Patents by Inventor Bernard Stiff

Bernard Stiff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Rotary shaft control apparatus
    Patent number: 4566353
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a rotary shaft relative to a reference includes a strain wave drive having a specially shaped deformable ring gear for minimum stress. The wave generator part of the drive is normally caused to rotate with the input and output shafts connected to the drive's ring gears so that the two shafts are effectively keyed together. A tractive-type clutch assembly permits the wave generator to be rotated in one direction or the other relative to the deformable gear shaft so that the phase angle of the two shafts can be adjusted at a slow rate of speed dependent on the gear ratio of the drive. Also a tractive-type planetary assembly may be coupled between the clutch assembly and the wave generator so that the phase change may be accomplished at a plurality of speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventor: Bernard Stiff
  • Rotary shaft control apparatus
    Patent number: 4566352
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a rotary shaft relative to a reference includes a strain wave drive having a specially shaped deformable ring gear for minimum stress. The wave generator part of the drive is normally caused to rotate with the input and output shafts connected to the drive's ring gears so that the two shafts are effectively keyed together. A tractive-type clutch assembly permits the wave generator to be rotated in one direction or the other relative to the deformable gear shaft so that the phase angle of the two shafts can be adjusted at a slow rate of speed dependent on the gear ratio of the drive. Also a tractive-type planetary assembly may be coupled between the clutch assembly and the wave generator so that the phase change may be accomplished at a plurality of speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventor: Bernard Stiff
  • Rotary shaft control apparatus
    Patent number: 4382391
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a rotary shaft relative to a reference includes a strain wave drive having a specially shaped deformable ring gear for minimum stress. The wave generator part of the drive is normally caused to rotate with the input and output shafts connected to the drive's ring gears so that the two shafts are effectively keyed together. A tractive-type clutch assembly permits the wave generator to be rotated in one direction or the other relative to the deformable gear shaft so that the phase angle of the two shafts can be adjusted at a slow rate of speed dependent on the gear ratio of the drive. Also a tractive-type planetary assembly may be coupled between the clutch assembly and the wave generator so that the phase change may be accomplished at a plurality of speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Inventor: Bernard Stiff
  • Rotary shaft control apparatus
    Patent number: 4286476
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a rotary shaft relative to a reference includes a strain wave drive having a specially shaped deformable ring gear for minimum stress. The wave generator part of the drive is normally caused to rotate with the input and output shafts connected to the drive's ring gears so that the two shafts are effectively keyed together. A tractive-type clutch assembly permits the wave generator to be rotated in one direction or the other relative to the deformable gear shaft so that the phase angle of the two shafts can be adjusted at a slow rate of speed dependent on the gear ratio of the drive. Also a tractive-type planetary assembly may be coupled between the clutch assembly and the wave generator so that the phase change may be accomplished at a plurality of speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Inventor: Bernard Stiff