Plural Radially Overlapping Convoluted Elements Patents (Class 464/58)
  • Patent number: 10912921
    Abstract: A multilayer body, a multilayer hollow body, and a catheter with a multilayer hollow body each have improved torque transmissibility to one end when the other end is rotated rightward or leftward. The multilayer hollow body includes a single-strand hollow body that is formed by winding one element wire, an inner multi-strand hollow body that is disposed adjacently to an inner periphery of the single-strand hollow body and is formed by winding a plurality of element wires in an opposite direction from the single-strand hollow body, and an outer multi-strand hollow body that is disposed adjacently to an outer periphery of the single-strand hollow body 7 and is formed by winding a plurality of element wires in an opposite direction from the single-strand hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 10849635
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for use in tissue repair. The system includes a cannulated guide, an obturator configured for insertion through the guide, a drill configured for insertion through the guide, and an anchor delivery tool configured for insertion through the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Klindt Sorensen, Matthew Edwin Koski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Daniel B. Ellis, Roy Alan Majors, James Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10464410
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes an input member to receive an input torque from a propulsion source, and an output member coupled to the input member to transfer the input torque to a driveline component. The torque transfer mechanism also includes a damping mechanism disposed between the input member and the output member. The damping mechanism includes at least one clockspring that is coiled about a center axis of rotation of the input and output members and couples the input member to the output member. The at least one clockspring, which may include a first clockspring fixed to a second clockspring, is arranged to damp vibration associated with the input torque and is coiled in multiple planes such that the clockspring does not contact itself under torsional deflection. The first clockspring may be wound in a clockwise direction, and the second clockspring may be wound in a counterclockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Derek F Lahr, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 10364848
    Abstract: A drive coupling has first and second coaxial end adapters. A first set of at least two coaxial helical elements has a first end of each element attached to the first end adapter, and a second end of each element is coupled to the second end adapter. At least one biasing device biases the end adapters relative to each other. Torque applied to one of the end adapters is transferred through the first set of helical elements to the other end adapter, the helical elements allowing for misalignment of the end adapters during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell L. Mueller, Michael S. Seifert, Steven K. Spears, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 9751148
    Abstract: A plumber's heat shield comprises an arcuate preferably metallic shell attached to a spring-clamp by means of an obedient shaft which enables the heat shield to be moved to any position relative to the spring-clamp. The arcuate shell is preferably formed from aluminum or other material having high infrared reflectivity. The obedient shaft is preferably formed from helically-wound steel spring outer sheath surrounding a ductile copper wire core. The spring steel outer sheath prevents the ductile copper wire core from being bent at too sharp of a radius (which would cause the ductile core to work-harden and fracture) while at the same time protecting the ductile copper wire core from the open-flame of the soldering torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Keith Sharrow
  • Patent number: 9351630
    Abstract: A flexible endoscope shaft with a shaft body which, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft, is composed of at least two shaft portions with different degrees of flexibility, wherein at least one shaft portion is composed of at least one spring element, and wherein all the spring elements of the shaft portions, which, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft body, are arranged proximally from the outer distal shaft portion, are designed as reversibly deformable spring rods extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft body. In order to create a flexible endoscope shaft that can be produced easily and cost-effectively, each of the shaft portions having at least one spring rod has at least one further spring rod, which is integrally bonded to the other spring rods of the respective shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Viktor Josef Wimmer, Robert Ayrenschmalz
  • Patent number: 9252575
    Abstract: A high-voltage conduction path includes one conductor of a positive electrode conductor and a negative electrode conductor, a first insulator on the outside of the one conductor, the other conductor of the positive electrode conductor and the negative electrode conductor, the other conductor on the outside of the first insulator, and a second insulator on the outside of the other conductor. The other conductor is made of a metal wire material and formed into a cylindrical shape by spirally winding the metal wire material, and portions of the metal wire material positioned to be adjacent to each other contact with each other at side end faces opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Toyama, Shigemi Hashizawa
  • Patent number: 8827820
    Abstract: A flexible shaft for transmitting torque, for example between a motor and an automobile seat to be adjusted. The shaft has a core including one or more wire layers helically wound in opposite winding directions. The outer layer has a number of wires with a circular cross-section and at least one flat wire. The wires of the outer layer are helically wound in a winding direction opposite to that of the adjacent layer. The flat wire has a thickness substantially less than the maximum diameter of the outer layer wires of circular cross-section. A strand of flocked yarn is wound on the flat wire and protrudes above the adjacent wires of the outer layer, to engage the inner wall of a surrounding casing and reduce noise when the shaft is rotated within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: S.S. White Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Michael Mellor, Tat M. Yuen
  • Patent number: 8814709
    Abstract: A flexible shaft for torque transfer has a plurality of metal wires that are helically wound in a plurality of layers with an opposite winding direction that alternates from layer to layer. Each of the metal wires is surrounded by an electrically insulating insulation layer. The insulating layer prevents a metal-on-metal contact between adjacent metal wires and thereby prevents unwanted intermodulation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Walter Staniszewski, Stefan Berger, Ralf Häntsch, Hubert Polster
  • Patent number: 8662866
    Abstract: An electric motor driven fan device has a base member with walls forming an enclosure, an electrically powered motor located within the enclosure and having an output shaft coupled via a bearing mounted in an upper wall of the base member to one end of a flexible drive shaft rotatably enclosed in a bendable sheath secured to the base member. The other end of the flexible drive shaft is coupled via a second bearing to a driven shaft secured to a multi-bladed fan. The other end of the bendable sheath is secured to the outer race of the second bearing. The predominant mass of the device is at the bottom, which reduces the footprint of the lower portion. The bendable sheath enables the attitude of the fan to be manually adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro E Corp.
    Inventors: Su Shiong Huang, Shengbo Zhu
  • Patent number: 8152578
    Abstract: A joint 10 is shown for transmission of torque between an input shaft 12 and an output shaft 14. In the form shown, the joint 10 comprises an outermost helical coil spring 16 and an innermost helical coil spring 18, both of which are connected at their respective opposite ends to the input shaft 12 and to the output shaft 14. The innermost helical spring 18 is arranged to be entirely located within, and co-axially aligned with, the outermost helical spring 16 along the same centerline. The springs 16, 18 are arranged to be counter wound relative to one another to provide delivery of torque in a stabilised manner reflected in a significant reduction in the vibration observed within the joint 10 during use. The joint 10 is also arranged for transmission of thrust (or axial force) between the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: DBD Marine Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Rigby, Cheryl D. Rigby
  • Patent number: 7815510
    Abstract: A driving disc with a hub and a disc rim which are rotatably supported inside one another, with at least two wound wire springs which are mounted substantially coaxially relative to the hub and disc rim and whose one end is secured in the direction of rotation relative to the hub and whose respective other end is secured in the direction or rotation relative to the disc rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Jochen Asbeck, Michael Schebitz, Vladimir Kobelev, Stefan Schattenberg
  • Patent number: 7472939
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for transmitting a rotational movement comprising a flexible shaft and a sheath inside which the flexible shaft is housed, said sheath being arranged in order to allow the rotation of said shaft inside said sheath. The outer surface of the flexible shaft is machined so as to have a substantially smooth surface finish. The invention also concerns an adjustment system for a motor vehicle seat comprising such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Inderflex-Technoflex
    Inventor: Denis Tores
  • Publication number: 20080153605
    Abstract: An adapter for connection between a rotary driving shaft, for example an output shaft of a motor, and a load device for buffering resistance force fed back from the load device includes a supporting member, a first shaft pivotally mounted in the supporting member and connectable to the load device, a second shaft pivotally mounted in the supporting member, coaxially aligned with the first shaft and connectable to the rotary driving shaft, and a spiral spring having an outer end connected with the first shaft and a center end connected with the second shaft. Thus, the spiral spring can provides a buffering effect to the resistance force fed back from the load device to the rotary driving shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: TAIWAN LONG HAWN ENTERPRISE CO.
    Inventor: Su-Chen LIAO
  • Patent number: 7367605
    Abstract: A flexible shaft designed to rotate inside a sheath for transmitting rotary motion can include at least one core wire and winding wired wound around the core wire. The core wire has an elasticity and resilience that are lower than the elasticity and resilience of the winding wires. According to some examples, the core wire can be formed of annealed copper or annealed brass. The winding wires can be formed of steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Inderflex-Technoflex
    Inventor: Denis Tores
  • Publication number: 20040087379
    Abstract: A wire wound flexible shaft has layers of wire wound one upon another, with a dry film of lubricant bonded to the outer surfaces of a number of the outer layers; or if desired, to the outer surfaces of all layers of the shaft. The lubricant is applied by preheating the partially completed flexible shaft to a temperature substantially above 212° F. but below the decomposition temperature of the lubricant. A liquid medium comprising a carrier and particles of the lubricant is sprayed onto the shaft surface, causing the liquid to vaporize and the lubricant particles to be deposited on the shaft. One or more successive wire layers may then be wound onto the partially completed shaft and the spraying step repeated. Thereafter the shaft is heated to cause the lubricant particles to bond to the adjacent wire layers and to reduce internal stresses in the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6726568
    Abstract: A coil shaft or tube to be fitted into a flexible sleeve to serve as a flexible rotation transmission shaft, containing a partially coarsely wound coil shaft formed by winding around a core a plural number of unit wires which are arranged in intimately parallel relation with each other in the fashion of a single flat metal strip, and extracting a dummy wire afterwards from a resulting tightly wound coil shaft to form coarsely wound portions where helices of certain adjacent unit wires spaced apart in the axial direction and in certain portions of the coil shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshizumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6526645
    Abstract: A continuous congruent length of stranded flexible Drilling Energy Transfer Member (DETM) constructed to transfer and balance action/reaction forces between an energy source and a working tip such that torque, tensile, compression and self supporting forces are constrained while the DETM operates in multiple positions of tight curvature and straight run and while translating into and out of such extremes, the balance being maintained between the extensor/torque outer configuration and an inner tensile/compressor configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jack W. Romano
  • Patent number: 6464588
    Abstract: A flexible shaft having at least one end formed to have a helical square shape, wherein successive cross-sections have square shapes progressively rotated with respect to each other. The overall rotation from where the square cross-section begins to the adjacent end of the shaft is preferably in the range of 10 to 20 degrees. The helical square end is preferably shaped by swaging utilizing helical square dies preferably made by electron discharge machining. When the helical square end of the flexible shaft is forced into a mating square opening of an end fitting, the helical square configuration of the shaft end causes it to be deformed and bind tightly in the fitting with an interference fit, thus reducing vibration and noise when the shaft is rotated. Instead of a helical square shape, the end of the flexible shaft may alternatively have another helical polygonal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: S. S. White Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Rupp
  • Publication number: 20020090999
    Abstract: A continuous congruent length of stranded flexible Drilling Energy Transfer Member (DETM) constructed to transfer and balance action/reaction forces between an energy source and a working tip such that torque, tensile, compression and self supporting forces are constrained while the DETM operates in multiple positions of tight curvature and straight run and while translating into and out of such extremes, the balance being maintained between the extensor/torque outer configuration and an inner tensile/compressor configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Jack W. Romano
  • Patent number: 6375573
    Abstract: A continuous congruent length of stranded flexible Drilling Energy Transfer Member (DETM) constructed to transfer and balance action/reaction forces between an energy source and a working tip such that torque, tensile, compression and self supporting forces are constrained while the DETM operates in multiple positions of tight curvature and straight run and while translating into and out of such extremes, the balance being maintained between the extensor/torque outer configuration and an inner tensile/compressor configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Jack W. Romano
  • Publication number: 20010041620
    Abstract: A continuous congruent length of stranded flexible Drilling Energy Transfer Member (DETM) constructed to transfer and balance action/reaction forces between an energy source and a working tip such that torque, tensile, compression and self supporting forces are constrained while the DETM operates in multiple positions of tight curvature and straight run and while translating into and out of such extremes, the balance being maintained between the extensor/torque outer configuration and an inner tensile/compressor configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Jack W. Romano
  • Patent number: 6267679
    Abstract: A continuous congruent length stranded flexible Drilling Energy Transfer Member (DETM) constructed to transfer and balance action/reaction forces between an energy source and a working tip such that torque, tensile, compression and self supporting forces are constrained while the DETM operates in multiple positions of tight curvature and straight run and while translating into and out of such extremes, the balance being maintained between the extensor/torque outer configuration and an inner tensile/compressor configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Jack W. Romano
  • Patent number: 6220372
    Abstract: Apparatus for drilling lateral drainholes from a well casing comprises a flexible shaft having a bit at the lower end; the shaft extending through a shaft guide conduit anchored within the casing adjacent an oil-bearing formation. The “L” shaped guide conduit re-directs the shaft from an path parallel to the casing, through an elbow, to a path substantially perpendicular to the casing. The flexible shaft is formed of a helically wound outer coil spring and one or more helically wound and smaller inner coil springs residing concentrically therein. Each coil spring is closely fitted within the other. Each coil spring is wound opposite in direction to that of the next adjacent coil spring so as to interfere when under torsion. Bushings are located within the elbow for causing the shaft to flex and turn while permitting rotation and axial movement therethrough. A motor imparts torque into the top of the shaft, preferably through an intermediate driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Wenzel Downhole Tools, Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald Earl Cherry
  • Patent number: 5820464
    Abstract: A flexible shaft assembly for transmitting rotary motion between spaced components that are mounted on articulated members. The flexible shaft, which has a significant bending flexibility, comprises a proximal section connected to a driver device, a distal section connected to a driven component, and an intermediate section. The proximal and distal sections, which are free to bend, rotate about curved axes. One or more rigid sleeves coaxially mount on the intermediate section for reducing torsional deflections of the shaft as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: S.S. White Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Parlato
  • Patent number: 5816923
    Abstract: A flexible composite drive shaft used with a flexible vascular atherectomy catheter for connecting a proximal rotating drive member and a distal rotatable working member. The flexible composite drive shaft includes a core of specially selected highly elastic shape memory alloy surrounded by a flexible torsional reinforcing helical wound member and a covering of a smooth polymeric material penetrating the interstices between the wound member and the outer surface of the core. The material of the core, the relative winding direction of the reinforcing member and the direction of angular offset between the reinforcing member and the core are selected to optimize the consistency of the rotational characteristics of the drive shaft in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Devices for Vascular Intervention, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Milo, William Earl Webler, Fred Henrik Co
  • Patent number: 5803812
    Abstract: A flexible shaft structure comprises: a core wire having flexibility; holding portions provided on the core wire; a first wire wound around the core wire substantially at right angles with respect to an axial line of the core wire; and a second wire which is spirally wound around the first wire and of which both ends are respectively fixed to the holding portions. Accordingly, when an input-side holding portion rotates about a shaft, the rotational torque is transmitted to an output-side holding portion by the second wire. In this case, since the second wire is wound around the first wire wound around the core wire, the winding diameter of the second wire for transmitting rotational torque can be enlarged. As a result, tensile force acting on the second wire becomes smaller and stress acting on the core wire via the first wire or the holding portions accordingly becomes smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eisaku Kakiuchi, Tadao Ota, Yoshikazu Kameda, Masahiko Asano
  • Patent number: 5690322
    Abstract: This is a shock- and/or vibration-damping mount (9) between a first and snd mass. It comprises a substantially straight cable comprising a plurality of multiwire strands, the cable comprising at least one portion (25) having a bulged middle part (26) forming a central cavity (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Socitec Societe Pour le Commerce International et les Echanges Techniques
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Hay
  • Patent number: 5562275
    Abstract: A flexible spindle suitable for transmitting a torque as well as an axial thrust is constituted by a plurality of helical spirals of wire all of the same length. Each spiral has opposite winding directions to the winding direction of the adjacent spirals and the outer diameter of each spiral is equal to the inner diameter of the spiral which surrounds it. The terminal ends of the spirals are assembled integrally with each other and with the terminal ends of a flexible member situated inside the innermost spiral. Each sprial has a length which is equal to that of the other spirals as measured along their axis when these are in their bent operating position and under those conditions under which they are designed to transmit torque and thrust, with the flexible spindle resulting not to be radially or longitudinally deformable when under stress, thus transmitting the forces without loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Hawe Neos Dental Dr. H. v. Weissenfluh AG
    Inventors: Hans v. Weissenfluh, Beat A. v. Weissenfluh
  • Patent number: 5370580
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper in which variable volume chambers pump oil through restricted passages in response to relative torsional movement between a driven and inertia member in the damper. The passages are connected to radially inner and outer sides of an annular spring. Torsional oscillation causes the spring to deflect in a circumferential direction and the restricted passages damp the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric M. Vollet
  • Patent number: 5360090
    Abstract: A torsion isolator assembly (30) for reducing driveline torsionals includes a vane damper (36) including improved valving (40d,40e) for increasing the damping factor of the damper, improved spiral springs (32,34 or 80,82) for reducing spring stress primarily due to centrifugal forces, and cam surfaces (44d,440c) for further reducing spring stress due to centrifugal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Stretch, Kent M. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5288270
    Abstract: A flexible shaft has an inner shaft with a steel core wire and element wire groups which are formed by closely adhering a plurality of steel element wires into band shapes wound around the steel core wire by turns in reverse directions relative to each other. The plurality of element wire groups are formed in layers and in concentric sections. Lubricant is impregnated in clearances between the plurality of steel element wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Taisei Kohzai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5240457
    Abstract: A torsional isolator assembly for reducing driveline torsionals includes a vane damper (36) having valving (40d,40e or 161,163) and chamfers (200,201) on pistons (60 or 160). These chamfers (200,201) aid in forming a seal between a surface (42d or 142d) by creating a hydrodynamic film that biases the piston (60 or 160) toward the housing surface (42d or 142d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne K. Leichliter, Ben S. Juday
  • Patent number: 5234376
    Abstract: A torsion isolator assembly (30) for reducing driveline torsionals includes a vane damper (36) having valving (40d,40e) for regulating the damping factor of the damper, spiral springs (32,34 or 82,84), and cam surfaces (44d,44c) which engage the ends of the spiral springs (32,34 or 82,84).; The spiral springs (32,34 or 82,84) have a lesser radial spacing between the outer convolutions as compared to the radial spacing between the inner convolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Chimner, Michael J. Otto, Jerry F. Baremor, Warren G. Bopp
  • Patent number: 5226514
    Abstract: A torsion isolator assembly (30) for reducing driveline torsionals includes a vane damper (36) including improved valving (40d,40e) for increasing the damping factor of the damper, improved spiral springs (32,34 or 80,82) for reducing spring stress primarily due to centrifugal forces, and cam surfaces (44d,44c) for further reducing spring stress due to centrifugal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Chimner, Michael J. Otto
  • Patent number: 5165421
    Abstract: A hollow lumen cable is formed by helically winding inner and outer coils with the helices of each coil being in an abutting relationship and the outer coil inner peripheral diameter being less than the outer peripheral diameter of the inner coil. Preferably, each coil is multifilar. After the coils are wound, an unwinding force is applied to the outer coil and the inner coil is inserted into the outer coil to have its winding inclined opposite to that of the outer coil; and thence, the outer coil is allowed to contract to form an interference fit with the inner coil. The cable may be incorporated as part of a medical apparatus. For example, the cable distal end is connected to an implantable pump or other rotatable medical apparatus and the proximal end to a powered prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Lake Region Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark G. Fleischhacker, Joseph F. Fleischhacker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5078648
    Abstract: Torsion damping isolator assemblies (19 or 100 or 200) are disposed for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. The assemblies include spiral springs (62 or 202,204) and a vane damper assembly (22or 206) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The damper assemblies include first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68 or 208,210). The housing first members are connected to radially inner ends of the springs, and the second members are connected to radially outer ends of the springs. The housing members define chambers which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assemblies by driveline torsionals. The chambers communicate with the fluid in the torque converter housing via restricted passages (86,88 or 220f,220g). As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Dale A. Stretch
  • Patent number: 5078649
    Abstract: Torsion damping isolator assemblies (19 or 100 or 200) are disposed for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. The assemblies include spiral springs (62 or 202, 204) and a vane damper assembly (22 or 206) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). Damper assemblies (22 or 206) include first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66, 68 or 208, 210). Housing members (66 or 208) are connected to radially inner ends (62b or 202b, 204b) of the springs, and members (68 or 210) are connected to radially outer ends (62a or 202a, 204a) of the springs. The housing members define chambers which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assemblies by driveline torsionals. The chambers communication with the fluid in the torque converter housing via restricted passages (86, 88 or 220f, 220g). As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne K. Leichliter, David J. Shoals, John C. Mann, Charles S. Roscoe, Rodney H. Detty
  • Patent number: 5052404
    Abstract: A torque transmitter includes three coaxial helically wound springs of different inner and outer diameters positioned relative to each other such that the inner and outer generally circumferential surface of the center spring form interference fits with, respectively, the outer generally circumferential surface of the inner spring and the inner generally circumferential surface of the outer spring. The inner and outer springs are wrapped in one direction and the center spring is wrapped in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: The MicroSpring Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Hodgson
  • Patent number: 4987987
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping mechanism (30 or 130 or 230) is disclosed in a clutch plate assembly for a vehicle driveline. In a schematically illustrated form the mechanism (30) includes a relative high rate or stiff spring set (36) for transmitting torque and alternating torsionals when a transmission input shaft (22) is connected to a load, relatively lower or less stiff spring set (38) connected in series with spring set (36) and for attenuating torsionals when the shaft (22) is not connected to a load, and a viscous damper (44) disposed in parallel with both spring sets (36, 38) and operative to dampen recoil of both spring sets. In one detailed embodiment of the mechanism (130) the stiff spring sets (136) includes a pair of nested, spiral wound springs (135, 137). In another embodiment of the mechanism (230) the stiff spring set (236) includes helical compression springs (235, 237).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald D. Damon, David P. Godlew
  • Patent number: 4781653
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a motor vehicle having an engine with a crankshaft and a transmission with a transmission input shaft, comprises spiral spring assembly which provides a torque transmission connection between the crankshaft and the transmission input shaft. The assembly includes a plurality of spiral springs operative to be deformed responsive to torsional force applied thereto during the torque transmission. A vibration damper is mounted to damp vibration caused by the above mentioned torque transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koyo Nakamura, Yukihiro Etoh, Kenji Okamura, Yoshiji Shimaoka
  • Patent number: 4768637
    Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Warren G. Bopp, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 4690256
    Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Warren G. Bopp, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 4655729
    Abstract: A flexible cable assembly for actuation of an automobile speedometer or the like, comprising an inner core member and a tubular casing that includes an outer housing and a spiral-cut tubular liner with multiple internal ribs. The liner is constructed by extruding a cylindrical tube with at least one internal longitudinally extending rib. The tube is then cut helically so as to offset circumferentially the rib segments on adjacent turns of the strip, providing multiple internal supports for the core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Acco Babcock Inc.
    Inventor: Louis E. Kottke
  • Patent number: 4608883
    Abstract: A mechanism (19) disposed in a torque converter housing (24) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. The mechanism comprises a viscous coupling (22) including a housing (64) having two sidewalls (24a, 68) defining a chamber (70) containing a viscous liquid, and a clutch member (72) disposed in the chamber for viscous clutching coaction with the housing. One of the sidewalls (24a) is defined by an end wall of the torque converter housing. The housing and clutch member are interconnected by a spring assembly (20) including flat torsion springs (61, 62) which transmit steady-state driveline torque and isolate driveline torsionals. The inner surfaces (24b, 68a) of the housing each include two circumferentially spaced clutching surfaces separated by the clutch member. The clutch member has oppositely facing surfaces (72b, 72c) each which include two flat circumferentially spaced clutching surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Warren G. Bopp
  • Patent number: 4568077
    Abstract: A toy comprising a motor assembly mounted on an elevated support from which a toy aircraft is suspended by a flexible cable. The cable has a coiled wire sheath having one end connected to the support and the other to the aircraft. The cable hangs freely through a vertical passage in a bearing cup. A flexible shaft extends through the sheath from a driven connection from the motor to a driving connection with the propeller drive shaft. The drive shaft can be made up of a coiled spring encasing elastomeric cord serving to give it body and modify its resilience. The motor assembly may include an electric motor driven from a source of power through a speed control device and the speed of the assembly stepped up by a transmission of drive pulleys or gears. The aircraft is balanced by the way the flexible cable is connected to it and by downwardly and rearwardly angled tail wings to provide lift. When the propeller is actuated the aircraft describes orbits controlled by the cable operating in the bearing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Peter Chan
  • Patent number: 4475820
    Abstract: Flexible shafting has an outer flexible shaft with a hollow central bore for receiving an electrically insulating flexible tube which, in turn, receives an inner flexible shaft therein. The outer and inner flexible shafts are capable of rotating independently of each other while simultaneously transmitting an electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Pennwalt Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard M. Mulligan