Patents Represented by Attorney Thomas A. Meehan
  • Patent number: 6629832
    Abstract: Apparatus for molding an annular article, such as a radiator hose, from an organic material, such as an elastomeric material, the apparatus having a mandrel with an external surface against which an inner surface of the article is molded. The mandrel also has an end extension of reduced radial extent and an end cap is releaseably secured to the extension to provide a generally transversely extending annular surface against which an end of the article is molded. The end cap has a passage extending therethrough at a location adjacent to an adjacent portion of the extension and in a plane extending generally transversely to a longitudinal centerline of the article, and the shank of a generally J-shaped locking member is slidably inserted in the passage. The locking member is resiliently biased towards a position where a portion of the locking member disengageably engages an annular recess in the extension to lock the end cap in position relative to the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Crum Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Crum, V. Lincoln Hall
  • Patent number: 6481402
    Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser (10; 110; 210) in which a rotor (12; 112;212) that is secured to a rotatable camshaft is selectively advanced or retarded in position relative to a surrounding rotatable housing (14; 114, 214), the rotor having at least one outwardly extending vane (20; 120; 220) that is received in an inwardly facing recess (18; 118; 218). Pressurized oil is selectively delivered to one of an advance portion or a retard portion of the recess, and simultaneously withdrawn from the other of the advance portion and the retard portion, by adjusting the axial position of an axially shiftable spool valve (22; 122; 222). The spool valve has a null position, and the relative positions of the rotor and the housing are positively locked in position when the spool valve is in its null position by a locking pin (48; 148; 248). The locking pin is resiliently biased towards a locking position by a spring (52; 152; 252), and is urged away from its locking position by pressurized oil from a source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Roger T. Simpson, Franklin R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6477999
    Abstract: A camshaft (126) has a vane (160) secured to an end thereof for non-oscillating rotation therewith. The camshaft also carries a sprocket (132) that can rotate with the camshaft but is oscillatable with respect to the camshaft. The vane has opposed lobes (160a, 160b) that are received in opposed recesses (132a, 132b), respectively, of the sprocket. The recesses have greater circumferential extent than the lobes to permit the vane and sprocket to oscillate with respect to one another. The camshaft phase tends to change in reaction to pulses that it experiences during its normal operation, and it is permitted to change only in a given direction, either to advance or retard, by selectively blocking or permitting the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid, preferably engine oil, from the recesses by controlling the position of a spool within a valve body (192) of a control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: George L. Markley
  • Patent number: 6453859
    Abstract: A variable camshaft timing apparatus (10) includes a pulse actuating circuit (24A,50,44,56,60,24R and 24R,52,46,54,58,24A) for oscillating the variable camshaft timing apparatus in reaction to fluid under pulsation, and includes a pressure actuating circuit (30,34,36,40,44,50,24A,24R,52,46,66,80/180,32 and 30,34,38,42,46,52,24R,24A,50,44,64,80/180,32) for oscillating the variable camshaft timing device in reaction to fluid under pressure. Advance and retard valves (44,46) are interconnected with the pulse and pressure actuating circuits for independently and simultaneously activating the pulse and pressure actuating circuits. Finally, an exhaust valve (80,180, 280) is positioned in fluid communication with the pulse and pressure actuating circuits, such that the variable camshaft timing device may be oscillated using one or both of the pulse actuating and pressure actuating circuits, and may be maintained in position using one or both of the pulse actuating and pressure actuating circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Frank R. Smith, Braman C. Wing, Marty Gardner, Mike Duffield
  • Patent number: 6250265
    Abstract: A variable camshaft timing system comprising a camshaft (36) with a vane (20) secured to the camshaft for rotation with the camshaft but not for oscillation with respect to the camshaft. The vane has a circumferentially extending plurality of lobes (20, 22, 24) projecting radially outwardly therefrom and is surrounded by an annular housing (28) that has a corresponding plurality of recesses (30, 32, 34) each of which receives one of the lobes and has a circumferential extent greater than the circumferential extent of the lobe received therein to permit oscillation of the housing relative to the vane and the camshaft while the housing rotates with the camshaft and the vane. Oscillation of the housing relative to the vane and the camshaft is actuated by pressurized engine oil in each of the recesses on opposed sides of the lobe therein, the oil pressure in such recess being preferably derived in part from a torque pulse in the camshaft as it rotates during its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6247434
    Abstract: A hub is secured to a camshaft for rotation synchronous with the camshaft, and a housing circumscribes the hub and is rotatable with the hub and the camshaft and is further oscillatable with respect to the hub and the camshaft within a predetennined angle of rotation. Driving vanes are radially disposed within the housing and cooperate with an external surface on the hub, while driven vanes are radially disposed in the hub and cooperate with an internal surface of the housing. A locking device, reactive to oil pressure, prevents relative motion between the housing and the hub. A controlling device controls the oscillation of the housing relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Roger T. Simpson, Michael Duffield, Marty Gardner
  • Patent number: 5950533
    Abstract: A web with an embossed surface with a plurality of lows separated by a plurality of highs is provided with a shadow effect by passing the web between a pair of counterrotating rollers, a backup roller for supporting the web on its reverse surface and an ink application roller for applying ink to selected portions of the embossed surface of the web. The ink application roller is formed of a hard elastomeric material and its outer surface is engraved to have a plurality of highs corresponding to and engaging the lows of the embossed surface of the web and a plurality of lows corresponding to and overlying the highs on the embossed surface of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Kildune, Hubert Perkins
  • Patent number: 5704868
    Abstract: A transfer case having a housing (10) which rotatably receives an input shaft (12). The input shaft is coaxial with an output shaft (14), a free end (14a) of which extends beyond the housing. A planetary sun gear differential (36) is contained within the housing, and the differential transmits torque both to the output shaft and to a sleeve (28) which coaxially surrounds a portion of the drive shaft that is within the housing. The sleeve, in turn, transmits torque to an intermediate shaft (42), which is spaced from and extends generally parallel to the sleeve, through a sprocket and chain drive (52, 54, 56), all portions of which are within the housing. The intermediate shaft terminates in front of and externally to the housing within a housing extension (48), which is removably secured to the housing by bolts (50). Torque from the intermediate shaft is transmitted to a forward output shaft (38) through a constant velocity universal joint (40), all portions of which are contained within the housing extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lindsey, Lance M. Tobey, Craig B. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5653407
    Abstract: A satellite stabilized about a roll axis, a yaw axis and a pitch axis, for travel on an orbit with geocentric pointing towards a heavenly body, embodying a body and a solar generator adapted to collect solar radiation, characterized in that the generator includes a single wing supported in a medium portion by an arm extending at least approximately along the yaw axis away from the heavenly body, the arm being connected to the body by a single rotation mechanism with a single rotation axis substantially parallel to the yaw axis, the wing having a constant inclination .alpha. to the yaw axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et Aerospatiale
    Inventors: Philippe Bertheux, Jerome Jarlier, Guy Darmon, Sylvain Le Muet
  • Patent number: 5636906
    Abstract: A composite vehicle wheel having a disk, a rim circumscribing the disk, and an ornamental metal-plated plastic overlay attached to the outboard surface of the disk. The overlay has a pair of oppositely disposed surfaces which form interior and exterior surfaces of the overlay. The interior surface mates with at least a portion of the outboard surface of the wheel while the exterior surface has a metal layer plated thereon. The overlay is formed from a relatively thin plastic panel such that the exterior surface uniformly and closely conforms to the outboard surface of the wheel and the metal layer is substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the outboard surface to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect to the wheel. The integrity of the metal layer is such that the overlay successfully meets corrosion resistance requirements for automobile manufacturers' original equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Lacks Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee A. Chase
  • Patent number: 5625240
    Abstract: Device for positioning a rotating body movable about an axis in relation to a stator body including a magnetic bearing and a locking/releasing device. The locking/releasing device embodies a plurality of clamps with pads adapted to radially grip a shaft of the rotating body. The clamps are articulated on the stator body about axial pins spaced from the rotational axis and evenly distributed in an angular manner about the rotational axis, and can be pivotally moved about the axis, by a moving control part between a released configuration in which the gripping pads are at a maximum distance from the axis and a locked configuration in which the pads are at a minimum distance from the axis suitable for inducing radial clamping of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Christophe Bernus
  • Patent number: 5623861
    Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder, especially for a spot-welding machine, has a sleeve valve mounted on the piston rod. The sleeve valve provides a venting valve for dumping pressure from a return chamber at the end of the forward stroke, and a progressive restrictor to close off a forward chamber and provide cushioning at the end of the return stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Savair, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Ward, David J. Trimmer
  • Patent number: 5621965
    Abstract: In very high speed adiabatic face milling machines whose operation provides a highly efficient machining process suitable for production manufacturing conditions, it is essential that appropriate fixturing is utilized to position and support the workpiece in order to induce added rigidity to the workpiece while reliably clamping and dampening each workpiece to enable machining to withstand small flatness tolerances. Accordingly, primary rests are spaced apart relative to one another to ensure that a stable platform is provided for each workpiece. Force inducement devices are strategically positioned along peripheral edges of the workpiece to selectively deflect the workpiece and thereby significantly add rigidity to the workpiece to better withstand the cutting forces associated with the milling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Manuel C. Turchan
  • Patent number: 5620285
    Abstract: A very high speed adiabatic face milling machine whose configuration and operation provide a highly efficient machining process suitable for production manufacturing conditions. The milling machine preferably operates at speeds of approximately 15,000 sfm and at efficiencies of approximately 7 cubic inches per minute per horsepower. The preferred milling operation is conducted without the use of cooling liquids, instead employing a chip removal system which enables the milling machine to operate truly adiabatically such that no heat is transferred to the workpiece or the cutter. The efficiency of the chip removal system is such that chip recutting is nearly eliminated and tool life is improved. The milling machine also includes an improved cutter structure, fixturing, and transfer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Manuel C. Turchan
  • Patent number: 5619887
    Abstract: A dry tuned damper (10) for mounting on an outboard end of a camshaft (C), the damper (10) having an annular housing (12) defined by inner and outer annular walls (14, 16) and an end wall (18) extending transversely therebetween, with a partition (20) extending diametrically between the inner and outer walls (14, 16) to divide the housing (12) into an opposed pair of compartments (22, 24). Shoes (26, 28) are positioned in the compartments (22, 24) and are biased outwardly against the outer wall (16) by a multitude of compression spring assemblies (30) each of which comprises a concentric pair of inner and outer springs (34, 36) trapped between the partition (20) and one of the shoes (26, 28) and slidably and retained by a pin (32) that extends through the partition (20) between the compartments (22, 24) and concentrically through the opposed pair of inner springs (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5615407
    Abstract: For exchange of information between an earth-station and a satellite in geostationary orbit, information signals addressed to the satellite are transmitted from the earth-station, and information signals from the satellite are received at the earth-station. Signals addressed to the satellite and the signals from the satellite have a common first carrier frequency. Signals addressed to the satellite are transmitted to an intermediate satellite with an angular offset from the satellite in geostationary orbit. The intermediate satellite retransmits signals laterally to the geostationary orbit satellite on a second carrier frequency different from the first carrier frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Gerard Barkats
  • Patent number: 5613308
    Abstract: A door brake assembly (20) to control the closing of a dipper door (11) on a shovel dipper (10) has a torsion bar (39) connected to the dipper door (11) by links (15, 32). A lever (48) on the other end of the torsion bar (39) selectively engages spaced snubbers (57, 58) to provide a braking (or damping) action to the dipper door (11) in the last portion of its travel to the open or closed position. The torsion bar (39) is mounted in journals (23, 24, 43, 44) on a base (22) mounted on the dipper (10). Usually, each dipper door (11) is provided with a pair of the brake assemblies (20) mounted in mirror image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Marlene J. Little
    Inventor: Alexander R. Little
  • Patent number: 5613688
    Abstract: An arrow having a shaft that has a forward end, an oppositely disposed rearward end, a central axis and a plurality of axially elongated vanes mounted to the shaft contiguous the oppositely disposed rearward end thereof. Each vane of the plurality of axially elongated vanes has a planar portion tangentially attached to the shaft and an extended fin portion projecting from the planar portion in a direction away from the central axis of the shaft. The undersurface of the extended fin portion defines an air channel for channelling air flow along the undersurface of the extended fin portion to generate a rotating moment about the central axis of the shaft to provide increased rotation and increased stability to the shaft and improve flight accuracy of the arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Richard F. Carella
  • Patent number: 5610751
    Abstract: An optical scanning device, for reflecting a light beam produced by a laser light source, having an entrance window; a rotatable scan optic having a reflective surface and a spherical exit window; the reflective surface of the rotatable scan optic positioned adjacent the entrance window and central to the spherical exit window such that the light beam successively encounters the entrance window, the reflective surface of the rotatable scan optic, and the spherical exit window surrounding the reflective surface of the rotatable scan optic, the light beam encountering and passing through the spherical exit window after being reflected away from the rotatable scan optic; the reflective surface of the rotatable scan optic circumscribed by a chamber defined by the entrance window, the rotatable scan optic device, and the spherical exit window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Speedring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Sweeney, Brian L. Tiffany, Thomas J. Vettese, Mark S. Maiberger, John M. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5610717
    Abstract: An interferometer delay line includes an optical payload displaced along a guide track under the control of a control device including at least one sensing device which senses the position of the payload along the guide track and a drive device acting on the payload. The sensing device includes a linear succession of fixed optical read heads parallel to the guide track and a graduated rule carried by the optical payload in any position on the latter facing at least one of the optical read heads. The sensing device also includes a synchronizing/switching unit causing a counter to count pulses from the heads in succession, the pulses representing distance increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Leblanc, Michel Sghedoni