Work holders – Relatively movable jaws – Including constrictable loop jaw
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-22
2001-12-11
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Work holders
Relatively movable jaws
Including constrictable loop jaw
C081S064000, C081S003430
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328295
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to tools for aligning circular parts and, more particularly, to an alignment tool having an adjustable diameter band with sizing openings corresponding to a plurality of use diameters, said openings being engageable by a sizing pin.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Automotive transmission pumps typically include two parts, sometimes referred to as the body and the stator, that have a circular plan configuration and fastener openings to receive fasteners to bolt the parts to each other. After a pump has been disassembled, reassembly requires precise positioning of the two parts with respect to each other before the bolts are tightened so that the pump will properly fit into its casing to ensure proper installation of the pump. Conventional methods for aligning the parts tend to be cumbersome and time consuming. An alignment tool that is easier to operate is marketed by Southeast Worldwide Manufacturers. This tool provides relative ease of operation but has the disadvantage of being suitable for only a single diameter size of transmission pump. Since pump diameter tends to vary considerably from automotive manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model, maintaining a separate tool for each size pump is a significant disadvantage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a tool that is capable of aligning parts having a plurality of diameters. According to an aspect of the invention, the tool comprises first and second handles. Each handle has a gripping end portion, an opposite mounting end portion, and a mid portion between the gripping end portion and the mounting end portion. The mid portions of the two handles are pivotally secured to each other to secure the handles to each other. A spring biases the handles into a closed position in which the mounting end portions abut each other and the gripping end portions are spaced from each other. The tool also includes a band having a length extending between a first end and a second opposite end. The first end is secured to the mounting end portion of the first handle. The band has a series of openings extending therethrough and spaced from each other along the length. Each opening has a position chosen to correspond to a predetermined use diameter of the band. A sizing pin is carried by the mounting end portion of the second handle. The pin is positioned to engage any one of the openings. The handles are movable into an open position by squeezing the gripping end portions together to move the pin away from the first end of the band. This allows the band to be placed around two parts having a diameter essentially equal to the use diameter corresponding to the opening engaged by the pin. The series of openings and sizing pin enable the tool to align parts having a plurality of diameters.
A preferred feature of the tool is the provision of sizing indicia. The band has an outer face that forms an outer circumferential surface when the band is formed into a loop and the pin is engaging one of the openings. The sizing indicia are on the outer circumferential surface and represent a use diameter for each of the openings. This feature contributes to ease and efficiency of use of the tool. It helps a user consistently choose the right opening for a particular pump without wasting time correcting errors in choice.
In the preferred embodiment, the mounting end portion of each handle has a slide passage extending therethrough. The slide passages are positioned to receive the second end of the band therethrough. The band extends first through the passage of the second handle and then through the passage of the first handle to form the band into a loop. In the preferred configuration, the pin projects into the passage of the second handle.
Although the tool may be used for aligning parts of various types of devices, it is contemplated that at least its primary use will be in the alignment of the two parts of a transmission pump. According to another aspect of the invention, the tool has the characteristics described above. In addition, each use diameter corresponding to an opening is essentially equal to a diameter of a particular predesignated transmission pump.
REFERENCES:
patent: 627489 (1899-06-01), Ekstrand
patent: 1310232 (1919-07-01), Albaum
patent: 1521342 (1924-12-01), Thomas
patent: 1546977 (1925-07-01), Fletcher
patent: 3964115 (1976-06-01), Platek
patent: 01444216 (1980-02-01), None
patent: 2428505 (1980-02-01), None
Hail III Joseph J.
Pauly Joan H.
Shanley Daniel
LandOfFree
Alignment tool does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Alignment tool, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Alignment tool will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2600273