General Dynamics has been granted a patent for a device that automates tool actuation. It features a piston subassembly with a movable head and rod, along with a holding subassembly designed to grip and compress the legs of a tool, enhancing manual operation efficiency. GlobalData’s report on General Dynamics gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on General Dynamics, Fuel transport marine vessels was a key innovation area identified from patents. General Dynamics's grant share as of June 2024 was 80%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Automatic tool compressor with piston and holding subassembly

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: General Dynamics Corp

The patent US12040582B2 describes a device designed for actuating a tool with two legs, featuring a manual gripping mechanism and an automatic tool compressor. The device includes a piston subassembly with a cylinder housing a movable head, which can shift between two positions. This head is connected to a rod that extends outward, while a holding subassembly secures the tool's legs. The first holding member is designed to hold the first leg of the tool, while the second holding member, which is fixed relative to the cylinder, holds the second leg. The design allows for the first holding member to move towards the second holding member, enabling the closing of the tool's jaws while the second leg remains stationary.

Additionally, the device incorporates an actuator subassembly that directs force to the piston head, facilitating its movement. The actuator can switch between engaged and disengaged positions, controlling the application of compressed air to the piston. When engaged, the actuator allows compressed air to pressurize the cavity, moving the head and the first holding member. Conversely, in the disengaged position, the actuator prevents air from advancing, allowing for pressure equalization. The device also features a guard surrounding the rod and includes biasing elements to maintain the actuator in the disengaged position when not in use. Overall, the invention provides a mechanism for efficiently actuating a tool while ensuring safety and stability during operation.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.