Patents Examined by Nicholas Whitelaw
  • Patent number: 5212998
    Abstract: A vehicle has a powershift transmission driven by an engine via a torque converter. The transmission is shifted by pressure operated clutches which are controlled by electrohydraulic pressure control valves. A speed ratio value representing a ratio of the torque converter output shaft speed to the torque converter input shaft speed is determined. A minimum clutch pressure value and a slope value are determined as a function of the speed ratio value. During a shifting of the transmission, a pulse-width-modulated signal applied to the valve is controlled so that the pressure applied to the clutch will vary from the minimum clutch pressure to a maximum clutch pressure at a rate proportional to the slope value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Testerman
  • Patent number: 5195397
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal (2) pivotally supported and having a first cleat coupling device (100) and a second cleat coupling device (200) disposed on opposite surfaces of the pedal. Each of the cleat coupling devices includes a front hook assembly for engaging a front section of the cleat, a rear hook assembly for engaging a rear section of the cleat, a cleat supporting surface defined between the front hook assembly and rear hook assembly. The front hook assembly, rear hook assembly and cleat supporting surface cooperate to produce a cleat fixing position. In the two cleat fixing positions, the cyclist's foot is fixed to the pedal in different postures. Further, each cleat coupling device has a camming function performed between each hook assembly and cleat for converting a displacement of the cleat to move the hook assembly in a releasing direction. The first and second cleat coupling devices are different in the displacement of the cleat converted by the camming function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5195624
    Abstract: A screw thread cutting apparatus (tapping attachment) which is provided with a clutching apparatus within the attachment, having the capability of de-clutching the drive from the driver in the event of excessive torque. The clutching apparatus involves a clutching member or members carried by the driver and a clutching member or members carried by the driven part, and a displaceable clutching member which can produce a clutching or de-clutching action between the other members. The clutching apparatus can be built into an adapter for holding a tap provided with quick change capability. The clutching apparatus can also be built directly into the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Tapmatic International Corporation (Tic AG)
    Inventor: Alf Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5193411
    Abstract: A control device, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having an external peripheral surface, a control unit disposed in the housing, a bulb disposed external to the housing and remote therefrom a capillary tube interconnecting the bulb to the control unit, fastening structure securing a part of the capillary tube to the external peripheral surface of the housing, and a sleeve of material telescoped on the capillary tube and having opposed ends one of which is disposed adjacent the fastening structure and the other of which is located between the bulb and the one of the ends thereof, one of the capillary tube and the fastening structure comprising expanding structure that outwardly expanded the one of the ends of the sleeve after the one of the ends of the sleeve had been forced onto at least part of the expanding structure so that the one of the ends of the sleeve is held on the expanding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Buckshaw, David D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5191807
    Abstract: An indexed gear-shift mechanism for a bicycle that has one lever for up-shifting and another lever for down-shifting. A ratchet wheel is fixed to the down-shifting lever and has two rows of teeth along an outer curvature thereof. A pair of pawls are placed on the up-shifting lever and works in conjunction with the two rows of teeth. A pair of springs respectively apply force on the levers in a counterclockwise direction. When a rider applies a force on the up-shifting lever in a clockwise direction, the pawls move to a next adjacent pair of teeth, one pawl preventing rotation of the lever and the other pawls preventing rotation of the ratchet wheel; the bicycle is in a higher gear. When a rider applies a force on the down-shifting lever in a clockwise direction, the pawls move to a previous adjacent pair of teeth, but the pawls do not prohibit movement of the down-shifting lever; therefore, the ratchet wheel may be down-shifted through as many gears as desired in one action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Yi-Hsung Hsu
  • Patent number: 5190130
    Abstract: In a process for regulating a clutch which is situated within a power train between an input shaft (22) and an output shaft (24), the rotation-rate differences .DELTA..omega. of the power train are detected via a sensor device. With the use of regulating equipment and depending on a control variable x, a correcting variable y which affects the speed difference .DELTA.n is controlled. To provide regulating equipment at favorable construction cost, the regulating equipment has a comparator unit (51) in which an actual value x of the rotation-rate difference .DELTA..omega. in the power train behind the clutch (21) is compared with a preset fixed limited value w.sub.const, the rotation-rate difference .DELTA..omega. being limited to the limit value w.sub.const by changing the correcting variable of the clutch (21) upon reaching or exceeding the limit value w.sub.const.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Thomas, Gerald Rowe, Wolf-Dieter Gruhle, Wolfgang Maier
  • Patent number: 5190129
    Abstract: A basic unit for driving a press is disclosed. The unit uses two hydraulic actuated oil shear brake/clutch units which are in coaxial nested relationship. The basic unit provides a core assembly which can easily be modified or adapted to be mated with any type of press drive. Once the unit has been mated to a press a continuous supply of filtered and cooled oil is provided. This supply of oil provides little or no wear on clutch plates as well as low heat generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Midwest Brake Bond Co.
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5190131
    Abstract: A fluid coupling includes an input shaft, a housing having a space therein and supported by the input shaft via a bearing, a dividing plate dividing the space into a storing chamber and an acting chamber through holes made in the dividing plate, a valve opening and closing the through holes, a rotor fixed to the input shaft and located in the acting chamber, pumping holes made in the dividing plate, pumping projections on the dividing plate at the downstream side of the pumping holes, and a seal located between the pumping holes and the pumping projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsutoshi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 5186072
    Abstract: A speed control system for a bicycle for controlling a change speed device through a change speed wire, having a shift lever movable in opposite directions from a home position, a take-up reel connected to one end of the wire for winding up the wire with movement in one direction of the shift lever, a one-way transmission mechanism for transmitting only movement in one direction of the shift lever to the take-up reel, position retaining teeth and a position retaining pawl for retaining the take-up reel in a plurality of winding positions, and a retention canceling cam mechanism for canceling retention of the take-up reel by the position retaining teeth and pawl, and for allowing the take-up reel to rotate in the wire unwinding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5186071
    Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever assembly comprises a tubular body (7) pivotally supported on a lever shaft (9) which is located inwardly and downwardly relative to an end grip portion (2) of a handlebar (1) and extends downward, and a control arm (8) extending radially outward from the tubular body. The following measure is taken for enabling speed change operation while gripping the grip portion (2) of the handlebar (1), for enlarging the pivotal range of the control arm (8) to increase the number of speed stages, and for enabling smooth pivotal operation of the control arm (8). The control arm (8) has a first operating arm portion (13) which provides a pivotal path immediately under the handlebar (1) or grip portion (2), and a second operating arm portion (14) which provides a pivotal path spaced from the underside of the handlebar (1) or grip portion (2) by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Maeda Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 5182965
    Abstract: The handle comprises two elongated structural elements slidably engaged to move relative to each other parallel to their longitudinal axes with mechanical power transmission apparatus attached to the handle and also comprising two elongated elements engaged such that they are moveable relative to each other parallel to their longitudinal axes. The length of the power transmission apparatus adjusts automatically to match adjustment of the length of the handle. A rotary power transmission apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Concorde Tool Corp.
    Inventor: Donald M. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 5176231
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic interlock of the type in which a pin engages a notched or perforated member, preload releasability is provided by configuring the contacting surfaces of the pin and notch to provide an angle of contact which is always positive. The pin and/or the notch each includes a nonvertical contact surface. In one version of the device, the notch includes an S-shaped contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Pontiac Coil, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Moody, Robert Brandt, Lawrence A. Wiltfang
  • Patent number: 5176232
    Abstract: A roller clutch (20) having a cage (32) having a plurality of barbed posts 40) installed between substantially coaxial clutch races (24,26) for aligning and mounting bearing blocks (42) around the cage (32) for fixed rotational movement and including a contoured pocket (44) on one side for nesting a roller (22) and a spring (48) mounted on the other side that circumferentially urges a roller (22) nested in an adjacent bearing block (42) to permit stable performance under high speed operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Malecha
  • Patent number: 5176235
    Abstract: A viscous coupling apparatus having first rotary member, a second rotary member coaxially disposed relative to the first rotary member such that the first and second rotary members are rotatable with respect to each other, and housings associated with each of the first and second rotary members for defining a hermetically seal fluid chamber. A first set of viscous clutch plates are disposed within the fluid chamber and are coupled for rotation with the first rotary member. A second set of viscous coupling plates are disposed in the fluid chamber and are coupled for rotation with the second rotary member. The first and second sets of viscous clutch plates being alternately interleaved so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The viscous coupling further comprising a plurality of annular spacer rings each of which is interposed between adjacent ones of the second set of viscous plates for longitudinally positioning the interleaved spacing between the first and second sets of clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 5174425
    Abstract: A steering angle detecting device has an intermediate shaft comprising a first shaft and a second shaft, and a clutch provided between the first and second shafts for disengaging both the shafts from each other. A steering angle sensor is operated by a steering shaft through gears and the intermediate shaft. The clutch is disengaged and the steering angle sensor is set to a neutral position. The adjusted steering angle sensor is attached to a steering column and the input shaft is operatively connected to the steering shaft positioned at a neutral position thereof. Thereafter, the clutch is engaged, so that the input shaft of the sensor can be rotated by the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Satoshi Takahashi, Junji Kojima, Kiyoharu Higashino
  • Patent number: 5174424
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing clutching and de-clutching particularly adaptable for use in a tapping attachment for threading holes. The clutching apparatus includes clutching members driven by the driver or driving machine and clutching members carried by the driven part. An intermediate member is provided which provides for clutching engagement and de-clutching between the members on the driving part and the members on the driven part. The clutching apparatus has the capability of producing de-clutching in response to excessive torque applied to the apparatus, and also, it has the capability of producing de-clutching in response to the tap having reached a predetermined depth and the hole being tapped. The apparatus can be built into a tapping attachment or into a tap holding adapter having the capability of quick change release, and also, the mechanism can be built directly into the driving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Tapmatic International Corporation (TIC AG)
    Inventor: Alf Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5174423
    Abstract: A lock-up apparatus in a torque converter includes a first oil chamber (25) and a second oil chamber (26) delimited by a lock-up piston (21), a first oil line system (A) communicating with the first oil chamber (25), and a second oil line system (B) communicating with the second oil chamber (26). An orifice (36) and an oil line (37) for directly communicating the first oil line system (A) and the second oil chamber (26) are provided in an output shaft (20) and a turbine hub (19), respectively. Accordingly, the first oil chamber (25) and the second oil chamber (26) are not directly communicated. As a result, not only is shock produced at release from the locked up state mitigated by the orifice (36) and oil line (37), but it is also possible to reliably prevent a decline in transmission torque capacity in the lock-up ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Takuji Taniguchi, Hideji Katoh, Koji Maeda, Kunihiro Iwatsuki
  • Patent number: 5170871
    Abstract: An overrunning clutch is provided with increased torque transmitting capacity by utilizing a relatively large diameter spring wire whose end turns have their radial peripheries ground down to weaken the end turns proximate to the free end of the spring. Preferably the end turns proximate to the free end of the coil spring are tapered radially inwardly to lift the spring coil turns remote from the free end off the shaft of the overrunning clutch. The end of the coil spring fixed to the bushing may be formed as a hook having a portion extending radially through a slot within the bushing and an integral bent back circumferential portion nested in an annular groove within the outer periphery of the bushing intersecting the radial slot. A double helical coil spring having parallel, adjacent turns within separate helical grooves within the inner periphery of the bushing has a loop connecting the turns opposite their free ends mounted within a transverse channel connecting the pair of helical grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: J. William Batchelder
  • Patent number: 5170869
    Abstract: A toothed wheel, driveably connected to an output element of the transmission, has a spring loaded parking pawl engaged between the teeth of the wheel. The pawl carries a roller contacted in top-dead-center position by a surface of a locking cam biased by a spring into contact with the roller. The locking cam is connected to a gear selector position lever positively in one rotary direction and non-positively in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Eugen Svab, Andreas Luiken
  • Patent number: 5168971
    Abstract: A transmission clutch, for releasably coupling a driven shaft to a driving shaft, comprising a driving part and a driven part, with the driving part including a reaction plate while the driven part includes a hub which is fixed to the driven shaft for rotation of the latter therewith. A dynamic vibration damper (dynamic absorber) is carried by the hub and includes a secondary plate and a radial support plate, which is secured to the hub and which carries a friction liner for frictional cooperation with the secondary plate. The radial support member is coupled to the hub both axially and in rotation, and carries a block of resilient material which is fixed to the friction liner, being interposed between the latter and the radial support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Josip Kovac