Reversible Drive Mechanism Patents (Class 318/10)
  • Patent number: 11394335
    Abstract: Described is a sensor-less motor reversal (“SLMR”) apparatus that aids the reversal of motor rotation of a bidirectional motor, such as a brushless DC motor of an aerial vehicle. The SLMR includes an RPM dependent clutch that is rotated by a drive shaft of the motor and that engages an engageable shaft of the SLMR apparatus during a low RPM range of the motor during which indirect measurement of the RPM of the motor through a back-EMF of the motor is unreliable. As the engageable shaft increases in RPM, energy is stored by an energy storage mechanism of the SLMR. As the RPM of the motor decreases as part of a motor reversal, the energy stored by the energy storage mechanism is discharged and aids in the transition of the reversal of the motor from positive to negative, or negative to positive. As described, the SLMR apparatus is stateless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Szmuk, Marco Antonio De Barros Ceze
  • Patent number: 10785883
    Abstract: An electronic configuration, which is preferably a gearbox control device, has a control circuit and a sensor dome. The sensor dome has a sensor and dome contacts electrically connected to the sensor. The control circuit has circuit contacts for contacting the dome contacts. The dome contacts and the circuit contacts are configured to achieve a respective plug connection between a respective dome contact and a respective circuit contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Albert, Joachim Buhl, Turhan Bueyuekbas, Andreas Plach, Matthias Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 10555415
    Abstract: A method of making a printed circuit board and a printed circuit board including a plurality of plastic substrate parts having one or more first substrate parts each having at least one coupling means, and one or more second substrate parts each having at least one receiving means to receive the coupling mean. At least one of the plurality of plastic substrate parts is formed with a further structural element, and at least two of the plurality of plastic substrate parts are connected to each other through the at least one coupling means and the at least one receiving means. The connected substrate parts include a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9950417
    Abstract: An electronic pulse driver includes a motor, a hammer, an anvil, an end tool mounting unit, a power supply unit, and a control unit. The hammer is rotatable together with the anvil. The end tool mounting unit transmits the rotation of the anvil to an end tool. The power supply unit supplies a drive electric power to the motor. The control unit controls the power supply unit to halt a supply of the drive electric power to the motor when an electric current flowing to the motor increases to a prescribed value. The control unit controls the power supply unit to supply to the motor a prestart electric power lower than the drive electric power before supplying the drive electric power in order to permit the power supply unit to supply the drive electric power after the hammer is in contact with the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Ito, Katsuhiro Oomori, Mizuho Nakamura, Tomomasa Nishikawa, Hironori Mashiko
  • Patent number: 9765862
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a cardioid intermediate transmission body having a cardioid curved surface, an outer cycloid transmission body having an outer cycloid curved surface, an inner cycloid transmission body having an inner cycloid curved surface, an outer press unit, an inner press unit, and a cardioid intermediate transmission body inclining unit. The outer press unit presses one of the outer cycloid transmission body and the cardioid intermediate transmission body to the other side. The inner press unit presses the one to the other side. The cardioid intermediate transmission body inclining unit changes respective positions where the cardioid curved surface rolls on and contacts the outer cycloid curved surface and the inner cycloid curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Nittono, Bo Liu
  • Patent number: 9709158
    Abstract: An anti-backlash gear control device is disclosed that includes a first bias module operable to generate a first bias to be applied to a first motor operable with a first gear, and a second bias module operable to generate a second bias, opposite the first bias, to be applied to a second motor operable with a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are operably connected to a load gear, such that rotation of at least one of the first gear and the second gear causes the load gear to move. Additionally, a command module can receive a drive command and output at least one of first and second command signals based on the drive command to be summed with the first and second biases, respectively, to generate first and second drive signals to operate the first and second motors to drive the first and second gears, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Phillip Stillo, Michael F. Turk
  • Patent number: 8729836
    Abstract: A control device for a hoist, which enables easy judgment of the lifetime of a brake of a hoist is provided. The time setting unit sets the time from startup of a double winding induction motor to disengagement of the brake and the time from start of engagement of the brake to stopping of the double winding induction motor in accordance with the time from the startup of the double winding induction motor to generation of torque. The time changing unit detects if power-supply frequency of a power supply is 50 Hz or 60 Hz and can change at least one of the time from the startup of the double winding induction motor to the disengagement of the brake and the time from stopping of driving of the brake to stopping of double winding induction motor in accordance with the power-supply frequency of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Kito Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Maruno, Daisuke Matsuo, Kazuho Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20130207573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronous control apparatus for speed-reducing DC motor, comprising a speed-reducing DC motor and a controller, wherein said speed-reducing DC motor comprises a motor and a speed reducer. Said speed-reducing motor is equipped with a speed detecting module to detect the actual rotational speed. Said controller is equipped with a storage unit to save reference rotational speed values. Said speed detecting module is linked to the controller which can vary the supply voltage to the speed-reducing DC motor while the actual rotational speed differs from the reference speed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: LISONG LIU
  • Publication number: 20130020968
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electromechanical power transmission system that includes a drive system operatively coupled to a power take-off unit. In some embodiments the power take-off unit comprises an output shaft, an input shaft, at least one gear assembly and at least one clutch assembly. The electromechanical power transmission system can comprise at least one electric machine module where the electric machine module comprises a rotor assembly and stator assembly that can be operatively coupled to the output shaft and clutch assembly. The electric machine module can be configured and arranged to be capable of being reversibly operated to provide voltage and current or rotational torque and mechanical energy as a function of shaft rotational direction. In some embodiments an electronic control unit may modify the rotational speed of the rotor assembly so as to produce a synchronous velocity relative to the expected rotational speed of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Meyer
  • Patent number: 8287246
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an electrical drive such as is used with electric submersible pumps used in downhole oil production, wherein the drive automatically determines the proper phasing to drive the pump motor in a forward direction. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a drive signal having an initial phasing and driving the pump to establish a column of fluid in the borehole. The drive signal is then discontinued, allowing the column of fluid to fall through the pump and cause the pump to backspin and generate a signal having phasing corresponding to the reverse rotational direction. The forward phasing is then determined to be the opposite of the phasing corresponding to the reverse rotational direction. The pump can be restarted in the forward direction, or an operator can be notified of the proper phasing to produce forward rotation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sheldon Plitt, Jerald R. Rider, Dick L. Knox, William Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7812555
    Abstract: An electric powertrain for use with an engine and a traction device is disclosed. The electric powertrain has a DC motor/generator operable to receive at least a portion of a first mechanical output from the engine and produce a DC power output. The DC motor/generator is also operable to receive DC power and produce a second mechanical output. The electric powertrain further has a drivetrain operable to receive the DC power output and use the DC power output to drive the traction device. The drivetrain is also operable to generate DC power when the traction device is operated in a dynamic braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Rodwan Tarek Adra
  • Patent number: 7564202
    Abstract: A door opener error-start prevention device, the output shaft of the door opener is formed as a hollow accommodation portion, a pair of axial sliding slots are formed on the periphery, and a sliding pin radially inserted; a pair of elastic elements, abutting against the sliding pin from both ends, the outer end of each elastic element fixed by a bolt; a sprocket assembly is rotationally invaginated on the output shaft, one end having a sprocket , the other end formed with a pair of V-shaped slots corresponding to the sliding slots on the output shaft, both ends of the pin engage in the V-shaped slot to drive the sprocket. When an error start of the door occurs, the door returns to the original position by actuation of an obstacle sensing device actuated by the sliding pin, the sensitivity of which is adjusted by a bolt at the outside of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080264942
    Abstract: A cover assembly of a container includes a first part and a second part mounted on an open top of the container, the first part includes an opening and the second part includes a through hole which is located corresponding to the opening. The second part including two sidewalls and each sidewall has a plurality of guide slots such that a plurality of plates are respectively and slidably engaged with the guide slots between the two sidewalls to open the through hole or to close the through hole. A driving unit is located on the second part and driving the plates to move along the guide slots. An induction unit is connected to a front end of the first part and includes an induction member which activates the driving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Tin-Kim Shek
  • Publication number: 20080197792
    Abstract: The present invention provides a door opener error-start prevention device, in which the output shaft of the door opener is formed as a hollow accommodation portion in the center, and a pair of axial sliding slots being formed from the periphery to pass through the accommodation portion, and a sliding pin being radialy inserted; a pair of elastic elements, abutting against the sliding pin from both ends of the accommodation portion, the outer end of each elastic element being fixed by a bolt; a sprocket assembly being rotationally invaginated on the output shaft, one end having a sprocket for driving the reel of the door, the other end being formed, on its periphery, with a pair of V-shaped slots which corresponds to the sliding slot on the output shaft, both ends of the sliding pin being engaged in the V-shaped slot to drive the sprocket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7254880
    Abstract: During the positioning of a control device for controlling an electromechanical drive, contact elements, which are connected to the control device in a fixed manner, are positioned in relation to one or more openings in a connector collar. To position the control device, the latter is displaced into a predetermined position. The predetermined position is defined, for example, by a guide or a stop. The contact elements are a component of an electric and/or optical junction which connects the drive device to other functional units, for example to a door control device or a motor vehicle battery. To position the contact elements in the connector collar of a connecting element which lies on the side of the drive device in the junction, the contact elements are positioned in relation to openings in the connector collar by being displaced together with the control device into the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeuqteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Volker Aab, Karl-Heinz Rosenthal, Reiner Kurzendoerfer, Herbert Becker, Gerhard Schelhorn
  • Patent number: 7197955
    Abstract: A vehicle gear box shift actuator and apparatus including the same. The actuator includes a lead screw; a drive nut threaded on the lead screw; a plunger; a first spring disposed between the drive nut and a first end of the plunger; a second spring disposed between the drive nut and a second end of the plunger opposite from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sumit Sharma, William Farmer, Robert Cicerchia
  • Patent number: 7026780
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing the motion of an articulated chain of a chain block, especially to prevent the formation of resonance oscillation of the chain, in which an articulated chain is led across a polygonal chain wheel with non-uniform pitch, which is driven by an electric motor. In order to create a method to prevent the formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain, it is proposed that a periodic and/or stochastic and dampening actuating variable is superimposed on the velocity of the chain wheel (4) and the dampening actuating variable produces a change in the chain velocity so as to prevent a formation of a resonance oscillation. The chain drive with reduced polygon effect is characterized in that an electronic damper (8) is hooked up in front of the electric motor (2), which produces a control of the electric motor (2) such that a formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain (5) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Schröder, Giuliano Persico
  • Patent number: 6933691
    Abstract: A control system controls a DC motor which operates a shifting mechanism. The control system includes switch circuit with a plurality of switches which connect terminals of the motor to a power supply. In order to limit the speed and torque, the control system operates the DC motor via pulse-width modulation so that the DC motor is alternately operated in a supply mode and in a short-circuit mode. The alternating supply and short-circuit modes result in operating states in which the motor is alternately driven and decelerated. Consequently, the speed and torque of the DC motor can be limited by the pulse-width modulation of control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Norbert Fritz
  • Patent number: 6911799
    Abstract: A control system for a weld motor for a strapping machine is based upon the number of rotations of the weld motor. The system is used in a strapping machine of the type having a body, an anvil mounted to and movable relative to the body, a sealing member disposed for oscillating movement relative to the anvil and a motor operably connected to the sealing member to provide oscillating movement to the sealing member. Movement of the sealing member seals overlying courses of strapping material to one another. The control system includes a sensed element located on a rotating portion of the motor, a sensor for generating a signal at each instance of sensing the sensed element, a counter operably connected to the sensor for counting the instances of the sensed element and a controller for controlling operation of the motor based upon the counting of the instances of the sensed element. A method for controlling a motor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy J. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6891344
    Abstract: The invention provides to make an automatic opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle to be thin. An outer rack is attached to an outer side of a stay fixed to a vehicle in such a manner as to freely move in an axial direction along the stay. A thickness of the stay is set to be smaller than a width, and a cross sectional shape thereof is formed so as to be in a substantially thin convex shape. A width in a base end wall portion of the outer rack is formed so as to be larger than a width of a side surface wall portion corresponding to a thickness of the outer rack, and the outer rack is formed in a substantially thin C cross sectional shape. It is possible to make a thickness of a slide mechanism about a gear with of rack gears lined up in an axial direction in the side surface wall portion by making the width of the side surface wall portion slightly larger than the gear width of the rack gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakai, Yasushi Yoshida, Takashi Hoshino, Seiji Shioiri, Takao Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6858999
    Abstract: Drivers (12a,12b) drive respective DC brushless motors (8a, 8b) having rotor position detecting Hall-effect devices. A CPU (18) detects the numbers of rotations of the respective motors (8a, 8b) in response to the detection of the positions of the rotors by the Hall-effect devices, and causes the driving of the motors (8a, 8b) by the drivers (12a, 12b) to stop when the detected number of the rotations attains a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Itoh Denki Company, Limited
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kujihashi
  • Patent number: 6819065
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled dynamic braking of a DC motor in a tape transport device are provided. A PWM state device includes a plurality of state transition paths, each path having an initial state, representative of a tape profile, including a predetermined range of tape velocities, relative amounts of tape on each reel and an initial tape tension, and at least one subsequent state. When a low power event is detected, one of the state transition paths is selected, based upon a current tape profile, and an associated PWM signal is transmitted to the motor. An energy storage device provides power to the PWM state device during the low power event. The PWM signals follow the selected transition path to modulate the current generated by the motion of the motor and thereby create a decelerating force while substantially maintaining the initial tape tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines, (IBM) Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Howarth, James M. Karp, John A. Koski, Randy C. Inch
  • Patent number: 6812655
    Abstract: An induction actuated container includes a container body, a container cover, a drive and an induction element. The drive includes a driven operating member and a driving member. The induction elements includes a sensor and an actuating controller for the driving member. One end of the driven operating member is transmissively connected with the container cover, the other end is transmissively connected with the driving member, and the sensor is electrically connected with the actuating controller for the driving member, and the actuating controller for the driving member is connected with a controlling end of the driving member. A signal caused by the approaching of a human or object is received by the sensor and is converted into an electrical signal. Then, the actuating controller for the driving member controls the driving member to perform a corresponding mechanical action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 6657406
    Abstract: A method of operation for a motor-driven worm gear actuator coupled to a load device energizes the motor in a series of pulses during an initial period of motor operation when reversal of the motor is commanded. The pulsed energization produces a slow initial axial movement of the motor armature without moving the load device, minimizing the contact force between the armature shaft and a mechanical end stop of the motor. Rotation of the motor is determined by identifying and counting motor current pulses due to commutation, and the pulse count is adjusted at each reversal of motor rotation to compensate for motor current pulses due to the pulsed energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald John Enzinna, Mark Joseph Parisi
  • Patent number: 6600988
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle is described. The method determines a desired vehicle condition based on three driver actuated elements. In a preferred embodiment the first element can be pedal position, the second element can be a brake actuator or, more specifically, brake actuation duration, and the third element can be a gear selection lever. Further, the desired vehicle condition can be desired powertrain output, vehicle acceleration, or various other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Da, Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6522095
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock including a diode for operating an electric motor drive in one direction of drive rotation. To minimize the electric motor turning back against the direction of drive rotation in the off state, the diode is connected in parallel to the electric motor drive which provides essentially for short circuiting of the electric motor drive when it turns back. In this way, rebound of the electric motor drive is prevented or reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Checrallah Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20020185983
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for both coarsely and accurately controlling a scanning stage are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for scanning an object includes a first stage that is coupled to a first actuator which moves the first stage along an axis, as well as a second stage that is arranged to accommodate the object. A first coupler which has first and second ends is aligned along the axis such that the first and second ends of the first coupler contact the first and second stages, respectively. A second coupler which also has first and second ends is aligned along the axis such that the first and second ends of the second coupler contact the first and second stages, respectively. When the first stage scans in a first direction, the first coupler causes the second stage to scan along the axis through the first coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Alex Ka Tim Poon, Royal W. Cherry
  • Patent number: 6407523
    Abstract: A clearing method for use with a conveyor belt driven by a reversible motor for essentially automatically eliminating swarf or other obstructions along the belt including an clearing process including sensing motor load and comparing sensed load to a maximum load, when the sensed load exceeds the maximum, performing a clearing process for a predetermined time period calculated to, given the clearly process, clear the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Jorgensen Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Allan
  • Patent number: 6018223
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raghu Oruganty, Daniel D. Kilker, William Carl Zimmer, James Wayne Gibson
  • Patent number: 5986351
    Abstract: A bi-directional bypass lever assembly for activating an automotive liftgate lock mechanism includes a resetable spring-biased lever that is coupled to an automotive liftgate locking mechanism. The spring-biased lever resets itself automatically upon completion of both the locking mode and unlocking mode by the liftgate lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Sauerbrey, Shuxian Huang, Gerald S. McLean
  • Patent number: 5932982
    Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Edward Pezzelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5903112
    Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). When the residual capacity of a battery (94) is less than an allowable minimum value, a control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to enable the clutch motor (30) to carry out the power operation and apply a first torque to the drive shaft (22) in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata, Akihiko Kanamori
  • Patent number: 5903113
    Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). A control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to enable the clutch motor (30) to carry out the regenerative operation. The clutch motor (30) accordingly regenerates energy corresponding to a slip between the outer rotor (32) and the inner rotor (34) as electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata, Ryouji Mizutani, Tetsuya Miura
  • Patent number: 5903114
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs a power transmission mechanism for generating intermittent motion having a specific range of motion and angular velocity profile for selectively actuating a mechanical device operably coupled to the power transmission mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the power transmission mechanism. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates a plurality of intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, William C. Zimmer, James W. Gibson, Eric J. Krupp
  • Patent number: 5866995
    Abstract: An auxiliary system for a motor vehicle including at least two intermittently driven auxiliary devices, a single electric motor for driving the at least two auxiliary devices, a free wheel arrangement for operatively connecting the at least two auxiliary devices with the electric motor in such a way that one of the at least two auxiliary devices is, from time to time, not operatively connected with the electric motor, and a priority circuit for determining the priority order of actuation of the at least two auxiliary devices, when both devices need be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Norbert Indlekofer
  • Patent number: 5844382
    Abstract: A motion transmitting apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle multi-functional apparatus includes an electromagnetic device, a rotatable member, an interface surface, a shaft and an intermittent motion mechanism. Another aspect of the present invention provides rotation of the rotatable member within a first positional range to cause the interface surface to contact and move an arm of the intermittent motion mechanism from a first actuation position to a second actuation position. The arm subsequently moves past the actuation positions as to allow the interface surface to disengage the intermittent motion mechanism and continue rotating past the intermittent motion mechanism. The arm is thereafter biased back into a rotational path of the interface surface such that upon reversal of rotational direction of the rotatable member, the interface surface will reengage the arm and move the intermittent motion mechanism from the second actuation position to the first actuation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc
    Inventor: Petre Dan
  • Patent number: 5841249
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: William Carl Zimmer, James Wayne Gibson
  • Patent number: 5808427
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an electric vehicle drive control system is provided. The system of the present invention controls the supply of actuating power to an electric motor for driving the vehicle. One preferred embodiment of the system permits a user to temporarily override a previously selected maximum power usage level for the motor so as to permit the amount of power supplied to the motor to be increased to a higher maximum power usage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Solectria Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Worden, Ricardo Espinosa, Roderick T. Hinman, Gill A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5654614
    Abstract: A self-contained postage meter does not have a base separable from a main body. The single secure housing contains everything that would be in the main body of a prior art postage meter and everything that would be in a prior art meter base. Despite containing all these things, the single secure housing is small enough and light enough in weight to permit the entire meter to be readily transported to the post office for inspection or resetting. Within the single secure housing are the print rotor with value wheels, all the mechanisms for setting the print wheels, the descending and/or ascending register and associated microprocessor, and all the mechanisms for transport of the mail piece through the meter. Only a handful of controlled elements are required, chiefly a single inexpensive DC motor for franking and value wheel setting and a few electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems AG
    Inventors: Daniel Fluckiger, Philippe Chollet, Christian Gillieron, Christian Moy, Martin Muller, Heinz Wuthrich
  • Patent number: 5574339
    Abstract: A piece of furniture has a frame and a part capable of rocking on the frame at a natural rocking frequency. A drive has a sensor for detecting movement of the part on the frame, a drive motor connected between the frame and the part for rocking the part on the frame, and a controller connected between the drive and sensor for rocking the part on the frame at the natural rocking frequency up to a predetermined maximum angular displacement of the part on the frame. The sensor detects angular movement, that is angular speed, angular position, and/or angular acceleration of the part on the frame. The controller has a response field and operates the drive in accordance therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Matt Kattwinkel
    Inventors: Marcus Kattwinkel, Martin Zagromski
  • Patent number: 5459588
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hand held scanner with a motorized drive capability. The motorized drive employs a clutchless motor system. In manual operation, the scanner operates as a standard non-motorized scanner in which the user can neither see nor feel any effects of the motor system. In the motorized mode, a worm gear mounted on the motor's drive shaft causes the drive gear/friction wheel assembly to engage the drive rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Logitech, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. McVicar, Mohammad A. Safai
  • Patent number: 5389861
    Abstract: A retrofit power accessory for a turret mill provides a motor drive for changing machine tool speed, replacing a handwheel. A frame is attached to the mill by a pair of adjustable brackets which accommodate various models of mills. The frame carries a spider coupling which attaches to the rotatable machine shaft formerly holding the hand wheel. The spider coupling is driven by a gear motor on the frame through a timing belt and timing gears to positively drive the machine shaft. A manual switch controls the motor in either direction to effect the desired machine tool speed change. A rotary knob is also coupled to the spider coupling to allow manual intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Robert L. Warnke, III
  • Patent number: 5280224
    Abstract: A process cartridge drive mechanism for driving a process cartridge which is mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus. The process cartridge drive mechanism includes a drive motor which is forwardly and reversely rotatable; a drive force transmitting device, having a range of play therein, for transmitting a drive force of the drive motor to the process cartridge; and a control device for controlling a rotation of the drive motor such that the drive motor is rotated reversely within the range of play of the drive force transmitting device before the drive motor is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiji Sagara
  • Patent number: 5245258
    Abstract: An electric-motor-driven window operating system for installation in motor vehicle doors with a drive unit (2) arranged in a damp-proof housing (1) and connected to a rotation speed sensor (30) and controllable by an electronic control and regulating unit (4). The electronic control and regulating unit (4), the drive unit (2) and the rotation speed sensor (3; 30, 31, 32) are arranged in a common damp-proof housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Becker, Gerhard Jurgens, Klaus Wagner, Gerhard Schelhorn, Carsten Brandt, Bernd Freisleben, Reiner Kurzendorfer
  • Patent number: 4973893
    Abstract: A drum and piston drive system incorporates within the interior of a drum used for reeling cable in and out, a reversible electric motor which drives the drum from the inside through a gearset. Also carried within the drum is a manifold structure including a gear pump driven directly from the opposite end of the reversible motor operating in a closed hydraulic circuit to supply hydraulic pressure to reversibly move a piston in a cylinder. The manifold includes check valves limiting the pump output pressure, and a pair of accumulators which maintain a desired pressure on both sides of the pump to avoid cavitation. Relief valves in the manifold limit the pressure to the piston and check valves in each line to the cylinder block reverse flow. The system operates to control and coordinate drum rotation movement and direction with the direction and movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Secretan
  • Patent number: 4847541
    Abstract: A door actuating system has an electric drive motor and a chain drive connected to the door. An electromagnetic clutch connects the motor drive to the chain drive when the clutch is activated. The system includes a controller for controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the clutch to allow the movement of the door to build up over a finite time to a steady-state speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Steve Krieger
  • Patent number: 4841203
    Abstract: A permanent magnet direct-current gearhead motor is supported by a base member so that its output gear motion is transmitted to a splined steering shaft which descends and is attached to the electric trolling motor itself. The transmission of motion between the gearhead motor and the spline gear on the upper end of the steering shaft may utilize a larger intermediate gear so that limit switches can be installed thereon to limit the range of rotation of the gears, and thus of the trolling motor itself. The direction of the gearhead motor rotation is dependent on the polarity of the direct current applied; the desired polarity being established through by button-type switches connected through a double throw, double pole direct current relay which is housed on the base member, adjacent to the gearhead motor. The button switches may be positioned at a multiple number of different locations within the boat, wherever desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: David A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 4459518
    Abstract: A device for extending the operating time of a glass wiping system comprises a motor and reduction gear unit, a fixed-stop member for automatically stopping said motor at a fixed position and a complementary reduction gear driven from the output member of said reduction gear unit, said device being rigid with said fixed stop member, the necessary control action occurring only after several revolutions of said output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignees: Regie Nationale des Usines Renault, Automobiles Peugeot
    Inventor: Pierre Chevallier
  • Patent number: 4325015
    Abstract: A dual motor drive for the turntable of a numerically controlled machine tool in which separate forward and reverse drive motors geared to the turntable are used for eliminating the effect of backlash. Circuitry, including amplifiers, is interposed between a source of numerical control signal and the motors for energizing the motors alternatively in the numerically controlled mode depending upon the polarity of the control signal and at a speed which depends upon the magnitude of such signal. For operation in the lathe mode, sources of auxiliary control signal of first and second polarity are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Danly Machine Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Heiberger
  • Patent number: 4271378
    Abstract: A simplified reversible drive especially adapted for models and toys, utilizing two parallel and spaced apart drive discs with opposing faces rotating together in tandem, a third reversibly driven disc disposed between and perpendicular to the pair of discs, and means to selectively bias the third disc against either one of the said opposing disc faces to produce selected rotation in one direction, and against the other opposing face to produce selected rotation in the other direction, all of which is easily assembled by a hobbyist, without the use of special tools, and incorporating in a light and/or sound effect producing circuit including a motor for rotating the drive discs, a background sound effect and lighting effect producing circuit element connected in series with the armature of the motor, and a normally open magnetically operated switch which is periodically closed by a magnet mounted on one of the discs to produce punctual sound effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Inventor: Robert J. Knauff