneth C. Happ Silver Lake, WI  
5,335,418 Aug. 09, 1994 Pivotal Hand Tool with Flexural Pivot Joint and Method of Assembling Same Bert Krivec Waukesha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A hand tool includes first and second lever members which intersect and have aligned openings therethrough in which is received a flexural pivot assembly, including a pair of cylindrical members respectively disposed in the lever member openings and respectively fixed to the lever members for movement therewith. In one embodiment the cylindrical members of the pivot assembly are press fitted directly in the openings of the lever members. In another embodiment, bushings are press-fitted in the openings between the lever members and the cylindrical members. A spacer is disposed between the cylindrical members to prevent their axial movement toward each other, and the spacer may extend between the lever members and has a very low coefficient friction so as not to impede pivotal movement of the levers.

D350,265 Sep. 06, 1994 Needle Nose Pliers Kirk E. Mellits Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Needle Nose Pliers Robert H. Junkel Kenosha, WI  
5,347,893 Sep. 20, 1994 Arcuate Tip Driver Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An improved high torque driving tool has a blade with an arcuately convex end surface having a radius of curvature which is greater than the width of the blade and greater than the radius of curvature of the driving slot in an associated fastener. The blade may be provided with a conical tip protects axially from the end surface and has a base diameter substantially equal to the thickness of the blade at the end surface, the tip being receivable in a conical recess and the driving slot of the associated fastener.
    Arcuate Tip Driver Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI  
5,351,002 Sep. 27, 1994 Test Probe Gary S. Wollert Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The test probe comprises a handle and a rod, the rod including a flat face which can be placed against an electrical terminal to be tested. The rod includes a loop residing in a cavity in the handle. An alligator clip may be applied to the loop.

    Test Probe Timothy J. Alho Kenosha, WI  
    Test Probe Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
5,369,863 Dec. 06, 1994 Bicycle Crank Arm Puller Mark J. Hasenberg Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A bicycle crank arm puller includes a tubular insert externally threaded for threaded engagement in an internally threaded portion of a bore in a crank arm, the other portion of the bore receiving an axle end in press-fitted engagement. The insert has an enlarged, radially outwardly extending, trilobular handle. A drive screw is threadedly engaged through the tubular insert and has a part-spherical bearing end engageable with the axle end. A square drive socket on the outer end of the drive screw receives the drive lug of an associated lever member.
    Bicycle Crank Arm Puller Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
5,383,771 Jan. 24, 1995 Air Motor with Offset Front and Rear Exhausts Anil P. Ghode Mundelein, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A rotary air motor has a liner disposed within a tool housing and having a cylindrical bore therethrough. A rotor having radially slidable vanes is eccentrically rotatably mounted in the bore by bearings in the plates of the liner, the vanes cooperating with the rotor and the liner to define a plurality of rotating variable volume fluid compartments. A fluid inlet port in one end plate communicates sequentially with the fluid compartments. First and second exhaust ports respectively formed in the end plates also communicate sequentially with the fluid compartments, but the two exhaust ports are angularly offset from each other so that the fluid compartments communicate first with the exhaust port remote from the entry end plate and then with the exhaust port at the entry end plate. The exhaust passage from the remote exhaust port passes along the outside of the liner back to the entry end plate, thereby ensuring cooling of both ends of the motor.
    Air Motor with Offset Front and Rear Exhausts Thomas J. Diedrich Racine, WI  
    Air Motor with Offset Front and Rear Exhausts Raymond D. De Rome Twin Lakes, WI  
5,388,902 Feb. 14, 1995 Sliding Latch Mechanism for a Cabinet Drawer David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
The latch mechanism includes a drawer pull at the front of the drawer. Under the top flange of the drawer pull is a channel in which a latch member is slidably movable from side to side. A hook is integral with one end of the latch member, which is spring loaded to its latched position. When it is desired to open the drawer, the user places his fingertips beneath the pull and against the latch member and moves the slide member to its unlatched position.

    Sliding Latch Mechanism for a Cabinet Drawer Kenneth C. Happ Burlington, WI  
5,394,773 Mar. 07, 1995 Composite Hand Tool Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A totally non-metallic wrench formed entirely of fiber-reinforced plastic material includes a core of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material extending around the periphery of the core which are subjected to compression molding to form a composite wrench structure.

    Composite Hand Tool Paul M. Machmeier Racine, WI  
5,396,427 Mar. 07, 1995 Method and Apparatus for Determining Relative Contributions of Individual Cylinders of Internal Combustion Engine James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A linearly moving external part of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is contacted with a hand-held contact tachometer for producing a waveform signal which, along with a signal responsive to the ignition of each cylinder, are applied to an engine analyzer processor for display of a single engine cycle of the waveform signal on the CRT oscilloscope of the engine analyzer. The variations and amplitude of the waveform signal correspond to speed variations of the moving part over an engine cycle to give an indication of the relative power contributions of the individual cylinders. Cylinder ignition markers and cylinder zone markers are respectively displayed at the top and bottom of the screen, respectively corresponding to the cylinders in their ignition order. Each cylinder zone marker is delayed a predetermined time from its corresponding cylinder ignition marker and indicates the time period during which the engine responds to the ignition event of the corresponding cylinder
    Method and Apparatus for Determining Relative Contributions of Individual Cylinders of Internal Combustion Engine Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
    Method and Apparatus for Determining Relative Contributions of Individual Cylinders of Internal Combustion Engine Gary S. Wollert Kenosha, WI  
    Method and Apparatus for Determining Relative Contributions of Individual Cylinders of Internal Combustion Engine Craig F. Govekar Gurnee, IL  
5,407,170 Apr. 18, 1995 Lockable Equipment Hanger Assembly George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A hanger assembly includes a one-piece sheet metal bracket with a channel-shaped flange for hooking over the upper edge of the side wall of an associated cabinet. The bracket has a forwardly projecting, elongated channel formed therein and extending the length thereof with a plurality of holes therethrough for receiving the threaded ends of hook-like hanger members, which are fastened by nuts. The distal ends of the hooks have apertures therethrough. The hooks may be received through complementary openings in associated equipment, such as a creeper. Hanging articles are retained in place by a retaining rod having one end receivable through an aperture in one hook and having an eyelet at the other end for receiving the distal end of another hook. A padlock shackle may be received through the aperture in the other hook to look the retaining rod in place. Various numbers of hooks may be mounted on the bracket in a variety of spacings and arrangements.

    Lockable Equipment Hanger Assembly Ronald J. Kirsch Kenosha, WI  
    Lockable Equipment Hanger Assembly Charles H. Heiligenthal Kenosha, WI  
5,408,905 Apr. 25, 1995 Tiltable Ball-Type Driver Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A driver is designed for coaxial and non-coaxial driving of a fastener with a lobed drive recess. The driver has a part spherical drive head connected by a neck to the drive end of a shank coaxially therewith, the outer surface of the head defining circumferentially alternating lobes and valleys extending longitudinally in planes containing the driver axis. The head is shaped such that its longitudinal cross section in one of the planes through a valley defines a central part-spherical portion and frustoconical end portions substantially tangent to the central portion respectively at its opposite ends. The head is further shaped so that, in its transverse cross section, each of the lobes has a leading flank and a trailing flank shaped and dimensioned that the flanks do not define undercuts which would make molding of the driver difficult.

    Tiltable Ball-Type Driver Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
5,412,312 May. 02, 1995 Frequency and Instantaneous Voltage Level Meter Matthew M. Crass Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A volt/frequency meter includes LED arrays which provide bar-graph style meter displays of the instantaneous voltage and the frequency of a variable electric analog signal. Each LED in the voltage array corresponds to a predetermined voltage range and each LED in the frequency array corresponds to a predetermined frequency range. The meter is switchable among three different voltage scales and three different frequency scales. A separate LED flashes momentarily in response to the input signal crossing a user-determined limit set point which is adjusted through a knob on the front panel. The limit set point controls the operation of the frequency display such that the displayed frequency is the rate at which the analog signal crosses the limit set point.

    Frequency and Instantaneous Voltage Level Meter Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
5,425,289 Jun. 20, 1995 Bung Tool Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A bung tool has a cylindrical body with a four-armed drive portion projecting from one end thereof and a six-armed drive portion projecting from the opposite end thereof, respectively for engagement with different types of bungs. A drive member reciprocates in a square cross-section axial bore through the body, being manually moveable by a handle which projects radially through a slot in the body. The drive lug of an associated drive lever is receivable in the opposite ends of the bore for respectively driving the two drive portions. The drive member reciprocates among two recessed positions respectively spaced from the opposite ends of the bore to allow insertion of the drive lug therein and a drive position projecting from one of the drive portions for driving engagement with a bung cap.
5,426,371 Jun. 20, 1995 Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Glenn E. Salley Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to October 19, 2010 has been disclaimed.
Abstract
A battery and charging system tester includes an automatically-operated carbon pile for loading the battery, the pile having a shaft therethrough rotated by a stepper motor, and a compression nut threadedly engaged with the shaft for movement into and out of engagement with the carbon pile in response to rotation of the shaft for varying the compression of the pile and, thereby, the impedance thereof. Probes are provided for sensing battery load current and output voltage, and the output current of an alternator charging unit. A feedback control circuit including a microprocessor operating under stored program control converts the analog probe outputs to digital signals and compares the battery output voltage and load current to selectively variable references for controlling the stepper motor to vary the battery load so as to regulate either the battery load current or the battery output voltage to a predetermined reference value, depending upon the test being performed. A selectively variable timer controls the time period during which the battery is loaded. A display indicates the reference values, the values of the parameters being regulated and the state of the timer.

    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Sohrab S. Rameshk Milwaukee, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Dennis G. Thibedeau Franklin, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Ronald D. Geisler Kenosha, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Paul A. Willems Kenosha, WI  
    Automatic Battery and Charging System Tester with Motor-Driven Carbon Pile Loading Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
D360,344 Jul. 18, 1995 Screwdriver Handle Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Screwdriver Handle Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
5,437,212 Aug. 01, 1995 Ratcheting Screwdriver Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A ratcheting driver handle has a ratchet body press-fitted axially in one end thereof, the body defining a socket which receives a gear for rotation coaxially with the handle. The socket also receives two pawls respectively disposed above and at opposite sides of the axis and spring-biased into engagement with the gear. A selector cap rotates on the housing and carries a first pin for driving the pawls respectively out of engagement with the gear, depending upon the direction of rotation, to control the ratchet direction. A second pin on the cap engages an over-center leaf spring mounted in the socket below the gear for resiliently retaining the mechanism in either of the forward or reverse conditions. A driver bit has a flattened end which is received through an axial bore in the cap and into a complementarily shaped bore through the gear for rotation therewith, being frictionally retained in place by a retaining ring.
    Ratcheting Screwdriver Joseph R. Hoephl Greenfield, WI  
5,443,311 Aug. 22, 1995 Pull-Out Work Platform for Drawer Alois Kadlecek Bradford, CA Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A sliding work platform for a drawer includes a flat panel with depending side and rear flanges and a depending tray along the front edge thereof. The drawer side walls are respectively coupled to slide assemblies, each including a runner defining an upwardly opening channel. The platform panel spans the drawer side walls and the side flanges extend down respectively into the channels of the drawer slide runners. The length of the tray is less than the distance between the drawer side walls so that it nests within the drawer. The platform slides forwardly and rearwardly of the drawer between a forward position completely covering the drawer and a rearward position permitting access to the drawer.

    Pull-Out Work Platform for Drawer Kenneth J. Laver Richmond Hill, CA  
    Pull-Out Work Platform for Drawer Jack A. Parise Kenosha, WI  
5,448,932 Sep. 12, 1995 Composite Hand Tool Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
This is a continuation of patent application No. 07/913,221, filed Jul. 14, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,300 The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to December 21, 2010 has been disclaimed
Abstract
A totally non-metallic wrench formed entirely of fiber-reinforced plastic material includes a core of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material extending around the periphery of the core which are subjected to compression molding to form a composite wrench structure.

    Composite Hand Tool Paul M. Machmeier Racine, WI  
5,461,950 Oct. 31, 1995 T-Shaped Reversible Ratchet Tool Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A generally T-shaped ratchet tool includes an oblong handle containing ratchet mechanism and a shaft engageable with the ratchet mechanism and extending axially therefrom transversely of the handle for coupling to a driven member. The handle housing is formed of two identical plastic halves ultrasonically welded together for cooperation to define therein a cavity formation in which is disposed a ratchet wheel and a pawl, with the ratchet wheel being rotatable relative to the housing in only one direction about an axis. In a first embodiment a shaft is matingly engaged in a passage through the ratchet wheel and is retained therein for axial movement between first and second use positions, respectively projecting through openings at opposite sides of the housing. Detent means holds the shaft in each of its use positions and retains the shaft in engagement with the driven member. In a second embodiment a removable shaft has an engagement portion engageable in the passage of the ratchet wheel from either side of the housing, being held in place by detent structure. The ratchet wheel passage and mating shaft may be either square or hexagonal in transverse cross section, and the shaft may comprise a square driver or may define a bit-receiving socket.

5,465,196 Nov. 07, 1995 Portable Cordless Electric Utility Lamp Mark J. Hasenberg Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A portable cordless electric utility lamp includes a base having two parts which mate in an assembled condition to define an elongated handle which has a hollow distal end portion receiving a rechargeable battery pack. An elongated light-transmitting tube fits telescopically between cylindrical wall portions and retaining structures on the base parts for holding them together, being affixed thereto by screws. An elongated fluorescent bulb is plugged into the base and disposed in the tube. A cap closes the distal end of the tube and has a foam rubber cushion which seats against the distal end of the bulb for supporting and cushioning it.

    Portable Cordless Electric Utility Lamp Peter B. Rau Danville, IL  
5,485,769 Jan. 23, 1996 Square Drive Adapter Gene E. Olson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool combination includes a socket with a hole extending axially therethrough having a large square drive portion and a small drive portion and at least one shoulder between said large and small drive portions. In one embodiment the small drive portion of the hole is hexagonal in shape and a hexagonal bit has an application end and a coupling end, the application end being insertable into the hole from the large drive portion thereof. The coupling end is provided with a retainer in the form of either an enlarged head or a laterally projecting ear which seats against the shoulder, with the application end of the bit projecting forwardly from the bit end of the socket. In a second embodiment the tool combination is a drive adapter, the small drive portion of the hole being square in shape. A square drive lug is insertable in the small drive portion of the hole from the large drive portion thereof and has upset crimped corners forming projection ears to seat against the shoulder. A male drive element, when received in the large drive portion of the hole, retains the bit or drive lug in place.

    Square Drive Adapter Gerald A. Wridt Racine, WI  
5,495,783 Mar. 05, 1996 Reversible Ratchet Wrench with Direction Indicia Randall J. Slusar Greenfield, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A reversible ratchet wrench has a wrench handle with a circular ratchet head having a cylindrical array of ratchet teeth and receiving coaxially rotatably therein a drive body. A pawl is carried by the drive body for movement between forward and reverse conditions of engagement with the ratchet teeth, being retained in each of these positions by an over-center spring engageable with a pin on a reversing lever disposed coaxially with the drive body and retained thereon by a bushing and a screw for rotation relative to the drive body and the ratchet head for shifting the pawl between its forward and reverse conditions. Indicia on the bushing and the reversing lever cooperate to indicate the condition of the pawl.

    Reversible Ratchet Wrench with Direction Indicia Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI  
5,496,139 Mar. 05, 1996 Collet Lock Arrangement for Power Tool Anil P. Ghode Libertyville, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An improved collet lock arrangement for a hand-held power tool having a housing is provided. The collet lock arrangement includes a powered rotatable shaft including a base portion and distal end portion defining a collet for adaptably connecting a driver tool attachment thereto and a locking structure for securely locking the shaft to the housing to selectively prevent the shaft from rotating when in a locked position while allowing the shaft to freely rotate in an unlocked position. The locking structure has a locking sleeve coaxially coupled around the shaft for axial movement relative thereto between the locked and unlocked positions, a clamp nut fixedly connected to the housing, and a sleeve guide non-rotatably coupling the locking sleeve to the clamp nut. The clamp nut and sleeve guide are coaxially arranged for coaxially receiving therethrough the shaft and the locking sleeve. During axial movement of the locking sleeve from the unlocked position to the locked position, a portion of the locking sleeve is slidably matingly engaged between the base portion of the shaft and the guide to lock the shaft against rotational movement.

    Collet Lock Arrangement for Power Tool Martin S. Scolaro Racine, WI  
    Collet Lock Arrangement for Power Tool Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI  
    Collet Lock Arrangement for Power Tool Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
5,499,984 Mar. 19, 1996 Universal Modular Reamer System Anton J. Steiner Wharton, NJ Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A medullary reaming system includes a flexible, hollow, tubular shaft formed of a nickel-titanium alloy having one end coupled to a rotary drive and having the other end coupled to a cutting head by means of a male connector on the shaft engageable in a female connector on the head. The female connector is a tubular shank with diametrically opposed slots in the outer surface thereof, while the male connector has flexible arms with latch tabs engageable in the slots to latch the head to the shaft. A support has a plurality of notches for respectively storing cutting heads. The head shank is received in the notch with the notch edges received in the shank slots, so that when the male connector on the shaft is inserted into the shank the notch edges prevent latching of the head to the shaft until the head is removed from the support.

    Universal Modular Reamer System David A. Landspurg Kinnelon, NJ  
    Universal Modular Reamer System Robert A. Winquist Seattle, WA  
5,520,073 May. 28, 1996 Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Spinner and Ergonomic Handle Gerald R. Bakula Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Continued with patent #5,711,193.
Abstract
The ratcheting screwdriver comprises a handle with a working end and a reversible ratchet mechanism therein, the ratchet mechanism defining a bore which receives one end of an associated shank coaxially therein. A cup-shaped reversing member is coupled to the handle for limited rotational movement relative thereto and has an annular flange projecting a slight distance radially therebeyond and engageable by a finger and/or thumb of a user's hand which is gripping the handle for shifting the ratchet mechanism between forward ratcheting, reverse ratcheting and non-ratcheting modes. A cup-shaped spinner is fixed to the shank, the reversing member being nested in the spinner with the shank extending through a hole in the reversing member and into the ratchet mechanism, the diameter of the spinner being approximately the same as that of the working end of the handle for easy engagement by the gripping hand of the user to spin the shank relative to the handle. A spacer fixed to the shank cooperates with the spinner to limit axial movement of the reversing member.

    Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Spinner and Ergonomic Handle Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI  
    Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Spinner and Ergonomic Handle Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
    Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Spinner and Ergonomic Handle Gerald L. Socha Kenosha, WI  
5,522,288 Jun. 04, 1996 Reversible Ratchet Wrench Randall J. Slusar Greenfield, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A reversible ratchet wrench includes a main body, a drive gear housed within a gear end of the main body, and a pawl assembly housed within a pawl end of the main body. Further included are a reversing lever, a screw for securing the reversing lever to the pawl assembly, and a coverplate for retaining the drive gear and pawl assembly within their respective gear and pawl ends in the main body. The coverplate is coupled to the screw in a way which permits rotation of the reversing lever relative to the coverplate.

    Reversible Ratchet Wrench William A. Nurmi Racine, WI  
5,522,289 Jun. 04, 1996 Opening spring for pivoting hand tool Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A pivoting lever hand tool is provided with an opening spring which clips onto one of the lever handles and resiliently engages the other to bias the handles open. The spring has a flexible and resilient coupling channel which clips onto one handle and includes a plurality of flat panel sections extending end-to-end of the channel. A bias leaf is unitary with one of the panel sections and projects from one end thereof out of the plane thereof to engage the other handle, and terminates at a distal end which engages the one handle. The bias leaf may be provided along all or part of its length with single or double over layers, either laminated or folded over. The bias leaf may extend either away from the coupling channel or back along its length.

5,531,750 Jul. 02, 1996 Surgical Tool and Adjustable Locking Handle Therefor Alexander Even-Esh Edison, NJ Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An adjustable locking handle securely grips an associated surgical tool for fixing the tool to the handle. The tool has first and second coupling portions, while the handle has an elongated body with fixed and movable jaws thereon respectively adapted for engagement with the first and second coupling portions on the tool. The movable jaw is pivotally movable about a fixed axis between locking and unlocking conditions relative to the fixed jaw by means of a linkage including a locking lever pivotally mounted on the body and a release lever pivotally interconnecting the locking lever and the jaw. A cylindrical cam is disposed in a bore in the locking lever coaxially with the movable pivot axis of the lever, the cam being eccentrically mounted on a headed shaft on the body so that rotation of the shaft shifts the position of the movable pivot axis of the locking lever, thereby shifting the position of the linkage and the movable jaw in the locking and unlocking conditions thereof, to assure firm clamping of the tool, compensating for dimensional variations in the parts. A detent is associated with the shaft head to retain the cam in each of a plurality of rotational positions.

5,551,322 Sep. 03, 1996 Speed Wrench Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A speed wrench has a short jaw and a long jaw interconnected by a throat, the jaws respectively having short and long driving surfaces which are generally parallel but which may be very slightly inclined with respect to each other. The throat has a generally flat surface portion adjacent to the short driving surface and inclined at an angle of at least 120.degree. thereto and connected thereto by an arcuate recess in the short jaw. This generally flat surface portion may be slightly convex having a radius greater than twice the distance between the driving surfaces. The remainder of the throat is arcuate and is shaped and dimensioned so that it will not contact a fastener engaged with the driving surfaces. Open-end wrench and adjustable wrench versions are disclosed, and in the former the support surface portion of the throat has a length approximately one-half the side dimension of an associated fastener. In the adjustable wrench version, at least the long driving surface may be serrated.
    Speed Wrench Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI  
5,574,645 Nov. 12, 1996 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Emulator Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor emulator is used to emulate the operation of a properly functioning MAP sensor of the type under test. The test involves breaking the pneumatic connection between the vacuum hose from the intake manifold and the MAP sensor input, and breaking the electrical connection between the MAP sensor output and the vehicle on-board computer. The vacuum hose is instead connected to a vacuum probe input of the emulator and the electrical connection to the on-board computer is also connected to the emulator. Thus, the emulator is connected in place of the MAP sensor, and software in the emulator is programmed to provide a voltage or frequency output corresponding to various vacuum levels of a particular MAP sensor. Thus, the emulator can emulate the sensor and, if the engine operates properly in this mode, it indicates that the MAP sensor was bad, and, if not, it indicates that the problem may be elsewhere. The emulator can be programmed to emulate the MAP sensors of different automobiles.

    Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Emulator Ross A. Niemi Burlington, WI  
5,577,426 Nov. 26, 1996 Magnetic Bit Holder and Hand Tool Incorporating Same Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A hand tool has an elongated shank with a handle at one end and a bit holder at the other end, the bit holder including a cylindrical body having a distal end surface and an axis, the body having an axial bore formed in the end surface of non-circular transverse cross section and terminating at an inner end surface. A neodymium permanent magnet is freely received in the bore and retained against the inner end surface by a thin circular retainer, formed of metal or plastic, which is interference-fitted in the bore. Both flat, disk-like and concave, bowl-shaped retainers are disclosed. A shock-absorbing cushion may be disposed between the magnet and the inner end surface of the bore. A bit formed of magnetizable material is mateably received in a socket portion of the bore and retained in place by the magnet. The portion of the bore receiving the magnet may have a different cross section from the socket portion. The magnet may be disposed in an encapsulation which interference fits in the bore.
    Magnetic Bit Holder and Hand Tool Incorporating Same Frank Mikic Kenosha, WI  
5,580,137 Dec. 03, 1996 Tool Box and One-Piece Bottom Panel Therefor Jimmy Doan Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool box has an upstanding side wall structure which may have a front opening to receive one or more drawers, the side wall structure being closed at the upper end by a top panel and at the lower end by a unitary, one-piece bottom panel. The bottom panel has three parallel depending ribs deformed from the plane of a base wall, with one rib disposed along a front edge of the base wall and being unitary with an upstanding front flange with a rearwardly extending lip. Side flanges, spaced apart by the ribs, depend from each side edge of the base wall. In one embodiment a rear flange depends from the rear edge of the base wall and in a second embodiment a channel-shaped upstanding rear wall is provided. The flanges and rear wall of the bottom panel provide means for attachment thereof to the side panel structure and slots are provided in the bottom panel for attachment of casters.

    Tool Box and One-Piece Bottom Panel Therefor Alois Kadlecek Bradford, CA  
    Tool Box and One-Piece Bottom Panel Therefor Chan C. C. Jason Richmond Hill, CA  
    Tool Box and One-Piece Bottom Panel Therefor Charles H. Heiligenthal Kenosha, WI  
5,589,644 Dec. 31, 1996 Torque-Angle Wrench Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A torque-angle wrench is provided with a handle for applying torque, such as to a fastener or bolt, through a tightening angle, at a rotational angular velocity. A piezoelectric gyroscopic sensor device including circuitry for vibrating an oscillating body is coupled to the wrench. As the wrench is rotated through the tightening angle, its rotational angular velocity causes the vibrating body to alter its direction of vibration. The new vibrating pattern is sensed and converted, by appropriate sensing circuitry, into an electrical signal proportional in intensity to the rotational angular velocity of the wrench. The electrical signal can be electronically processed by appropriate conversion and display circuitry to provide a visual indication of the tightening angle. Such conversion and display circuitry can be integral with the wrench or as part of an adaptably coupled meter non-integrally connected to the sensor device.
    Torque-Angle Wrench Matthew M. Crass Kenosha, WI  
    Torque-Angle Wrench Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI  
    Torque-Angle Wrench Randy J. Niesen Kenosha, WI  
    Torque-Angle Wrench Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI  
5,595,099 Jan. 21, 1997 Stress Reduced Pinned Anvil and Socket Tool Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An impact power tool has a drive anvil with a square drive lug at one end thereof provided with a peripheral groove formed therein adjacent to its distal end. A socket tool body has a square socket receptacle mateable with the drive lug and defining flat planar drive surfaces. A bore extends transversely through the socket body and the receptacle substantially tangent to one of the surfaces so as to communicate with the groove when the drive lug is received in the receptacle while being retained in place by a pin receivable through the bore and the groove. Extension and adapter socket tools are disclosed.

5,607,215 Mar. 04, 1997 Stackable Divided Drawer Partition Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A drawer partition includes a molded, one-piece, plastic tray with a base wall and upstanding side walls. The side walls have laterally aligned and longitudinally spaced-apart dovetail-shaped grooves in the inner surfaces thereof slidably mateable with dovetail-shaped tongues at the ends of divider panels for dividing the tray into compartments. Pairs of ribs define slots on the side walls to receive end edges of the divider panels. Pairs of flexible legs on the bottom edge of the divider panel are snap-fitted into apertures in the base wall to lock the divider panels in place. The bottom outside edges of the side walls have longitudinal grooves mateable respectively with the upper edges of the side walls of another partition to facilitate guided longitudinal relative sliding movement of stacked partitions. Each tray has front and rear end portions which respectively have recessed outer and inner surfaces to permit overlapping nesting of the ends of longitudinally aligned partitions.
    Stackable Divided Drawer Partition Charles H. Heiligenthal Kenosha, WI  
5,610,327 Mar. 11, 1997 Knock Sensor-Triggered Timing Light with Visible Laser Retro-Reflecting Control Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A diesel timing light includes a flash circuit for flashing a xenon lamp in response to ignition events sensed by a knock sensor. A trigger circuit enables the flash circuit only in the presence of an enable signal, which is generated by a sensing circuit immediately before the ignition of the no. 1 cylinder. The sensing circuit includes a visible laser source which illuminates a patch of reflective tape on the engine flywheel just ahead of a timing mark corresponding to engine top dead center. The tape reflects the visible laser light to a sensor which generates the enable signal. The trigger disables the flash circuit immediately after the flash triggered by the first ignition event after the enable signal. LED indicators indicate when the photosensor is detecting the reflected beam and when the knock sensor is detecting ignition events.
    Knock Sensor-Triggered Timing Light with Visible Laser Retro-Reflecting Control Mark A. Hoferitza Kenosha, WI  
    Knock Sensor-Triggered Timing Light with Visible Laser Retro-Reflecting Control Matthew M. Crass Kenosha, WI  
5,611,521 Mar. 18, 1997 Power Drive for Cable Tightener Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A power drive for an elongated cable tightener having an elongated sleeve and a driven gear wheel supported on the sleeve is provided. The drive includes an outer frame having connected, and laterally spaced, elongated first and second outer side members, each outer side member having first and second ends, the second ends defining aligned outer notches opening longitudinally outward. The drive also includes an inner frame disposed between the first and second outer side members and supported thereby for movement between engaged and open positions, the inner frame having connected and laterally spaced first and second inner side members, each inner side member having first and second ends, the second ends defining aligned inner notches opening laterally outward of the side members, wherein when the inner frame is in the engaged position the inner notches are aligned with the outer notches whereby the sleeve may be disposed in both the inner and outer notches. The drive further includes a drive gear carried by one of the inner and outer frames and engageable with the driven gear to rotate the driven gear, and an actuator coupled to the drive gear for rotating the drive gear.

    Power Drive for Cable Tightener Frank W. Randle Kenosha, WI  
5,634,359 Jun. 03, 1997 Removable Core Lock with Latch Alignment and Limited Latch Rotation David A. Huebschen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A lock mechanism has a cylindrical housing with an axial bore therethrough, and a key-controlled core rotatable within the bore between locked and unlocked conditions and removable from and installable in the bore in the unlocked condition. The core has a plug at its rear end which is mateably engageable in a socket on the front face of a shifter, for rotating the shifter within the bore in response to rotation of the core, and thereby operating a latch member coupled to the shifter. A radial tab on the housing is receivable in an arcuate groove formed in the outer surface of the shifter for limiting rotation of the shifter to facilitate retention of the shifter in the single rotational orientation upon removal of the core from the housing. An O-ring on the shifter frictionally inhibits rotation thereof.

5,644,957 Jul. 08, 1997 Adjustable Wrench with Worm Locking Mechanism Eric T. Gustafson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An adjustable wrench having locked and unlocked conditions is provided. The wrench includes a wrench body including a fixed jaw, and a movable jaw slidably mounted on the wrench body. The wrench body includes first and second contact walls, the second contact wall having a wall cam surface. The wrench also includes an adjuster assembly including a worm gear on the body between the contact walls and threadedly engaged with the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw toward and away from the fixed jaw, and a locking disc disposed between the worm gear and the second contact wall and having a disc cam surface engagable with the wall cam surface of the second contact wall. The locking disc is movable by a user's finger between the locked and unlocked conditions, wherein the disc cam surface engages the wall cam surface in the locked condition for wedging the adjuster assembly and the locking disc between the first and second contact walls to substantially prevent rotation of the worm gear and movement of the movable jaw, the locking disc in the unlocked condition releasing the disc cam surface from engagement with the wall cam surface so that the worm gear is free to rotate.

    Adjustable Wrench with Worm Locking Mechanism Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI  
5,664,856 Sep. 09, 1997 Stackable Divided Drawer Partition Larry D. Pacetti Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A drawer partition includes a molded, one-piece, plastic tray with a base wall and upstanding side walls. The side walls have laterally aligned and longitudinally spaced-apart dovetail-shaped grooves in the inner surfaces thereof slidably mateable with dovetail-shaped tongues at the ends of divider panels for dividing the tray into compartments. Pairs of ribs define slots on the side walls to receive end edges of the divider panels. Pairs of flexible legs on the bottom edge of the divider panel are snap-fitted into apertures in the base wall to lock the divider panels in place. The bottom outside edges of the side walls have longitudinal grooves mateable respectively with the upper edges of the side walls of another partition to facilitate guided longitudinal relative sliding movement of stacked partitions. Each tray has front and rear end portions which respectively have recessed outer and inner surfaces to permit overlapping nesting of the ends of longitudinally aligned partitions.

5,677,632 Oct. 14, 1997 Automatic Calibration for a Capacitive Pickup Circuit Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A calibrating pickup circuit detects, using primary and secondary pickups, the primary and secondary voltages of an ignition coil of known turns ratio. The pickup circuit includes a programmable gain amplifier, responsive to the detected secondary voltage waveform signal and to a gain control feedback signal for generating an amplified secondary voltage waveform signal wherein the feedback signal has an initial predetermined value in calibration mode and has a calibration value in signal monitor mode. A waveform multiplexing circuit is selectively operable in calibration mode to alternately sample the primary and the amplified secondary voltage waveform signals over a predetermined period to generate a single interlaced waveform signal. Waveform comparison is then performed by evaluating the single interlaced waveform signal and a secondary-to-primary ratio calculated representative of the signal strength difference between analogous portions of the primary and the amplified secondary voltage waveform signals A calibration value is then determined on the basis of the secondary-to-primary ratio and the known turns ratio of the ignition coil.

5,680,311 Oct. 21, 1997 Long Term Firing and Spark Display Dale A. Trsar Mount Prospect, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An engine analyzer for plotting engine cylinder firing or spark voltage information, corresponding to distinct points of a cylinder firing waveform, in histograph form to assist in identifying a cylinder-misfire condition. In an illustrative embodiment, two traces are provided. The lower trace depicts a histograph, representative of the firing or spark voltage and engine speed of each cylinder over successive engine cycles. The histograph consists of successive pairs of adjacent, vertical histo-bars, each pair representing voltage and engine speed for a single cylinder. The first histo-bar in each pair represents the spark or firing voltage for a given cylinder and the second histo-bar represents the instantaneous engine speed measured over the duration of the given cylinder. The vertical histo-bar pairs are plotted sequentially from left to right, representing successive cylinder firings. The vertical histo-bars may be of one or more colors so that the associated plot for a given cylinder of interest is easily identified. The histographs are available in both live and freeze mode. An upper trace displays primary or secondary waveforms for one or more selected cylinders.

    Long Term Firing and Spark Display Yosuf M. Taraki Evanston, IL  
5,711,193 Jan. 27, 1998 Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Improved Reversing Ring Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 395,063, filed Feb. 27, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,073, issued May 28, 1996, and entitled "Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Spinner and Ergonomic Handle
Abstract
The ratcheting screwdriver comprises a handle with a working end and a reversible ratchet mechanism therein, the ratchet mechanism defining a bore which receives one end of an associated shank coaxially therein. A cup-shaped spinner is fixed to the shank and a cup-shaped reversing member is nested in the spinner and is coupled to the ratchet mechanism and has an annular flange engageable by a finger and/or thumb of a user's hand which is gripping the handle for shifting the ratchet mechanism among forward ratcheting, reversing ratcheting and non-ratcheting modes. The outer peripheral surface of the annular flange has circumferentially alternating arcuate recesses and serrated frictional griping regions. In several embodiments, at least one of the serrated regions is in the form of a raised lobe which projects radially outwardly beyond the remainder of the flange surface and radially beyond the working end of the handle, the lobe having an arcuate outer surface with serrations extending along the sloping sides and along the crest of the surface. At least one such lobe is preferably positioned along the top of the handle and the lobes may have axial extents greater than that of the remainder of the annular flange.
    Reversible Ratcheting Screwdriver with Improved Reversing Ring Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
5,713,251 Feb. 03, 1998 Composite Box Wrench with Ratchet Module Insert Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A double-ended ratcheting box end wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with box-type ratcheting inserts molded at opposite ends of the body. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material. The body is subjected to a compression molding process embedded within which are the ratcheting inserts to form a composite wrench structure. Each insert includes a two-part housing in which are disposed a ratchet gear, a pawl and a bias spring.

    Composite Box Wrench with Ratchet Module Insert Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI  
    Composite Box Wrench with Ratchet Module Insert George Ulics Gladwin, MI  
5,713,252 Feb. 03, 1998 Ergonomic Multi-Tool Handle Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A hand tool is provided having a handle which includes a generally triangular body having first, second and third vertices and first, second and third sides and is adapted to fit readily in the hand of a user. The handle also includes three tubular tool holding arms for respectively holding three tool units. The tool holding arms project laterally outwardly from the sides and are spaced from adjacent vertices. In one embodiment, the tool units have L-shaped attachment portions enclosed in the handle body. In another embodiment, the tool units are socketed in a hub around which the handle is molded.

    Ergonomic Multi-Tool Handle Mark J. Hasenberg Kenosha, WI  
5,716,231 Feb. 10, 1998 Sensor Breakout Lead Michael B. Meeker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A breakout lead includes a length of insulated conductor having a bare uninsulated portion, and an insulating tubular sleeve coaxially and frictionally fitted around said insulated conductor and slidably movable therealong for covering and uncovering the bare insulated portion. Male and female terminals are respectively connected to the ends of the conductor length and are preferably covered by insulating boots.

    Sensor Breakout Lead Gary S. Wollert Kenosha, WI  
5,718,028 Feb. 17, 1998 Bicycle crank arm puller Mark J. Hasenberg Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for removing a pedal crank arm from a bicycle axle end, wherein the axle end is received in a bore in the crank arm. The apparatus includes a tubular insert receivable in the bore of the crank arm and adapted to be fixed to the crank arm and a pressure screw receivable coaxially through the insert in threaded engagement therewith. The screw includes a bearing plug and a threaded member rotatably coupled to the bearing plug. The threaded member has a plug end and a drive end and a threaded outer surface portion in threaded engagement with the insert. The bearing plug has a bearing end frictionally engageable with the axle end to inhibit relative movement therebetween. The threaded member further includes coupling means on the drive end for removable coupling to an associate drive lever.
5,730,511 Mar. 24, 1998 One-Piece Drawer Front Jimmy T. Doan Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A one-piece front for a drawer is provided. The front includes a generally planar front wall having a top end and a bottom end, and an elongated drawer pull integral with the top end of the front wall. The pull includes an identifier support for displaying and supporting an associated identification card.
    One-Piece Drawer Front Chak Chung (Jason) Chan Richmond Hill, CA  
5,763,764 Jun. 09, 1998 Evaporative Emission Tester Daniel Mieczkowski Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An evaporative emission tester is used to evaluate the integrity of a vehicle's evaporative emission control system, including determining the system's purge capability. The emission tester performs a purge flow test to determine whether fuel vapor stored in the vehicle's evaporative canister and present in the fuel tank is being drawn into the engine for combustion at a minimum amount. The emission tester also performs a pressure test of the vehicle's evaporative canister purge system, which includes the fuel tank and lines. The emission tester can function as a stand-alone unit or as an integrated product with a host computer.

    Evaporative Emission Tester Mark J. Hasenberg Kenosha, WI  
    Evaporative Emission Tester Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Evaporative Emission Tester Matthew M. Crass Kenosha, WI  
    Evaporative Emission Tester Robert D. Braun Kenosha, WI  
    Evaporative Emission Tester Edward T. Gisske Mount Horeb, WI  
    Evaporative Emission Tester Donald J. Caldwell Milwaukee, WI  
5,773,978 Jun. 30, 1998 Battery Impedance Monitor Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A battery impedance monitor includes a driver section having an oscillator which produces a pulsating loading signal which controls periodic loading of the battery to produce at its output terminals a pulsating voltage component having a peak-to-peak amplitude superimposed on the DC output voltage of the battery. This pulsating voltage component is detected in a measuring section, which applies the battery output through a voltage divider to a peak detector which outputs an indicating voltage level proportional to the peak-to-peak amplitude of the pulsating output signal, this indicating level being held on a storage capacitor. The voltage divider includes a Zener diode which shifts the DC level of the battery output without affecting the amplitude of the pulsating component. The measuring section is electrically connected to the driver section only through the battery terminals, but the storage capacitor is coupled to the oscillator through a load resistor and an opto-isolator which provides a discharge path for the storage capacitor during each loading pulse, so that the detector can follow decreasing as well as increasing indicator voltage levels. A delay circuit delays application of the loading pulses to the battery so that the discharge path is removed before the end of each pulse of the battery output voltage.

5,788,252 Aug. 04, 1998 Ergonomic Handle for Rolling Manually Propelled Vehicle Kenneth C. Happ Burlington, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A wheeled, manually propelled vehicle with vertical support structure has an ergonomic handle attached to the support structure, the handle having a central section extending substantially horizontally in use and inclined sections which incline downwardly from the opposite ends of the central section and respectively terminate in curved end sections which curve toward the support structure and are integral for attachment plates for attachment to the support structure. The inclined sections facilitate grasping of the handle with an ergonomic arm position when a user is pushing the vehicle and facilitate maneuvering the vehicle around corners.
    Ergonomic Handle for Rolling Manually Propelled Vehicle David D. Curry Kenosha, WI  
    Ergonomic Handle for Rolling Manually Propelled Vehicle Nancy C. Rittmann Gasperi Racine, WI  
    Ergonomic Handle for Rolling Manually Propelled Vehicle Michael D. Schoenbeck Silver Lake, WI  
    Ergonomic Handle for Rolling Manually Propelled Vehicle Gary S. Wollert Kenosha, WI  
    Ergonomic Handle for Rolling Manually Propelled Vehicle James R. Piehl Kenosha, WI  
5,857,757 Jan. 12, 1999 Maximum Storage Tool Chest Bart K. Bieker Algona, IA Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool chest is provided which includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and two substantially parallel side walls. Each side wall connects the top and bottom walls. The bottom wall has an interior surface facing the top wall and an exterior surface facing away from the top wall. The chest also includes a pair of legs connected to the exterior surface of the bottom wall for supporting the housing on a support surface with the bottom wall disposed above the support surface, and a tray slidably supported on the legs. A drawer is supported on drawer supports which are connected to the bottom wall and spaced from the side walls.

    Maximum Storage Tool Chest Walter K. Krahenbuhl Algona, IA  
    Maximum Storage Tool Chest Kevin E. McGuire Bancroft, IA  
    Maximum Storage Tool Chest Adron S. Moen Emmetsburg, IA  
    Maximum Storage Tool Chest Henry P. Ricke Algona, IA  
5,894,767 Apr. 20, 1999 Spoke Wrench Gerald A. Wridt Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 08/616,624, filed Mar. 15, 1996 and entitled "Improved Spoke Wrench", abandoned.
Abstract
A wrench for a wheel spoke nipple is provided. The wrench includes a body having an axis and first and second axial ends, the first axial end having first and second engagement notches for engaging spoke nipples, and the second axial end having third and fourth engagement notches for engaging spoke nipples. The wrench may also include a central portion disposed between the first and second axial ends, the central portion having first and second radial engaging portions for engagement with a user's fingers or thumb. Each engaging portion having an inner radial end and an outer radial end. Each engaging portion also having first and second oppositely contoured concave faces disposed between the inner and outer radial ends wherein the distance between the first and second oppositely contoured faces of the first engaging portion increases between the inner and outer radial ends.

    Spoke Wrench Mark J. Hasenberg Kenosha, WI  
    Spoke Wrench Wendell J. Woodruff Monona, WI  
5,904,078 May. 18, 1999 Pliers with Flush Joint Bias Spring Eric T. Gustafson Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A slip-joint pliers has crossed pivoting levers joined at pivot portions thereof by a flat-sided bolt extending through openings in the levers and engaged with a nut, one of the openings being elongated and generally dumbbell-shaped to accommodate the slip-joint movement. The pivot portions of the levers have flat facing inner surfaces, in each of which is formed a single-level spring recess surrounding the associated opening, each recess having a peripheral side wall and a flat planar bottom wall extending from the side wall to the associated opening. A helical torsion spring is seated in the recesses and encircles the bolt and has tangent ends respectively engageable with straight bearing portions of the recesses.

    Pliers with Flush Joint Bias Spring Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
5,911,409 Jun. 15, 1999 Barge Ratchet Driver with Reaction Bars Donald D. Grover Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A power drive assembly is provided for an elongated turn buckle-type cable tightener having an elongated sleeve with a driven gear wheel on it, and two loop-defining cable and anchors respectively threadedly engaged in its opposite ends. A drive unit is adapted to be coupled to the sleeve and has a motor-driven gear engageable with the driven gear for rotating the sleeve. Two right-angle reaction bars couple the frame of the drive unit to the cable anchors each reaction bar having one end slidably received in openings in the drive unit frame and another and received through the loop of the associated cable anchor.

5,921,158 Jul. 13, 1999 Sealed Reversible Ratchet Wrench Randall J. Slusar Greenfield, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A reversible ratchet wrench includes a ratchet body having a round head portion with a cylindrical, internally toothed opening therethrough forming a ratchet gear and defining a cavity. A ratchet mechanism, including a drive body, a pawl assembly and a reversing member, is disposed in the cavity, with the reversing member secured to the drive body for confining the pawl assembly therebetween. The head of the ratchet body has annular shoulder surfaces thereon respectively at opposite ends of and coaxial with the cavity, and respectively facing annular shoulder surfaces on the drive body and reversing member, for cooperation therewith to define first and second annular spaces, in which are respectively disposed annular seal members, each having a pair of radially inwardly extending and axially diverging flexible and resilient lips, respectively engageable with the shoulder surfaces defining the associated space for cooperation therewith to seal the cavity and center the ratchet mechanism on the head.

    Sealed Reversible Ratchet Wrench Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI  
5,950,507 Sep. 14, 1999 Socket Adapter for Powered Drills and Method of Use James P. Wolfe Yalesville, CT John H. Crozier - patent attorney
Abstract
In a preferred embodiment, an adapter to permit a socket to be driven by a powered drill to rotate the socket, the socket having a first opening defined at one end thereof for the insertion thereinto of complementarily shaped end of a driving tool and a second opening defined at another end thereof for the placement of the second end over a complementarily shaped portion of a first object to be driven, the first and second openings of the body being coaxial, the adapter including: a body; a first end of the body having a shape complementary to that of the first opening of the socket; a second end of the body having a shape suitable for insertion into a chuck mechanism of the powered drill; and the first and second ends being coaxial; whereby: when the first end of the body is inserted into the first opening of the socket, the second end of the body is inserted into the chuck mechanism of the powered drill, and the second opening of the socket is placed over the complementarily shaped portion of the first object, selective rotation of the powered drill will cause the first object to be advanced into or withdrawn from a second object.

5,973,274 Oct. 26, 1999 Vehicle Weighing System for Dynamometer Richard R. Zarchy Crystal Lake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A dynamometer, which includes a frictional drive assembly for engaging a pair of vehicle tires, and a lift assembly including two air bags for respectively lifting the vehicle tires and the associated portion of the vehicle to a raised position out of engagement with the drive assembly, has a controller operating under stored program control and pressure sensors connected to the controller and in fluid communication with the air bags. The pressures in the air bags when the vehicle is lifted are used to calculate the weight lifted in accordance with a straight-line functional relationship between air bag pressure and vehicle weight lifted for a particular type of air bag. A routine for calibrating the weighing system is also included.

5,970,826 Oct. 26, 1999 Composite socket with double inserts Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Continued with patent #6,126,882.
Abstract
A socket tool is formed primarily from non-metallic composite material. The socket tool body is compression molded of high-strength, glass-reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound. Metal inserts are respectively received in the driven and driving ends of the tool body, the inserts respectively defining openings for respectively mateably receiving associated driving and driven members, the inserts being disposed in the body so that no portion of the inserts projects outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the body. The inserts are preferably insert molded in the body, but may also be fixedly secured in pre-existing recesses in the ends of the body, as by press-fitting or bonding. In the latter case, the inserts are provided with anti-rotation outer surfaces which are non-circular in transverse cross-sectional shape.

    Composite socket with double inserts Marco E. DeVecchis Racine, WI  
    Composite socket with double inserts Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI  
    Composite socket with double inserts George Ulics Gladwin, MI  
5,979,532 Nov. 09, 1999 Versatile Tire Lever Gerald A. Wridt Racine, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tire lever is adopted for use in removing a tire having a bead from a bicycle wheel rim having a plurality of spokes disposed thereon. The lever includes an elongated body having an axis, and including a tire engagement end for engaging the bead of the tire, a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and walls projecting from opposite side surfaces defining engagement surfaces for engaging one of the spokes. The engagement surfaces have axial lengths greater than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces and forms an acute angle with the axis.

5,983,757 Nov. 16, 1999 Ratchet Mechanism with Laminated Parts and Method of Making Same Bernard G. Blise Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A laminated ratchet tool includes a laminated ratchet head defining an internal gear and a pawl mechanism carried by the ratchet head and including two laminated pawls arranged for ratcheting engagement with the gear teeth. Each of the laminated parts includes a plurality of plates arranged in a congruent stack and fixedly secured together, as by brazing. Each plate is formed by stamping and has plural orienting structures stamped therein, each such structure being a displaced portion which forms a recess at one side of the plate and a projection extending from the other side of the plate, so that the projections on one plate mate in the recesses of an adjacent plate to facilitate alignment of the plates. The ratchet head includes toothed inner plates which define the internal gear and untoothed outer plates which define bearing surfaces for the pawl mechanism.

    Ratchet Mechanism with Laminated Parts and Method of Making Same Edward S. Wahoski Kenosha, WI  
5,992,956 Nov. 30, 1999 Inclined Slide Assemblies for Vertical Drawers George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tool cabinet has a plurality of vertically-oriented drawers, each slidably supported at its upper and lower ends by upper and lower drawer slide assemblies, wherein each slide assembly is coupled between facing support surfaces on the drawer and the cabinet frame, which surfaces are inclined to both the horizontal and vertical in use. The cabinet also includes horizontal drawers and an access door. Each vertical drawer has a pegboard-type panel on which associated tools or articles may be hung.

6,000,888 Dec. 14, 1999 Quick Coupler Mechanism for Power Tool Bits Robert L. Hartman Milwaukee, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A pneumatic impact power tool has a tool body with a bit-receiving axial bore in its end surface. A cap is threaded on the end of the tool body and has an end wall spaced from the end surface to define a cavity and a lobed opening in the cavity matably receiving a like-lobed bit shank, the cavity being dimensioned to accommodate the lobes. Spring-biased balls project into the cavity from radial bores in the end cap to engage the shank lobes and bias them to a rotational position non-aligned with the opening lobes to inhibit removal. The cavity is dimensioned to afford a slight axial clearance to accommodate axial movement of the lobes. A cover on the end cap is recessed to receive the bias springs, retaining both the springs and the cover in place. The end cap has a annular channel communicating with an exhaust passage in the tool body and four exhaust ports in the end wall.

6,003,411 Dec. 21, 1999 Cam-Lobed Salvage Tool Robert L. Knox Shiloh, GA Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A salvage tool for removing worn, damaged or seized threaded fasteners includes a socket body having formed therein a fastener-receiving recess with an axis of rotation, the recess having a plurality of substantially flat planar surfaces arranged in a polygonal configuration and substantially parallel to said axis, with each of said flat planar surfaces having projecting laterally inwardly therefrom a fastener-engaging surface with inner and outer ends spaced apart in use substantially axially, each fastener-engaging surface being arcuate in transverse cross-section perpendicular to said axis and sloping away from said axis from said inner end toward said outer end.

    Cam-Lobed Salvage Tool James R. Wise Columbus, GA  
6,027,099 Feb. 22, 2000 Tip Valve for Pneumatic Tool Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A tip valve for a pneumatic tool includes a first valve member having a bore with a central axis and defining a valve seat about the bore and a second valve member having an engaging surface engageable with the valve seat to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. A stem is coupled to the second valve member and extends through the bore, with at least a portion of the stem being offset from the axis, and a valve operating member is coupled to the stem for movement between a closed position wherein the second valve engages the valve seat to close the bore and an open position wherein the second valve member is tilted from the valve seat to open the bore. A spring urges the second valve member and the valve operating member to the closed position. In one embodiment, the stem is bent and in another it is straight but eccentrically mounted on the second valve member.

6,029,508 Feb. 29, 2000 Remote Portable Display Unit with Wireless Transceiver and Engine Analyzing System Incorporating Same Michael D. Schoenbeck Silver Lake, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
An engine analyzing system includes an engine analyzer unit having a CRT display screen for displaying display data based on parameter data received from an associated engine. The system also includes a remote portable display unit with a second CRT display screen and a display control keypad. Each of the analyzer unit and the remote display unit has a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The data displayed on the analyzer display screen is transmitted to the remote unit for display on its screen. By use of the keypad display control signals are transmitted from the remote unit to the analyzer unit for controlling the analyzer unit display and, thereby, the remote unit display.

    Remote Portable Display Unit with Wireless Transceiver and Engine Analyzing System Incorporating Same Mark A. Hoferitza Kenosha, WI  
D421,888 Mar. 28, 2000 Ratcheting Screwdriver Handle Mark J. Knapp Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Ratcheting Screwdriver Handle Joseph R. Hoepfl Greenfield, WI  
    Ratcheting Screwdriver Handle Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
6,043,575 Mar. 28, 2000 Power Tool with Air Deflector for Venting Motor Exhaust Air Anil P. Ghode Libertyville, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Abstract
A power tool is provided and includes a tool housing having interior and exterior surfaces and inlet and outlet air vents and a motor disposed in the tool housing and having a motor housing with an external surface and inlet air ports for the passage of cooling air into the motor and outlet air ports for passage of warmed exhaust air from the motor. The inlet and outlet air ports open at the external surface and the outlet air ports are spaced from the inlet air ports. The tool also includes an air deflector resiliently coupled to the external surface. The air deflector includes wall structures bracketing the outlet air ports. The structures have portions extending to and contacting the interior surface of the tool housing and bracketing the outlet air vents to form a barrier around the outlet air ports and vents to channel exhaust air to the outlet vents and substantially inhibit exhaust air from the outlet air ports from entering the inlet air ports or other portions of the tool.

    Power Tool with Air Deflector for Venting Motor Exhaust Air Martin S. Scolaro Racine, WI  
    Power Tool with Air Deflector for Venting Motor Exhaust Air Raymond D. DeRome Twin Lakes, WI  
D422,192 Apr. 04, 2000 Ratchet Handle Dale E. Cleveland Kenosha, WI Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
6,062,323 May. 16, 2000 Pneumatic Tool with Increased Power Capability Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson - patent attorneys
Abstract
A pneumatic tool includes a housing defining an air inlet and first and second exhaust passages and an air motor fluidly coupled to the air inlet and disposed in the housing. The motor produces exhaust air in operation and is fluidly coupled to the first and second exhaust passages. The tool also includes an exhaust valve carried by housing for selectively opening and closing only the second exhaust passage.

    Pneumatic Tool with Increased Power Capability James R. Brehm Racine, WI  
    Pneumatic Tool with Increased Power Capability Joshua M. Beer Racine, WI  
6,070,501 Jun. 06, 2000 Mini Ratcheting Screwdriver with Latching Swiveling Handle John A. Braun Kenilworth, NJ Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson - patent attorneys
Abstract
A ratchet tool has a ratchet body carrying a ratchet mechanism including a gear and a pair of pawls resiliently urged into engagement with the gear by spring-loaded balls. A handle is releasably received on a post which projects from one end of the ratchet body and is retained thereon by a spring-loaded ball receivable in a circumferential groove in the handle bore to accommodate free spinning thereof. A latching pin in the handle is selectively insertable in any of a plurality of recesses in the ratchet body to lock the handle to the body. A reversing sleeve is rotatably carried by the other end of the ratchet body for engaging the pawls to selectively control the direction of the ratcheting movement. The reversing sleeve has a tubular post which forms a part of an axial push-pull quick-release coupler for releasably retaining a bit in engagement in an axial bore of the ratchet gear.

    Mini Ratcheting Screwdriver with Latching Swiveling Handle Tomas B. Petruzzi Rockaway, NJ  
6,079,298 Jun. 27, 2000 Ergonomic handle and driver incorporating same Nancy C. Rittmann Gasperi Racine, WI Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson - patent attorneys
Abstract
A palm driver has a rotatable drive member and an ergonomic handle body connected to the drive member through a ratchet mechanism and covered by a cushioning grip. The handle body is asymmetrically curved and is substantially continuously convex along portions engageable in use with the user's hand, having a generally flattened top surface opposite the drive member and receivable in the user's palm, and a peripheral side surface which has a plan outline which is continuously convex and has a generally flattened heel portion and an opposed, much smaller radius finger portion, respectively engageable with the heel and fingers of the user's hand in use.
    Ergonomic handle and driver incorporating same Steven R. Wente Kenosha, WI  
6,082,177 Jul. 04, 2000 Nitric Oxide Enhanced Response Circuit for Gas Analyzer Jeffrey W. Niazy Lindenhurst, IL Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson - patent attorneys
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/059,523, filed Sep. 22, 1997.
Abstract
An exhaust emissions analyzer for an automotive internal combustion engine has sensors for detecting constituents of the exhaust emissions, including a nitric oxide cell which receives the emissions and outputs an electrical signal indicative of nitric oxide in the emissions. An R-C circuit is interposed between the output of the nitric oxide cell and processing circuitry for enhancing the response time of the nitric oxide cell, reducing the rise and fall times of the cell output of signal. A temperature-responsive switching circuit disconnects the R-C enhancement circuit above a predetermined ambient temperature.
    Nitric Oxide Enhanced Response Circuit for Gas Analyzer Christiaan Hoede , Netherlands  
    Nitric Oxide Enhanced Response Circuit for Gas Analyzer Robert J. Capiga Kenosha, WI  
6,082,468 Jul. 04, 2000 Interchangeable Grips for Power Hand Tools Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
Continued on patent #6,155,354.
Abstract
A replaceable, flexible and resilient grip is slidably fitted over a generally cylindrical handle portion of a power hand tool housing. In one embodiment, for use with a pistol grip housing with a separable end cap, the grip has a flange which is clamped between the end cap and the barrel of the housing and has lugs which fit in recesses in the barrel and end cap. The grip also has a strap portion which fits between the trigger and the barrel and a flange which fits in a groove adjacent to the barrel. In another embodiment, the tool has an air exhaust port adjacent to the handle portion and the grip defines an exhaust air passage alongside the handle portion, the grip being held in place by a retaining plate.

    Interchangeable Grips for Power Hand Tools James R. Brehm Racine, WI  
D428,787 Aug. 01, 2000 Jacket for Air Tool Gerald J. Smolinski Barlett, TN Emrich & Dithmar - patent attorneys
    Jacket for Air Tool Dale R. Landree Kenosha, WI  
6,109,141 Aug. 29, 2000 Biasing Structure for Ratchet Wrench Pawl William A. Nurmi Racine, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A biasing structure for maintaining a pawl in engagement with a toothed gear of a ratchet wrench is provided. The structure includes an elongated plunger having an axis, a pawl engagement end, a spring insertion portion having a free end, a central portion connecting the engagement end to the spring insertion portion, and an annular first shoulder having a shoulder diameter formed between the spring insertion portion and the central portion. The spring insertion portion is tapered from a maximum diameter at the first shoulder to a minimum diameter at the free end. The structure also includes a compression spring coupled to the plunger assembly and having a plurality of coils, wherein at least one of the coils has a diameter less than the shoulder diameter and is disposed about the central portion. A reversible ratchet wrench having a pawl and using the biasing structure is also provided.

6,113,200 Sep. 05, 2000 Compartment with Vertical Drawers and Structure for Allowing Only One Vertical Drawer to be Outside Compartment at a Time George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A cabinet is provided which includes wall structure defining an open-faced compartment containing a plurality of upright drawers or panels mounted in the compartment for movement from a first position totally within the compartment to a second position extending out of the compartment. The cabinet includes a lock bar movable between unlocked and locked positions, wherein in the locked position the lock bar prevents drawers disposed in the first position from moving to the second position and biasing structure coupled to the lock bar and resiliently urging the lock bar toward the unlocked position. The lock bar moves to its locked position in response to movement of a drawer to its second position.

6,125,722 Oct. 03, 2000 Ratchet Wrench with Sealed Reversing Lever Richard L. Hopper Jr. Kenosha, WI Seyfarth Shaw - patent attorney
Abstract
A reversible ratchet wrench has a ratchet body with a cavity receiving the ratchet assembly. A pawl-engaging reversing lever is insertable through an opening in the ratchet body from the cavity and has a flange dimensioned to be trapped between the body and the pawl. A seal between the reversing lever and the ratchet body is provided by an O-ring seated in a groove in the outer surface of the reversing lever hub. A cover plate closes the cavity and cooperates with the pawl and the flange to retain the reversing lever in place.

    Ratchet Wrench with Sealed Reversing Lever William A. Nurmi Racine, WI  
    Ratchet Wrench with Sealed Reversing Lever Charles H. Heiligenthal Kenosha, WI  
    Ratchet Wrench with Sealed Reversing Lever Kenneth E. Kessler Albion, IL  
6,126,882 Oct. 03, 2000 Method of molding a socket tool Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/698,782, filed Aug. 16, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,826.
Abstract
A socket tool is formed primarily from non-metallic composite material. The socket tool body is compression molded of high-strength, glass-reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound. Metal inserts are respectively received in the driven and driving ends of the tool body, the inserts respectively defining openings for respectively mateably receiving associated driving and driven members, the inserts being disposed in the body so that no portion of the inserts projects outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the body. The inserts are preferably insert molded in the body, but may also be fixedly secured in pre-existing recesses in the ends of the body, as by press-fitting or bonding. In the latter case, the inserts are provided with anti-rotation outer surfaces which are non-circular in transverse cross-sectional shape.

    Method of molding a socket tool Marco E. DeVecchis Racine, WI  
    Method of molding a socket tool Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI  
    Method of molding a socket tool George Ulics Gladwin, MI  
6,139,359 Oct. 31, 2000 Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Position Battery Pack Therefor John E. Fuhreck Racine, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A battery-powered driver tool has a tool housing with a socket-type coupler which receives a plug-type coupler of a battery pack in any of four different rotational orientations. Four keys on the battery pack are received in four keyways on the tool housing for non-rotatable engagement, the parts being retained by a split snap ring on the battery pack which cams past four cam shoulders on the tool housing, so that the parts automatically snap-engage and disengage in response to a simple push-pull motion. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series between positive and negative terminals which are designed to respectively engage positive and negative terminals on the tool housing in any of the four rotational orientations of the battery pack. The battery pack has a flat base surface, the parts being designed so that the tool/battery pack combination can be stood on the base surface in one rotational orientation of the battery pack.

    Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Position Battery Pack Therefor Joshua M. Beer Racine, WI  
    Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Position Battery Pack Therefor Robert L. Hartman Sioux City, IA  
    Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Position Battery Pack Therefor Dennis A. Nowak Greendale, WI  
    Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Position Battery Pack Therefor John A. Pierman Kenosha, WI  
6,141,608 Oct. 31, 2000 System for Dynamic Diagnosis of Apparatus Operating Conditions Paul J. Rother Grayslake, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/063,361, filed Oct. 28, 1997
Abstract
A diagnostic platform includes a processor, storage media and user interfaces, including a display screen, the processor being coupled to engine analyzer hardware and adapted to be coupled to a scanner for downloading data from vehicle on-board computers. The system stores libraries of information regarding vehicle identifications, drivability symptoms exhibited by vehicles, vehicle system and component tests and service codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits the user to input an identification of the vehicle under test and, in one mode of operation, displays a library of faults, such as symptoms or service codes, from which the user can select those exhibited by the vehicle, whereupon the system selects from the test library those tests pertinent to diagnosis of the causes of the selected faults and displays them in a hierarchically ranked order based on likelihood of successful diagnosis of the faults. The user can then select and initiate any displayed test. In other modes, the system initially displays one of the libraries of system or component tests, from which the user selects those deemed appropriate, whereupon the system highlights icons which can be selected for initiating pertinent test procedures. Selected test procedures may include links to the engine analyzer or scanner hardware or other appropriate test modules.
6,155,354 Dec. 05, 2000 Interchangeable Grips for Power Hand Tools Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/062,682, filed Apr. 20, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,468.
Abstract
A replaceable, flexible and resilient grip is slidably fitted over a generally cylindrical handle portion of a power hand tool housing. In one embodiment, for use with a pistol grip housing with a separable end cap, the grip has a flange which is clamped between the end cap and the barrel of the housing and has lugs which fit in recesses in the barrel and end cap. The grip also has a strap portion which fits between the trigger and the barrel and a flange which fits in a groove adjacent to the barrel. In another embodiment, the tool has an air exhaust port adjacent to the handle portion and the grip defines an exhaust air passage alongside the handle portion, the grip being held in place by a retaining plate.

    Interchangeable Grips for Power Hand Tools James R. Brehm Racine, WI  
6,158,526 Dec. 12, 2000 Reversible Impact Mechanism with Structure Limiting Hammer Travel Anil P. Ghode Libertyville, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Continued with patent #6,227,308.
Abstract
An impact mechanism, such as an impact wrench is provided and includes a motor, a shaft rotatable about an axis and coupled to the motor and having a first shaft groove with first and second axial ends and a hammer disposed about the shaft and having a first hammer groove. A ball is disposed in the first hammer groove and in the first shaft groove and couples the hammer to the shaft for relative axial and rotatable movement, with the ball moveable along the grooves. The wrench also includes a rotatable anvil for coupling to a load, a bias member resiliently biasing the hammer axially into engagement with the anvil and stop structure disposed along the shaft for engagement with the hammer to limit axial movement of the hammer away from the anvil so as to prevent the ball from contacting the second axial end of the first shaft groove.

    Reversible Impact Mechanism with Structure Limiting Hammer Travel Paul W. Griffin Kenosha, WI  
    Reversible Impact Mechanism with Structure Limiting Hammer Travel Raymond D. DeRome Twin Lakes, WI  
6,199,642 Mar. 13, 2001 Reversible Ratchet Power Tool with Synchronized Motor and Ratchet Control Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A reversible ratcheting electric power tool has a reversible DC electric motor having an output coupled to drive a drive shaft through a reversible ratchet assembly. The tool housing has a reversing mechanism which includes a manually operable reversing cap rotatable about the axis of the drive shaft for controlling the ratcheting direction of the ratchet assembly, the cap having a pair of projections which respectively engage the actuator buttons of two direction control microswitches coupled through an on-off switch to a battery. When the ratchet assembly is in a neutral or non-ratcheting condition, both microswitches are in a normal deactuated condition connecting both of the motor terminals to the battery negative terminal. When the selector cap shifts the ratchet assembly to a forward ratcheting condition, one microswitch is actuated to connect one of the motor terminals to the battery positive terminal, and when the selector is moved to a reverse ratcheting direction, it actuates the other microswitch to connect the other motor terminal to the battery positive terminal.

    Reversible Ratchet Power Tool with Synchronized Motor and Ratchet Control Joshua M. Beer Racine, WI  
    Reversible Ratchet Power Tool with Synchronized Motor and Ratchet Control Dennis A. Nowak Greendale, WI  
6,199,383 Mar. 13, 2001 Pneumatic Tool and Air Deflector Boot Therefor Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A combination pneumatic tool and protection boot are provided. The pneumatic tool has a housing and an exhaust port for transmitting exhaust air from the tool along a path. The protective boot is disposed about the housing and has a deflector disposed in the path of the exhaust air for redirecting the exhaust air. The deflector preferably deflects the air away from an area surrounding the workpiece the tool is engaging without creating back pressure in the tool.
6,199,457 Mar. 13, 2001 Quick Release Mechanism for Socket Drive Tool Jeffrey H. Hoff Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Daniel J. Garramone, legal representative for the estate of Frank Mikic.
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/076,995, filed May 13, 1998.
Abstract
A socket drive tool has an elongated shaft defining a coupling body at one end thereof with a square drive lug having a detent ball disposed in a recess therein and projecting from a face thereof. A link pin reciprocates in the body and has a cam surface at one end thereof engageable with the ball, the pin being spring biased to a condition holding the ball in a retaining position projecting from the recess, and movable against the spring bias to a releasing condition permitting the ball to retract into the recess. An opening in the body is generally oblong in transverse cross section and tapers from a wide outer end to a narrow inner end, and then tapers back out again a short distance from the narrow inner end. The link pin has formed diametrically therethrough a reverse tapered aperture which tapers from a narrow end near the wide end of the opening to an oblong wide end near the inner end of the opening. An actuator pin extends into the opening and through the aperture, being seated in the inner end of the opening, the outer end of the actuator pin projecting from the opening for manual access by a user to pivot the pin and thereby reciprocate the link pin. An outer lip portion of the opening has a width slightly less than an enlarged annular flange portion of the actuator pin to retain the pin in the housing.
    Quick Release Mechanism for Socket Drive Tool Frank Mikic, estate of (deceased) Lake Geneva, WI  
6,203,737 Mar. 20, 2001 Method of Making Composite Ratchet Wrench Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A ratchet wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with a gear insert molded therein and a ratchet mechanism mounted on the insert and retained in place by retaining rings. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material which are subjected to compression molding around the insert to form a composite wrench structure.

6,222,342 Apr. 24, 2001 Jump Start Battery Pack and Enclosure Therefor Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A portable battery jump start unit includes a portable, plastic, clamshell-type housing including a box-like open-top base and a box-like, open-bottom cover hingedly connected together for movement between open and closed conditions. A lead-acid battery is disposed in the housing, along with a state-of-charge monitoring circuit connected to the battery terminals and including a visible indicator viewable through an aperture in the housing. Cables are connected to the battery terminals and respectively extend through openings formed by cooperating notches in the mating edges of the base and cover, the cables respectively having clamp connectors at their distal ends which can be clamped onto posts projecting laterally outwardly from the sides of the base. A charger jack in the base is connected to the battery terminals for receiving a charger connector.

    Jump Start Battery Pack and Enclosure Therefor Michael R. Mowry Kenosha, WI  
    Jump Start Battery Pack and Enclosure Therefor Matthew M. Crass Pleasant Prairie, WI  
    Jump Start Battery Pack and Enclosure Therefor Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
6,225,972 May. 01, 2001 Oscilloscope Display with Rail Indicator Yosuf M. Taraki Evanston, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A digital engine analyzer includes an ADC which can become railed to clip an acquired waveform signal. The analyzer has a waveform display system which displays an indication of the rail level and the fact that a displayed waveform representation is clipped at the rail level. In one embodiment the rail level is displayed as a red line and the clipped portion of the waveform is displayed as a flat line substantially at the rail level. In another embodiment, the clipped portion of the waveform representation is displayed in red as a horizontal line at the rail level while the remainder of the waveform representation is displayed in green, and the rail level is otherwise not displayed.
    Oscilloscope Display with Rail Indicator Dale A. Trsar Mount Prospect, IL  
6,227,308 May. 08, 2001 Reversible Impact Mechanism with Structure Limiting Hammer Travel Anil P. Ghode Libertyville, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/265,054, filed Mar. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,526.
Abstract
An impact mechanism, such as an impact wrench is provided and includes a motor, a shaft rotatable about an axis and coupled to the motor and having a first shaft groove with first and second axial ends and a hammer disposed about the shaft and having a first hammer groove. A ball is disposed in the first hammer groove and in the first shaft groove and couples the hammer to the shaft for relative axial and rotatable movement, with the ball moveable along the grooves. The wrench also includes a rotatable anvil for coupling to a load, a bias member resiliently biasing the hammer axially into engagement with the anvil and stop structure disposed along the shaft for engagement with the hammer to limit axial movement of the hammer away from the anvil so as to prevent the ball from contacting the second axial end of the first shaft groove.

    Reversible Impact Mechanism with Structure Limiting Hammer Travel Paul W. Griffin Kenosha, WI  
    Reversible Impact Mechanism with Structure Limiting Hammer Travel Raymond D. DeRome Twin Lakes, WI  
6,242,921 Jun. 05, 2001 Alternator Testing Apparatus and Method Dennis G. Thibedeau Franklin, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
An alternator test apparatus includes a processor and solenoid drivers for controlling solenoids to selectively switch three discrete, fixed-resistance loads and combinations thereof in parallel across the battery terminals, while monitoring battery output voltage and alternator output current. The system automatically sequentially increases the load from zero to a maximum load and stores the maximum alternator output current and the load at which it was achieved. After application of the maximum load, the system returns to the load at which maximum alternator output was achieved and tests the alternator diode.

    Alternator Testing Apparatus and Method Craig Govekar Gurnee, IL  
6,252,378 Jun. 26, 2001 Usage Counter for Portable Jump-Starting Battery Unit Matthew M. Crass Pleasant Prairie, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of copending U.S. provisional application No. 60/175,363, filed Jan. 10, 2000.
Abstract
A usage counter has input terminals connectable to the terminals of a jump-starting battery pack. The counter has an IC comparator which generates an output signal when battery voltage drops below a predetermined reference level. If the output signal persists for a predetermined time period, indicating an attempt to jump-start an engine with the battery pack, an IC timer is triggered to output a count pulse which is inverted and then counted and displayed by an IC counter/display circuit. The usage counter circuit is powered by the battery pack and has a Zener diode which provides to the IC circuits a limited supply voltage which is unaffected by voltage spikes which might appear at the battery pack terminals. A capacitor maintains the reference voltage level despite momentary drops in battery terminal voltage.

    Usage Counter for Portable Jump-Starting Battery Unit Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
6,254,438 Jul. 03, 2001 Battery Side-Terminal Adapter and Kelvin Connector Bruce W. Gaunt Round Lake Beach, IL Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A battery connector (20) is provided that can be especially useful as a side-terminal adapter for use with a Kelvin connection. In one form, the connector comprises an insulator (70) sandwiched between an elongated first conductor (30) having a longitudinal axis and an elongated second conductor (50), wherein the first conductor and second conductor are slidably movable relative to each other. The first and second conductors respectively include first and second battery-terminal contact portions (38, 58) which are opposite each other and slidable relative to each other. A biasing member (48) biases the battery-terminal contact portions toward each other and a handle (90) is provided to exert a pressure against the bias to move the battery-terminal contact portions apart.

6,259,228 Jul. 10, 2001 Battery Pack and Protective Pouch Therefor Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A protective housing for a jump-starting battery pack includes a flexible sheet of multi-layered, electrically insulating fabric material including inner and outer nylon layers and a foam padding layer sandwiched therebetween adapted to be folded around the case of a battery pack positioned in the middle of the sheet and held closed by Velcro-type closures. Retaining straps secure the battery pack in place, one of the straps having stacks of secured-together folds positioned on opposite sides of the case to provide supports on which the connector clamps of the battery pack jumper cables can be clamped, with the cables projecting from the open top of the housing to serve as handles.
    Battery Pack and Protective Pouch Therefor Bryan L. Doyle Wadsworth, IL  
    Battery Pack and Protective Pouch Therefor Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI  
    Battery Pack and Protective Pouch Therefor Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI  
    Battery Pack and Protective Pouch Therefor Richard W. Prince Kenosha, WI  
6,262,559 Jul. 17, 2001 Portable Auxiliary Charging Battery Pack for Thin Metal Film Battery Power Pack Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A keeper battery pack includes a housing incorporating an array of series-connected alkaline battery cells coupled to a cable extending outside the housing and terminating in a quick-connect connector plug adapted to plug into the charger port of a portable lead-acid battery power pack ofthe type used for jump-starting automotive vehicles. The keeper pack is portable and can maintain the charge on the battery power pack during extended periods of non-use, such as during storage, transportation and the like.
    Portable Auxiliary Charging Battery Pack for Thin Metal Film Battery Power Pack Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
6,262,560 Jul. 17, 2001 Battery Pack Discharge Recovery Circuit Daniel D. Lionberg Milwaukee, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A charging circuit for a lead-acid battery pack includes a sacrificial battery with a voltage less than that required to charge the lead-acid battery and connected across the input terminals of a power converter, which boosts the sacrificial battery voltage to an output voltage sufficient to charge the battery pack. A processor operating under stored program control is connected across the lead-acid battery and monitors its voltage and produces an output signal when the voltage drops below a predetermined level, for triggering the power converter to apply its boosted voltage to the lead-acid battery for charging. The processor program ignores normal battery voltage conditions which occur during normal operation of an associated device powered by the lead-acid battery and will activate the power converter only when the lead-acid battery voltage has reached a significantly low level or has reached a low level for a sufficiently long period of time, to be consistent with a deep discharge condition of the lead-acid battery.

    Battery Pack Discharge Recovery Circuit Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI  
    Battery Pack Discharge Recovery Circuit Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI  
6,276,241 Aug. 21, 2001 Laminated Adjustable Wrench Robert A. Cornog Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/120,511, filed Feb. 18, 1999.
Abstract
The wrench comprises a frame having a head and a fixed jaw on the head. A movable jaw is movably carried by the head and movable toward and away from the fixed jaw. The frame, the head and the jaw are composed of stacked plates. Two of the plates of the frame respectively define frame ledges and two of the plates of the movable jaw respectively define jaw ledges. The jaw ledges respectively overlap the frame ledges so that the movable jaw captures the frame, thus preventing the frame from spreading or tending to delaminate under heavy load.

    Laminated Adjustable Wrench Christopher D. Thompson Milwaukee, WI  
6,297,646 Oct. 02, 2001 Electrical Tester for Small Motor Vehicles Curt W. Lang Cedarburg, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/050,742, filed Jun. 25, 1997.
Abstract
A tester includes a housing containing a passive test circuit including a plurality of LEDs respectively connected to terminals of a multi-terminal connector jack on the housing for connecting the tester, by means of an associated cable harness, between a keyswitch module and other electronic circuits on an associated vehicle to be tested. Different harnesses may be provided, tailored to different vehicles. The test circuit is powered by a battery on board the vehicle and includes indicators dedicated to checking to see if the battery is connected properly and if an associated battery charging circuit on the vehicle is operating properly. The remaining indicators check different circuits, depending upon the particular vehicle being tested. The test circuit includes override switches associated with certain ones of the indicators and a test switch for simultaneously energizing all of the indicators. A relay shorts two of the jack terminals until the tester is powered, the cable harness including a diode across those terminals which is normally shorted out and is placed in circuit when the relay is energized.

    Electrical Tester for Small Motor Vehicles Mark A. Glade Kenosha, WI  
6,318,216 Nov. 20, 2001 Composite Box Wrench with Reinforcing and Retaining Structure Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A composite box end wrench has a non-metallic body including a handle portion and at least one head portion which defines a fastener-receiving opening therethrough. The wrench includes strengthening and/or retaining structure which strengthens the head portion and can change the failure mode to confine wrench parts in the event of failure. In one embodiment each head portion has a fastener-engaging member insert molded therein along with a reinforcing plate which encircles the member and preferably extends slightly into the handle portion. The reinforcing structure could alternatively be a band extending the length of the wrench and encircling the fastener-engaging member (or members in a double-ended wrench). In a ratcheting version of the wrench the non-metallic body may be split lengthwise into two parts, each of which has reinforcing structure embedded therein, the fastener-engaging member being a ratchet gear which, along with an associated pawl, is disposed between the body parts. The parts may either confine or expose a peripheral portion of the gear, and the reinforcing structure encircles hub portions of the pawl and gear to the hold them together. The body parts may be secured together by various means, including pinning, ultrasonic welding and snap-fitting. The wrench body may be provided with an outer non-metallic sheath, in addition to or in lieu of the reinforcing structure, which sheath covers at least the handle portion of the body.

    Composite Box Wrench with Reinforcing and Retaining Structure Marco E. DeVecchis Racine, WI  
    Composite Box Wrench with Reinforcing and Retaining Structure Michael Q. Thompson Waukegan, IL  
    Composite Box Wrench with Reinforcing and Retaining Structure Stacy T. Spracklin Kenosha, WI  
6,394,566 May. 28, 2002 Workstation and Spring-Assisted Door Therefor George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A storage riser for mounting atop a work surface has an open-front wall structure including rear, side and top walls and a bifold door assembly for closing the front opening. The door assembly has an upper panel hingedly connected to the front of the top wall and a lower panel hingedly connected to the bottom of the upper panel for pivotal movement between a vertical, unfolded, closed position and a non-vertical, folded, open position disposed in the storage compartment adjacent to the top wall. Coupling brackets respectively project inwardly of the compartment from the opposite sides of the lower panel adjacent to its upper end, the brackets respectively carrying guide rollers which respectively roll in channel tracks on the side walls. Opening of the door assembly is assisted by gas springs, respectively disposed adjacent to the side walls and having cylinders pivotally coupled to the coupling brackets and rods pivotally coupled to the side walls adjacent to the lower end of the front opening.

    Workstation and Spring-Assisted Door Therefor Jack A. Parise Kenosha, WI  
    Workstation and Spring-Assisted Door Therefor Kenneth C. Happ Burlington, WI  
    Workstation and Spring-Assisted Door Therefor Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI  
6,411,096 Jun. 25, 2002 Scope Analyzer for Direct Ignition Engines Anthoni C. Carel , Netherlands Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
An engine analyzer stores acquired cylinder waveform data in circular buffers respectively associated with the cylinders in accordance with cylinder selection by the user, with each buffer including a plurality of storage cells respectively storing data for individual firing cycles of the associated cylinder, and simultaneously displays the waveform for a, single selected cylinder on one trace of a display screen and waveforms for all cylinders for which data is stored on a second trace, so that data can be acquired and displayed from direct ignition engines with the use of a single pickup lead connected to selected cylinders one cylinder at a time. Various display modes are possible, including a frozen mode in which all stored waveform data may be reviewed and displayed.

    Scope Analyzer for Direct Ignition Engines Tyrone J. Moritz Evanston, IL  
    Scope Analyzer for Direct Ignition Engines Yosuf M. Taraki Evanston, IL  
    Scope Analyzer for Direct Ignition Engines Dale A. Trsar Mount Prospect, IL  
    Scope Analyzer for Direct Ignition Engines Richard H. Shepard McHenry, IL  
6,427,563 Aug. 06, 2002 Insulating Composite Hollow Shaft Tool Gregory A. Zurbuchen Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
There is illustrated an electrically insulating hand tool having a shaft that is hollow along its entire length, a work-engaging insert received in one end of the shaft, and an electrically insulating handle connected to an opposite end of the shaft. The shaft has a unitary one-piece construction and is made from a composite material.

    Insulating Composite Hollow Shaft Tool Roger N. Wabalickis Kenosha, WI  
    Insulating Composite Hollow Shaft Tool David D. Curry Kenosha, WI  
6,512,361 Jan. 28, 2003 14/42-Volt Automotive Circuit Tester Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A circuit tester for both 14-volt and 42-volt automotive electrical systems includes a housing with a probe tip at one end and a ground connector at the other end. A battery-powered voltage detection circuit in the housing includes a plurality of comparators, each having one input connected to an input signal from the probe tip and a reference input connected to a tap of a tapped voltage divider providing plural reference signals having amplitudes respectively corresponding to industry-standard voltage levels, the comparators being arranged in two groups respectively corresponding to 14-volt and 42-volt automotive systems. Series-connected LEDs have their cathodes respectively connected to the outputs of the comparators, and are arranged for respectively being viewed through apertures in the housing arranged in two separate rows. The interconnections are such that only one LED at a time is illuminated, i.e., the one corresponding to the highest reference signal level which is equaled or exceeded by the input signals.

6,562,509 May. 13, 2003 Multi-use Lead-Acid Power Pack for use with a Cordless Power Hand Tool and Other Loads Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A multiple-use battery pack system includes a battery pack housing enclosing a lead-acid battery and a post portion projecting from the housing and adapted to be plugged into a cavity in an associated cordless power hand tool. First terminals on the post portion connect the battery to the tool circuitry when the post portion is plugged into the tool. When used for powering other loads, the post portion is plugged into a receptacle in an adapter housing, in which position either the first terminals or, alternatively, second terminals on the battery pack housing connect the battery to jumper cables on the adapter housing. Latch mechanisms on the battery pack housing cooperate with keepers on the associated hand tool for latching the battery pack in place thereon.

6,577,116 Jun. 10, 2003 Circuit Test Light Gary S. Wollert Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A circuit test light includes a reel-shaped housing formed of a light-transmitting material, with a light source disposed in the hub of the reel and connected to the proximal ends of two elongated test leads, the distal ends of which are respectively connected to connector assemblies. At least one of the connector assemblies includes a base connector and a plurality of adapter connectors selectively connectable to the base connector for use with different types of test terminals. The leads can be wound around the hub of the reel for storage when not in use, being retained in place by a suitable strap.
6,634,726 Oct. 21, 2003 Multiple Drawer Cabinet Allowing One Drawer Opened at a Time George R. Slivon Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
A multi-drawer device includes a first drawer and a second drawer, each carried by a housing, and movable between a closed position disposed within a housing and an open position extending from the housing. A first slide assembly couples the first drawer to the housing and a second slide assembly couples the second drawer to the housing. A ramp and follower are each associated with the first drawer and the follower is adapted to contact and slide along the ramp. A first blocking device is associated with the second slide assembly and coupled to one of the ramp and the follower. The ramp, the follower and the first blocking device all cooperate such that as the first drawer moves from the closed position toward the open position, the follower contacts and slides along the ramp, for moving the first blocking device into a locked position that interferes with the second slide assembly to prevent the second drawer from moving to the open position.

6,637,061 Oct. 28, 2003 Combination Tool Assembly for Bicycles and Method of Using Same Stacy T. Spracklin Kenosha, WI Seyfarth & Shaw - patent attorneys
Abstract
The tool assembly includes a main metal body with three sockets respectively receiving the short legs of three differently-sized L-shaped wrenches. In stowed positions, the long legs of the wrenches lie against one side of the body in a nested configuration, the uppermost wrench being engageable with a retaining tab on the body to prevent movement of the wrenches axially of the sockets. The wrenches are pivotally movable about the axes of the sockets to unstowed positions, wherein they are movable axially of the sockets to either a removed condition, separated from the body, or a locked condition seated deeper in the sockets and retained against rotation. Dovetail-shaped tongues on opposite sides of the main body are respectively receivable in dovetail-shaped grooves on tire levers to mount the levers on the body, one of the levers holding the wrenches in their stowed positions. An O-ring encircles the parts of the assembly to provide additional retention. Formed on the body are open-end wrench jaws, a box wrench aperture, and a hex wrench lug, as well as a chain pin removal structure and spoke wrench slots.

    Combination Tool Assembly for Bicycles and Method of Using Same Wendell J. Woodruff Walled Lake, MI  
    Combination Tool Assembly for Bicycles and Method of Using Same Gerald A. Wridt Racine, WI  
    Combination Tool Assembly for Bicycles and Method of Using Same Richard L. Hopper Kenosha, WI  
D488,363 Apr. 13, 2004 Open-End Wrench Head Bryan M. McGovern Kenosha, WI Seyfarth Shaw - patent attorney
    Open-End Wrench Head Glenn Kaufman Kenosha, WI  
6,792,830 Sep. 21, 2004 Unidirectional Ratchet Wrench Michael T. DeKeuster Racine, WI Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A ratchet wrench is provided which includes a handle having a head on the handle, a rotatable gear disposed in the head and having ratchet teeth, and a pivotable pawl engaged with the gear to allow ratcheting rotation of the gear in a first direction and prevent ratcheting rotation of the gear in a second direction. An obstruction is engageable with a cam surface at the base of the pawl in order to prevent the pawl from self-reversing.

    Unidirectional Ratchet Wrench Michael L. Foster Kenosha, WI  
6,796,190 Sep. 28, 2004 Electronic Torque Wrench with Flexible Head David D. Curry Kenosha, WI Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
An electronic torque wrench has a lever arm pivotally coupled to a head member which is adapted for coupling to an associated fastener for rotation therewith about the rotational axis thereof, a torque sensing device being disposed on the head member for movement therewith relative to the lever arm. Different embodiments are provided for different degrees of relative angular movement between the head member and the lever arm.
6,796,389 Sep. 28, 2004 Power Hand Tool and Removable Grip Therefor Daniel S. Pusateri Grayslake, IL Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A power hand tool body has a barrel with a depending skirt portion from which depends an elongated handle. Elongated grooves are formed in opposite sides of the skirt portion and extend between forward and rearward ends thereof, the grooves being part-cylindrical in transverse cross-section and having rectangular cross-section neck portions opening at the sides of the skirt. A hollow tubular grip formed of flexible and resiliently stretchable material has an end portion with part-cylindrical attachment members extending laterally and inwardly from opposite sides thereof so that, when the grip is slipped over the handle, the end portion may be stretched to insert the attachment members respectively into ends of the grooves for retaining the grip in place.

    Power Hand Tool and Removable Grip Therefor John A. Pierman Kenosha, WI  
6,805,029 Oct. 19, 2004 Extensible Speed Wrench Crowfoot Wrench Head Michael L. Foster Kenosha, WI Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
An extensible ratcheting-type wrench head for imparting torque to a fastener having a plurality of sides. The wrench head comprises a lug aperture for mateably receiving a drive lug disposed on an extension handle.
    Extensible Speed Wrench Crowfoot Wrench Head Michael T. DeKeuster Racine, WI  
6,811,232 Nov. 02, 2004 Lockable Sliding Drawer Tray Jimmy T. Doan Kenosha, WI Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A rectangular drawer has an upstanding partition extending between the drawer side walls and dividing the drawer into front and rear compartments. A rectangular tray has a bottom wall and upstanding front, rear and opposed side walls, the tray side walls having lateral flanges at their upper edges, slidably supported on upper edges of the drawer side walls for movement of the tray between an open and closed positions, respectively uncovering and covering one of the compartments. A key-actuated lock mechanism locks the tray to the partition in the closed position. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism is mounted forwardly of the tray and has a movable latch member movable into engagement in a slot in the partition and, in another embodiment, the latch mechanism is on the partition and the latch member moves into engagement with one of two different slots in the bottom wall of the tray, arranged so that the tray can be reversibly mounted.

    Lockable Sliding Drawer Tray Vincenzo Ditta Pickering, CA  
    Lockable Sliding Drawer Tray Jason C. Chan North York, CA  
    Lockable Sliding Drawer Tray Robert Steven Burns Bradford, CA  
    Lockable Sliding Drawer Tray Russell W. Carruthers Newmarket, CA  
6,851,341 Feb. 08, 2005 Locking Drive Tool Dean J. Iwinski Muskego, WI Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A drive tool is shiftable between locking and releasing configurations relative to an associated tool, the drive tool including a lock member moveable between a locking position and a release position relative to the associated tool, an actuator member moveable between a locking condition and a releasing condition, and coupling structure interconnecting the actuator member and the lock member. The lock member is tiltable to a latching condition which prevents its movement to its release position. In one embodiment the coupling structure is substantially rigid so that the lock member and the actuator move in substantially the same direction, and in another embodiment the coupling structure is flexible and resilient. The coupling structure may be fixedly coupled to the actuator member or may be loosely coupled thereto and biased to a rest condition.

    Locking Drive Tool Daniel M. Eggert Kenosha, WI  
    Locking Drive Tool Gordon A. Putney Lake Geneva, WI  
    Locking Drive Tool Kelly Converse Racine, WI  
    Locking Drive Tool Michael H. Opgenorth Colgate, WI  
6,983,656 Jan. 10, 2006 Method and Apparatus for Automotive Rim Edge Analysis and Corrective Weight Selection Guide William David Cullum Conway, AR McDermott Will & Emery LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A method of determining a type of corrective weight for application to an edge of a rim of a wheel for correcting imbalance of the wheel, including measuring dimensions of an edge of a rim of a wheel to produce measured dimensions, comparing the measured dimensions to actual dimensions of different types of rim edges, determining a type of rim edge the wheel has based upon the comparison between the measured dimensions and the stored dimensions, and indicating a type of corrective weight appropriate for application to the edge of the rim of the wheel based upon the type of rim edge determined.

    Method and Apparatus for Automotive Rim Edge Analysis and Corrective Weight Selection Guide Wen-Yu Zhou Conway, AR  
    Method and Apparatus for Automotive Rim Edge Analysis and Corrective Weight Selection Guide Frederick J. Rogers North Little Rock, AR  
7,089,127 Aug. 08, 2006 Integrated Battery Service System Dennis G. Thibedeau Franklin, WI McDermott Will & Emery LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
An integrated battery service system performs a plurality of services related to a battery, such as battery testing, battery charging, and the like. In addition, the integrated service system provides services to devices/components that are coupled to the battery, such as starters, alternators, etc. The integrated battery service system allows a user to abort a service and then resume the process from where the process was aborted. When conducting a service, the integrated battery service system determines a noise level caused by devices/components coupled to the battery. The integrated battery service system includes connectors configured to couple to a battery for receiving input signals, a processor coupled to the connectors, and a memory device coupled to the processor for storing control codes and operation history. The control codes, when executed by the processor, control the system to selectively abort a service in response to a user input. Since the memory stores operation histories, the processor may access the memory to retrieve data related to the aborted service and parameters obtained during the service before the process was aborted. The system reinstates the aborted service in response to another user input.

    Integrated Battery Service System Alejandro P. Brott Chicago, IL  
    Integrated Battery Service System Gary Jonker Kenosha, WI  
    Integrated Battery Service System Leonard Wisneski Kenosha, WI  
    Integrated Battery Service System Paul A. Willems Kenosha, WI  
    Integrated Battery Service System Alan D. Goetzelmann Wheeling, IL  
7,089,776 Aug. 15, 2006 Calibration Certification for Wheel Alignment Equipment James Dale Jr. Conway, AR McDermott Will & Emery LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A disclosed jig, for use in certifying accuracy of a vehicle wheel aligner, includes two axles of equal length having stub shafts at the ends of the axles and two adjustable side spacers for releasable connection to the stub shafts. Plates for mounting heads of the aligner system also are attached to the stub shafts. Stands support the corners of the rectangular jig formed by the connected axles and spacers. The aligner system measures parameters of the jig from the attached heads. A diagonal spacer of a predetermined length, may be used in setting the diagonals of the rectangular jig during assembly to be equal. In the example disclosed, the apparatus also includes a distance setting shaft for use in setting lengths of each of the two side spacers to be equal.

D530,166 Oct. 17, 2006 Electronic Torque Wrench Thomas P. Becker Kenosha, WI Seyfarth Shaw LLP - patent attorney
    Electronic Torque Wrench David F. Brekke Franksville, WI  
    Electronic Torque Wrench David D. Curry Kenosha, WI  
    Electronic Torque Wrench Brian J. Cutler Rowland Heights, CA  
    Electronic Torque Wrench Charles P. Davis Torrance, CA  
    Electronic Torque Wrench David Duvan Chino, CA  
    Electronic Torque Wrench Jaye Kurtovic Walnut, CA  
D533,759 Dec. 19, 2006 Dead Blow Hammer Richard L. Hopper Kenosha, WI Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Harold V. Stotland - patent attorneys
    Dead Blow Hammer Thomas Whalen Kenosha, WI  
    Dead Blow Hammer Richard Goergen Kenosha, WI  
7,182,147 Feb. 27, 2007 Tool Apparatus, System and Method of Use Brian J. Cutler Rowland Heights, CA Barnes & Thornburg LLP - patent attorneys
Abstract
A system, and a method of using a system, for controlled tool operation. The method includes providing a tool used in a force application such as a such torque application. The tool communicates with a controller which can communicate with the tool, and to a display in communication with the tool and the controller. The controller can be programmed with operational information about a tool operation. Information related to the operational information is displayed to a user during use. Service information including at least information about an amount of force applied during use is recorded and stored in the controller. Also disclosed is a computerized system for controlled tool operation which sends operational instructions to the tool before use and retrieves service information from the tool after use.

    Tool Apparatus, System and Method of Use David Duvan Chino, CA  
    Tool Apparatus, System and Method of Use Gary Keefe West Hills, CA  
    Tool Apparatus, System and Method of Use Denny Atkinson Pomona, CA  
    Tool Apparatus, System and Method of Use David R. Constantino San Diego, CA  

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