Patents Examined by Lawrence J. Staab
  • Patent number: 5083478
    Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle drive system, comprising an engine having an output shaft in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a power transmission gear unit including transmission input and output shafts having axes of rotation parallel with the engine output shaft, a final reduction gear rotatable about an axis parallel with the transmission input and output shafts, the transmission output shaft being in driving engagement with the final reduction gear, a gear housing rotatable with the final reduction gear, a main transaxle casing having enclosed therein the transmission gear unit, final reduction gear and gear housing, an auxiliary transaxle casing secured to the main transaxle casing, a first wheel drive gear unit to split driving power from the final reduction gear into two components and including a differential gear assembly enclosed in the auxiliary transaxle casing and operative to transmit one of the power components to a pair of road wheels, a second wheel drive gear unit enclosed in the auxiliary transaxl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 4800768
    Abstract: A transmission means for transmitting power between input and output drives in which a rack and pinion gear assembly and a cam adjacent the pinion cooperate with the drives to provide a variable gear ratio therebetween. The gear assembly includes inner and outer gear rack pairs, in which such gear rack pair has oppositely facing toothed rack portions which are spaced apart sufficiently to receive the pinion gear and cam therebetween, with an outer surface of the cam adjacent at least one of the oppositely facing toothed rack portions. Resilient connectors interconnect the end portions of each pair of toothed rack portions to as to permit limited resilient movement between the rack portions of each pair. A rotor engages the rack pairs to transmit that power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: 4N Developments Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce H. Kazuta
  • Patent number: 4794811
    Abstract: A new design for helical gearsets is disclosed in which the new gearsets meet all applicable ratings and standards of the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), and yet allows very substantial cost savings over prior similar gearsets having an equivalent AGMA rating. The gearsets of the instant invention generally are substantially thinner, and have fewer, but larger, gear teeth than the prior gearsets they replace. A helical gearset of the present invention includes a pinion and a gear, with the pinion and the gear having a plurality of teeth. Each of these teeth has a helix angle ranging between about 18 degrees and 33 degrees. The pinion and the gear each have a face width and a whole depth, with the pinion having 13 or fewer teeth, and with the pinion and the gear having a face width-to-whole depth ratio of about 4.5 or less. The axial overlap of the gearset ranges between 1.001 and about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Erwin R. Carrigan, Harold R. Johnson, III, Allyn E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 4793217
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a power transmitting system for an automotive vehicle, including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an auxiliary transmission which is connected to the CVT and which is automatically shifted from one of two or more forward drive positions to the other depending upon operating conditions of the vehicle. To control the speed ratio of the CVT, a target speed of the input shaft of the CVT is determined according to one of different relationships between the target speed and at least one variable such as a currently required output of the engine. The relationships are stored in memory, corresponding to the forward drive positions of the auxiliary transmission. The appropriate relationship is selected depending upon the forward drive position in which the auxiliary transmission is currently placed while the transmission shift lever is in an auto-shift or engine-brake position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunio Morisawa, Michitaka Kakamu, Nobuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 4791831
    Abstract: A motor and associated gear system share an extended shaft axial with the motor. A rotor and a driving gear are attached to the shaft. Such an integral gearmotor concept minimizes coupling and sealing problems associated with prior art coupled motors and speed reducers. Particular housing features further enhance integrated advantages of the invention. Also, a reduction in the number of separate parts and use of a shim technique for establishing the stator/rotor air gap of the motor reduces prior art manufacturing costs associated with high precision borings while maintaining the accuracy of critical air gap characteristics. The shim feature of this invention is also equally and generally applicable to the establishment of air gaps in motors other than the present integral gearmotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Behnke, Joseph E. Dickey
  • Patent number: 4791327
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a domestic vibration-type apparatus is provided, in which the rotor shaft (19) of a single-phase synchronous motor drives a cam-and-follower mechanism which converts the rotary motion of the rotor into a vibratory motion, the rotor and the stator having a main field direction (22) and (16), respectively. The longitudinal axis of the mirror-symmetrical cam extends at an angle to the main field direction (22) of the rotor. Rollers (31, 31a) which follow the cam (21) are arranged on a pivotal arm which is pivot about its central portion and a vibratory part (39) to be driven is arranged on the driving end (35) of this pivotal arm. As they cooperate with the cam the rollers are constantly in contact with the cam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corp.
    Inventors: Leo Bertram, Hugo Schemmann, Romuald L. Bukoschek
  • Patent number: 4788891
    Abstract: A planetary gear device using non-circular gears comprising a casing, an input shaft rotatably supported in the casing and driven for rotation by a drive source, a carrier fixed on the input shaft, an output shaft rotatably supported in the casing, a rotary body concentric with the input shaft and rotatably supported in the casing, and a planetary gear unit rotatably supported on the planetary shaft. The planetary gear unit integrally comprises a main driving gear and a driven gear. The planetary shaft is connected at one end thereof to the carrier and at the other end to the rotary body. Fixed on the output shaft is an output gear meshing with the driven gear. Fixed to the casing is a fixed gear meshing with the main driving gear. At least either the combination of the main driving gear and fixed gear or the combination of the driven gear and output gear forms a pair of non-circular gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignees: Japan Society for the Promotion of Machine Industry, Hikari Kosakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Katori
  • Patent number: 4782716
    Abstract: An anti-friction worm-wheel assembly wherein the anti-friction elements are ollers carried by the worm element. The rollers sequentially move through grooves in the edge surface of the wheel element to transmit drive forces from one element to the other. Aims of the invention are to achieve rolling contact of the anti-friction elements on the groove surfaces, relatively high load-handling capability, and a relatively simple low cost structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Erwin F'Geppert
  • Patent number: 4781071
    Abstract: A device for reciprocating movement, wherein a pair of drivingly connected gearwheels each has an outwardly extending stud that engages one of a pair of spaced, aligned slots in a transverse member. The transverse member is guided for movement by a pair of laterally spaced jambs that include opposed, respective longitudinally extending slots that receive the outer end portions of the transverse member. One of the gearwheels includes an axially extending concentric track that is circular and includes at least one gap or opening, and an electrical switch in contact with the track for regulating the operation of an electrical circuit that controls the rotation of the gearwheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Arturo M. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 4781664
    Abstract: A drive power mission system having a driving pulley, a plurality of driven pulleys, and the power transmission belt laid in a serpentine manner over the pulleys. The driving pulley and at least one driven pulley, which are in contact with the inner surface of the power transmission belt, have a plurality of V-grooves arranged circumferentially. The V-groove fits to ribs formed on the inner surface of the belt, and the remaining pulley or pulleys, which are engaged with the outer surface of the power transmission belt have a plurality of protrusions arranged in parallel and circumferentially. The protrusions engage the outer surface of the belt, which is flat, and the power transmission belt is an endless belt having a plurality of ribs arranged longitudinally thereof. The ribs are substantially equal in section along the widthwise direction of the belt and the outer surface of the belt is flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventor: Junji Imamura
  • Patent number: 4757722
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for transforming reciprocating/rotating motion in which the reciprocating member is continuously rotated unidirectionally so as to perform 360 degrees of rotation over the course of each cycle of reciprocity, into any number of simultaneous arcuate motions intersecting at predetermined angles. This mechanism comprises a ball rotatably mounted by a supporting element and centered on a line which is perpendicular to the path of excursion of the reciprocating member at the midpoint of the excursion, which line coincides with the axis of rotation of the reciprocating member at the midpoint position, and a linkage(s) provided to transfer the motions of the reciprocating/rotating member(s) to the ball. Points on the surface of the ball are thereby made to exhibit an infinite number of arcs which intersect a common point at an infinite number of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Marvin J. Glover
  • Patent number: 4757724
    Abstract: A rotary speed reducer, having the capability of infinitely variable output speed in the range from infinity to one, to two to one. Hydraulic pressure controls the output ratio, while the speed reducer is in operation. This mechanism operates by converting rotary motion from a motor to controlled reciprocating motion, which is converted to controlled rotary output motion.This operating principle is adaptable for use in a continuously variable automobile transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Runde
  • Patent number: 4754658
    Abstract: A reel mounting apparatus for a gaming device or other similar type of device wherein there are utilized a plurality of freely rotatable reels. Each reel is mounted in close proximity to each other reel. The periphery of each reel connects with a series of supporting wheels with there being a separate set of supporting wheels for each reel. One of the wheels, termed a driving wheel, is connected to a motor, which when activated, caused rotation of the reel. The driving wheel and one of the remaining supporting wheels are spring biased into firm contact with the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Leroy H. Gutknecht
  • Patent number: 4747319
    Abstract: An actuator causes an elevating motion of an output rod fitted around a threaded shaft as the latter rotates. A lock mechanism which prevents an unintended rotation of the threaded shaft or a brake which frictionally prevents such rotation is provided in response to the application of either compressive or tensile load upon the output rod when the output rod has been raised and held stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junshi Sakuta
  • Patent number: 4747318
    Abstract: This invention provides the provision of a motor, whose output shaft is fixed to a pinion gear, meshed with two mutually opposed driven pinion gears, each carrying a respective cam roller, which alternatively enter and exit a cam surface on a cam follower, which is fixed to a second shaft, to oscillate said follower and said second shaft, and a first sector gear which is fixed to said second shaft and meshed with a second gear, which is axially fixed to the rocking lever in the drive linkage of a machine gun. Alternatively, the first sector gear is meshed with a second sector gear formed on the rocking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Victor J. Forrester
  • Patent number: 4744259
    Abstract: A device for generating a unidirectional force comprises a rotary body carrying around its periphery a plurality of pivotal pendulum masses mounted on shafts parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary body. As the body rotates the masses are moved inwardly to a retracted position by a cam surface and then are free to swing outwardly at an abrupt end of the cam surface. Each pendulum mass is associated with a leaf spring which rotates with the rotatable body and carries a roller on an outer end thereof for engaging a side of the pendulum mass so as to bias the pendulum mass back to the retracted position. The spring thus acts to control the flinging movement of the pendulums as they move outwardly and to gradually return them to the retracted position for reengagement with the cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Oscar F. A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4744263
    Abstract: Face-gear transmissions have been used hitherto only for secondary applications, with little running hours and low loads. They form a type of underdeveloped angle transmissions. When analyzing said underdevelopment, it was surprisingly found that well-known gear theory had not been applied correctly. Especially the teeth-tip-height can be increased considerably in the region where the face-gear teeth have increased pressure angles, resulting in considerably increased loading capacity and meshing quotient, all based on meshing cooperation with standard cylindrical gears with either straight (spur) or helical teeth. The angle between the transmission shafts may be 90.degree., less or over, the shafts may intersect or cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Kuiken, N.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Kuiken
  • Patent number: 4742726
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a means of limiting the axial play of a motor shaft while dispensing with the use of an adjustable stop screw that has to be secured separately after it has been set. In particular, and apparatus is provided that can be used with automated manipulators. For this purpose it is recommended, according to the invention, that as a stopping element a single piece disk of appropriate thickness or a single piece disk stamped parallel to the motor assembly machine out of strip material, with an axially stamped depression of appropriate depth, is to be inserted rigidly in a pocket fixed in the housing. The invention is particularly well-suited for application in small motors with a shaft mounted on plain bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Adam, Paul Becker, Anton Heidenfelder, Olai Ihle, Werner Schilling
  • Patent number: 4741226
    Abstract: A substantially universal power feed for a drilling machine has a unique clutching arrangement whereby overloads are substantially eliminated. A further safety feature comprises a shear plate which functions to stop rotation of the power feed in the event of clutch malfunction or over adjustment of the clutch release spring. The power feed is also of the type that the feeders arbor may be rotated with the clutch disengaged from the motor so that the operator has a choice of using the power feed or manually feeding the drill without the necessity of physically removing the power feed from the drilling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Darex Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Bernard, William C. Christian
  • Patent number: 4739678
    Abstract: A four wheel drive automatic transmission, comprising: a speed-changing transmission unit; a front wheel transmission mechanism driven by the transmission unit and having a large driving gear and bearings for the large driving gear; a center differential unit having an input member driven by the large driving gear and two output members for driving front wheels and for driving rear wheels, respectively; a transfer with a rear wheel driving transmission having a driving gear member disposed coaxially with the output member for rear wheel driving, a connecting member between the output member for rear wheel driving and the driving gear member and a transfer output gear member driven by the driving gear member; a case in which the front wheel transmission mechanism, the center differential unit and the transfer are disposed; and, an oil separating structure defining separately lubricatable cavities within the case, the structure comprising two seal members, disposed between the connecting member and the case at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignees: Aisin-Warner Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakatsu Miura, Takeshi Inuzuka, Tatsuya Iwatsuki, Seitoku Kubo, Koujiro Kuramochi