Wrap Band Type Patents (Class 188/77W)
  • Patent number: 6164419
    Abstract: The mechanical lock includes a rod having one end extending into a housing and another end extending out of the housing. The rod translate through bores through bushings within the housing. Coil springs in the housing and surround the rod. When the springs are in their normal orientation, they grip the rod tightly and prevent the rod from translating. The rod and bushings have complementary structure for preventing the rod from rotating within the bushings and housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the structure are flat surfaces along the rod and the bushing that mate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Co.
    Inventor: Kevin N. Tribbett
  • Patent number: 6123348
    Abstract: A brake system slows and/or stops a downhill wheeled board for simulating snowboarding on a snowless terrain. The downhill wheeled board includes a platform having a top and a bottom; at least a first wheel, a second wheel and a third wheel, each wheel having an independent suspension and rotationally mounted to the bottom of the platform for rotation about an axis of rotation; and a brake system. The brake system for the downhill wheeled board includes a control mechanism such as a hand-held trigger, a force splitter such as a Y-plate, a first brake for braking the first wheel and a second brake for braking the second wheel. The force splitter is coupled to the control mechanism for movement by movement of the control mechanism. The first brake is coupled by a first flexible coupling to the force splitter and the second brake is independently coupled to the force splitter. By having a flexible coupling, the independent suspension of the wheels does not affect braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: M & R Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn T. Miller
  • Patent number: 6112863
    Abstract: A band brake for selectively holding a rotating element motionless includes means for evenly distributed application of force to the band brake. In some embodiments of the invention ball or roller bearings are used to apply evenly distributed forces to the band brake. In other embodiments of the invention, the band brake has variable thickness and the thicker portions are wedged between a rotating member and some outer member to hold the rotating member motionless. In at least one embodiment, selectively movable pairs of mirror-image ball or roller bearings are used to apply braking force directly to a rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory J. Colletti
  • Patent number: 6094822
    Abstract: A hedge clipper is provided that has an internal combustion engine that is to be started by hand. By means of a clutch and a gear mechanism, the engine drives cutting blades in a reciprocating manner; the cutting blades are guided and held in a cutter bar. Disposed on the output side of the clutch is a brake drum around which extends a brake band. The first end of the brake band is fixed to the housing, and the second end of the brake band is held on a pivotable brake lever that is acted upon by a brake spring that urges the brake band into engagement against the brake drum. The brake lever can be moved into an inoperative position of the band brake by a release lever against the force of the brake spring. The release lever cooperates with an adjusting cam that is disposed directly adjacent to the brake lever and in the inoperative position of the band brake forms a rest stop for the brake lever, receiving the force of the brake spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Lange, Klaus Prach, Christian Schwarz, Jochen Kramer
  • Patent number: 6068093
    Abstract: In a sectional view of the protrusion of an anchor bracket, the side surface, on the side of an anchor pin, of the protrusion has an engaging protrusion substantially trapezoid in section at the middle of the width thereof, and its top portion, namely, a flat portion is brought into line contact with the anchor pin. Hence, the band brake is advantageous in that the brake band is stable in position, the contact region is improved in wear resistance, and the operation is stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: NSK-Warner Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Fujita, Hideo Yanagihara
  • Patent number: 6053834
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has a planetary gear set with a ratio controlling rotatable reaction element capable of either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation in accordance with different inputs to the gear set and resultant reactive torque loads applied thereto. A circular double acting brake band is used to selectively hold the reaction element stationary when desired and has opposite end portions that alternately serve as control application inputs or a grounding function. In one operative mode, a first end portion of the band receives an apply control force causing the second end portion to be grounded so that the band frictionally secures the reaction element from rotation in a first rotary direction and to thereby enable a first gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Savoyard, James R. Klotz
  • Patent number: 5975253
    Abstract: A lining for a brake band wherein brackets of the same shape or different shapes are connected respectively to opposite ends of a curved thin strap having an adhesive thereon, and a thin wet lining is bonded to an inner side of the curved strap, characterized in that cavities containing lubricating oil are formed in the lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: NSK-Warner Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeki Umezawa, Toshiaki Wakisaka
  • Patent number: 5967274
    Abstract: A wrap spring operating mechanism for use in a random start/stop clutch, brake, or combined clutch/brake assembly limits the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the second member relative to the first member when the assembly is engaged. The assembly includes a first member, a second member, and a helical spring wrapped about adjacent portions of the first and second members. An annular control collar is disposed circumferentially about portions of the first and second members. The wrap spring has a first end that is connected to the first member and a second end that is connected to the control collar. An annular armature is connected to the control collar for rotational movement therewith and for relative axial movement. An annular rotor is disposed circumferentially about and connected to the second member. An annular friction ring is disposed within a recess formed in the rotor. The friction ring is formed from a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, preferably about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Leone, Russell K. Warner
  • Patent number: 5947866
    Abstract: A braking device for a power working machine, which is capable of immediately stopping the movement of the working portion when an internal combustion engine is shifted to an idling state, includes a transmission shaft, a brake drum fixed to the transmission shaft, and a brake band wound around the brake drum. The brake band is formed of a leaf spring material band, which is biased to shrink the diameter thereof, one end of which is pivotally supported on a supporting pin, and the other end of which is formed into a bent free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Nagashima
  • Patent number: 5944627
    Abstract: A replacement mechanism or servo assembly for applying a band to an input member of an automatic transmission includes a housing in which an apply piston is located and to which an apply pin is connected. The piston is sealably movable in the housing and includes a major piston member having a first distal reaction face and a minor piston member integral with the major piston and having a second distal reaction face. A pressure fluid distribution device applies a working fluid against both of the first distal reaction face and the second distal reaction face in order to move the piston with the resultant force of the pressures on both reaction faces and to cause the apply pin to move toward the band to compress the band about the input member with this resultant force. In a preferred embodiment, the housing further includes a pressure separator immovably disposed between the first distal reaction face and an adjacent second proximal face of the minor piston member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Darling-Owen, Scott C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5931438
    Abstract: A displacement adjustment device (100) for at least partly converting a rotation into a translation, comprising: a rotation input member (114) which is bearing-mounted so as to be rotatable but axially secured relative to a frame said rotation input member (114) being provided with a hollow (116) extending axially therethrough; a bar (11) positioned in the hollow (116) and having its outside surface provided with a screw thread (17), means (12) being prvided for preventing rotation of said bar (11) relative to a frame; and a coupling gear wheel (120) arranged for rotation in the rotation input member (114), wherein the axis of rotation of the coupling gear wheel (120) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation input member (114), wherein the coupling gear wheel (120) has teeth (121) engaging with the screw thread (17) of the bar (11) and, wherein the rotation bearing of the coupling gear wheel (120) comprises a slip coupling (130) relative to the rotation input member (114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: IKU Holding Montfoort B.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
  • Patent number: 5921355
    Abstract: The Frustrator--Model C is a small and simple electric powered assembly of common-use components hidden within the automobile steering column enclosure. It inhibits car thefts by anyone not having the ignition key because normal use of the ignition key controls the flow of electric power which either locks the steering rod through braking action, making the automobile impossible to steer when the ignition key is turned to the `off` position or releases the braking action for normal steering action when the ignition key is turned to the `on` position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Lloyd C. Mostrom
  • Patent number: 5915795
    Abstract: A chain saw brake device that can instantly halt the rotation of a cutting chain when a motor drive switch is turned off. The chain saw brake device includes a brake band wound around a brake drum, such that by operating a hand guard and pulling the forward end of the brake band, the brake band is tightened around the brake drum, thereby stopping the cutting chain. The rear end of the brake band is fixed to a bent rod, and the bent rod is urged rearwardly by a coil spring when the drive switch is turned off, causing the brake band to tighten around the brake drum. By activating a trigger lever, the movable member, engaged with the trigger lever, is moved forwards, thereby pushing forwards the bent rod, and loosening the brake band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Nakamura, Makoto Mizutani, Masaki Kondo, Hideyuki Nakadachi
  • Patent number: 5881858
    Abstract: A hydraulic servo-mechanism for an automatic transmission, including a hydraulic servo for applying a band brake to engage a band to a drum. The hydraulic servo includes a rod which is selectively positionable to an apply position for applying the band brake, a standby position in which the rod is retracted by a predetermined extent in a release direction from the apply position, and a retracted position in which the rod is further retracted in the release direction from the standby position to release the band brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masaaki Nishida, Akitoshi Kato, Katsuyuki Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 5819881
    Abstract: A linear mechanical lock comprises an elongated housing. A rod having a first end inserted into the housing and a second end extending out of the housing. A first lock comprising a locking spring having an end fixed in the housing and extending around a portion of the rod. The normal inside diameter of the locking spring is less than the rod's outside diameter so that the spring grips the rod. A moveable handle engages the locking spring, and movement of the handle uncoils the locking spring to release the rod. A second lock comprises a collet having at least one jaw around the rod within the housing. The jaw normally is out of the engagement with the rod. The collet has a first region having an inside diameter around the normal position of the jaw to provide sufficient room for the jaw to be out of engagement with the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Co.
    Inventor: Calvin R. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5813123
    Abstract: A motor chainsaw has a housing enclosing a motor with actuator and a saw chain. A braking device for the saw chain is positioned in the housing. The braking device has a brake drum and a brake band guided around the brake drum. The braking device has a brake lever connected to the housing so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation for moving the brake band from a release position into a braking position. A return kick brake for actuating the braking device is provided. The return kick brake has a ready position and an actuated position in which the brake band is in the braking position. The return kick brake has a hand protection grip, a control lever, and a return kick brake spring for loading the control lever. The control lever, when the return kick brake is moved from the ready position into the actuated position, pivots the brake lever into the braking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Dieter Wieland, Herbert Armbruster, Gerhard Meyer
  • Patent number: 5768786
    Abstract: A pole-mounted, hand-held brush or vegetation trimmer is provided with a self-actuating braking device, and a fixed guard or a fail-safe articulating guard for selectively fully enclosing the rotating blade to prevent injury to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Steven F. Kane, William Marletta
  • Patent number: 5735369
    Abstract: A band brake drum supporting device for an automatic transmission having a band drum to be retained in a case by fastening a band brake which is joined to a rotary element of the automatic transmission and arranged in the case. The drum includes a band engaging portion and a cylindrical drum supporting portion extending radially inward from the band engaging portion while being offset axially with respect to the band engaging portion. The outer circumference of the drum supporting portion is supported through two axially juxtaposed bearings on a stationary support portion which extends radially outward of the drum supporting portion from the case. The stationary support portion includes a cylindrical boss portion disposed coaxially with the drum supporting portion and engaging at its inner circumference with the two bearings and a planar flange portion extending radially outward from the end portion of the boss portion which is located closer to the band brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masaaki Nishida, Akitoshi Kato, Satoru Kasuya, Nobutada Sugiura, Tatsuya Iida
  • Patent number: 5722515
    Abstract: A braking system is provided having a rotatable split axle mounted laterally between the wheels of the hand cart. The axle is split in the middle of the axle to form two distinct segments. The adjacent ends of the axle have a longitudinal hole drilled in the axles and a pin is inserted between the holes to connect the two segments of the axle. A fixed hub for mounting the wheels is secured at the ends of the axle. The axle extends through bearing mounted on a bearing support brackets at the bottom of the hand cart. Each axle segment rotates with its respective wheel, and the axle segment and wheel on one side of the cart rotate independently of the other axle segment and wheel combination. A brake is mounted on the axle at the junction of the two axle segments. An actuator handle is mounted on the cart at a convenient point for actuating the brake. When the brake is manually operated, the braking force is applied to both segments of the axle to smoothly stop the hand cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Gene Wyse
  • Patent number: 5711403
    Abstract: A servo for operating a brake band in an automatic transmission includes a transmission casing and servo cover defining a servo cylinder, a servo piston supported for displacement within the cylinder, first and second sealed volumes within the cylinder, a valve for connecting the fluid sump to one pressure area and for closing that connection and opening a connection to line pressure while maintaining the first pressure area connected to line pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Sparks, Robert Cary Haase
  • Patent number: 5680921
    Abstract: A transmission band assembly (10) having a circular band (12) and a friction material liner (26). The liner (26) varies in density at predetermined locations along its length to modify the torque curve of the transmission to provide smooth shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Vierk, Anthony J. Grzesiak
  • Patent number: 5671828
    Abstract: A transmission band assembly including a circular strap member having exterior and interior surfaces extending between opposed first and second ends. At least one of the ends defining a bracket having a ridge including an upper gusset in mating engagement with a lower gusset. A friction material liner is positioned adjacent the interior surface of the strap member. The upper and lower gussets provide reinforcement of the ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Slager
  • Patent number: 5607030
    Abstract: A shopping cart has a brake added as an improvement. The assembly is completely enclosed within a wheel of the shopping cart and is automatically engaged when a predetermined speed is reached. When the cart is propelled beyond a normal operating speed either by being pushed or when unattended, the brake will engage. The brake is actuated by centrifugal force acting on a mechanism contained within the wheel, consisting of rotating weights and ratchet assemblies that engage to dissipate rotational energy by means of a friction connection to the axle of the wheel. Gears cause the weights to rotate at a faster rate than the wheel, so that heavier weights and counter weight springs may be used, making the brake less susceptible to actuation by jolts when the cart is pushed over uneven surfaces. The brake, being internal to the wheel assembly is protected from the effects of weather and physical abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: Daniel P. Swift, Thomas R. LaCroix, William E. Bullock
  • Patent number: 5582274
    Abstract: A brake band for being pulled tight against a drum as a braked member is disclosed. The brake band is composed of a lining and a strap arranged on an outer side of the lining. The strap has an extension extending out from one side edge thereof in the direction of an axis of the drum beyond a corresponding side edge of the lining to form an oil-holding portion between the extension and the drum. The lining defines oil grooves which are open into the oil-holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventor: Shigeki Umezawa
  • Patent number: 5542505
    Abstract: A torque limiting device that includes a shaft and a wrap extending around the shaft. The wrap is frictionally engaged with the shaft, and the wrap has an inner and an outer surface. The device further includes a restraining mechanism enclosing the wrap such that there is contact between the restraining mechanism and the outer surface of the wrap, and such that the restraining mechanism prevents the wrap from rotating relative to the retraining mechanism as the shaft is rotated in either one of two opposing rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Vadnais Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Kempf
  • Patent number: 5529151
    Abstract: A band brake device used to apply a brake to a rotating drum forming part of an automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle. The band brake device comprises a brake band wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum. A lining material is bonded to the inner surface of the brake band to be contactable with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum. The brake band is provided at its movable end with a bracket which is adapted to be pushed by a piston of a hydraulic servo device. The bracket is connected through a link to a casing, so that the movable end is guided to be move in a direction generally parallel with a tangential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the drum at a position adjacent the movable end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Jatco Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Fukasawa, Yoshifumi Fujita, Yasunari Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 5503255
    Abstract: A braking device for a motor saw including a rotatable brake drum (11), a brake band (12) surrounding the brake drum and actuatable by a spring (26) which is adapted to stretch the brake band around the brake drum, and a toggle joint mechanism (18,20) adapted to release the brake band from the drum against the action of the spring and to latch the braking device in an operating position in which the brake band is released from the brake drum. The toggle joint mechanism is actuatable by a control means (16) for adjusting the position of the brake band. The toggle joint mechanism is adapted, in the case of rupture of the brake band, to be adjusted by the spring to a position in which re-adjustment of the control means to the operating position is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Par B. G. Martinsson, Hasse K. J. Lilja
  • Patent number: 5501304
    Abstract: The invention is a device which holds a brake band and provides a simple levered actuating force. One end of the band of a brake is mounted to a U-shaped bracket. Slots are provided for the U-shaped bracket so that a lever, which connects to the opposite end of the brake band, can pivot on the bottoms of the slots and pull the brake band tightly around the brake drum and so providing a powerful brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony W. Fini, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5499700
    Abstract: The invention provides a double wrap brake band consisting of three band segments which are held together by tie members designed to break-away under shear forces applied by the apply pin and reaction or anchor member during operation of the transmission assembly. The break-away tie members hold the three band segments together to form a structurally sound cylindrical band during assembly of the transmission. The tie segments are then sheared the first time the band is actuated by the apply and reaction pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel Richardson, Anthony J. Grzesiak, David T. Vierk
  • Patent number: 5480009
    Abstract: The device for braking an electric drive motor of a hand-held working tool has a safety brake for an immediate stopping of the working tool and an independent mechanical brake for coasting the working tool to a stop after switching off the drive motor. The mechanical brake acts on a rotational part connected to the drive motor and is activated when a switch element for activating the drive motor is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Dieter Wieland, Herbert Armbruster, Gerhard Meyer
  • Patent number: 5476160
    Abstract: An improved double-wrap brake band having a bracket member (16) consisting of an apply bracket (20), a reaction bracket (22), and a connector bracket (24) secured to three generally parallel bands (12A, 12B, 12C). The bands (12A, 12B, 12C) include a plurality of position oriented non-circular slots (36) designed to accept corresponding non-circular extruded tabs (44) extending from the bracket member (16). Each of the tabs has a longitudinal curvature that is substantially radially parallel to the annular inner peripheral surface (42) of the bracket member (44) and the annular inner peripheral surface (15) of the strap member (10). The tabs (44), after clinching, serve to retain the bracket member (16) securely on the bands (12A, 12B, 12C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fenoglio, Steven P. Geary, Christopher P. Puchalla, Anthony J. Grzesiak, David T. Vierk, Allen C. Mayhew
  • Patent number: 5474158
    Abstract: A brake system comprising a brake drum having an outer peripheral surface, and a brake band including a flexible band-shaped metal member having fixed and actuation brackets mounted near the opposite ends thereof. The band-shaped metal member is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the brake drum with the fixed bracket being fixed to an anchorage pin. The brake band also includes a lining member fixed on the band-shaped metal member. An actuator is coupled to the actuation bracket for acting a force on the band-shaped metal member to bring the lining member into surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the brake drum at a speed. Oil grooves are formed in the lining member for discharging oil from a space between the lining member and the brake drum to control the speed at which the lining member comes into surface contact with the brake drum. The oil grooves have an oil discharging capacity increasing as going from the fixed bracket toward the actuation bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Jatco Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Fukasawa, Yasunari Mochizuki, Mitsugi Tazawa
  • Patent number: 5467849
    Abstract: A brake band suitable for use in a vehicle transmission is described. The brake band is composed of a band portion, such as a metal strap, and a brake lining bonded at an outer peripheral surface thereof on an inner peripheral surface of the band portion and has an apply side end and an anchor side end located opposite to each other relative to a circumferential length of the brake band. The brake lining is provided with oil-dependent, friction surface cooling grooves having bottom walls, respectively. Each cooling groove is provided with a discharging aperture extending through the bottom wall of the corresponding cooling groove to the outer peripheral surface of the brake lining. Adjacent to the anchor side end of the brake band, the brake lining is also provided with an oil film formation promoter, for example, in the form of one or more recesses not extending to the outer peripheral surface of the brake lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Nakagomi, Yoshihisa Harada, Shigeki Umezawa
  • Patent number: 5441129
    Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where a rod is normally locked for axial movement through a lock housing by a spring tightly wound about the rod and axially fixed to the housing, the rod being released by partially unwinding the spring. The lock housing is configured to reduce the number of parts in the lock and is easily adjustable during assembly to eliminate axial free play of the locking spring. The lock is assembled without welding of the components to permit use of dissimilar materials in the lock housing selected for strength and weight characteristics and plated or painted components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Co.
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, Calvin R. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5425435
    Abstract: A brake system for controlling a winch cable for an oil well drilling or servicing operation includes a main external contracting band brake for stopping the cable and an auxiliary disk brake for controlling the speed the cable unwinds from the winch so as to control the descent of a load on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Gregory Rig Service & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Truman L. Gregory
  • Patent number: 5354028
    Abstract: An angle adjusting device to be pivoted on a display device and a main body thereof, herein an angle of inclination of the display is controlled by a frictional force obtained between a rotatable axis and at least a pair of coil spring closely wound over the rotatable axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5346040
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a one-piece band member (10) for use w transmissions. The band member (10) is integrally constructed having the end portions (16) of a strap member (12) being formed an apply member (18) and a reaction member (20) and then folded (22) back over the outer circumference of the strap member (12) to provide a unitary unit. A friction lining (14) is secured around the inner circumference of the strap member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Puchalla, Anthony J. Grzesiak, Douglas J. Slager
  • Patent number: 5328007
    Abstract: A reverse rotation preventing device comprising: a fixed ring disposed in proximity to the external peripheral surface of a coil spring; an input coupling rotatably driven; an output coupling, to which is fixed an output shaft; and a reinforcing ring on the input side and a reinforcing ring on the output side, which cover the opposite ends of the coil spring, respectively. Engaging pawls are projected and bent in the axial direction at the both ends of the coil spring, respectively, and an engaging recession for engaging the engaging pawl is formed on each of both reinforcing rings. An engageable portion of the input coupling is engaged with an engageable pawl formed on the reinforcing ring on the input side to decrease the diameter of the coil spring, so that the output shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsuba Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yokozuka, Yoshikazu Takahashi, Masao Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5287949
    Abstract: A shaft-locking device which locks rotation of a movable shaft by a clamping force of a coil spring closely surrounding a fixed shaft and a movable shaft. Both sides of the coil spring are inserted surrounding the fixed shaft and a central portion of the coil spring surrounds the movable shaft. In case of rotation of the movable shaft on both sides, the locking torque is applied. Further, the closed state of the coil spring to the movable shaft is maintained uniformly without any relation to operation by separating the end portions of the coil spring at the movable shaft side of the coil spring from an outer circumference of the movable shaft so that a constant locking torque may be always obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5238091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake band which includes a band and a lining connected to an inner peripheral surface of the band. The lining includes a plurality of grooves in its inner peripheral surface, the grooves which extend from an end to another end of the lining in an axial direction of a drum, rotating either in a clockwise direction or in a counter clockwise direction, obliquely with respect to an axial direction and a circumferential direction of the lining. The grooves include a communication passage which communicates an inner peripheral surface of the lining with the outside and which is disposed at a leading end of the grooves with respect to the clockwise rotational direction of the drum, and a trailing end of the grooves with respect to the clockwise rotational direction of the drum is disposed an inside of the another end of the lining. The brake band has a high cooling efficiency when the drum rotates in the clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Kako Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideto Nakagawa, Masashi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 5228661
    Abstract: A spare tire lift-and-carry apparatus for use on a vehicle includes a rotatable input shaft supported by a housing. A transmission mechanism is provided for transferring torque from the rotatable input shaft to a cable storage member driven in rotation about a longitudinal axis to retract and deploy a cable having a rim retainer connected at one end. The rim retainer is adapted to engage a spare tire or wheel assembly. A clutch mechanism can be provided for allowing transfer of rotation in both rotational directions from the input shaft to the cable storage mechanism, while preventing transfer of rotation through the clutch mechanism in either rotational direction originating from the cable storage mechanism, rather than the input shaft. A torque override mechanism can also be provided between the input shaft and the transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Bigham, Cami Shadley
  • Patent number: 5219045
    Abstract: Simplified assembly and reduced parts count in a linear mechanical lock assembly of the type where a rod is normally gripped against axial translation through a housing by a coil spring and released by unwinding the spring, is achieved by a one piece housing with integrally formed spring containment and rod bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, George V. Babiciuc
  • Patent number: 5186285
    Abstract: A device for controlling the rotation of an element about an axis includes an arrangement for selectively precluding downward rotation of the elements. The arrangement includes a stationary cylindrical member, a wrap spring wrapped around the cylindrical member and a control member mounted on the element. One end of the wrap spring is anchored to the element to prevent downward rotation of the element. The control member is connected to an opposite end of the wrap spring and is movable between first and second positions such that the wrap spring is wrapped tightly about the cylindrical member to prevent downward rotation of the element whenever the control member is in the first position, and such that the wrap spring is wrapped loosely about the cylindrical member to enable rotation of the element whenever the control member is in the second position and whenever the element is rotated in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Hadewe B.V.
    Inventor: Jeichienus A. van der Werff
  • Patent number: 5170867
    Abstract: Pedal parking brake. This device is provided with a supporting shaft fixed to the side of a car body, a rotary body attached to another end of the supporting shaft, a damper case interposed between the supporting shaft and the rotary body, a lock spring latched to a lock releasing member, a clutch spring ineternally provided to the rotary body and the damper case being bridged thereon, and a viscous material filled in a clearance between the supporting shaft and the damper case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juji Ojima, Yoshiharu Kitamura, Kouichi Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 5150771
    Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where as spring wound about a rod normally grips the rod against axial movement through a lock housing is improved by providing a lightly scored surface finish on contacting surfaces of the rod and the spring, the scoring being transverse to the rod and excluding contacting surfaces of adjacent coils of the spring for enhanced frictional resistance to axial sliding displacement of the rod through the spring while maintaining low friction unwinding of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Company
    Inventor: Clyde R. Porter
  • Patent number: 5138899
    Abstract: A foot-operated parking brake system includes a rotor assembly rotatable in an interlocked relation with a parking brake pedal and having two reels. Coils are wound around the respective reels for holding the rotor assembly yieldingly fixed with a predetermined fastening force and thereby holding the parking brake pedal in its brake applied position. The rotor assembly can be released from the fastening force by twisting the coils in unwinding directions thereof and thereby reducing respective fastening forces exerted by the coils beyond the bias of a coil which urges the parking brake pedal toward its brake released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunitsu Katagiri
  • Patent number: 5135082
    Abstract: A brake band for use in a transmission for a vehicle for example, has a greater oil discharge (removing) area in the portion of a lining which is near the apply side end of the brake band than in the portion of the lining which is on the anchor side of the brake band, thereby enhancing the oil discharge characteristic and reducing the shock during speed change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignees: NSK-Warner K.K., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Umezawa, Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 5131509
    Abstract: A band brake apparatus functions to brake a rotary drum, wherein the magnitude of the braking force is independent of the direction in which the drum rotates. The band brake apparatus comprises first and second brake bands situated next to one another and encircling a reversible rotary drum. Each band has an anchored end anchored to a casing, and a displaceable end. The displaceable ends of both bands are connected to a common actuating lever. One band encircles the drum clockwise from its displaceable end, whereas the other end encircles the drum counterclockwise from its displaceable end. Each band includes a hole through which an end of the band extends, in order to form a loop encircling the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae H. Moon, Jong D. Kwak, Jong K. Lee, Won K. Ahn
  • Patent number: 5083642
    Abstract: A double wrap brake band for controlling the clutch drum of an automatic transmission for a vehicle. The band is formed from an integrally stamped strap the ends of which are joined to form the circular band. The strap includes longitudinal slots forming three parallel straps which control the constriction and expansion of the band. A first bracket secured to the outer straps and a second bracket secured to the intermediate strap facilitate control of the constriction/expansion movement. The brackets are secured to the straps such that breakage and malfunction are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Advanced Friction Materials Company
    Inventors: Oscar Stefanutti, Omar P. Oszust, Richard T. Popchock
  • Patent number: 5028913
    Abstract: An angle adjusting device for a display device includes a fixed axis and a rotatable axis of the same diameter fixed on a display and a main body. The axes coaxially abut each other, and a coil spring is closely wound on the abutting portions of the axes. An end of the spring abuts a step portion of the fixed axis and the other end abuts an operating piece integrally provided on the rotatable axis when the display is open in vertical position. Opening energy is stored in the coil spring when the display is folded into the main body so as to open up the display automatically when unlocked. An angle adjusting operation is performed arbitrarily by an operator by using the friction between the coil spring and the rotatable axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura