Patents Examined by Chong H. Kim
  • Patent number: 7191871
    Abstract: A sub-gallery for leading oil to a cylinder head side of an engine is provided in a crankcase in such a manner as to be connected to an outlet of an oil filter and in parallel with a main gallery. A lubricating device is also provided to equally feed oil to each of portions to be lubricated in the engine, including the main gallery connected to a discharge port of an oil pump via the oil filter. This lubricating device sufficiently feeds oil to even the cylinder head side of the engine while avoiding increased pressure loss of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Nakai, Toru Oshita
  • Patent number: 7191684
    Abstract: A rotate mechanism includes a fixed frame unit, a rotating frame unit, a first bearing, and a prime mover. The rotating frame unit is rotatably coupled to the fixed frame unit and rotates about an axis. The rotating frame unit includes a first surface for receiving a machine tool element to be rotated. The first bearing is configured to exert an axially outward force on the rotating frame unit. The first bearing rotates about an axis that extends in substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotating frame unit. The first bearing is axially movable within a cavity of at least one of the rotating frame unit and the fixed frame unit. The prime mover is coupled to the rotating frame unit to effectuate rotational movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Jack E. Elder, Scott K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7188546
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal unit (10) for a vehicle whereby an accelerator pedal (11) is moveable from a rest or first position (15) through an idle position (17) to a second position (16) and wherein vehicle braking is caused to occur when the accelerator pedal (11) moves in the range between the idle position (17) and the first position (15) and the vehicle is caused to accelerate when the accelerator pedal (11) moves between the idle position (17) and second position (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Erland George Olofsson
  • Patent number: 7174998
    Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Pringle, Robert D. Keefover, Michael J. Halsig
  • Patent number: 7174996
    Abstract: Supplying fluids different in pressure from one end of a revolving shaft without providing a diagonal hole in the revolving shaft for supply holes for feeding hydraulic fluid and lubricating oil. The time for manufacturing and the cost of providing a hydraulic fluid feeder to the revolving shaft is reduced. A hydraulic fluid feeder includes a central hole provided on the centerline of the revolving shaft. Hollow tubes having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the central hole are concentrically inserted into the central hole and the central hole is partitioned. Either of the passages formed by partitioning functions as a hydraulic fluid supply passage for the hydraulic equipment and the other functions as a hydraulic fluid supply passage for another piece of hydraulic equipment or a lubricating oil supply passage for a bearing provided on the revolving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Tohru Nishi, Seiji Hamaoka
  • Patent number: 7171869
    Abstract: A left foot accelerator apparatus comprises a shaft housing secured to the top surface of one end of an anchor plate, a shaft rotatably supported within the shaft housing and a left foot pedal moveably mounted to the shaft between a left end of the shaft and the shaft housing, the shaft operatively connecting the left foot pedal to an existing accelerator pedal in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Marquis, Kim Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7168524
    Abstract: A system for improved collection and containment of fluids such as oils that commonly drip from an aircraft during service maintenance operations and during normal periods of storage. The system comprises a ground-supported drip pan incorporating a peripheral cutout adapted to accommodate a landing wheel of the aircraft to permit effective positioning under the engine. An embodiment for exterior use utilizing the weight of the aircraft to prevent movement of the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher L. Bemis
  • Patent number: 7163085
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing spent oil from an internal combustion engine and purging at least a portion of oil retained in an associated oil filter via air actuated valves in communication with a source of pressurized air. The apparatus has a waste receptacle and a venturi communicating with the waste receptacle for creating a vacuum therein. The air actuated valves include a timer to introduce the pressurized air to the oil filter for a predetermined amount of time to purge a portion of the spent oil in the oil filter into the internal lubrication distribution passage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: K. J. Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ram D. Bedi, George R. Blundy, A. John Van der Griendt
  • Patent number: 7152499
    Abstract: Ribs (19) are provided in a lattice pattern on an inner surface of an inclined portion (8) of a level upper (2) making up a first lever component, while first and second projecting portions (28, 29) for press fitting whose cross sections are L-shaped are provided on an inner surface of an inclined portion (12) of a lever lower (3) making up a second lever component. The arrangement provided is such that the first and second projecting portions (28, 29) for press fitting are respectively inserted into first and second inserting portions (22, 23) formed by the ribs (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hitoshi Koide
  • Patent number: 7146874
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided for a transmission actuating member, wherein the transmission actuating member moves to a plurality of transmission actuating positions for moving a bicycle transmission to a plurality of transmission positions. The shift control device comprises an operator attachment element that moves among a first operator attachment position, a second operator attachment position, and a third operator attachment position for causing an operation of the transmission actuating member. The second operator attachment position is disposed on a first path of movement from the first operator attachment position, and the third operator attachment position is disposed on a second path of movement from the first operator attachment position. The first path of movement is different from the second path of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7146877
    Abstract: A handlebar shock absorbing system for bicycles, utilizing a pair of side plates attached to a handlebar mounting bracket with rotational movement of a handlebar against a torsional spring. Where the handlebar can be adjustable for torsional spring force and/or for rotational travel and positioning of handlebar grips, either forward tilting, level or rearward tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Yen-Jen You
  • Patent number: 7140270
    Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a booster link, a support having a slot formed therein, a guide moveable along the slot, and a single lead screw and nut connected to the guide to move the guide along the slot. A brake pedal includes a brake lower pedal arm pivotally connected to the guide, a first pedal at a lower end of the brake lower pedal arm which is adjustable upon movement of the guide, and a brake link pivotably connecting the brake lower pedal arm with the booster link. An accelerator pedal includes an accelerator upper pedal arm pivotably connected to the guide, an accelerator link pivotably connecting the accelerator upper pedal arm to the support, an accelerator lower pedal arm pivotably connected to the accelerator upper pedal arm, and a second pedal at a lower end of the second lower pedal arm which is adjustable upon movement of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Smith, Srini Sundaresan, Akhil Mahendra
  • Patent number: 7134361
    Abstract: In order to suppress axial vibration in a crank system, prevent knocking sound, and reduce vibration noise, a flywheel (1) which is mounted onto the crankshaft of an engine (E) is made into a spoked form having an uneven number of spokes (5). This prevents the symmetrical bending that occurs with an even number of spokes, and divides the vibration mode in the peripheral direction. It is preferable that the number of spokes be seven. The flywheel (1) is mounted such that, when the pistons of predetermined cylinders #5 and #6 are at top dead center at the start of the expansion stroke, one of the spokes (5a) is positioned on the opposing side to these predetermined cylinders, which border the center of the crank (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Ninomiya, Susumu Tamura, Haruyo Kimura
  • Patent number: 7131350
    Abstract: A bicycle stem and front loading handlebar clamp having a pair of C-shaped cradles provided with handlebar contacting surfaces which have an edge to edge maximum extent in the direction of the handlebar greater than the inside diameter of the cradles and wherein the cradles are characterized by the absence of straight lines and sharp corners.. Handlebar clamping stress concentrations are reduced by the configuration of the contact surfaces and further by a configuration of a moveable one of the cradles somewhat in the form of a laterally elongated cross with smooth curves at the ends and at the corners of the cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Jas. D. Easton, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael McColligan
  • Patent number: 7127964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit, integrated in a pedal-box, for the determination of the angular position of a pedal lever (1), in the form of an inductive non-contact separation sensor, comprising a stationary sensor head (3) and a sensor element (4), moving with the pedal lever (1). The sensor head (3), oriented transverse to the pedal axis (6), is directed at the sensor element (4), which moves with the pivoting pedal lever (1) in the direction of the main sensor, such as to alter the separation. The separation of the sensor head (3) and the sensor element (4) influences the electrical signal generated by the sensor head (3), from the values of which, inferences can be drawn about the position of the pedal. Two adjacent pedal levers (1) are arranged on a common housing (5), each with one of the integrated sensor heads (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventor: Konrad Slanec
  • Patent number: 7121383
    Abstract: A wayside lubrication apparatus (10) for applying a lubricant (26) in response to the presence of a train (14) on the rail (14). To avoid excessive lubricant on the rail, lubricant may be applied in response to a second train only if a predetermined time period has elapsed between first and second trains. The amount of lubricant applied in response to the second train may be controlled by refilling a lubricant container (68) at a controlled rate. The application of lubricant may be terminated before a number of rearmost load cars (46) of the train pass the lubricant applicator (28) so that the quantity of lubricant remaining on the rail is reduced by the wheels (40) of the cars at the end of the train. This prevents the lubricant from reducing the traction capability of the drive wheels (38) of the next oncoming locomotive (16). Operation of the lubricant dispensing apparatus (22) may be bypassed by an operator-controlled bypass device (60) located on-board the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden
  • Patent number: 7117762
    Abstract: A rotatable handgrip shifting device (10) that is mountable on a bicycle handlebar and connected to a bicycle gear changing mechanism by a cable within a tube and reversibly operable at discrete shift points corresponding to the gears of the bicycle gear changing mechanism. The shifting device (10) includes a handgrip (34) rotatable about the handlebar, a spool (30) rotatable with the handgrip (34) and a housing (12) that secures the shifting device (10) to the handlebar. The housing (12) includes a gear display (18) denoting a plurality of discrete shift points of the gear changing mechanism. A flexible member (40) includes at one end a pointer (44) and a spool tab (42) at another end. The pointer (44) is reciprocally displaceable along the gear display (18) in response to rotation of the handgrip (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Florczyk, Marcus Auer, Christian Buettner, Hung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 7117976
    Abstract: A lubricating system is affixed to and rotates with a rotary drive shaft, and provides automatic lubrication of the rotating bearings of a universal joint or similar articulated juncture in the shaft while the shaft is rotating. The present system includes a series of conventional automatic lubricators which are affixed to the shaft by a novel bracket. The bracket components provide for installation from the sides of the shaft, in order to avoid any requirement to disconnect the shaft at one end to pass the bracket over the end of the shaft. Each component group securing each side of the bracket portions together is configured to closely balance the weight of one lubricator in a partially depleted state, in order to avoid any undue balance problems on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: S. Darrell Rowe, Thomas E. Daniels
  • Patent number: 7114411
    Abstract: A pedal adjuster for adjusting the position of pedals within a vehicle. The pedal adjuster assembly includes a frame member mounted to a support and a pedal arm pivotally mounted to the frame. The frame includes a pair of sides having slots to receive a clevis. The pedal arm is mounted between the sides and mounted to the clevis. A screw rod is actionable to move the pedal arm with respect to the frame to adjust the position of the pedal arm. The pedal arm angles forwardly and downwardly from the pivot point to adjust the pedal through a arc having a relatively linear adjustment path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: KSR Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Larry G. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7104159
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bicycle pedal and fastening shoe assembly (C), the pedal comprising a body rotatably mounted on an axle (3) and, at least on one side of the body a chain-wheel above the pedal axle; front abutting means (9) extending parallel to the geometrical axis (A) of the pedal at the rear of said axis designed to co-operate with a front abutting surface (26) of the shoe; a retaining member (10) mounted on the pedal, pressed by elastic return means against the rear of the shoe, and retaining means towards the top provided on the pedal to co-operate with a combined means of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Time Sport International
    Inventors: Alain Plassiard, Jean-Francois De Bast