Multiple Acting Patents (Class 74/129)
  • Patent number: 10267109
    Abstract: An agitator tool (1) for introducing forward and backward axial movement in a downhole tool of a drill string, where the agitator tool has a first axially moveable element (5) coupled to a second laterally moveable element (9) arranged inside a housing (2) via mechanical coupling. The mechanical coupling may be a pin and groove arrangement where the groove forms a modified or unmodified sinus shaped guiding loop that allows the first element (5) to oscillate within the housing (2). The second element (9) is driven by a turbine unit which may have flow regulating means. This provides an agitator tool comprising with very few moving and wearable parts. The shape of the groove sections allows an accelerated and/or de-accelerated forward and backward movement of the first element (5) that allows it to be used for various applications in a bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCETECH APS
    Inventor: Sigurd Solem
  • Patent number: 9957744
    Abstract: A device to apply a rotational force to a spring of a rollup or overhead garage door counterbalancing mechanism. The device has a rotatable driven member mounted in a housing. The housing and the driven member have slots with an open end adapted to receive the shaft of the overhead garage door counterbalancing mechanism. A coupling member is configured to mount to the driven member and connect the driven member to the winding cone of a garage door spring to apply rotational force to the spring. The housing with the driven member may be connected to the body of an existing power tool in place of the original tool head, or, the housing may be permanently combined with a motor and transmission to provide a special purpose tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Gary L. Hamman, Diana L. Hamman
  • Patent number: 9174509
    Abstract: A suspension system is provided for a movable, supported vehicle axle. The suspension system includes a pair of hydraulic suspension cylinders, which are placed between the vehicle axle and a supporting vehicle structure. Each hydraulic suspension cylinder includes a first work chamber connected to a first pressure accumulator, and a second work chamber connected to a second pressure accumulator. A pressure-limiting valve is exposed to pressure in the first work chamber and has an outlet connected to the second pressure accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: Deere & Company, Weber-Hydraulik GmbH
    Inventors: Christof Boge, Thilo Kazimiers, Jacek Zatrieb, Benedikt Müller
  • 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: 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: 8555926
    Abstract: A supply manifold for a hydronic heating or cooling system has a housing a plurality of valves disposed on respective outlets of the housing in a linear arrangement. Each outlet is adapted to connect to a conduit for delivering the liquid to a zone. Each valve controls a flow of the heating or cooling liquid into each respective conduit. The supply manifold has a single actuator for individually actuating one of the valves. A first displacement mechanism, e.g. a screw drive power by an electric motor, displaces the actuator along a longitudinal axis parallel to the linear arrangement of the valves to thereby access any one of the valves. A second displacement mechanism, e.g. a solenoid, displaces the actuator orthogonally to the longitudinal axis to thereby cause engagement or disengagement of the actuator with a selected one of the valves for opening or closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Malcolm MacDuff, James MacDuff
  • Patent number: 8490507
    Abstract: A rotary swash plate type continuously variable transmission comprises a driving mechanism, an output mechanism and a casing 24. The driving mechanism comprises a rotational swash plate 9 with variable angle of inclination and at least three slide stems which are disposed parallel and equiangular with each other. Each slide stem is equipped with a one-way rotary helical gear 13 at one end, and contacts with and slides on the surface of the swash plate at the other end. The output mechanism comprises a one-way rotational output shaft 16 and a larger helical gear 14 which is disposed on the output shaft 16 and meshed with the helical gears 13. The transmission according to the invention is compact in view of structure and smooth in view of its output rotational speed. Moreover, the minimal rotational speed may be zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing Union University
    Inventor: Jiandong Sun
  • Patent number: 8132485
    Abstract: A device for transforming alternating rectilinear motion into intermittent rotary motion, in particular for the command of indexed rotary tables. The device includes at least one fixed base element (11) with cam guide elements (14), a moving slide element (12) associated with the fixed element, equipped with mechanical locator elements (15) following the cam guide elements (14) and susceptible to alternating movements on and with respect to the fixed base element commanded by an actuator, and an index plate (13) rotatably associated with the fixed element, interacting mechanically with the moving slide element (12) and susceptible to angular rotation pitch in answer to the alternating movements of the moving slide element. The index plate is connected to an indexed rotary table to be commanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gimatic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maffeis
  • Patent number: 8056155
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7979924
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7581460
    Abstract: A drive assembly, particularly for driving arms around a compartment in a waste material digester, comprises a rotatable hub having an inner drive plate and a ratchet plate secured thereto for rotation therewith. Positionally opposed, parallel piston and cylinder drive reciprocatably drive an outer drive plate, drive arms pivotally carried on the outer drive plate engaging with drive pins on the inner drive plate to drive the hub in one direction. Movement of the hub in the opposite direction is prevented by latches engaging with respective shoulders of the ratchet plate when the outer drive plate moves in said opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Civic Environmental Systems Limited
    Inventor: James Nicholas Cooper
  • Patent number: 7578010
    Abstract: A recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly is located in a wall or bottom surface of a swimming pool in fluid communication through a conduit with a source of water under pressure from a valve, which valve periodically releases water into the conduit. Each time water flows, a nozzle housing is raised to eject a stream of water. As the nozzle housing rises, it is incrementally rotated by a pin engaging a saw tooth member of a cam ring. Upon cessation of flow, the nozzle housing is retracted and during retraction the nozzle housing is further incrementally rotated by the pin engaging another saw tooth member of the cam ring. After a predetermined degree of angular rotation, a cam reverser slidably reorients protrusions guiding the pin into and out of the saw tooth members to cause the pin to be guided by the opposite side of the saw tooth members and thereby cause reversal of the direction of rotation of the nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • 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: 6684724
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy step drive mechanism includes at least one shape memory alloy element (1) with a fixed end, the other end being connected to one end of a lever (2). The lever (2) is provided with a pawl (4) which is located to move on the teeth of a ratchet wheel (5) mounted on a main shaft (6) along with the lever (2). A stopper pin (7) is provided which also guides the pawl (4) on the ratchet wheel (5). A bias spring (9) is provided on a mandril on the main shaft (6) for returning the lever (2) to its original position. A detent wheel (8) with at least one detent lever (10) is mounted on the main shaft (6) to provide the detent torque required to hold the main shaft (6) in position when the lever (2) returns to its original position. A pair of support brackets (11) are provided for supporting and holding the various components together in an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Indian Space Research Organization
    Inventors: Viswanatha Narasimhiah, Murali Parathasarathy Iyengar Talkao
  • Patent number: 6324632
    Abstract: A method and computer for processing an incoming data stream, for example of video or audio data is described. A system memory is divided into first and second memory spaces, the first memory space for holding a data stream and the second memory space for holding a set of program data. A cache has first and second partitions allocated exclusively respectively to the first and second memory spaces. In this manner, when the data stream is transferred between an execution unit and the main memory, program data is not evicted from the cache.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Limited
    Inventor: Simon McIntosh-Smith
  • Patent number: 6227605
    Abstract: An operating system is used for hydraulic convertible top locking systems in retractable roof convertibles. A control unit has a control piston which is loaded in one axial direction by the hydraulic driving unit and in the opposite axial direction by a mechanical pressure spring arrangement. The control piston is restrictedly guided in the circumferential and axial direction in a housing by a control contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Dirk Weisser, Bernd Wilms
  • Patent number: 5996741
    Abstract: A lift system for raising and lowering a carriage may comprise a pin-in-track position indexing apparatus having a position indexing track with first and second inclined branches and at least one guide pin for engaging the position indexing track. The guide pin may be attached to the carriage. Switching apparatus associated with the pin-in-track position indexing apparatus allows the guide pin to follow the first and second inclined branches of the position indexing track. An actuator operatively associated with the pin-in-track position indexing apparatus actuates the pin-in-track position indexing apparatus to raise and lower the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: David P. Jones, Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5974943
    Abstract: A fluid valve system is provided for a variable stroke motor. The valve has a housing forming a cylinder, a first fluid input into the cylinder, a first fluid output out of the cylinder, a second fluid input into the cylinder, and a second fluid output out of the cylinder. Provided within the cylinder is a shaft provided with slots. As the shaft rotates into a first position, fluid communication between the first fluid input and the first fluid output is shut off, while fluid communication between the second fluid input and second fluid output is opened. As the shaft rotates to a second position, communication between the first fluid input and first fluid output is opened, while the communication between the second fluid input and the second fluid output is shut off. The device is preferably hooked up to a drive cylinder in fluid communication with the first fluid output and the second fluid input. A piston is provided within the drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Edward L. Simonds
  • Patent number: 5953958
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a drum employs a plurality of drive sprockets disposed about the outside surface of the drum and spaced-apart along the length of the drum. Each drive sprocket has a first flange, a second flange, and a plurality of pins interconnecting the first flange and the second flange, spaced-apart about the drum and parallel to the axis of the drum. Spaced-apart hydraulic rams each exert force on one of the drive sprockets so as to cause rotation of the drum. Each ram is moveable between a linearly retracted first state and a linearly extended second state and has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is secured to the base, the second end is engageable with the pins of a selected drive sprocket so that as the ram extends from the first state to the second state, the ram exerts force on a pin in the first direction, the first direction being tangential to the outside surface and perpendicular to the axis of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: DBS Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Nils Young
  • Patent number: 5823906
    Abstract: A nutation motion generator which transforms linear motion into nutation motion. The device employs a spherical, four-bar linkage mechanism. Three four-bar linkage mechanisms are sandwiched between a stationary support surface and a drive plate and arranged at 120.degree. intervals about the support surface. Each four-bar linkage mechanism is constructed of four planar sections which are hinged along their edges, the four hinged planar sections being essentially triangular in shape so that they would join at a point in the center of the device if they extended to the apex of their respective triangles. A universal joint is located at the center of the device to provide stability. The four-bar linkage mechanism can be collapsed to a substantially flatten configuration, opened and then collapsed to a substantially flattened configuration at an angle 90.degree. to that of the first flattened configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: James D. Ashburn, Steven W. Peterson, Alvin M. Strauss
  • Patent number: 5819586
    Abstract: A linear motion to rotary motion converter. A moving cam carrier reciprocates with respect to a rotating turntable having a plurality of fingers, preferably roller bearings, secured to and extending from the turntable parallel to the axis of rotation of the turntable and radially spaced from the axis. The number of rollers extending from the turntable determine the number of indexed stop positions of the turntable. The cam carrier has two movable cams and also has two retaining members that are attached to the cam carrier and respectively spaced from the movable cams so as to define channels, between the respective pairs of movable cams and retaining members, through which the roller bearing fingers of the turntable are constrained to move. The curvature and shape of the channels determines the velocity profile of the turntable as the cam carrier reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Butcher
  • Patent number: 5806404
    Abstract: A driving mechanism transforms continuous longitudinal reciprocation of a piston in a chamber into unidirectional rotation. The mechanism utilizes a closed wave-shaped groove defined in either the cylinder or the chamber and adapted to receive guiding members projecting from the other of the piston and the chamber. When the piston is forced to move longitudinally in either direction, the groove slides over the guiding members to force rotation. The apices of the wave-shaped groove are either contoured or provided with a gating structure to assure that the guide members do not backtrack but instead move in one direction through the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Arieh Sher
  • Patent number: 5592866
    Abstract: A driving mechanism transforms continuous longitudinal reciprocation of a piston in a chamber into unidirectional rotation. The mechanism utilizes a closed wave-shaped groove defined in either the cylinder or the chamber and adapted to receive guiding members projecting from the other of the piston and the chamber. When the piston is forced to move longitudinally in either direction, the groove slides over the guiding members to force rotation. The apices of the wave-shaped groove are either contoured or provided with a gating structure to assure that the guide members do not backtrack but instead move in one direction through the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Arieh Sher
  • 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: 5549013
    Abstract: A stepping actuator which is simple and compact in construction, and capable of converting rectilinear reciprocating motions into stepwise rotations of a predetermined stepping angle suitable for application of limited or limitless stepping rotations in one direction or in both forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Three-D Composites Research Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Kimbara
  • Patent number: 5467684
    Abstract: A driving mechanism transforms continuous longitudinal reciprocation of a piston in a chamber into unidirectional rotation. The mechanism utilizes a closed wave-shaped groove defined in either the cylinder or the chamber and adapted to receive guiding members projecting from the other of the piston and the chamber. When the piston is forced to move longitudinally in either direction, the groove slides over the guiding members to force rotation. The apices of the wave-shaped groove are either contoured or provided with a gating structure to assure that the guide members do not backtrack but instead move in one direction through the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Arieh Sher
  • Patent number: 5345767
    Abstract: A vibration motor comprises a first member for receiving an external vibration, a second member set to be brought into collision with the first member as a result of the receipt of the external vibration, and a converting mechanism provided at the first member and/or the second member and having an asymmetric configuration for establishing a relative movement of the second member upon collision of the first member thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Ando, Tomokimi Mizuno, Yoshihiro Naruse, Iwao Fujimasa
  • 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: 5176038
    Abstract: A motion converting mechanism wherein two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms are added to a mechanism for converting a rectilinear reciprocating motion into a rotary motion through a rack and pinion combination. The two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms include one that engages during the forward movement of the rack and the other that engages during the reverse movement of the rack, both of which rotate an output shaft in the same direction when they engage. With this arrangement, the motion converting mechanism according to the present invention can rotate the output shaft in the same direction during both forward and reverse movements of the rack, thereby improving efficiency in converting the reciprocating motion into the rotary motion as compared with the conventional one. Thus, various rotary tools utilizing this motion converting mechanism can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Tokuden Kosumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Inokuchi, Mitsuhide Inokuchi
  • Patent number: 5107717
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler including a stationary cylinder, one end of which is connectable to a water supply line, a central rod rotatably mounted inside the cylinder, having at least one supply duct passing therethrough and directly leading to a sprinkler head attachable to the upper end of the rod, as well as a plurality of separate control ducts inside, and ports communicating with the ducts and leading to the outer surface of, the rod, at least one port communicating with the supply duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Shalom Jackerson
  • Patent number: 4912995
    Abstract: A rotary-to-linear mechanical motion converter has a housing attachable to a drive engine, an input shaft reciprocable to the housing and coupled directly or through a gear arrangement to a reciprocating output shaft of the drive engine, a first drive train coupling the input shaft for turning a rotor in a given sense of rotation for a first direction of movement of the input shaft, and a second drive train coupling the input shaft for turning the rotor in the same given sense of rotation for an opposite direction of movement of the input shaft, the first and second drive trains alternately driving the rotor, as in an electrical generator, for continuous rotation in a given sense relative to the housing. In an alternate converter, both drive trains drive a rotor for only one direction of movement of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: John L. Otters
  • Patent number: 4771646
    Abstract: A rotating and indexing mechanism (10) having two spaced apart, rows of toothed profiles (48, 52) which form camming surfaces for two spaced apart rows (62, 64) of cam followers (32). The toothed profiles (48, 54) and cam followers (32) are such that when there is relative movement between the toothed profiles (48, 54) and the rows (62, 64) of cam followers (32) in one direction, the camming action of the cam followers and toothed profiles pause incremental rotation of a shaft (16). A groove (66) is also provided for locking the two profiles and cam followers together when the desired incremental (index) position is reached.Two embodiments are shown, one where the toothed profiles are moved axially to give rotation to the cam followers and shaft, and the other where the cam followers move axially to give rotation to the toothed profiles and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ruggier, Sandy Cow, Robert O. Lilley
  • Patent number: 4729251
    Abstract: A stepping mechanism comprises a toothed wheel and a shifting member which shifts toothed wheel by a tooth pitch. The movement plane of the shifting member extends at a right angle to that of the toothed wheel. A two-armed shifting pawl which is supported on a reciprocating slide so as to be swivelable and has a tooth guiding surface, serves as the shifting member and is inclined with respect to the movement direction of the slide and is switched over to the opposite inclination after every shifting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Zieringer
  • Patent number: 4727763
    Abstract: A mechanism for transforming a reciprocating rectilinear motion into an intermittent rotary motion comprises a first element having a longitudinal axis and being reciprocable in a direction parallel to said axis, and a second element coaxially surrounding the first element and being rotatable about the axis. The first element carries a set of two cams circumferentially and axially spaced from each other, each cam having, in plan view, the shape of a rectangular part having two opposite sides extending parallel to the axis and a triangular part having a base adjoining the rectangular part, the triangular part projecting from the rectangular part in the direction of the axis, and the triangular parts of the cams pointing in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Fives-Cail Babcock
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Georget
  • Patent number: 4726241
    Abstract: A purely mechanical apparatus using a number of centrifugal force generating devices produces a unidirectional continuous centrifugal force on the main frame of the generator which is capable of propelling the generator in a straight line or of imposing a force on another body against which the generator may be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Harry S. Melnick
  • Patent number: 4712772
    Abstract: A power hydraulic gear comprising a housing (1) which accommodates a piston (3) through which a traction guide member (7) is passed, and a mechanism for alternately engaging the piston (3) with the traction member (7). The traction member (7) is a rope sealingly passed through end faces (2, 2') of the housing (1) and through the piston (3) in which there are mounted devices (8) for engaging it with the rope, these devices engage with the rope and disengage from it upon delivery of pressurized fluid medium to one of chambers of the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventors: Sergei B. Negrutsky, Sergei B. Klimov, Boris F. Negrutsky, Vladimir G. Churkin
  • Patent number: 4711139
    Abstract: The present invention provides for improvements made to the infinitely variable rotary drive transmission U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,161 dated Dec. 10, 1985, having an input member and an output member rotatably mounted to a housing. Two articulated shafts are rotatably mounted on two slides such that the degree of articulation can be varied in infinite increments by operating a lever mounted on the housing. The two articulated shafts are connected rotatably and synchronously. The input member through a substantial speed reduction drives the articulated shafts. The articulated shafts are connected by rods to a pair of cooperating overrunning clutch assemblies mounted on an intermediate shaft which in turn is rotatably mounted on the housing. Another clutch assembly is mounted on the intermediate shaft to restrict its movement to one direction only. The intermediate shaft through a substantial speed increase drives the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Inventor: Egas J. Desousa
  • Patent number: 4534235
    Abstract: A pair (20) of unidirection actuators are opposingly disposed coaxially about an elongated member (1) for controllably imparting a series of stepwise rotary movements thereto. An outer race (5) disposed within a housing (2) is rotationally reciprocated as a result of the axial reciprocation of a coaxial drive member (3) under the influence of reciprocation means (12, 15, 9). An overrunning clutch (6) converts the reciprocal rotary motion of the outer race (5) into a series of uniform unidirectional stepwise angular movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Gray Tool Company
    Inventors: John P. Mitcham, Michael A. Karr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4512217
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench has a member provided with a graspable handle. Two toothed racks are mounted on the member and biased to move inwardly of a slot. A socket has a pawl-like toothed portion extending circumferentially thereabout and engaging both racks. The teeth of the racks are arranged to face in opposite directions. In use, the operator may move the member-handle combination linearly to impart rotary motion to the socket when in engagement with a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Inventor: William S. Conover
  • Patent number: 4506124
    Abstract: A push-push switch comprises a dielectric housing in which electrical contact members are secured; contact sections of the contact members are in normal electrical engagement and terminal sections of the contact members are to be electrically connected to conductive members. An actuating member is mounted in the housing for reciprocal and rotational movement therein; a spring biases the actuating member to a normal rest position. Cam members on the actuating member engage the contact members in one position to disengage them and are out of engagement with the contact members in another position causing them to be normally engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: William H. Rose, David W. Rupnik, David T. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 4426916
    Abstract: The present invention converts longitudinal motion into rotary motion. A reciprocating piston (that may receive a motive force from any desired means) oscillates longitudinally on a drive shaft. Extending through the piston parallel to the drive shaft is at least one ratchet pin that has a sprague clutch attached thereto by a ratchet arm for turning the drive shaft in one rotary direction. Also extending through the piston is at least one angle pin anchored in each end of a housing for the piston, which angle pin is at a slight angle with respect to the drive shaft and the ratchet pin. The slight angle causes the ratchet pin to arcuately move back and forth as the piston oscillates longitudinally. The arcuate movement of the ratchet pin causes the sprague clutch to turn the drive shaft. An adjustment of the slight angle may be provided to infinitely vary ratios of longitudinal movement to arcuate movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Lewis L. Wimberley
  • Patent number: 4398431
    Abstract: In a mechanical system including a rotatable drive member and a load, a power transmitting device utilizing centrifugal force is employed for connecting the drive member to the load. In the device sequentially occurring centrifugal forces of opposite direction and long duration are generated by one or more weight means driven by the drive member and constrained to move about an associated endless path fixed to a carriage or carrier that reciprocates under the influence of the centrifugal forces. The reciprocating carriage is in turn drivingly connected to a load which may either be a power absorbing device or a tool for working on some other material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventor: Harry S. Melnick
  • Patent number: 4335853
    Abstract: A linear to rotary motion transmission device comprises a reciprocal rack having a plurality of ratchet teeth engageable with flexible pawls of a rotary pinion. Reciprocation of the rack in one direction causes driving engagement between the pawls and the teeth for rotatably driving the pinion, and reciprocation of the rack in an opposite direction causes the flexible pawls to slide over the ratchet teeth in non-driving engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Lyntone Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Szemeredi, Edward M. Troup
  • Patent number: 4306368
    Abstract: A communications device including a display panel having a plurality of symbols arrayed thereon in a circle, each of the symbols indicating a particular idea to be communicated, and a pointer projecting radially from the center of the circle. An indexing mechanism is provided for producing incremental relative rotational movement between the pointer and the display to cause the pointer to be aligned with the next successive one of the symbols upon receiving a single manual input. Preferably, there are two display panels facing in opposite directions and a pointer corresponding to each panel. Each symbol on one panel has counterpart on the other and the pointers move in synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Davis G. Coghill
    Inventors: Davis G. Coghill, Raoul H. De Gaston
  • Patent number: 4286707
    Abstract: A device for driving an endless chain or the like, particularly, though not exclusively, a chain of the flat-link kind used in bucket elevators, the device comprising a reciprocating slipper having locking means which grips the chain in one direction of reciprocating movement but runs freely with respect to the chain in the reverse direction, there being means for preventing reverse movement of the chain whereby the slipper advances the chain intermittently in one direction. In an alternative embodiment, two slippers may be provided working in opposition to each other so that the chain may be continuously driven thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Simonacco Limited
    Inventor: James D. Menzies
  • Patent number: 4282720
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator of the type having a single evaporator, single fan including a freezer compartment thermostat controlling operation of the evaporator and fan, and a fresh food compartment thermostat controlling the operation of the fan and an air flow control for circulating the colder freezer compartment air through the fresh food compartment. The air flow control includes an air valve mounted in a passageway that is movable between a closed set position and an open set position. When cooling of the fresh food compartment is required, the fan is energized and the valve rotated to its open position. When the cooling requirements are satisfied, the thermostat causes the fan to deenergize and the valve to be rotated to its closed position. However, the fan may continue to operate under control of the freezer compartment thermostat. The valve moves between its open and closed positions of 90.degree. by a solenoid that is momentarily energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard L. Stottmann, Gerhard K. Losert
  • Patent number: 4281852
    Abstract: A motion converting system is configured for operating a vehicular jacking mechanism having a jacking member and a shaft rotatable for actuating the jacking member. The system comprises a sleeve for receiving the shaft which is then coupled to the sleeve, as through a transmission. The system includes a pneumatic cylinder. An actuator rod extends from the cylinder axially normal to the sleeve and is reciprocal toward and away from the sleeve, which carries a toothed wheel. Lever arms, arranged in pairs on opposite faces of the toothed wheel, extend radially outward from the sleeve and have proximal ends swingable about the sleeve. Pairs of links respectively interconnect distal ends of the lever arms with the end of the actuator. Selectively reversible pawls carried between pairs of the lever arms engage teeth of the toothed wheel to cause rotation of the sleeve for rotating the shaft in a selected continuous direction upon each movement of the actuator rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Inventor: Raymond L. Konkle
  • Patent number: 4280675
    Abstract: A kite that is controllable from the ground by a control cord connected to the kite. The cord is connected to a control on the kite for moving a bridle loop which repositions the location of the connection of the cord to the bridle loop with relation to the kite. This movement of the bridle loop alters the flying attitude of the kite. The control includes a camming mechanism for moving the bridle loop in two steps between different positions through a control arm. The camming mechanism is actuated by a spring for the first step when tension on the control cord is released and by the force of the wind on the kite for the second step when the necessary tension is placed back in the control cord, said force of the wind also replacing energy in the spring for the next desired movement of the bridle loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventors: Lynn M. Davis, James V. Theis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4277224
    Abstract: A fan constructed according to the present invention has a base supporting a vertical tube having a movable vertical rod inside. The lower end of the rod is hingedly connected to a means for attaching the device to a moving part of a rocking chair, such as a rocker, seat or leg. An endless belt is connected to the top of the vertical rod for oscillating movement therewith, the belt being held in a vertical loop by a pair of wheels or gears mounted within the tube. A top wheel movable with the belt engages a set of gears in such a manner as to transform oscillatory motion of the belt into rotation of a horizontal shaft in a single direction. A set of fan blades is mounted on the horizontal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Inventor: Roy L. Lundgren
  • Patent number: 4270399
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for converting reciprocating motion into intermittent rotary motion for use in a decimal counter or the like having an integrally molded drive member having two flexibly mounted pawls which are spring biased to insure engagement with the ratchet teeth and two fixed mounted, escapement type, driving and stopping pawls and an integrally molded, driven ratchet wheel, having two concentric rings of teeth, which in turn is coupled to the number wheels. On the impulse movement, the lower, escapement type pawl disengages a ratchet tooth whereafter, nearly simultaneously, first the rear, flexible pawl drives (pulls) the outer, larger diameter ring of teeth at the rear circumferential side thereof a portion of the first clockwise increment of rotation and then the upper, escapement type pawl smoothly engages and drives the smaller diameter ring of teeth for completion of the first clockwise increment of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Enno A. Knief