Link Connections Patents (Class 74/105)
  • Patent number: 5255719
    Abstract: Connectors which are removably mounted within connecting rods which are used to assemble the rods to levers for controlling the movement of heddle frames in a weaving loom and which include expandable jaws for securing the connectors within the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: S.A. des Etablissements Staubli (France)
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Froment
  • Patent number: 5224808
    Abstract: A wall board lifting and positioning apparatus which includes an elongated boom having first and second ends and apparatus for holding an associated individual panel. The apparatus for holding is carried on the elongated boom proximate to the first end thereof and apparatus for moving the boom through a plurality of substantially coplanar positions. The apparatus includes apparatus for pivoting and rotating the apparatus for holding to position the apparatus for holding. In some forms of the invention the apparatus for moving includes a first elongated control link and a second elongated control link. The boom may be supported on a head member. The first control link and the second control link may be each pivotally connected to the head member and may also be pivotally connected to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: James Macris
  • Patent number: 5201234
    Abstract: A support for holding and adjusting the vertical position of medical apparatus comprises a bearing housing (10), a pivot arm (11) which is preferably vertically pivotally hinged on the bearing housing (10) and is formed to carry an electromedical apparatus, and a motor (12) for the vertical pivoting of the pivot arm (11) which is arranged on the bearing housing (10), wherein a force transmitting device (13, 14, 15, 25) is provided between the motor (12) and the pivot arm (11) which converts the rotary movement of the motor (10) into a pivotal movement of the pivot arm (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Delma elektro-und medizinische Geraetebau Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Kurt Gull
  • Patent number: 5201235
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a linkage connectable between a frame and an attachment. The linkage is characterized as self-leveling, meaning that once an attitude or orientation of the attachment with respect to the ground is achieved, the linkage will maintain that attitude as the attachment is raised or lowered without additional operator input. A preferred linkage connectable between the frame of a loader vehicle and a loader bucket includes an arm pivotally connectable between the frame and bucket, a hydraulic lift cylinder pivotally connectable between the frame and arm for raising and lowering the arm and resultantly the bucket, an equalizer link pivotally connectable to the arm at the same location as the lift cylinder, a hydraulic tilt cylinder pivotally connectable between the bucket and one end portion of the equalizer link, and an equalizer bar pivotally connectable between the frame and the other end portion of the equalizer link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn A. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5195385
    Abstract: A mechanism for transmitting force produced by a cylinder includes fulcra (5) and linkages (22) pivotally connected at one of their ends to the fulcra (5). The linkages (22) are pivotally connected at the other of their ends to an anchor block (15). The cylinder is pivotally mounted on the anchor block (15). The anchor block (15) moves on rollers (22) along tram guides (11) during the work stroke of the cylinder. The tram guides (11) have slots through which pivotal connecting means (18) extend. The pivotal connecting means (18) are connected to the one end of the linkages (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Jerome A. Johnson
    Inventor: Jerome A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5186064
    Abstract: A wiper is provided for use in a vehicle for wiping the windshield glass. A holder is fixed to a baseplate of the vehicle body and, against the holder, an inner bearing is supported so as to rotate about its axis. A pivot shaft is inclined relative to the axis of the inner bearing while being rotatably supported. The driving force is transmitted from a driving source into driving forces for a first driving apparatus for driving the pivot shaft and second driving apparatus for driving the inner bearing. Inversion apparatus or a rotating apparatus always rotates the second driving apparatus either in a direction opposite to or in the same direction as the rotational direction of the first driving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsumoto, Toshiharu Aoyama, Mitsuhiko Saitoh, Toshiaki Oshima
  • Patent number: 5180037
    Abstract: For a vehicle having a relatively large axle tube, a mechanically operated drum brake is provided having a hollow abutment post between adjacent ends of a pair of opposed arcuate brake shoes and having an improved actuating mechanism for the brake shoes mounted partially within the abutment post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Anthony C. Evans
  • Patent number: 5178025
    Abstract: A seating device for aged, infirm and handicapped persons includes a passive, pivotably mounted, energy storage device laterally disposed below a seat base, and a parallelogram linkage between the seat base and a chair seat for controlling elevation and tilting motion of the seat. A lever which can be coupled at selectable points along an arc about the pivot point of the energy storage device exerts torque on the parallelogram linkage to oppose downward movement and aid upward movement. By varying the position of engagement of the energy storage device to the lever, the force exerted can be adjusted to the weight of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Innovative Medical Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bennett, Leonard Katzin
  • Patent number: 5141519
    Abstract: Connecting elements are disclosed for a laparoscopic surgical instrument. Each connecting element engages a reciprocally movable push rod having a first through-hole and a pivotally rotatable end effector having a second through-hole. The connecting element is preferably a resilient staple-like element having a first terminal portion configured to pivotally engage the first through-hole in the push rod, an oppositely extending second terminal portion configured to pivotally engage the second through-hole in the end effector, and a substantially U-shaped middle portion coupling the first and second terminal portions. Where a double acting surgical instrument is used, two connecting elements are required. For improved stability, the connecting elements of the double acting surgical instrument can be crossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Symbiosis Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Gregory J. Murphy, John W. Box, Frank A. Scarfone, Thomas O. Bales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5086908
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving two individual bins between their separate loading stations and a common unloading station includes a length of conveyor on which one bin always rests and a set of pivotable lever arms, the other bin being connected to one end of one set of lever arms. Another set of lever arms is connected to the first lever arms and carries cam followers which are constrained to simultaneously follow two sets of cam tracks, one of which is stationary within the apparatus and the other of which is affixed to the one bin. When a bin at the unloading station is empty the apparatus will move that bin to its own loading station while bringing the other bin from its loading station to the unloading station. Interaction between the cam followers and the cam tracks moves the one bin back or forth on the conveyor while the other bin member is moved in a vertically arcuate path. The loading station of the other bin is vertically spaced above the loading station of the one bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: E.B. Eddy Forest Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Herbert E. Gladish, Christopher L. Raiskums
  • Patent number: 5072986
    Abstract: A remotely controlled gas cap assembly includes a strip mounted around a fuel inlet of a fuel tank. The strip extends around the fuel inlet and has two spaced end plates which face each other. A transverse pivot pin is pivotally mounted on the two end plates. A link protruding from the pivot pin is attached to a bar having two sides each formed with an annular groove. The control assembly further has a remotely controllable pneumatic cylinder with a piston rod. The piston rod has a distal forked end which is comprised of two opposite branch rods. A roller is provided on an inner side of each branch rod which is received in a corresponding annular groove in each side of the bar and is movable along the annular groove. A gas cap is integrally formed with the link. A rubber block protrudes from an inner side of the gas cap. The gas cap is lifted to expose the fuel inlet when the piston rod is in a first position. The rubber block of the gas cap seals the fuel inlet when the piston rod is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventors: Wu D. Tai, Chen Y. Tzei, Shiau R. Jang
  • Patent number: 5069077
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a vacuum-type interrupter with a contact spring. The actuating mechanism of a vacuum-type interrupter has a pivotally positioned two-armed lever and a spring which holds the contact force ready and which engages with the lever. The two-armed lever is guided with limited displacement in a bearing in a direction which runs approximately parallel to the actuation direction of the interrupter. While enabling, the two-armed lever pivots about a bearing bolt around the end of the bolt guiding until the contact elements engage each other. The further pivoting of the lever takes place around a linkage assembly between the two-armed lever and the actuating impact rod. The two-armed lever can be formed from two parallel split levers with a clearance such that the spring can engage between the split levers. The actuating mechanism is suitable for one or multiple vacuum circuit breakers, e.g., for use in gas insulated switchgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dietrich Rudolph, Norbert Steinemer
  • Patent number: 5035378
    Abstract: An alignment mechanism for independently adjusting the deployable aerosurfaces of an aerospace vehicle in both the stowed and deployed positions. The alignment mechanism includes a guide means having a slot with both a constant width portion and a variable width portion. A slide, interconnected to the deployable aerosurfaces, is pivotally engaged to the guide means so that it travels along the length of the slot. The slide is capable of pivotal movement when the slide is engaged in the slot's variable width portion and incapable of pivotal movement when it is engaged in the slot's constant width portion. An actuator is employed to selectively position the slide along the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph P. Spanovich
  • Patent number: 5033983
    Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gear housing adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a lever mounted on the gear housing for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis, a clutch mechanism supported by the gear housing, a mechanism for actuating the clutch mechanism in response to pivotal movement of the lever, a link, a mechanism connecting the link to the lever for pivotal movement relative thereto about an axis spaced from the first axis, a guide member adapted to be connected to a control mechanism, a mechanism for guiding movement of the guide member relative to the gear housing, and a mechanism for connecting the guide member to the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald F. Bland, James C. Kantola, Martin J. Mondek
  • Patent number: 5016720
    Abstract: A battery powered steerable electric drive unit for detachable connection to a conventional wheelchair having a collapsible wheelchair frame comprises: a support releasably connectable to the wheelchair frame by an adjustable releasably lockable attachment mechanism; a drive assembly pivotably (steerably) mounted on the support and including a ground-engaging wheel and a battery powered electric motor for driving the wheel; a solenoid-operated brake engageable with a disc-like surface of a pulley in the drive mechanism for the wheel; a detachable steering column having a handle mounted thereon and pivotably and rotatably mounted on the support; an adjustable steering mechanism mounted on the support and connected between the steering column and the drive assembly to effect steering when the steering column is rotated about its longitudinal axis; and an electric controller comprising an off-forward-reverse switch, a speed control switch and a brake switch mounted on the handle, and further comprising a solid-s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Theodore R. Coker
  • Patent number: 4955788
    Abstract: An improved driving linkage device for adjusting a variable nozzle mechanism in a supercharger turbine or a variable diffuser mechanism in a compressor. The driving linkage device is provided with a driving ring for driving a variable nozzle mechanism in a supercharger turbine or a variable diffuser mechanism in a compressor, one or more sets of adjusting links, each set consisting of three levers connected in a U-shape and having two opposed ones coupled to the driving ring and a fulcrum for supporting the lever not coupled to the driving ring. One end of one adjusting link is coupled to an actuator to achieve the adjustment of a variable nozzle mechanism in a supercharger or of a variable diffuser mechanism in a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kimura, Shigetoshi Narisue, Hiroshi Nakatomi, Eito Matsuo
  • Patent number: 4934204
    Abstract: A new compact linkage for translating rotary input force to amplified linear output force includes two force applying members which move apart relatively during operation of the linkage. A strut is pivotally attached at one end to each of the force applying members; the struts extend towards each other with a space between their free ends. Each strut has a bearing surface at its free end. A cam-roll member is interposed between the bearing surfaces of the struts and includes cam surfaces in contact with the bearing surfaces. When the cam-roll member is rotated by a lever attached thereto, it translates the rotary input force from the lever into linear output force by a rolling action of the cam-roll member against the bearing surfaces of the pivoted struts. The linkage is markedly more efficient in force translation and transmission than pivoting toggle linkages typical of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Edward L. Hadden, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4929146
    Abstract: A manipulator having an end effector (1) displaceable by means of a four-rod mechanism, a comparatively light and stiff construction being obtained in that each of the rods (3,5,9,11) has a tubular support (73,79,159,181), which is secured by a bridge (147,149,169,191) to the bearing plate (87,93,119,193). The manipulator is particularly suitable for use in automatic mounting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Marinus P. Koster, Willem Van Der Hoek, Nicolaas R. Kemper, Hermanus M. J. R. Soemers
  • Patent number: 4872726
    Abstract: Ratchet recliner for automotive vehicle seats provided with remote hand lever release feature. Lower bracket sandwich plate extensions for hand lever pivot and single plane push-pull connecting link accommodate integral assembled unit installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Keiper Recaro Incorporated
    Inventors: Harry H White, Karl Ligensa
  • Patent number: 4859138
    Abstract: A boom H for a vehicle A which carries a working implement K to enable operations to be carried out such as excavation or loading, comprises first (11) and second (10) parts, the first part (11) carrying the working implement (K) and the second part (14) being mounted on a body (B) of the vehicle, the first and second parts being connected together for relative pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis (A 1), a fluid operated actuating means (18) acting between the first (11) and second (10) boom parts to effect relative pivotal movement at least in one sense of rotation, characterized in that the fluid operated actuating means (18) comprises two relatively movable members (20,23) which operate in tension, one member (20) being pivotally secured to one of the boom parts (14) and the other member (23) being connected via a flexible linkage (24) to the other boom part (11) to enable the two boom parts to be relatively pivoted to include a smaller angle between them than would be possible with a rigid l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Norman Brocklebank, Alan Cooper
  • Patent number: 4832154
    Abstract: A buffer stop for an opening on a side-loading and side unloading furnace is mounted on a parallelogram linkage connected with a fixed support and is moved into position and out of position by the movement of a counterweight along a shaft on a member of the parallelogram linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Stein Heurtey Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Henry A. Thoor
  • Patent number: 4805829
    Abstract: A positioning device having a rotatable and tiltable work table for placing components to be worked on. The device has a frame and a support mounted on the frame having bearings for rotatably supporting a housing. Pivotable linkage arms extend between the frame and the support for positioning the support between upper and lower positions. The support has the work table associated therewith which is rotatable and tiltable relative to the support. The work table is also rotatably mounted relative to the housing. A hydraulic motor and a gear operatively associated therewith are associated with the housing wherein the motor communicates with a hydraulic fluid tank provided at a position spaced from the support. A double-acting piston and cylinder assembly is provided to effect tilting movement of the work table through the housing. The cylinder is pivotably connected to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventors: Leif Pege, Nils-Goran Pege
  • Patent number: 4801053
    Abstract: The present invention describes a valved dispensing spout for a fuel can or similar article including an outlet at one end and an inlet at the other end. At the inlet end of the spout is a valve housing having a valve such as a poppet valve slideably mounted therein and yieldably biased to a closed position by means of a spring. The valve is connected to a horizontal plunger via a link and the plunger extends through one wall of the valve housing and is pivoted at its outer end to a valve operating lever which can be moved up or down by finger pressure to open or close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Eugene J. Kaster
  • Patent number: 4797642
    Abstract: A sliding load for calibrating a microwave network analyzer provides an alignment of its center conductor relative to a reference plane defined by its outer conductor. The sliding load includes a latching assembly which in an unlatched condition allows the center conductor to move freely in an axial direction relative to the outer conductor. The center conductor can then project forward of the outer conductor for visual alignment with a mating center conductor of a network analyzer connector. Once the center conductors are mated, the outer conductor of the sliding load and the connector can be butted at the reference plane. The latching assembly can then be rotated into its latched condition in which a spring is compressed. The compressed spring forces the center conductor to retract against a screw stop. The screw stop is adjusted so that when the center conductor is forced against it, the desired alignment of the center conductor and the reference plate is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Rennard
  • Patent number: 4755059
    Abstract: An auger swivel for a concrete mixer includes a channel mounted to a bowl. A center member is pivotally connected to a pivot point near the channel and near an outer surface of the bowl. The center member includes a pair of first wings that extend from the pivot point, opposite each other and away form the bowl. Two slides are received in the channel and are positioned away from each other by a ring. Two second wings are provided. One of the second wings is pivotally connected to one of the first wings at one of its ends and pivotally connected to one of the slides at its other end. The other second wing is similarly connected to the other first wing and the other slide. An actuator rotates the center member about the pivot point and causes the slides to rotate around the outer surface of the bowl and about a longitudinal axis passing through the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Luther V. Elkin
  • Patent number: 4750605
    Abstract: A system for transferring workpieces generally vertically from a station at one height in a workpiece support or transfer device to a station at another height in another transfer device or support. The workpiece is moved vertically by an elevator which travels along a path through the stations from a point below the lower station to a point above the upper station. To smoothly and rapidly move the workpiece the elevator is accelerated and decelerated and dwells at least when picking up and depositing a workpiece. To avoid collisions, interference and the necessity of precisely synchronizing movement of the transfer and elevator, when in its fully raised and lowered positions, the elevator is clear of and does not interfere with the transfer and supports and any workpieces in the stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Lamb Technicon Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Brems, Arthur C. Mason
  • Patent number: 4740119
    Abstract: A dual, mirror-image lever and linkage assembly of a drill control mechanism advances the bit of the drill toward and away from a workpiece while retaining the bit at a true perpendicular orientation relative to the outer surface of the workpiece. Each linkage and lever assembly includes two levers which are arranged to provide a compound action and which are pivotally interconnected to a base by means of respective links which spread apart from each other as the levers are buckled to advance the bit toward the workpiece. The drill is releasably carried by a support that is fixed on each side to two guide pins that slide along a slot of a guide track which is secured to the base at a location between the two links. During advancement of the bit toward the workpiece, a handle region of one of the levers is moved toward the operator in order to provide enhanced perception of the rate of advancement of the bit which is particularly advantageous when drilling, for example, through safes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Lierz
  • Patent number: 4728041
    Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus for oscillating a fluid discharge head attached thereto and a self-oscillation apparatus. The fluid spary apparatus may have a mounting for receiving and holding a fluid discharge device or devices, the mounting member being pivotably connected to dual supports which are in turn movably mounted on a body member with a lost motion means so that a component of the force reacting to the fluid discharge effects oscillating movement of the fluid spray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Weatherford U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Draxler, Michael J. Woodward
  • Patent number: 4714006
    Abstract: A fluid actuator characterized by a feedback mechanism for indicating actuator position. The feedback mechanism is driven by the actuator screw shaft, whereby the movements of the feedback mechanism are proportional to the rate and position of the actuator movements. The feedback mechanism and actuator movements may be synchronized so that the extreme end positions of the feedback mechanism will correspond to the fully retracted and extended positions of the actuator. A stroke limiting mechanism may also be provided for preventing the actuator from overstroking the feedback mechanism in the event that they are not properly synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Pneumo Corporation
    Inventors: James N. Tootle, Eugene J. Martin
  • Patent number: 4706511
    Abstract: A linkage for transmitting torque includes a stationary member, a movable member rotatably mounted to the stationary member, an input link having one end rotatably mounted to the stationary member and a second end connected to a linear actuator and a coupler link. The coupler link is connected to the second end of an output link, preferably integral to the movable member. The moment applied to the input link by the linear actuator is transferred through the coupler link to the output link, or movable member. The angle of rotation of the output link is greater than the angle of rotation of the input link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: John C. Houston
  • Patent number: 4697468
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism for converting a reciprocal linear motion into an oscillating rotary motion with increased torque at the end positions. Two pressurized air cylinders 1,2 co-operate via links 14, 15 with a common lever arm 5 fastened to an output shaft. The cylinders provide an increased torque adjacent to each one of the end positions of the rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Moveco System AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Bergstrand
  • Patent number: 4681022
    Abstract: In a two-cylinder viscous liquid pump with a pipe switch, which by means of a swing pipe alternately connects one of the pump cylinders with the conveyor pipe and releases the other pump cylinder, and which swing pipe is moved along its path of travel by a sliding pin drive via a rocking shaft at varying speeds, powered by one or more hydraulic cylinders, the invention provides a link in the transmission of motion from the drive output to the sliding pin drive, which link serves to change the distance of the connecting element of the sliding pin drive to the axis of the rocking shaft, going from a maximum distance at the beginning and end of the link travel to a minimum distance at the center of the link travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Friedrich Wilh. Schwing GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Schwing
  • Patent number: 4660429
    Abstract: Wherever large forces have to be applied over short distances it is useful to employ a force multiplier device. Very large transmission ratios are, according to the present invention, obtained by interruption of the axis of rotation (2) and insertion of an only slightly displaced force transmission axis (4). The force transmission axis (4) can be continuously displaced to both sides of the axis of rotation (2) by means of positioning facilities, preferable an adjusting screw (5) or two wedges. This way variable force generation is obtained with a widely variable range of transmission ratio.The invention can be employed e.g. for the manufacture and operation of presses, clamping, bending and tension devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Rene Bregenzer
  • Patent number: 4656880
    Abstract: A control-motion transmission assembly in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle comprises a housing, an actuator lever slidably mounted to the housing, and a secondary or setting lever pivotably fastened at one end to an inner end of the actuator lever. Another end of the setting lever is linked to a guide pin and to one end of a Bowden cable wire. The guide pin is guided in a slot in the housing, while an end of the Bowden wire opposite the setting lever is connected to an operating mechanism of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The Bowden cable has a sheath pivotably fastened to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Hildebrand, Bernd Waldmann
  • Patent number: 4643036
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotatably mounted drive screw, a nut element which is movable along the drive screw, and a pair of links which connect the nut element to a driven member. The links are rigidly connected to each other by a torsionally stiff member to prevent relative angular movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Asea AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Forslund
  • Patent number: 4605304
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an angle-measuring instrument such as a theodolite, tacheometer or the like having a coarse-fine drive arrangement for presetting a circle part of a graduated circle to a predetermined read-out value. In a preferred embodiment, a coaxial coarse-fine drive arrangement is actuated by a single control knob which is part of an adjustable drive which can be operated in two positions. In the first position, the adjustable drive functions as a coarse drive and includes a spur gear that meshes with a gear on the carrier of the graduated circle to permit adjusting the circle part to obtain a coarse setting thereof. When the control knob and adjustable drive are moved into the second position, the drive becomes completely disengaged from the carrier and functions as a fine drive that operates on a plane-parallel plate pivotally mounted in the read-out optical transmission path of the instrument to finely adjust the light rays passing therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Helmut Leitz, Gunter Rometsch
  • Patent number: 4594907
    Abstract: A machine component includes an elongated base plate with side edges and a slide plate which is rectangular in cross-section and has parallel straight side edges. A cylinder and piston assembly are provided, one part of the assembly being supported from the base plate the other being connected to the slide plate. Two elongated guide members each have a rectangular slot which slidingly receives the edge of the slide plate. Each elongated guide member has a lower part and an upper part and fasteners securing them together. The lower part is attached to the base plate, and the rectangular slot has (1) a first side wall adjacent to and parallel with the base plate, the first side wall being defined by a surface of the lower part, (2) a second side wall defined by a surface of the upper part, and (3) a bottom wall defined by a surface of one of the upper and lower parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventors: Barry C. Millar, Keith W. Little
  • Patent number: 4580923
    Abstract: The invention comprises a crank-linkage arrangement for a hydraulic servo valve, used on a road planer, to give the valve more sensitivity. It has a valve-operating crank coupled to a leverage-type linkage. The linkage responds to movements of a ground-engaging ski, which tracks the road surface, by displacing a same degree as does the ski, but by effecting a greater displacement of the crank. Limit stops on either sides of a limb of the linkage prevent any damaging overtravel of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Samuel K. Brown
  • Patent number: 4571154
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the turbine inlet flow cross-section of an exhaust gas turbocharger, wherein an adjustment element is suspended in two annular linkage levers which are located concentric to the turbine axis. The lever arm (R.sub.1) of the first annular linkage lever nearer to the turbine is longer than that (R.sub.2) of the second annular linkage lever. This produces a trapezoidal four bar linkage located in a plane including the turbine axis. The lengths of the lever arms (R.sub.1, R.sub.2), the distance between them (C) and the distance (D) between the first annular linkage lever and the point to be sealed of the adjustment element are so matched that a minimum deviation of the path of the adjustment element from translatory straight line movement of the latter is attained. The annular linkage levers and the adjustment element are preferably located in the pressure space of a pressure casing (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, Limited
    Inventor: Jurg Weber
  • Patent number: 4563554
    Abstract: A high-voltage switch having a housing supported on a pin insulator and two movable switching pieces mounted in the housing. The movable switch pieces of the switch are coupled via actuating parts to a drive transmission element, a crankshaft, for example, which is guided through the pin insulator to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes the crankshaft which is rotated by one crank whose movement is controlled by another crank. The movable switch pieces are very heavy and must be moved back and forth between ON and OFF switch positions. The drive mechanism provides two precisely located stable positions corresponding to the ON and OFF switch conditions and the heavy switch components are moved such that their motion is damped as they approach one or the other stable position whereby the need for additional damping means for arresting the movement of the switch is avoided. The switch is suitable as a multi-phase generator switch having several switch poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company
    Inventor: Blaise Perrenoud
  • Patent number: 4561282
    Abstract: A diminishing arm toggle linkage has the work site within the toggle geometry and thereby provides exponential force enhancement. In preferred embodiments the mode of operation shifts on demand from a light-load-pivoting mode to a heavy-load-rolling element mode thereby easing operation and reducing friction and wear so as to provide prolonged durability and continuing dimensional accuracy. When the toggle linkage is embodied in a crimping tool an optional anti-reversing ratchet assembly prevents the tool from opening during use until a crimp is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Inventor: Edward L. Hadden, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4561505
    Abstract: This invention relates to a folding tool bar assembly having a central tool bar structure and wing members hingedly mounted adjacent opposite ends thereof, with hinge mechanism pivotally connecting the respective wing members to the structure for movement between extended positions beyond the structure ends and folded positions overlying the central structure and including locking hooks to prevent relative movement of the central structure and wing members when in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 4559839
    Abstract: A drive means for an oscillating spout is presented which includes a control mechanism which directs a control arm to perform the movement required by the spout and a transmission device which acts to transmit the control arm movement and reproduce it as spout movement. The control mechanism consists of a driving rod pivotally connected to an intermediate lever arm and a universal joint connecting the lever arm to the control arm. A novel movable torque means is associated with the universal joint and enables the spout to be moved in and out of a vertical orientation by overcoming the tendency of the components of the control mechanism to become axially locked in a 180.degree. angle. The movable torque means accomplishes this result by reducing the angle between the intermediate lever and control arm when that angle reaches 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Edouard Legille, Emile Lonardi
  • Patent number: 4557570
    Abstract: A camera assembly is provided for photographing a scene or subject from two slightly different positions with controlled three-dimensional effects for subsequent viewing, for example, with the assistance of special eyeglasses having appropriately filtered lenses. The camera assembly comprises a pair of cameras, such as two motion picture cameras, mounted onto a rigid frame for photographing a common scene or subject, with one of the cameras receiving light transmitted through a beamsplitter and the other camera receiving light reflected from the beamsplitter. One of the cameras is stationary on the frame whereas the other camera is movably supported by a mechanical control linkage to controllably vary three-dimensional effects by adjusting the lateral or interocular spacing between the nodal points of lens units for the two cameras and further by adjusting the movable camera to select the point of intersection, or convergence distance setting, of the camera sight lines within their fields of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Walt Disney Productions
    Inventor: Stephen P. Hines
  • Patent number: 4540330
    Abstract: A load rotating attachment for a lift truck provided with an elevating carriage has a back plate sub-assembly including an upright wall adapted to be secured to the carriage adjacent and forwardly thereof. A front plate sub-assembly has an upright wall juxtaposed to the back plate wall and pivotally mounted thereon for rotation relative thereto with the major planes of the walls in parallelism. An upright framework is fixed to and extends above the back plate wall and supports a hydraulic ram thereon. A fixed upright of the framework serves as a guide track for a movable guide having a roller arm with guide rollers supported thereon for tracking on the guide track. The piston rod of the ram is pivotally connected to a drive link which in turn is pivotally coupled between and to said movable guide and to the rotatable front wall for bodily travel and pivotal motion in a path extending partially around and radially offset from the pivotal mounting of the front and back walls. This produces a 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: The Knickerbocker Company
    Inventor: William L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4534278
    Abstract: A pneumatic wall-vent closer for use in a thermal-pneumatic automatic temperature control system. The system is used to maintain constant temperature in livestock confinement buildings. The wall-vent closer attaches between the sill of a wall-vent in a confinement building and the wall-vent. As the temperature in the confinement building varies, the pneumatic wall-vent closer automatically opens and closes the wall vents to allow more or less air into the confinement building to maintain a pre-set stable temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Rodney L. Spilde
  • Patent number: 4533113
    Abstract: A pair of spaced rotatable shafts are mounted within a housing. A linear motor mounted to the housing has a reciprocating piston within a double action piston chamber whose piston rod projects from the piston. Both shafts are fixed directly to axially aligned rotary valve stems, to opposite sides of the reciprocating piston rod. A pin coupled to the end of the piston rod projects through longitudinal slots within radial arms fixed to respective shafts at different levels and rotating with the shafts. Equal sized gears mounted to the shafts are in peripheral mesh such that the shafts rotate in unison. The mechanism eliminates side thrust on the piston and piston rod, doubles the valve breakout forces applied to the rotary valve member and eliminates the need for an outboard bushing for a piston rod extension beyond its connection to the paired shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Inventor: Armand Francart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4523769
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chassis, a pair of side wheels for supporting and driving the chassis, at least one front wheel for cooperating with the side wheels in supporting the chassis, and a seat mounted on the chassis for supporting the body of a disabled person. A pair of individually moveable footrests support the feet of the person. A driving gear is mounted for rotation concentrically and in conjunction with each of the side wheels, and a lever is pivotally mounted for rotation concentric with but independent from each of the driving gears. A pawl is mounted on each of the levers for engagement and disengagement with the corresponding driving gear. A pivoted arm and a series of rods connect each lever and pawl with one of the footrests, such that movement of the footrest by the leg of the disabled person in one direction causes the pawl to engage the driving gear and the lever to drive the gear for propelling the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Wright State University
    Inventors: Roger M. Glaser, Jerrold S. Petrofsky, Howard R. DuFour
  • Patent number: 4522320
    Abstract: A kiln floor system having a plurality of sequentially operated, pivotally mounted trays capable of dumping a load of grain in a minimum of time. Typical field trays of the floor are coupled in pairs to a single air cylinder for economy of operation. The gear rack associated with the turning machine is independently adjustable to insure alignment of the gear rack. The floor includes stringer gage members to insure proper installation and alignment of the stringers. A wall panel is provided for updated restoration and automation of existing kiln floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Norman H. Andreasen
  • Patent number: 4520527
    Abstract: A concrete finishing adapter is disclosed which enables a user to adjust the angle of a bull float or the like, which is adapted for connection to the adapter. The angle of the bull float is adjusted so that it does not gouge into the unset surface of concrete. The adapter includes a base plate, a yoke, a handle receiving member extending through the yoke, a braking sleeve inside the yoke through which the handle receiving member passes, and a rod which connects the handle receiving member to the base plate. Rotation of the handle receiving member in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction causes the rod to move the base plate relative to the handle so that the angle of incidence of the base plate (and attached smoothing plate) relative to the concrete surface, is adjusted so that, when the user pushes the smoothing plate away, the forward edge of the smoothing plate is tilted upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventors: Richard A. Maggio, Leonard C. Maggio, Norman L. Hill