Cyclical Or Intermittent Drive Patents (Class 475/14)
  • Patent number: 10384211
    Abstract: A ring gear used in a mechanical exfoliation apparatus having a plurality of canisters to hold particulate material and media is provided. The ring gear having an inside surface, an outside surface, a front face, and a back face. The inside surface defining a plurality of beveled gear teeth and the outside surface defining a plurality of recesses that are configured to accommodate the plurality of canisters of the mechanical exfoliation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: XG SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. Murray, Jim L. Peyton, Korey Morris
  • Patent number: 10328210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-axial working End-of-Content mechanism which is geared by a hypocycloid gearing. The EoC mechanism comprises a first element (30, 109) having a first internal surface (36, 136) with a first internal diameter (D), and an EoC element (50, 150) having a second external surface (56, 156) with a second external diameter (d) being smaller that the first internal diameter (D). The EoC element (50, 150) is located inside the first internal diameter (D) of the first element (30, 109) and the first element (30, 109) and the EoC element rotates relatively to each other in a gearing ratio. The EoC element (150, 150) thus operating as the inner rolling circle of a hypocycloid counting the numbers of relative rotations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Simon Munch Pedersen, Carsten Soerensen, Simon Roervig
  • Patent number: 10161478
    Abstract: A driving device includes: a first driving source; a second driving source; a first gear to which a driving force is transmitted from the first driving source; a second gear to which a driving force is transmitted from the second driving source; a third gear that engages with the first gear and the second gear; and a fixation shaft that pivotally supports the third gear, the fixation shaft being disposed such that a center of the fixation shaft, a rotation center of the first gear and a rotation center of the second gear are disposed on a straight line in which the fixation shaft is provided through the third gear; and a hole having a diameter for compensating eccentricity of the first gear, the second gear and the third gear is formed in the third gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Masahito Takano, Jun Onishi, Takashi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8936524
    Abstract: At least one implementation of a gear shift control system includes an output mechanism coupled to a vehicle transmission, a first drive member coupled to the output mechanism to drive the output mechanism to shift between gears of the transmission and a drivetrain. The drivetrain may include a first input driven by the drive member during a first mode of operation of the gear shift control system and an output coupled to both the first input and the output mechanism to drive the output mechanism as commanded by the drive member. During a second mode of operation of the gear shift control system a second input is coupled to the output. A second drive member is coupled to the second input to drive the output mechanism through the second input and the output during the second mode of operation to cause a transmission gear shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Howe, Yang Soo Cho, Jeremy J. Gill
  • Patent number: 8696511
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying a rotational force to a structural element during a surgical procedure. The instrument may be designed for increasing an input force to produce an enlarged output force adequate for fracturing an excess section of the elongated element from a remainder of the structural element. The instrument may include an input mechanism that receives an external rotational input force, a planetary gear system that multiples the input force, and an output mechanism that attaches to and delivers the multiplied rotational output force to the excess section of the structural element. The output mechanism may also be configured to capture the separated excess section. The instrument may include a housing and a handle for grasping and manipulating during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Steele, Thomas V. McGahan, Jacob R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8328675
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for a plow may include first and second subassemblies. The first subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to a frame member and rotationally fixed relative thereto. The first subassembly may include a latch mechanism displaceable between locked and unlocked positions. The second subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to the frame member and may be rotatable relative thereto. The second subassembly may include a power pivot assembly and a cam member. The power pivot assembly may be drivingly engaged with the cam member and operable to rotate the cam member in a first rotational direction to a first position where the cam member urges the latch mechanism into the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Yoder
  • Patent number: 8308596
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism with intermittent output movement includes an output shaft rotatably mounted to first and second cams and a sun gear mounted to the output shaft. A first rocker includes a first planet gear meshed with the sun gear and first and second rollers rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the first planet gear and respectively in contact with the first and second cams. A second rocker includes a second planet gear meshed with the sun gear. An end of a first connecting rod is mounted to the first rocker. An end of a second connecting rod is mounted to the second rocker. Two ends of a link are rotatably mounted to the other ends of the first and second connecting rods. A planet gear carrier is mounted to an input shaft coaxial to the input shaft and includes an end rotatably mounted to the first rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen University
    Inventors: Der-Min Tsay, Hsin-Pao Chen, Hsien-Wen Hsu, Chih-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8216103
    Abstract: A mechanical drive uses two rotational clutches mounted in spaced apart positions on a common axle. Two sun gears are engaged respectively with the rotational clutches. A set of planet gears is engaged, with at least one of the planet gears meshed with each one of the sun gears. An internal tooth ring gear is meshed with at least two of the planet gears, wherein one of the planet gears is directed to each one of the sun gears. The planet gears are configured so that motion of the ring gear is transmitted to the two sun gears in opposing rotational senses and the rotational clutches are oriented for locking when under opposite rotational motions, whereby, reciprocating cyclic motion of the ring gear is transmitted to the common axle as continuous rotation in a singe rotational sense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Krzysztof Boczula
  • Patent number: 7946942
    Abstract: A pivot assembly may include first and second subassemblies. The first subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to a frame member and rotationally fixed relative thereto. The first subassembly may include a latch mechanism displaceable between locked and unlocked positions. The second subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to the frame member and may be rotatable relative thereto. The second subassembly may include a power pivot assembly and a cam member. The power pivot assembly may be drivingly engaged with the cam member and operable to rotate the cam member in a first rotational direction to a first position where the cam member urges the latch mechanism into the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Yoder
  • Publication number: 20110107867
    Abstract: A backlash adjustment mechanism includes a first cylindrical gear fixed in an axial position, a second cylindrical gear moveable along the axis and meshed with the first cylindrical gear, and an elastic member biasing the second cylindrical gear towards the first cylindrical gear. The addendum modification coefficients in the first and second cylindrical gears are linearly changed along their axes, respectively, an end of the first cylindrical gear with higher addendum modification coefficient meshes with an end of the second cylindrical gear with correspondingly lower addendum modification coefficient, and an end of the first cylindrical gear with lower addendum modification coefficient meshes with an end of the second cylindrical gear with correspondingly higher addendum modification coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Patent number: 7731616
    Abstract: Numerous implementations of variable motion control devices and methods of use thereof. The devices and methods provide variable output to such output devices as vehicles. The variable motion control devices are locatable between output devices and power sources, such as in vehicle transmission applications between the engine and driveline, wherein an output of a power source is input into the device, which, in turn, provides a variable output to the vehicle drive line or other output application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung-Soo Han
  • Publication number: 20090023546
    Abstract: Actuator adapted to cooperate with a drive of an endothermic engine including power source and a releasable accessory, the actuator including a box-shaped casing, a motorized eccentric group housed inside the casing and including a reduction gearing, an arm cooperating with the eccentric group and supporting a friction wheel adapted to cooperate with the accessory and with the power source, the arm being mobile between an engaged position and a disengaged position of the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: DAYCO EUROPE S.r.l.
    Inventors: Federico Domenico Licata, Gianluca Cariccia, Heinz Lemberger
  • Patent number: 7429231
    Abstract: A rotary drive for a belt tensioner includes a housing, a pinion rotatably mounted therein, and at least one driving gear coupled to the pinion, the driving gear being mounted in the housing and being adapted to be driven by pressurized gas introduced into a pressure chamber. Formed in the driving gear is a cavity having a substantially radially extending wall which, in the installed state, is opposite to a protrusion which projects into the cavity and is rigidly connected to the housing, the wall of the cavity and the protrusion forming part of a wall of the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Bieg, Thomas Moedinger, Gerhard Malbrich
  • Publication number: 20080234088
    Abstract: An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of planetary gear units; a plurality of frictional elements, the frictional elements assuming engaged/disengaged condition upon receiving a ratio change instruction thereby to establish a desired speed of the transmission with the aid of the planetary gear units; a deceleration detecting means that detects a deceleration of the motor vehicle; a gear ratio detecting means that detects an actual gear ratio that is actually established in the transmission; and an interlock judgment means that judges whether or not the transmission is subjected to an interlock, the interlock being a condition wherein upon receiving the ratio change instruction, at least one of the frictional elements is brought into unintended engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Takateru KAWAGUCHI, Yoshihide SHINSO
  • Patent number: 6895906
    Abstract: A rotary two-stroke engine including a multi-cylinder block rotatably mounted on two main bearings within an engine housing, a crankshaft journalled for rotation within said main bearings, indirectly geared at a ratio of 2:1 to said cylinder block and piston members connected to said crankshaft which induce gas through ports in said cylinders via side entry tracts in said engine housing, being sealed by rotating seal rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: John Peter Gahan
  • Patent number: 6685592
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch for operating a window dressing such as a roller shade includes a protective guard for securing the window dressing to a stationary structure, a gear box for transmitting rotation to an output member in response to the operation of an elongated operating member such as a cord, and an antirotational member that prevents the undesirable operation of the output member. The output member is coupled to the window dressing. The gear box includes a gear pulley coupled to the elongated operating member, a planetary gear and a stationary gear. The gear box is arranged and constructed to transmit motion to the output member in response to the activation of the elongated operating member, at a predetermined mechanical advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Rollease, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Fraczek, Martin M. Balta, David M. Cross
  • Patent number: 6086503
    Abstract: A cartridge holder being movable between a cartridge accommcodating position where it is concealed within a camera body and a projecting position where it is exposed outside the camera body has a lower supporting member at its bottom for driving a film spool in a film cartridge inserted through an opening into the cartridge holder by engaging a lower end of the film spool, and an upper supporting member for engaging an upper end of the film spool. The upper supporting member is moved between its retracted position where it is retracted from the opening of the cartridge holder and its engaged position where it engages the film spool, its movement interconnecting with the movement of the cartridge holder between its cartridge accommodating and projecting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Konishi, Hidehiko Fujii, Junichi Tanii, Nobuharu Murashima
  • Patent number: 6044718
    Abstract: A transmission utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. An arm assembly is rotatably coupled to a frame. At the ends of the arms are eccentric masses, rotatably coupled thereto. An input shaft rotates the masses about the ends of the arms. The rotating masses produce an oscillating torque that causes the arms to oscillate. The arms are coupled to an output assembly. The output assembly utilizes one way clutches, with one clutch reversed relative to the other clutch. The one way clutches convert the bidirectional rotation of the arms to unidirectional rotation for the load. The output speeds of the transmission are controlled by providing at least two side by side rotatable masses and varying the phase of one of the masses relative to the other mass. Varying the phase changes the center of gravity of the masses, thereby affecting the torque applied to the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: William T. Lester
  • Patent number: 5709626
    Abstract: Motion is transmitted by means of a kinematic chain, comprising four members--a driving, driven, intermediate and support members. The driving, driven and supporting members rotate about a common axis. The intermediate member, by virtue of its operative linkages with the driving, driven and supporting members, rotates about the common axis and translates either parallel or, according to another version, perpendicular to the common axis. The supporting member is stopped during motion transmission. The intermediate member moves with respect to the driving, driven and supporting members during motion transmission. The directions of these motions define angles with the direction of motion of the driving member in the plane parallel or perpendicular, respectively, to the common axis. Changing the at least one of the angles can change the ratio of the speeds of the driving and driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Boris Borisovich Lopatik
  • Patent number: 5692986
    Abstract: A variable dwell cycloidal indexing device for converting a uniform rotational motion into intermittent rotational motion with greater than one predetermined dwell point. The device includes an input shaft having an axis of rotation with a stub shaft extending eccentrically from a distal end of the input shaft. A planetary gear is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft. There is an internal gear rotatably supported on the input shaft and mounted coaxially therewith with the planetary gear intermeshing with said internal gear. A crank pin projects from the planetary gear at a position eccentric to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear. The motion of the crank pin during rotation of the input shaft is defined by allowing the crank pin to oscillate in a slide slot at a fixed location, or by attaching the crank pin to a pivoting link which is, in turn, attached to a fixed point. In either case, rotation of the planetary gear about its own axis is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael Long, James A. White
  • Patent number: 5385509
    Abstract: A drive train for a pulsed feed wheel has an offset cam on a continuously rotating drive shaft. The cam acts against a pendulum which rocks the input of a one-way clutch. A support arm attached to the output of the clutch terminates in a planetary gear. The planetary gear meshes with two sun gears one of which is fixed against rotation and the other of which is keyed to the output shaft. The planetary gear and sun gears are harmonic gears. Each revolution of the drive shaft pulses the output shaft through a small fraction of one revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Longford Equipment International Limited
    Inventor: John D. Long
  • Patent number: 5279209
    Abstract: A machine that converts between reciprocating motion of a piston and rotary motion of a shaft. The shaft rotates an integral web that carries a number of lobe wheels spaced evenly about a pitch circle centered on the shaft. The lobe wheels are planetary driven by pinions and a fixed ring gear. The lobe wheels are somewhat star shaped with radially extending lobes which push followers outwardly, then release them inwardly, as the lobe wheels orbit past and below the follower. The follower is connected by a lever and a pair of connecting rods and to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Split Cycle Technology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alfred R. Mayne
  • Patent number: 5221237
    Abstract: A cylindrical member driven by a planetary gear arrangement traverses an epitrochoid path to periodically enter a radial slot in an arm or disc rotating the arm or disc through 180.degree.. By selecting the parameters appropriately the cylindrical member is caused to enter and leave the radial slot along a tangential path such that no first or second derivative discontinuities are present in the motion of the arm or disc. Several embodiments are disclosed for achieving either one or two incremental rotations of an output shaft for a single revolution of an input shaft with various speed reducing gear trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Theodore Weber
  • Patent number: 5167589
    Abstract: A mechanism for providing a cycloidal output motion for an output member in a linear direction using a constant velocity rotary input motion driving an off-center input shaft and drive gear and utilizing a secondary motion to influence the position of the drive gear in relation to the output member and the acceleration and deceleration of the output member. A compact embodiment utilizes a ring gear and planetary and a reaction motion to provide the secondary input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Practical Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Wawrzyniak, Richard Habarth, Giovanni Pieri
  • Patent number: 5107901
    Abstract: A modulator mechanism for actuating textile dobbies in looms which include a cage driven in rotation by the drive shaft of the loom and which have at least two oscillating supports provided with rollers which roll in contact with a fixed cam which is connected to the principal shaft of the dobby. Connecting rods are pivotally attached to the supports and to a web fixed to the dobby shaft so that the dobby shaft is intermittently driven in rotation as the connecting rods are oscillated by the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: S. A. des Etablissements Staubli (France)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pages, Andre Fumex
  • Patent number: 5080636
    Abstract: A cylindrical member driven by a planetary gear arrangement traverses an epitrochoid path to periodically enter a radial slot in an arm or disc rotating the arm of disc through 180.degree.. By selecting the parameters appropriately the cylindrical member is caused to enter and leave the radial slot along a tangential path such that no first or second derivative discontinuities are present in the motion of the arm or disc. Several embodiments are disclosed for achieving either one or two incremental rotations of an output shaft for a single revolution of an input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Theodore Weber
  • Patent number: 5031478
    Abstract: Rotation and linear movement of a main gear is provided by a pinion gear rotatably mounted on a crank arm and in meshing engagement with the main gear. A connecting arm between the gear centers keeps the gears in meshing engagement. The pinion gear may have a diameter one half the diameter of the main gear to provide rotation of the main gear 180 degrees after one revolution of the pinion gear. The crank arm may be rotated in opposite directions to provide oscillating movement of the main gear. In a tire building machine, the main gear may be mounted in a linear guide of an upright plate member for vertical movement. The main gear is connected to a shaft for rotating and tilting a hub member having two spaced apart tire building drums mounted with axes at an angle of 90 degrees and in the same plane as the axes of the tire building drums so that they can be oscillated between two fabricating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Becker, Henry D. Broyles, Kenneth D. Conger, James M. Hart, Arland A. Peck, Dean C. Testa
  • Patent number: 4993702
    Abstract: Apparatus for variably accelerating a rotatable drive member comprises a slotted drive member mounted to rotate a drive shaft. A sun gear has two opposingly situated planet gears mounted to mesh with the sun gear. A driven annular gear rotates the planet gear. Each planet gear includes a cam member mounted to each planet gear off axis relative thereto. The cam members are received in the slotted drive member. As the annular gear is driven with angular velocity omega the cam members travel towards and away from the sun gear as they orbit around the sun gear. This movement causes the rotational movement applied to the drive member to vary between a maximum and a minimum angular velocity. Consequently, it is possible to arrange the apparatus to receive a rapidly moving product and slow it down before delivery onto a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell Graphic Systems Limited
    Inventor: John C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4907474
    Abstract: A mechanical torque converting transmission for producing an output with variable, controllable speed and torque characteristics comprises a rotary input shaft adapted for attachment to a rotary power source and connected to a main drive gear. The drive gear is meshed with a plurality of pinion gears which are journaled for rotation on an arm assembly. An eccentric device is driven by each pinion gear for creating a centrifugal force that cyclically urges the arm assembly in alternating forward and backward directions with a pulsating motion during each rotation of each eccentric device. A clutch is provided for allowing forward movement of the arm assembly while preventing movement in the backward direction during each eccentric revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Inductran Corporation
    Inventor: John G. Bolger