Edward E Gabriel

US Patent:

7258313, Aug 21, 2007

Filed:

Mar 24, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/809598

Inventors:

Edward Gabriel - New City NY, US

Assignee:

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. - Southport CT

International Classification:

F16M 11/24
B66F 3/16

US Classification:

248182, 248673, 254 97

Abstract:

A device for leveling an object on uneven or sloping floors. The device is comprised of a housing with a substantially hollow portion having a worm gear, a driven gear, and an elevation shaft with threads on at least a portion of the shaft's external surface. The worm gear operably engages the driven gear, which in turn operably engages the elevation shaft. When the worm gear is rotated in opposite directions, concomitant rotations of the driven gear cause the elevation shaft to move axially up or down, thereby providing leveling motions to an object to which the device is attached. A pad may be attached to one end of the elevation to prevent scratching the surface on which the object rests. The hollow portion of the housing is configured to provide at least one load-bearing surface such that no separate bearings are required with the device.

US Patent:

20070205342, Sep 6, 2007

Filed:

Nov 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/605566

Inventors:

Edward Gabriel - New City NY, US

International Classification:

F16M 11/24

US Classification:

248188400

Abstract:

A device for leveling an object with over-torque protection. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a housing including a worm gear, a driven gear, and an elevation shaft. The worm gear operably engages the driven gear, which in turn operably engages the elevation shaft. When the worm gear is rotated in opposite directions, concomitant rotations of the driven gear cause the elevation shaft to move axially up or down to provide leveling motions to an object to which the device is attached. In one embodiment, a torque-limiting mechanism includes a slip drive or clutch including (1) a drive member axially and rotatably disposed in the worm gear and having a first cam surface, (2) a driven member fixedly coupled to the worm gear and having a second cam surface complementary configured with the first cam surface, and (3) a biasing member urging the first cam surface into engagement with the second cam surface. The drive member is rotated by a manual or power tool to operate the leveling device. If the input torque required to raise or lower the object exceeds a predetermined limit, the slip clutch automatically actuates to prevent the worm gear from rotating to protect the leveling device.