Oscillation Or Reciprocation To Intermittent Unidirectional Motion Patents (Class 74/126)
  • Patent number: 10753428
    Abstract: A device, transmission and universal mechanical coupling which allows transforming rotating forces of different magnitudes and directions being applied on the same rotating shaft (1) and obtaining a unidirectional motion in an output shaft (2) which can be used in any environment. The device consists of an input shaft (1), an output shaft (2) and two linking means (3 and 5) and (4, 9, and 6) between these two shafts (1 and 2) which are provided with at least a unidirectional coupling device (7a and 7b) each, and which, in the most basic form thereof lacks of a rotation inverter (15a ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Marco Antonio Rodriguez Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10139175
    Abstract: An automatic weapon system comprising a bolt driven gas operated machine gun operable in either an open bolt configuration or a closed bolt configuration including a reciprocating bolt assembly operable in either a semi-automatic mode or an automatic mode movable between a rear or open position and a forward or closed position and a firing chamber in combination with an ammunition magazine to automatically feed cartridges from the ammunition magazine to the gas operated machine gun for continuous fire of cartridges from the automatic weapon system including a cartridge feed mechanism to convert the linear motion of the reciprocating bolt assembly into rotary motion to incrementally position a cartridge from the ammunition magazine through a cartridge feed opening formed in the ammunition magazine into the firing chamber as the reciprocating bolt assembly moves between the rear or open position to the forward or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher M. Redmon, Derek A. Redmon
  • Patent number: 9463576
    Abstract: A guided cutting retainer for an elongated stack set is provided. During a cutting process of an end length of the stack set, the guide cutting retainer keeps end sides of layers of the stack neat and aligned. The guide cutting retainer includes a capped sleeve having a cross-section of a frame and formed with an internal longitudinal through opening. One end of the opening is combined to a U-shaped pedestal. A cut groove is reserved between the U-shaped pedestal and the opening. The U-shaped pedestal can be wedged and fastened with a pressing and positioning frame to provide a wedging effect. Thus, the pressing and positioning frame secures the stack set to fix its end side to form a complete blade-feeding guide groove for guiding the cutting process. The cutting process yields an aligned result further with intervention of a ruler board of an end sealing ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Jan Hsu, Hsien-Te Huang
  • Patent number: 9421675
    Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable torque screwdriver, including a torque input assembly and a torque output assembly, and further including a ratchet pair, which comprises a first ratchet and a second ratchet, respectively having circular teeth. The torque input assembly transmits the torque to the first ratchet, and the second ratchet then transmits the torque to the torque output assembly, and the circular teeth are arranged to enable the ratchet pair to slip either clockwise or counterclockwise, but not to slip in the respective opposite direction. The adjustable torque screwdriver also includes an adjusting assembly and an elastic assembly, the elastic assembly exerting pressure to the ratchet to tightly fit the ratchet pair, the adjusting assembly loading and unloading the elastic assembly, thereby adjusting the exerted pressure and the in-between fitting tightness of the ratchet pair, thus adjusting the torque for the ratchet pair to slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Hangzhou Great Star Tools Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wentian Yu
  • Patent number: 8857840
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved drive system for a personal vehicle comprising: a frame with a steerable front wheel and rear wheel connected to a drive axle connected to a crank arm by a drive linkage; a roller rotatably attached to the crank arm; a pedal pivotally attached to the frame having a cavity for receiving the roller; a contoured wear bar carried by the cavity for contacting the perimeter of the roller; a major arch included in the contoured wear bar contacting the roller when the pedal is on a down stroke; a minor arch included in the contoured wear bar for providing additional power when the pedal is near the end of its down stroke; and, a major front slope included in the wear bar for contacting the roller when the pedal is in its upstroke to place the pedal at its highest most position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Scolari, George Reiter
  • Patent number: 8707809
    Abstract: The multi-selective micromanipulator has a main mover which moves linearly or rotationally with respect to an axis, an actuator which moves the main mover, a projection which is formed on the main mover, and a plurality of submovers which the projection selectively contacts depending on the movement of the main mover, wherein a selected submover is linearly moved by the projection in a direction parallel to the axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Eui Sung Yoon, Sung Wook Yang, Jinseok Kim, Duk moon Rho, JeiWon Cho, Hee Sup Shin
  • Patent number: 8683884
    Abstract: Three or more displacement generation mechanisms, which allow some of a plurality of guide members that are provided respectively to a plurality of guide holding members that is capable of reciprocally moving substantially perpendicularly to shifting directions of a reciprocally movable linear motion structural member with respect to a base member, and a rocking member that is provided to an end of a linear motion member capable of reciprocally moving in directions substantially in parallel with the shifting directions of the guide holding members so as to rock around an axis substantially perpendicular to the respective shifting directions of the linear motion structural member and the linear motion member, to be made in contact with each other so that some of the guide holding members are displaced relatively to the linear motion structural member, are operation-controlled, with a result that a transmission gear ratio between a displacement velocity of the linear motion member and a displacement velocity of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Asai
  • Patent number: 8590299
    Abstract: A device to capture and store or generate energy from variations in water level of a water body has a housing and an input shaft rotatably mounted to the housing. A drive belt is rotatably connected to the input shaft and a float is attached to that drive belt so that the float reciprocally drives the input shaft as the water levels increase and decrease. An output shaft is also rotatably mounted to the housing while a first one-way clutch is operatively disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft so that the input shaft rotatably drives the output shaft through the clutch in one rotational direction. A reversing gear is rotatably mounted to the housing and rotatably drives a second one-way clutch also operatively coupled to the second shaft to drive the second shaft in the same rotational direction as the first clutch, but during the opposite rotation of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Philip Padula
  • Patent number: 8511188
    Abstract: An energy conversion system that converts linear kinetic energy to rotational kinetic energy is disclosed. A force is applied to a coil spring, compressing the spring. The spring drives an arm forward as the spring returns to its uncompressed state. The arm, in turn, causes the driving portion of an over-running clutch to rotate forward and drive an output shaft. The linear motion of the arm being driven forward by the spring is converted to rotational kinetic energy in the output shaft. The output shaft may then be connected to an external device to drive that device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Richard J. Caspers
  • Patent number: 7958797
    Abstract: Turning device (24) for turning the drive train (1) of a wind energy system or at least of partial sections of same, whereby the drive train (1) is mounted to rotate in a machine frame (2), whereby the drive train (1) comprises a flange (16), and the turning device (24) comprises a console (29a) that can be fixed in place on the machine frame (2). The task of the present invention is to indicate a turning device that can turn the drive train (1) at any desired point, without using the gear mechanism (4). This task is accomplished by means of an adapter disk (17) that can be affixed to the flange (16), which has a plurality of force application points (19) that are disposed along a circle (20), and having at least one linear setting element (28a), which is mounted in the console (29a), on the one side, so as to move in terms of angle, and which can be coupled with the adaptor disk (17), on the other side, by way of its force application points (19), so as to move in terms of angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Eickhoff Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Aust, Marc Neufelder
  • Patent number: 7942073
    Abstract: Device for transmitting rotary motion in a diverter switch comprising a motion-transmitting member for transforming an alternating rotary motion of a drive shaft into a unidirected rotary motion of a driven body driven about driven shaft. The motion-transmitting member includes an intermediate body rotatable about an intermediate shaft. A mechanical energy accumulation member is connected to the driven body. The motion-transmitting member for transforming the alternating rotary motion of the drive shaft into a unidirected rotary motion of the driven shaft includes an intermediate motion member connected to a crank mechanism. The motion member includes an engagement mechanism for transforming the linear motion into a unidirected rotary motion of the intermediate shaft via drive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Lars Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20100078490
    Abstract: A metered dose inhaler dose counter, the counter includes: an actuator; a rotary gear wheel having a plurality of ratchet teeth; a driver for driving the rotary gear in a step-wise fashion in response to displacement of the actuator; a pawl that prevents reverse rotation of the rotary gear; and a display coupled to the rotary gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Derek Fenlon
  • Patent number: 7579793
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for driving one or more force coils. A system for driving force coils is provided including a PWM drive coupled to a first coil and a linear drive coupled to a second coil. The PWM drive efficiently drives the first coil to apply a first force. The linear drive drives the second coil to apply a second force that is substantially noise-free. The first force is greater than the second force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080257083
    Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a stationary member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a rod-shaped moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The stationary member consists essentially of a base alloy which consists of, by weight, 88 to 97% tungsten, 2 to 11% nickel as a binder, and, as the balance, 0.1 to 2% at least one metal having an ionization tendency which is higher than that of tungsten. The stationary member has a surface without nickel plating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Mitsumi Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsukasa Yamada, Toyoki Tanaka, Takahiko Nishiyama, Soumei Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7267639
    Abstract: A compound bicycle exercising device includes two foot pedals rotatably attached to a base, for being operated by users, two handle stems pivotally attached to the base, for being rotated by the users, and two rotary members secured to each handle stem. A spindle is rotatably supported on the base, and includes two followers rotatably attached to each end with unidirectional bearings. Two coupling members couple the rotary members to the followers, and a rotary element is engaged between one of the rotary members and one of the followers, to allow the spindle to be rotated in different direction relative to the rotary member, and to allow the spindle to be continuously driven by the handle stems via the followers and the rotary members alternatively, when the handle stems are rotated relative to the pivot axle in reciprocating action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Hai Pin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6769323
    Abstract: An engine (10) which can deliver mechanical work for an extended duration in comparison to the duration of energy input into the engine. The engine (10) includes a drive shaft (11) through which it delivers mechanical work. The drive shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an electrodynamic machine (13) for generating electrical energy. The drive shaft (11) is driven by a drive system (15) which incorporates various drive mechanisms (16), power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) and gearing (18) for drivingly connecting the drive mechanisms (16) to the drive shaft (11). The various drive mechanisms (16) are operated in a pre-determined sequence by the power means (17). Each drive mechanism (16) is in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism. The power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) comprises spring structure (130) associated with each rack of the rack and pinion mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Barreiro Motor Company PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Manuel Vieira Barreiro
  • Patent number: 6361479
    Abstract: A recumbent apparatus for exercise and physical therapy providing a lower body workout, an upper body workout and cardiovascular conditioning, the apparatus comprising a frame having a forward end and a rearward end, the frame generally defining a longitudinal axis extending between the forward and rearward ends, a seat supported by the frame, a left leg assembly and a right leg assembly, the leg assemblies supported by the frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the leg assemblies positioned generally toward the forward end and each including an upwardly extending leg lever terminating in a pedal, a left arm assembly and a right arm assembly, the arm assemblies supported by the frame for pivoting movement also about the pivot axis, the arm assemblies positioned generally toward the forward end and each including an upwardly extending arm lever terminating in a handle, the left leg assembly being connected to the right arm assembly enabling movement therewith and de
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Nustep, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Hildebrandt, Todd A. Sutton, Steve W. Sarns
  • Patent number: 6349605
    Abstract: An axial-to-rotary motor includes a double acting pneumatic motor of piston-cylinder type. An endless drive belt extends over a first pulley, which is fixed mounted in relation to the pneumatic motor, and over a second pulley mounted spaced from the piston rod. The motor further includes one or more output shafts arranged for being continuously rotated. The piston rod end of the pneumatic axial motor is connected to a yoke which, with the outer frames thereof, encloses the two paths of the drive belt, and which encloses a ratchet device which provides a drive force against one of the drive belt paths at the active expelling stroke of the piston rod. The yoke also provides a drive force against the second drive belt path at the retraction stroke of the piston rod, whereby the drive belt will move in one and the same direction at both piston movement directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pos-Line AB
    Inventor: Bert Harju
  • Patent number: 6069420
    Abstract: Actuators for power driven accessories for moving objects, such as vehicle power windows, windshield wipers, vehicle power antennas, power side view mirrors, catheter drivers, curtain moving machines, bi-directional rotary motors, thruster mechanisms that move relative to a reaction surface or that drive a driven member relative to itself, use orthogonal oscillatory transducers cooperatively to drive intermediary elements to move these objects bi-directionally along constrained paths. The actuators may also power a pneumatically driven autonomous robot element using dual pneumatic DSES elements such as planar contact surfaces with an array of apertures which are cyclically switched form a source of compressed air which acts as a lubricant to greatly reduce surface friction to a vacuum source, which acts as a clamping medium increasing contact frictional force. Orthogonal bladders are cyclically pressurized or vented to move a central block relative to a surrounding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Omnific International, Ltd.
    Inventors: John V. Mizzi, Bruce M. Smackey, Edward K. Woo
  • Patent number: 5701784
    Abstract: There is provided in combination a first member and a second member movable in a reciprocal angular movement, and an articulation between the first member and the second member. The articulation comprises a shaft and a mechanism to convert the angular reciprocal movements of both members into an intermittent unidirectional rotary movement of the shaft. The mechanism of the articulation comprises a pair of ball bearings having each an outer race mounted in a fixed relationship with a respective first or second member, and also having each an inner race mounted in a fixed and coaxial relationship with the shaft. The mechanism further has a pair of flanges, being each mounted adjacent and coaxially a respective bearing, and also in a fixed relationship with a respective first or second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Alvin A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 5620232
    Abstract: There is provided in combination a first member and a second member movable in a reciprocal angular movement, and an articulation between the first member and the second member. The articulation comprises a shaft and a mechanism to convert the angular reciprocal movements of both members into an intermittent unidirectional rotary movement of the shaft, The mechanism of the articulation comprises a pair of ball bearings having each an outer race mounted in a fixed relationship with a respective first or second member, and also having each an inner race mounted in a fixed and coaxial relationship with the shaft. The mechanism further has a pair of flanges, being each mounted adjacent and coaxially a respective bearing, and also in a fixed relationship with a respective first or second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Alvin A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 5562010
    Abstract: A shaft is provided with a low speed oscillating progressive drive by means of hydraulic cylinders which operate a lever mechanism which may be clutched to and declutched from, the shaft. A pneumatic control system senses the position of the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders and provides a controlled oscillation of the cylinders. When the pistons cause the shaft to rotate in one direction a sensor causes the lever mechanism to be declutched from the shaft after a selectable number of degrees of rotation. The pistons continue their stroke to the normal limit where the lever mechanism is caused to be once more clutched to the shaft. This operation is continued producing an oscillatory progressive rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Bernard McGuire
  • Patent number: 5558193
    Abstract: A novel ball-type auger ratchet mechanism which may be used with washer agitators and augers. More particularly this mechanism comprises a top cap, a simplified cam, and a plurality of balls. The structures described have fewer parts than conventional auger ratchet mechanisms, and ultimately are easier to assemble and cost less. Furthermore, both embodiments of the instant invention, use mechanical means to achieve a positive locking and non-slipping action, rather that the conventional frictional force mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Jenkins, Robert E. Sundell, Sudhir D. Savkar
  • Patent number: 5297454
    Abstract: A device for rotationally indexing an indexing table by utilizing a synchronized tap function of a machine tool main spindle. The rotation and the axial feeding displacement of the main spindle are in a specific synchronized relation. When the main spindle is fed forward, it engages an input shaft of the indexing device and thrusts it to retract against a spring force. Upon arriving at a retracted position of the input shaft, the main spindle starts rotation in one direction. Because of a one-way clutch between the input shaft and the indexing table, the rotation of the input shaft imparted by the main spindle is not transmitted to the indexing table. After a predetermined angular rotation and an axial feed, the main spindle is rotated in the reverse direction to be withdrawn axially. At this time the one-way clutch operates to transmit the reverse rotation to the indexing table. The indexing device is of compact construction and ensures accurate indexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Howa Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Ito
  • Patent number: 5267479
    Abstract: A force actuator arrangement comprises a force generating member performing an oscillating movement, preferably a rod (7) of magnetostrictive material, force transmitting means-in a disc brake arrangement a caliper (4,5)-, and a device (8,9) for transforming the oscillating movement to a unidirectional application movement of the force transmitting means. The oscillation frequency of the force generating member is higher than the natural frequency of the force transmitting means for enabling the movement transforming device to transmit the movement only during each oscillation stroke in the application direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: SAB Wabco AB
    Inventor: Thomas Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 5261287
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for converting a reciprocating angular movement into one directional angular movement is disclosed for driving a shaft in a submersible cleaning device. In particular, a positive engagement clutch converts an alternating pivotal or angular motion of a shaft to a unidirectional circular motion of a driven gear. The shaft is affixed to a collar formation comprising pockets in which pawl elements are movably placed. The pawl elements engage teeth of a periphery ring that encloses the collar. The driven gear is affixed to the ring. The pawl elements operate in a dense medium such as the water of a pool in which the device is operating. The water imparts a high degree of inertia to the pawl elements and cause them to engage in the peripheral ring during the alternating motion of the shaft. Rotational movement of the driven gear to one direction is accomplished using a second pawl engaging a ratchet affixed to the periphery of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Pavel Sebor
  • Patent number: 5259258
    Abstract: A friction clutch drive is used to translate the oscillating angular movement of the oscillator in a submersible pool cleaner into a unidirectional periodic angular movement. A disc element affixed to a drive shaft of the oscillator is urged into contact with a second friction surface using a compression spring. The second disc is secured to a drum formation to which a gear to be driven is integrally formed so that rotational movement of the second disc causes rotational movement of the gear. To limit movement of the driven gear to one direction, a ratchet gear is affixed to the periphery of the drum and which engages a pawl to permit the single directional rotation of the drum and thus the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Pavel Sebor
  • Patent number: 5096009
    Abstract: In a method for displacing forces, particularly loads (P), either a force (P) acting on a guide surface (23) is reduced by an opposing force and simultaneously displaced, or a pressing force (P) is caused to act on a guide surface (23) in order to produce a displacing force (P2). In order to reduce the frictional resistance of the force (P) on the base (A, B) on which it acts, this force can be reduced by an opposing force and the force then displaced. The opposing force is produced, for example, by a known self-guided membrane cell (20) or a piston. Part of the force is supported displaceably on a wedge surface (23). This method permits advantageous displacement of forces, particularly loads, in opposition to friction forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Georg Hirmann
  • Patent number: 4999979
    Abstract: A machine is provided for continuously packing food or pharmaceutical products in thermoformed plastic material containers, comprising a station for receiving and unwinding reels of plastic material film, heating stations, a thermoforming station, a dosing station, a sealing station and a cutting station, and chains for moving the plastic material film step by step from one end of the machine to the other, which are driven without slipping over drive wheels having a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: A.R.C.I.L.
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Vicq
  • Patent number: 4856303
    Abstract: A thrust spacer having resilient, upwardly angled tabs is provided to act as a variable spacer within a two-piece agitator, between an upper agitator portion and a lower agitator portion to prevent relative vertical movement between the two portions while permitting relative rotational movement therebetween. Each of the tabs is positioned adjacent to an opening larger than the tab to permit the tab to be compressed into the opening to provide a large degree of variability in the height of the tabs. The spacer also includes angled arms which engage with slots in the lower agitator portion to cause the spacer to rotate with the lower agitator portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Hood, Jr., Dale E. Mueller, Douglas J. Walker
  • Patent number: 4777846
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic energy converter transforms the rotary output of a prime mover into hydrokinetic energy, which is blocked in an energy circuit including fluid coupled flywheels. The converter comprises a lighter flywheel mounted to rotate within and in fluid coupled relationship with a heavier flywheel. The shaft of the heavier flywheel is suitably connected to the prime mover. The shaft of the heavier flywheel is also coupled to the shaft of the lighter flywheel by a velocity multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Adelino Da Silva Simoes
  • Patent number: 4766772
    Abstract: A hub mechanism according to this invention for the self-propelling type light vehicle is provided with: a hub shaft secured to the main body of the vehicle; a pair of right and left drivers rotatably carried by the hub shaft and rotatable in the directions for forward and backward movement of the vehicle when actuated by the driving force transmitted from a driving force generating part; a hub shell rotatably carried by the hub shaft; a pair of right and left one-way clutches for forward movement to transmit rotations of the drivers for forward movement to the hub shell and another pair of right and left one-way clutches for backward movement to transmit rotations of the drivers for backward movement to the hub shell; and releasing members for releasing the rotation-transmitting actions of the one-way clutches individually or collectively; in which the rotational directions of the hub shell are optional when the rotation-transmitting actions of the one-way clutches for forward and backward movements are indi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Kimihiro Tsuchie
  • Patent number: 4719769
    Abstract: A dual action agitator for use in a washing machine utilizes a one-way dog clutch having a plurality of dogs made of elastomeric material and pivotally mounted in a cam. The dogs pivot outward to engage an inner surface of an upper agitator barrel to drive the agitator barrel in a first direction during a first oscillatory stroke of a lower agitator skirt, and the dogs pivot away from the inner surface as the lower agitator skirt oscillates in a second opposite direction resulting in unidirectional movement of the agitator barrel to impart additional mechanical motion to a wash load and promote rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Pielemeier, Dale E. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4667779
    Abstract: This invention relates to a unidirectional high gain brake arrangement that includes in combination a shaft mounted for rotation within a housing. The shaft is rotatable in either direction. A brake is selectively releasably coupled to the housing and to the shaft. The brake has a first member. An intermittent motion device is respectively coupled through the first member to the housing and through a one-way clutch to the shaft. The brake also has a second member that is mechanically coupled to the first brake member and to the housing. The intermittent motion device causes the brake to be activated by movement imparted to the first brake member after a preset number of revolutions of the shaft in one direction. The brake is released by rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction whereby torque transmitted through the one-way clutch to the first brake member is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Lang
  • Patent number: 4615258
    Abstract: In a drive device operated by pressure fluid a progressive linear or swinging or rotary movement of a driven element is produced by means of at least one lifting element. Between the lifting element and the driven element there is arranged at least one wedge which carries out a stepwise reciprocating movement under the influence of the lifting element. In this way the driven element is pushed forward step by step in the loaded direction via a force locking. This drive device permits a force-locked connection to the object to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Georg Hirmann
  • Patent number: 4611630
    Abstract: A choke valve with a power system operated via a single hydraulic line. The sleeve of the choke valve is operated by a carrier mounted through an eccentric pin and guide track arrangement to open and close the valve with the rotation of a valve drive shaft. A power shaft is driven by a clutch plate, ratchet connected to a drive clutch plate, in turn, operated by the shaft of an hydraulic actuator. The valve actuator creates an incremental step sensing of its full sixteenth turn movement by closing a fluid exhaust port and causing back pressure in the hydraulic line to occur. The actuator is reset by a pre-loaded torsion bar. Reset of the actuator also ratchet resets the drive clutch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: John D. Muchow, Kenneth L. Pelata
  • Patent number: 4572027
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting multi-directional input to uni-directional output having a plurality of drivers rotated by the input and moveable to alternate positions with respect to opposed surfaces on the output driven member for frictional drive of the driven member. The drivers are moved to alternate positions automatically upon change of direction of the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Lusk
  • Patent number: 4567781
    Abstract: A reciprocating input rod lifts a heavy ball up an inclined circular track that provides a path for the ball to roll down by gravity. The ball's speed of rotation causes the track itself to rotate and this rotation provides useful output energy of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Norman Russ
  • Patent number: 4520638
    Abstract: An agitator thruster is provided for an automatic washer for increasing the rollover of clothes during the agitation portion of a washing cycle wherein the thruster moves in a vertical reciprocating motion by action of a pin carried by the thruster engaging angled side walls of a channel in the agitator barrel and being caused to move in one direction around the channel circuit, up along one angled channel wall and down along another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Brenner
  • Patent number: 4419905
    Abstract: A collar on the drive shaft of a bicycle pedal hub is mounted with means to displace the collar longitudinally along the shaft. The displacement is accomplished by a limited reverse rotation of the pedals and shaft. The direction of the displacement may be in either longitudinal direction and depends upon the position of the collar before the reverse rotation of the pedals and shaft. Displacement of the collar causes a bicycle transmission to shift gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Inventor: Fernand S. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4415270
    Abstract: A device for mixing paint and similar thick liquids within a container in which the container is held between the jaws of a clamp and rocked back and forth by a source of power. The clamp jaws are freely mounted so that they can rotate with the container about its longitudinal axis. An inertially driven mechanism which is independent of the rocking power source serves to rotate the container about its longitudinal axis as it is rocked, thereby greatly reducing the time required to thoroughly mix the paint within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Red Devil Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Heinis, Eric Vass
  • Patent number: 4349287
    Abstract: An intermittent paper feed mechanism comprises a driving wheel rotationally driven in an intermittent manner, a driven wheel disposed opposite to and rotated by the driving wheel, a stopper means for restricting the angle of rotation of the driving wheel and a coiled return spring for biasing the driving wheel in a direction opposite to its rotational driven direction. The driving and driven wheels, the stopper means and the return spring are coaxially mounted on a common shaft. The device of the invention enables a paper on which characters are printed by a printing head to be advanced at a high accuracy in an intermittent manner without using a stepping pulse motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Seikosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Chida, Satoru Tada
  • Patent number: 4325264
    Abstract: A supersonic vibration driven motor comprising a supersonic oscillator and a mass rotationally driven thereby. The oscillator is provided with a vibration disc secured thereto on an end face thereof opposite to the mass to be driven. The mass is integrally formed with a plurality of plate-shaped resilient vibratory pieces annularly arranged on the end face opposite to the oscillator and axially extending at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the axis of the mass, the vibration disc and vibratory pieces being located so as to come in contact with each other at their end portions, whereby vibratory displacement of the supersonic oscillator is transformed into rotational movement of the mass by way of flexible deformation of the vibratory pieces. Alternatively, the resilient vibratory pieces may be formed integrally with the vibration disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventor: Toshiiku Sashida
  • Patent number: 4295381
    Abstract: A constant torque power transmission consisting of a rotating mass, or gyroscope, rotating around a first axis and supported by a frame or enclosure in turn pivotally supported about a second axis at right angle to the first axis by a gimbal, the gimbal being pivotably supported around a third axis disposed at right angle to the second axis. The reciprocating member of a crankless reciprocating engine, of the free piston or free-cylinder type, oscillates the gimbal and the rotating mass about the third axis, causing the rotating mass frame or enclosure to develop a precessional force oscillating about the second axis. The oscillating precessional force is applied to an output shaft through a one-way clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Virgil A. Hinds
  • Patent number: 4281987
    Abstract: A device using longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations for rotating a shaft at relatively low rotational speeds is particularly useful for rotating a brush-type tooth polisher on an insert for an ultrasonic dental prophylaxis unit. The device has a sleeve which supports the rotatable shaft and a vibrator. A disc is normal to the axis of rotation of the shaft and connected to the shaft for rotation. A transducer at one end of the vibrator responds to excitation for producing longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations in the vibrator, and the other end of the vibrator which is urged against the disc with a constant force converts the longitudinal vibrations into elliptical motion to engage one face of the disc during an arc of the elliptical motion. This imparts substantially only pulses of tangential driving force and normal vibrational forces to rotate the disc and shaft unidirectionally. In one preferred embodiment, the vibrator has a single driving pad urged against the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: Cavitron Corporation
    Inventor: Claus Kleesattel
  • Patent number: 4270637
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring clutch having a slot circumferentially about its surface to provide for a predetermined amount of rotation of its input clutch drum relative to the output clutch drum before effecting rotation of its output clutch drum. Adjustment means is provided to vary the width of the slot and thereby permitting selective presetting of the spring clutch for a predetermined amount of intermittent angular rotation of the output clutch drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Marquette Metal Products
    Inventor: Robert D. Lowery
  • Patent number: 4254577
    Abstract: A model vehicle of the steerable road racing type for confined movement along a trough type roadway or track of plural land width including a dirigible wheeled chassis carrying a drive motor, a clutch mechanism operative to drive the wheeled running gear continuously in forward direction upon actuation of the motor in opposite directions, and an operating mechanism steering the running gear in opposite directions responsive to the motor running in opposite directions for controlling vehicle movement between lanes and along a selected trough side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventor: Richard C. M. Cheng
  • Patent number: 4148240
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an improved electronic musical instrument capable of simulating a sound resulting from the striking of a natural percussion instrument. The electronic instrument includes playable keys, a tone signal generator for generating tone signals and an output circuit for converting the tone signals to audible tones. A control circuit responsive to the depression of any one of the keys enables one or more of the tone signals representing one or more fundamental pitches to be transmitted to the output circuit for a first time period and enables another tone signal representing a pitch nonharmonically related to the fundamental pitches to be transmitted to the output circuit for a second time period less than the first time period. By combining the tone signals corresponding to the fundamental and nonharmonic pitches, the sound of a percussion instrument is simulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Assignee: Norlin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Moore, Alberto Kniepkamp
  • Patent number: 4129064
    Abstract: A fluid operated stepping motor comprising a cylinder housing having one or more fluid cylinders to alternately displace at least two cam engaging members when pressure from a pressure source is applied to one of the cylinders. The cam engaging members are diametrically opposed. A cam is secured relative to the cylinder housing and having a plurality of teeth asymmetrically disposed thereon, is also provided. Each tooth has a power profile surface and an idle profile surface. The power profile surface is slidingly engageable by one of the cam engaging members when pressure is applied to displace the said one cam engaging member axially whereby the power profile surface will cause relative rotational displacement between the cylinder housing and the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Inventors: Atef E. F. Fahim, Richard M. H. Cheng
  • Patent number: 4116315
    Abstract: A pneumatic landing gear actuator is provided for use with an extendible and retractable landing gear assembly having an input member the rotation of which extends or retracts the landing gear foot in dependence upon the direction of rotation. The landing gear actuator includes a shaft which is drivingly connected to at least one, and preferably two, rotatable input members on two spaced landing gear assemblies. A pair of one-way clutches, each having a drive and driven member, are disposed coaxially around the shaft while a shifting gear selectively drivingly connects the driven member of one clutch or the other to the shaft. A pneumatic air cylinder can be connected to the air system of the tractor to simultaneously reciprocally rotatably drive both clutch drive members via a radial arm. Such compressed air systems are utilized for the air brakes in tractor-trailer combinations so it is readily available on most tractors for use with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Westran Corporation
    Inventor: Ervin K. Vandenberg