Control Lever And Linkage Systems Patents (Class 74/469)
  • Patent number: 11849560
    Abstract: A holding module is installed in a chassis of an electronic device. The holding module is used to hold an expansion module and includes a holding member, a fixation member, and a linkage member. The holding member includes a carrier plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The first side plate and the second side plate are connected to two opposite sides of the carrier plate, respectively. The fixation member is pivotally connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The fixation member is provided with a linkage portion. The linkage member is rotatably arranged in the holding member. The linkage member includes a docking portion and a pushing portion. The docking portion is connected to the linkage portion. The pushing portion is connected to the expansion module selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yong-Qing Zhong, Zhao-Ping Fu
  • Patent number: 11643141
    Abstract: A trailer assembly includes first and second axles supporting first and second wheels which are coupled to first and second actuators of a steering system. The steering system includes a control circuit connected to the actuators and the control circuit includes a driving device configurable in a low speed maneuvering mode with: a synchronized sub-mode in which the actuators can be actuated in a synchronized manner to steer the wheels in a synchronized manner, and a desynchronized sub-mode in which the first and second actuators can be actuated individually and independently to steer only the first wheels or only the second wheels. A control device is connected to the driving device to: select one of the sub-modes in the low speed maneuvering mode, and select an actuation either of the first actuator or of the second actuator, in the desynchronized sub-mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE
    Inventors: Yves Alloin, Olivier Gay, Simon Grimaud, Vincent Veillerot, Téva Maly
  • Patent number: 11565917
    Abstract: A self-erecting crane including a mast mounted on a rotating platform and supporting a boom is configurable between a transport configuration and a working configuration. The mast supports a hitch element suitable for being coupled on a fifth wheel provided on a rear platform of a tractor truck, the hitch element being located in a front hitch area of the mast which is dimensioned to come above the rear platform. The self-erecting crane also includes a mooring system located on the front hitch area and a removable ballasting element. In the transport configuration, the removable ballasting element is configured to be temporarily moored on the mast by the mooring system so that the removable ballasting element is located under the mast in the front hitch area. In the working configuration, the removable ballasting element is mounted on the rotating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France
    Inventors: Olivier Gevaudant, Fabrice Thomas, Eric Millet
  • Patent number: 11486304
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger is disclosed. The actuator assembly may include an actuator and an actuator linkage having a first end coupled to the actuator and a second end defining a linkage joint. The actuator assembly may further include a VTG lever having a ball stud bore extending through the VTG lever. Additionally, the actuator assembly may include a ball stud including a first end partially disposed within the linkage joint and a second threaded end extending axially through the ball stud bore. Furthermore, a nut may be aligned with the ball stud bore and movably attached to the VTG lever prior to extending the ball stud through the ball stud bore, wherein the ball stud engages with the nut and fastens the ball stud to the VTG lever to operatively couple the VTG lever to the actuator linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Andrew Jones, George Heddy, Simon Jennings
  • Patent number: 11458641
    Abstract: A method for constructing a robotic arm includes positioning a wire in a formation zone for the robotic arm; and forming a body of the robotic arm in the formation zone around the wire such that the body of the robotic arm encloses at least a portion of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Crispin Graham, David Scott Diwinsky
  • Patent number: 11400585
    Abstract: An actuator (1) is described having a first part (4), a second part (2), and a body portion (3) between the first and second parts, wherein the body portion includes at least one chamber (14) configured to be pressurised and the body portion has a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of cables (6,7,8,9), wherein each of the plurality of cables is arranged in a respective at least partial spiral with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body portion (3); and wherein the plurality of cables are arranged such that the application of a selected force to at least one of the cables causes a desired movement of the first part relative to the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: University of Dundee
    Inventor: Luigi Manfredi
  • Patent number: 11285572
    Abstract: A tripod jack cylinder removal tool including a lifting eyebolt attached through an up flange and further through and up flange aperture to a lock nut. The flange is secured to a pipe at a pipe top end, the pipe further having a bottom end wherein a down flange having a down flange aperture is attached to the pipe and a bolt having threads protrudes through a down flange aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Mitchell Tindal
  • Patent number: 11180900
    Abstract: A pedal operation switching mechanism can switch a foot pedal to any movement pattern of three movement patterns of a front/rear step pattern of being capable of the operation of depressing a front side of the foot pedal from a neutral position of a rotational part of a pilot valve and of being capable of the operation of depressing a rear side of the foot pedal from the neutral position of the rotational part, a front step limit pattern of being capable of the operation of depressing only the front side of the foot pedal from the neutral position of the rotational part, and a fixing pattern of fixing the movement of the foot pedal in the neutral position of the rotational part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11104011
    Abstract: A mechanical arm assembly is generally presented. The mechanical arm assembly comprises a plurality of joints including a first joint, one or more intermediate joints, and a terminal joint connected in consecutive series and each configured to rotate with respect to any respective adjacent joints. The first, intermediate, and terminal joints are configured with their base and top arranged at a given angle with respect to the normal plane of the joint, such as parallel to the normal plane or 22.5 degrees with respect to the normal plane. Rotation of the joints is controlled by control wires. The control wires may be routed internally through the joints or externally outside of the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Chisena
  • Patent number: 11076926
    Abstract: A medical device drive system can include a rotational input, a coupling member engaged with the rotational input, a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear, the second gear coupled to a movable element. The system can have a first system state and a second system state. In the first system state the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. In the second system state the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 10969575
    Abstract: A scanning microelectromechanical reflector system comprising a reflector with a reflector body, a first cavity vertically aligned with the reflector body above the device plane and a second cavity vertically aligned with the reflector body below the device plane. The reflector also comprises a central attachment point located within a central opening in the reflector body. One or more flexures extend from the sidewalls of the central opening to the central attachment point. The flexures allow the central attachment point to remain stationary in the device plane when actuator units tilt the reflector body out of the device plane. The reflector system comprises a central support structure which extends through the cavity to the central attachment point of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Altti Torkkeli, Matti Liukku
  • Patent number: 10806302
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held electrically driven domestic appliance and to a corresponding method for controlling the hand-held electrically driven domestic appliance. The domestic appliance includes an electric motor for driving the domestic appliance; a control unit for controlling the motor; a first actuation element for outputting a first control signal to the control unit in order to select a motor control mode; and a second actuation element for outputting a second control signal to the control unit. The control unit is designed to select a motor actuation mode from the specified motor actuation modes on the basis of the first control signal, and the control unit is designed to determine a motor actuation signal to be output to the motor on the basis of the selected motor actuation mode and the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: DE'LONGHI BRAUN HOUSEHOLD GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Schroeder, Christoph Eissengarthen, Sabine Buhl-Remmel, Christof Kleemann
  • Patent number: 10738863
    Abstract: This invention is related to a mechanical force generator (MFG) (11), the cost, the maintenance costs and the energy consumption of which have been minimized, as much as possible, since the reaction forces, the reaction moments and the frictional forces at the joints that connect the mechanism to the ground have been minimized as much as possible; which does not possess any actuators; and which can generate any desired force variation. MFG (11) may be obtained by using 3 novel kinematic chains. By using these kinematic chains, it is also possible to obtain general purpose mechanisms, which have advantages similar to the MFG (11); which may include an actuator; which may generate relative translational motion at a joint as any desired function of relative translational motion at another joint; which may be used in many different fields such as hydraulic and pneumatic machines, internal combustion engines and compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Resit Soylu
  • Patent number: 10706693
    Abstract: A haptic device is provided that includes a first haptic assembly, comprising (i) a first end effector, and (ii) a first actuator coupled with the first end effector. The first actuator is configured to move the first end effector in first direction(s). The first haptic assembly is configured to create a first haptic stimulation or a second haptic stimulation, felt by a wearer of the haptic device, when the first actuator moves the first end effector in the first direction(s). The haptic device includes a second haptic assembly, comprising: (i) a second end effector, and (ii) a second actuator coupled with the second end effector. The second actuator is configured to move the second end effector in second direction(s). The second haptic assembly is configured to create a third haptic stimulation, felt by the wearer, when the second actuator moves the second end effector in the second direction(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Pablo Castillo Canales, Ali Israr
  • Patent number: 10416186
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining bicycle pedaling may include a sensor that detects the angular velocity and position of a drivetrain or rear sprocket assembly of the bicycle and a processor that is configured to compare the detected values against values indicative of at least one pedaling state. The apparatus may be configured to be housed within a component of the bicycle, such as within a hollow opening of the spindle or crank axle. The apparatus also may include a wireless transmitter to communicate with another component, such as a suspension controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Geoff Nichols, Brian Jordan, Sarah Fanto
  • Patent number: 10145395
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a safety block may include an actuator bracket pivotally engaged with a pivot arm. The actuator bracket may be configured to engage a master actuator having a first end moveable with respect to a second end. A secondary actuator may have a first end engaged with the actuator bracket and a second end engaged with the pivot arm such the secondary actuator may cause the pivot arm to move between a first position, in which first position the pivot arm prevents the master actuator from retracting, and a second position, in which second position the pivot arm allows the master actuator to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: LAD Ag Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas Stuaan
  • Patent number: 10029829
    Abstract: A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Dean Weber, Christoph Potakowskyj, Ernst Bayer
  • Patent number: 10018254
    Abstract: A belt drive system for rotatably coupling an internal combustion engine to an electric machine is described. The belt drive system includes a serpentine belt and a hydraulic strut tensioner, wherein the hydraulic strut tensioner is disposed to exert a tension force on the serpentine belt. A controller is operatively connected to the electric machine and includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically induce a reduction in torque output of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Wright, Constantine R. Checkles, Daniel D. Cottrell, V
  • Patent number: 9598142
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a front derailleur at a bicycle frame is provided. The bicycle frame includes a longitudinal axis, a support portion arranged lengthwise about the longitudinal axis and a mounting portion projecting outwardly from the support portion. The front derailleur includes a base member attachable to the mounting portion of the bicycle frame at a derailleur mounting axis. The base includes a support mounting surface facing the bicycle frame. The support assembly includes a support member and a support member mount. The support member is displaceable relative to the base member along the support mounting surface of the base member. The support member includes a contact surface configured to contact the support portion of the bicycle frame. The support member mount is configured to attach the support member to the support mounting surface of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Santurbane, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 9315256
    Abstract: A flap arrangement includes a basic body, a hinge arrangement, and a flap that by the hinge arrangement is movably held on the basic body. The hinge arrangement includes at least three bearing points spaced apart from each other and arranged on a shared hinge line, wherein two bearing points are rigidly connected to the basic body and to the flap, and wherein the remaining bearing points in each case allow local movement between the basic body and the flap in at least one first spatial direction perpendicularly to the hinge line. Thus, load-induced constraint forces between the basic body and the control surface can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Maenz
  • Patent number: 9198813
    Abstract: A movement device having a Stewart platform has a supporting body disposed on a horizontal plane, a movable platform, and four extensible links rotatably connected between the supporting body and the platform. The extension directions of the upper extensible links are in parallel with one another. When the movement device is in an equilibrium condition, the upper extensible links lie in a first common plane. When the movement device is in an equilibrium condition, vertical projections of the extension directions of the extensible links on a normal plane slant toward the horizontal plane; the vertical projection of the extension direction of the first bottom extensible link slants toward a first direction whereas the vertical projections of the extension directions of the other three extensible links slant toward a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yeh-Liang Hsu, Po-er Hsu, Cheng-Hao Chang
  • Patent number: 9194193
    Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: T&T Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith J. Orgeron
  • Patent number: 9186222
    Abstract: An articulated arm for applying a laser beam to a treatment zone has an arm section and a horizontal pivot joint. A spring arrangement acts on the pivot joint and has a cam disk and a pressure member following the cam disk contour as the arm section pivots. The arm section has, relative to a vertical direction, positive and negative pivot angle ranges. In the positive range the spring arrangement relieves the pivot joint from weight forces. When a resting angle in the negative range is reached the articulated arm rests in a support device. A total moment resulting from a weight force moment of the articulated arm and a restoring moment of the spring arrangement acts on the articulated arm about the pivot joint; cam disk contour and spring pretension are matched such that for the resting angle the total moment is oriented toward the support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fotona d.d.
    Inventors: Marko Marincek, Jozica Kranjec, Matjaz Lukac
  • Publication number: 20150129259
    Abstract: A lift system for an implement has the lift cylinder near the implement front end. A rocker link with three vertically spaced pivot holes is located rearward of the cylinder and connected to an implement frame by a pivot pin through the center one of the holes. The lift cylinder is connected to the lower pivot hole while two further links are connected to the top hole and extend longitudinally away from one another to control raising and lowering of front and rear wheels respectively. As the cylinder extends and retracts, the rocker pivots causing the front and rear wheels to raise and lower in synchronism with each other. Fore and aft leveling adjustment may be achieved by including a turnbuckle in one of the further links to vary the length thereof relative to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20150122067
    Abstract: A force transmission unit that has a rope, particularly a wire rope, and a device for introducing a force into the rope, that includes a sleeve enclosing the rope and connected to the rope under deformation. The force transmission unit has a connecting member which is arranged between the sleeve and the rope and formed from a material that has a lower strength than the materials from which the sleeve and the outer strands of the rope are formed and which preferably has a hollow cylindrical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Johannes Weirich
  • Publication number: 20150075312
    Abstract: A method and a device for orienting an actuator of an exhaust-gas turbocharger which has an actuator that is equipped with an actuator housing and is connected to a control rod. First, an actuator holder is fastened to the compressor housing of the exhaust-gas turbocharger. Then the actuator is inserted into the actuator holder. Then the actuator is positioned within the actuator holder. Then a compensating material is introduced through an injection opening into a compensating-material receiving space which is provided in the actuator holder. Finally, the compensating material is hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ralf Böning, Simon Baensch, Bruno Ferling, Dirk Frankenstein
  • Publication number: 20150047678
    Abstract: The application discloses an auxiliary device for a tank of an ultrasound apparatus which comprises a rack and at least one adapter for a medical instrument. Thereby, the adapter comprises a housing and at least one coupling element which is movable with respect to the housing by way of a drive and which can be coupled to the medical instrument, so that a movement of the coupling element effects an active movement of at least one region of the medical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: BANDELIN patent GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer JUNG, Jonas Möhricke
  • Publication number: 20150048667
    Abstract: A system that makes up at least a portion of a utilitarian article and having: a first body; a second body; and a first linkage assembly acting between the first and second bodies and configured to allow the first and second bodies to be relatively positioned to thereby reconfigure the article into which the system is incorporated. The first linkage assembly has first and second linkage parts. The first linkage assembly is configured so that: a) the first linkage part is movable relative to the first body around a first axis; b) the second linkage part is movable relative to the first linkage part around a second axis; and c) the second linkage part is movable relative to the second body around a third axis. At least one of the first, second, and third axes is non-parallel to the other two of the first, second, and third axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Aaron DeJule
  • Publication number: 20140375109
    Abstract: A device that limits a load of a seat belt includes various elements. For example, the device includes a seat-belt webbing and a shoulder anchor to which a portion of the webbing is secured. A button is attached to the webbing at a position that is a distance away from the portion secured to the shoulder anchor. The button able to engage a lever, when the webbing is pulled out, to control energy absorption of the seat belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Brian Robert Spahn, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 8806974
    Abstract: A device for transmitting movements comprising a parallel kinematics transmission structure adapted to provide at least one degree of freedom including three translational degrees of freedom, the parallel kinematics transmission structure further comprising a base member (2), a moveable member (4), and at least one parallel kinematics chain (6) coupling the base member (2) and the moveable member (4), each parallel kinematics chain (6) having a first arm (8) moveable in a movement plane wherein the movement planes are at a distance to a symmetry axis (40), and each parallel kinematics chain (6) comprising a second arm (10) coupled to the moveable member (4), wherein a first end (18) of the second arm (10) is adapted to be coupled to the first arm (8) and a second end (16) of the second arm (10) is adapted to be coupled to the moveable member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Novint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Helmer, Francois Conti, Patrice Rouiller, Sebastien Grange
  • Patent number: 8760152
    Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a gear step selector lever (2?) for selecting a gear setting of a motor vehicle has a signal transmitter (14) arranged at the gear step selector lever (2?) and a signal receiver (16) arranged spaced apart from the signal transmitter (14). The relative position between signal transmitter (14) and signal receiver (16) varies for different gear steps which can be selected. The signal transmitter (14) may be a magnet and the signal receiver (16) may be a triaxial Hall sensor system, designed so as to detect the relative position in three dimensions. Where the gear step selector lever (2?) has a ball joint (20), the signal transmitter (14) is arranged at one ball (22) of the ball joint (20). In this arrangement, a north-south-axis (18) of the magnet (14) does not run through a ball center (26). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising a corresponding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ECS Engineered Control Systems AG
    Inventor: Falk Uhlenbruck
  • Patent number: 8725371
    Abstract: A speed changing control apparatus for use in a vehicle includes: a driving power source configured to generate driving power for running; a transmission having a synchromesh mechanism configured to synchronize an input shaft revolution number with an output shaft revolution number and an actuator configured to automatically carry out a shift operation; and an automatic clutch disposed between the driving power source and the transmission. The speed changing control apparatus is configured to start a shift disengaging operation for the transmission after a speed change is requested and before the automatic clutch turns into a decoupled state, so as to suppress torsional vibration at the time of decoupling the automatic clutch. Such control enables the synchromesh mechanism to carry out revolution synchronization with the input shaft revolution number of the transmission in a lowered state, and diminishes a revolution difference subjected to synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Shimizu, Masato Tateno, Masayasu Mizobuchi
  • Publication number: 20140096498
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a windrow assembly carried by the chassis. The windrow assembly includes a windrow chute and a width adjustment device operatively mounted to the windrow chute. The windrow chute includes a discharge panel and a pair of side walls attached and movable relative to the discharge panel. The width adjustment device includes a manual adjustment member mounted to the discharge panel, and a pair of linkages with each linkage interconnecting between the manual adjustment member and a respective side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Estock, Nathan E. Isaac
  • Publication number: 20140083068
    Abstract: A lifting assembly for a mower deck includes a lifting shank having a curved surface following a lifting shank radius of curvature, and a deck lifting link interconnecting the mower deck lifting assembly and the mower deck. Actuation of the mower deck lifting assembly lifts the mower deck through the deck lifting link. The deck lifting link includes a slot having a width of more than twice the lifting shank radius of curvature and a slot end describing an arc having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the lifting shank radius of curvature. The lifting shank is received in the slot end with substantially surface contact between the lifting shank curved surface and the slot end. The lifting shank is freely movable in the slot to accommodate vertical travel of the mower deck with respect to the deck lifting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ariens Company
    Inventor: Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 8665328
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining an overtravel time of a machine, which has a moveable machine part and an optoelectronic protection device, has a light source designed to produce a defined light spot. The protection device for the machine comprises a camera having an observation area in which at least one protection zone having a protection zone boundary is defined. The protection device produces a stop signal when an object enters the protection zone. The light spot simulates an object within the protection zone. The light source is supported by a support element designed to position the light source in the area of the protection zone boundary. An evaluation and control unit of the apparatus is designed to switch on the light source at a defined starting time, and to determine a time interval between the defined starting time and the reception of an “end” signal indicating that the machine part has come to rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dietmar Doettling
  • Patent number: 8632060
    Abstract: A bumper includes a supporting member, a base, a flange, a connecting arm, and a resetting assembly. The base is fixedly connected to the supporting member. The connecting arm has a rotating portion rotatably positioned between the flange and the supporting member. The resetting assembly includes a resisting member and an elastic member. The resisting member is slidably connected to the supporting member. The elastic member is configured for producing an elastic force to drive the resisting member to resist the rotating portion of the connecting arm. One of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a receiving groove, and the other one of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a restricting protrusion rotatably engaging in the receiving groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 8627738
    Abstract: A general purpose linkage apparatus is adaptable for moving or guiding objects along a linear or curvilinear path. The apparatus includes linkages with revolving joints. In self-powered adaptations, a rotating motor may extend and retract the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Publication number: 20130340555
    Abstract: A bracket for use with a four bar linkage, has a head portion having a triangular shape, and a shank extending from a corner of the triangular head portion, the shank thickening depthwise and narrowing widthwise along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Ryan Edward LeBlanc, Kevin J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 8579070
    Abstract: A speed changer lever and a lift lever are supported to a lever supporting structure that extends from the front end of an armrest disposed laterally of a driver's eat to the forward side of the vehicle body. A speed changer lever guide face portion is provided at a transversely inner portion of an upwardly oriented face of the lever supporting structure. A lift lever guide face portion is provided at a transversely outer portion of the upwardly oriented face of the ever supporting structure. The lift lever guide face portion is set at a disposing height lower than the speed changer lever guide face portion. An upper end of the lift lever is set at a disposing height lower than the upper end of the speed changer lever. A speed changer lever guide groove and a lift lever guide groove are disposed parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Keishiro Nishi, Akiyoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 8573089
    Abstract: A speed change operation apparatus includes a pivotal body operatively connected to a trunnion shaft to be pivotally displaced in response to an operational displacement by an operational tool, a positioning body operatively coupled with the pivotal body so as to be pivotally displaced in response to a pivotal displacement of the pivotal body, a main urging mechanism for applying an urging force to the pivotal body via the positioning body for returning the pivotal body from an operational position to the neutral position, and an auxiliary urging mechanism for applying an auxiliary urging force to the pivotal body for returning the pivotal body from the operational position to the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akifumi Nishino, Kiyokazu Nakanishi, Shinichi Morita
  • Patent number: 8536482
    Abstract: A laser processing machine is provided which has a machine frame and a laser generator fastened to the machine frame. The laser generator is movable relative to the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Laser -und Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Link
  • Publication number: 20130233109
    Abstract: An auxiliary braking system and method of controlling the braking a towed vehicle is provided that includes a remote control that is in selective communication with an auxiliary braking unit positioned in a towing vehicle. More specifically, it is often desirable for the operator of the towing vehicle to assess the performance of the auxiliary braking apparatus positioned in a towed vehicle. In addition, it is often advantageous for the operator to perform real time adjustments to the performance parameters of the auxiliary braking apparatus positioned in the towing vehicle without having to cease driving and physically access the auxiliary braking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Hopkins Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Kaminski, Vicki Sickler, Jonathan Gray
  • Patent number: 8504241
    Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a handle with a tiller arm coupled to the handle via a flexible joint allowing relative movement of the handle about the tiller arm. A handle centering mechanism forming part of the steering mechanism includes a first end fixedly secured to the handle and a second end extending into a channel of the tiller arm. The second end compresses bumpers disposed on opposing sides of the second end. The bumpers urge the handle toward a neutral position wherein when a force is applied to move the handle away from a home position relative to the tiller arm, one of the compressed bumpers of the pair of compressed bumpers is further compressed. When the force is removed, the handle is returned to the home position by action of the pair of compressed bumpers. Preferably, the steering mechanism includes a torque sensing arrangement having a sensor and a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy T. Hanna, Richard M. Day, James M. McDonough, Jeffrey A. Coppola
  • Patent number: 8497767
    Abstract: This invention discloses a haptic interface system that uses Lorentz forces to provide magnetic levitation for a handle which can be manipulated by a person, typically a computer user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Butterfly Haptics, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph LeRoy Hollis, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130175846
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly and a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a seat-adjustment assembly including a drive bracket, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator rotates the drive bracket a first angular increment causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A stroke in a second phase rotates the drive bracket a second angular increment causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the bias of the back-mounting link. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20130175847
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly and a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a drive bracket, a motor tube, and two linear actuators for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a first phase involves a second linear actuator rotating the motor tube, thereby causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A second phase involves a first linear actuator rotating the drive bracket, thereby causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the bias of the back-mounting link. A third phase involves the first linear actuator causing the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lawson
  • Patent number: 8439899
    Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes an elongated spindle guide section and a distal end member fitted to a distal end thereof for alteration in attitude. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle for holding a tool. The spindle guide section includes a rotary shaft for transmitting rotation of a tool rotation drive source to the spindle. An attitude altering member inserted in a guide hole is selectively advanced or retracted by an attitude control drive source. An initial attitude hold control unit controls the attitude control drive source so that an initial attitude holding force necessary to maintain the distal end member in the initial attitude can be applied to the attitude altering member. An attitude alteration control unit controls the attitude control drive source so that the attitude of the distal end member can be altered by a force larger than the initial attitude holding force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Nishio, Hiroshi Isobe, Yoshitaka Nagano
  • Publication number: 20130096781
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle wheel apparatus includes a turnable cover or door for a wheelhouse opening in a fender. In another aspect, a sheath or liner is provided close to at least half of a circumference of a wheel. A further aspect blocks and/or removes circumferential air moving with a wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Aptera Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas George Reichenbach, Paul Beringer Wilbur, Marques McCammon
  • Publication number: 20130082136
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided, including an actuator system that may be connected to a wing frame for controlling an active element. The actuator system may include sliding elements movable along an axis parallel to the span-wise axis of the wing. The sliding elements may be connected to fixed elements and a crank element, the crank element generally comprising a beam element and a pivot element. The beam element may be offset from the pivot element so that the crank element is rotatable about the pivot element with a negative stiffness under an external force that tends to pull the sliding elements away from the fixed elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Troy C Schank, Peter H Kintzinger, Paul B Sherrill, Thomas Parham
  • Patent number: 8388251
    Abstract: A writing instrument with a multivariate mechanical doll consists of an elongated pen body having a seat mounted on an end thereof, a working piece and a doll. The action of the doll is in response to the mechanism of the working piece which is driven by extending and retracting the refill within the pen body. The doll which composes of a frontal and a rear casing incorporates a decorating object pin jointed to the working piece. Said seat includes a plate which attaches to the rear casing extended upwardly from a top thereof; and a rail is provided at a frontal portion of said plate and a locating post is provided at a rear portion thereof. The locating post is sheathed by a spring and engages to a male junction piece. Said junction piece connects to a female junction piece which fastened onto the frontal casing and engaged with a third driving element of the working piece which has a waving surface. The waving surface exerts and lifts the frontal casing allowing the decorating object to expose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Pao-Feng Lee