Resilient Connections Patents (Class 74/470)
  • Patent number: 11596069
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting an upper circuit board to a lower circuit board is disclosed. The upper circuit board includes a series of fastener holes for a fastening device allowing attachment to the lower circuit board. The connector assembly has a support bracket with access holes aligned with the holes of the upper circuit board. The support bracket is configurable to be positioned over the upper circuit board. The connector assembly has a moveable cover bracket having a series of access holes. The cover bracket is suspended between the support bracket and the cover bracket. The cover bracket is moveable between an open position aligning the access holes with the access holes of the support bracket, and a closed position. In the closed position, the cover bracket blocks access between the access holes of the support bracket and the holes of the upper circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Chih-Hsiang Lee, Hou-Hsien Chang, Wei-Chih Hung
  • Patent number: 11104418
    Abstract: The force feedback device includes a stationary housing intended to be secured to an understructure of an aircraft, at least one spring opposing movement of a side-stick of the aircraft relative to the housing, and a transmission mechanism, which is supported by the housing movably and which is suitable for transmitting a rotational movement, around a first rotation axis, between the side-stick and said at least one spring, by applying a force law according to which a resistive force, opposed by said at least one spring, via the transmission mechanism, against the rotational movement of the side-stick around the first rotation axis, depends on an angular position of the side-stick around the first rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: Roch Faucon, RĂ©mi Ponsonnet, Bastien Roussey
  • Patent number: 10981071
    Abstract: A motion platform apparatus has a fixed base and a track that extends in a forward-rearward direction. A motion platform is movably mounted on the track and extends between a platform front end and a platform rear end in the forward-rearward direction. A seating assembly is mounted on the motion platform. The seating assembly has at least one user seat that includes a seat base. The motion platform is movable along the track to position the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position. The load position of the seating assembly is rearward of the in-use position. The seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform underneath the seat base. The front end of each seat base may be positioned forward of the platform front end. The seating assembly can be tilted as it moves between the load position and the in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Simex Inc.
    Inventors: Alexis Gil, Salvatore Agosta, Riaz Zahiruddin Kazim, Alexandru Mihai Teodorescu
  • Patent number: 10323591
    Abstract: A method for accelerating the warming-up of a power unit of a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, the unit needing to undergo a test and/or maintenance operation during which the vehicle remains stationary with its engine running, the unit needing to have achieved a minimum operating temperature prior to the test and/or the operation, the unit including a fuel injection system with a high-pressure pump supplying pressurized fuel to one or more injectors, the pressurizing of the fuel by the pump being controlled according to a combustion configuration that requires a nominal pressure value dependent on operating parameters including an engine speed and engine torque, the method including a step of warming up the unit by maintaining a greatly accelerated idling speed, which is effected at a modified pressure value higher than the nominal pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Cyril Rousseau, Jonas Percheron
  • Patent number: 10280968
    Abstract: An assembly for adjusting a cable that includes a locking sleeve and an adapter that is connected to the cable. The adapter includes male and female-threaded portions that are coupled together. The locking sleeve is configured to be displaced between engagement and disengagement positions. When in the engagement position, securing devices of the male and female-threaded portions engage inner sections of the locking sleeve in a manner that prevents the male and female-threaded portions from being rotated relative to each other, thereby preventing a change in the length of the adapter so as to prevent an adjustment of the cable. When the cable is to be adjusted, the locking sleeve is displaced to disengagement position such that the securing device of either the male or female-threaded portion is disengaged from the locking sleeve, thereby allowing rotation of the male or female-threaded portions relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: John Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 10208852
    Abstract: A steering lever system includes a pair of lever bodies, a pivotal body coupled to each of the lever bodies and a neutral position detector. The pivotal body includes a first boss portion and a second boss portion. The lever body is pivotable about a first pivot axis of the first boss portion from a neutral position to a neutral end position. The lever body is also pivotable about a second pivot axis of the second boss portion from a forward traveling end position through a neutral position to a reverse traveling end position. The neutral position detector is responsive to a detected portion provided in an auxiliary member fixed to the lever body, at the neutral end position of the lever body. The detected portion is offset from a pivotal locus of the lever body about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Aoki, David Spitz, Masahiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 9878732
    Abstract: A rotational operation device includes a holder fixed to a rotation shaft, a torsion coil spring, and a case accommodating the holder and the torsion coil spring. The torsion coil spring includes a coil, fitted to the rotation shaft, and two protrusions, located at opposite ends of the coil. When the rotation shaft is rotated, the case restricts movement of the first protrusion, and the holder pushes the second protrusion in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft. The case includes a first groove that receives the first protrusion. The holder includes a second groove that receives the second protrusion. The first and second protrusions are spaced apart by an invariable interval set by a fixed length between the first and second grooves. The fixed length is set to a distance that produces a gap between coil windings when the coil is in a load-free state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Takanori Urushibata
  • Patent number: 9816606
    Abstract: A gear shifting device, for engagement to bicycle or other device, for actuating a translating to actuate sequential shifts in a gear train, is provided. A base of the device engages with one or a plurality of index plates which employ sequential detents to regulate a distance rotated by a cable spool which translates a cable to acuate shifting. The index plate may be interchanged to one having detents matching a new gear train when users change their bike configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Owen Meredith
  • Publication number: 20150122953
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a drive link includes a first bearing housing, a second bearing housing, and a central portion coupled between the first bearing housing and the second bearing housing. The central portion has less torsional stiffness than the first and second bearing housings such that the central portion twists in response to cocking of the first bearing housing relative to the second bearing housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Bell Hellicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Burnett, Christopher Foskey, Joel McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20150092339
    Abstract: A push button assembly disposed on a cover has a push button hole, and includes a holder, a latch, a resilient member, and pushing bracket. The holder forms a chute with the cover. The holder has an abutting plate and a retaining structure. The abutting plate and the retaining structure are respectively located at first and second ends of the chute. The latch is slidably disposed in the chute and faces the push button hole. The retaining structure can prevent the latch from leaving the chute from the second end. The resilient member is disposed in the chute and compressed between the abutting plate and the latch. The pushing bracket is connected to the latch and extends away from the cover. The disclosure further discloses a chassis applying the push button assembly and an operating method of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Qi-Qiong LI, Yong-Liang ZHENG
  • Patent number: 8991278
    Abstract: A overload protection mechanism protects a driven load, such as a driven lever. An overload lever is pivotally coupled to a first part of the driven load. The overload lever has a first end that receives an applied force and an opposing second end. A zero length spring mechanism is coupled to a second part of the driven load spaced apart from the first part and to the second end of the overload lever. The zero length spring mechanism urges the second end of the overload lever toward the second part of the driven load with a force that is substantially proportional to the distance between the second end of the overload lever and the second part of the driven load. A stop mechanism is coupled to the zero length spring mechanism to maintain a minimum distance between the second end of the overload lever and the second part of the driven load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cooper
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8584541
    Abstract: An anti-backlash assembly of the type for transferring motion via a pin movable along a slot. The assembly comprises a pivot lever and a second lever member. The pivot lever comprises a body portion and a pivot lever portion extending from the body portion to a pivot lever distal end. The pivot lever portion defines a pin engagement slot extending from adjacent the pivot lever distal end toward the body portion. A pair of fingers extend in parallel and spaced relationship from the pivot lever distal end of the pivot lever portion toward the body portion to engage opposite sides of a pin of the engagement arm. Each of the fingers includes a pin engaging section extending to an inwardly extending distal end and a spring section extending in a for urging the fingers into clamping engagement with the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip M. Sokolofsky
  • Patent number: 8522637
    Abstract: A gear shift lever is provided with damping device of a vehicle. The damping device damps the returning of a reverse gear blocking element in the axial direction of the gear shift lever into a blocking position. For this, the damping device has a first rigid ring element in the axial direction of the gear shift lever, which surrounds the gear shift lever and has projections distributed on the periphery in axial direction. In addition, the damping device has a second rigid ring element, which has recesses in the region of the projections of the first ring element. On the reverse gear blocking element and on the gear shift lever, radial shoulders are arranged, against which the two rigid ring elements support themselves axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thorsten Hahn, Jochen Thur
  • 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: 20130176548
    Abstract: Substrate support apparatus and methods are disclosed. Motion of a substrate chuck relative to a stage mirror may be dynamically compensated by sensing a displacement of the substrate chuck relative to the stage mirror and coupling a signal proportional to the displacement in one or more feedback loops with Z stage actuators and/or XY stage actuators coupled to the stage mirror. Alternatively, a substrate support apparatus may include a Z stage plate a stage mirror, one or more actuators attached to the Z stage plate, and a substrate chuck mounted to the stage mirror with constraints on six degrees of freedom of movement of the substrate chuck. The actuators impart movement to the Z stage in a Z direction as the Z stage plate is scanned in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The actuators may include force flexures having a base portion attached to the Z stage plate and a cantilever portion extending in a lateral direction from the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Salam Harb, Kent Douglas, Marek Zywno, James Haslim, Jon Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20130145881
    Abstract: A key assembly includes a key element and an engaging element. The key element has a main body including a number of elastic portions and a number of notches. The notches are defined at one side of the main body. The engaging element includes a number of latch portions protruding from one side of the engaging element. The latch portions mate in the notches. When the key element is operated, the elastic portions deformedly allow the latch portions to move out of or moving in the notches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZHEN-LIN LIU, WEN-ZE LIU
  • Patent number: 8250942
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for exerting on a regulating piston of a control device a regulating force that is a function of the position of an actuating lever. The apparatus comprises a bearing arrangement for supporting the actuating lever, a first arm and a second arm, each of which is rotatably mounted on the bearing arrangement independently of the others. The apparatus additionally includes a carrier element that is connected to the actuating lever, and an elastic element connecting the first arm and the second arm to one another. The apparatus is especially distinguished by the fact that the position of the carrier element relative to the first arm and to the second arm is adjustable to establish freedom from backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Loritz
  • Patent number: 8230754
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safety unit comprising: a case; a rotary linkage disposed at one end thereof at the outside of the case and rotatably mounted at the other end thereof to the case; a force transfer shaft mounted to one side of the rotary linkage in such a fashion as to be oriented perpendicular to the rotating plane of the rotary linkage; a crank linkage rotatably mounted at one end thereof to the inner side of the case and adapted to abut against the force transfer shaft at the outer circumferential edge thereof so as to be transferred with an external force to be rotatably moved; and a support means rotatably connected to the other end of the crank linkage and adapted to allow for the rotation of the crank linkage when an external force having a value larger than a predetermined threshold value is exerted to the rotary linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Korea University Industry and Academy Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Jae-Bok Song, Jung-Jun Park, Byeong-Sang Kim
  • Patent number: 8230755
    Abstract: A multi-directional input apparatus includes a swinging member (first drive lever) having a through hole and an operating lever including a drive shaft which is inserted through the long hole. When the operating lever is tilted in a direction that crosses an axial direction of the swinging member, the swinging member is rotated by the drive shaft. A leaf spring is attached to the swinging member, and the drive shaft of the leaf spring is elastically biased against a side surface of an inner wall of the long hole. The leaf spring includes a bent portion which extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the swinging member and which is in elastic contact with the drive shaft. A hole at which the long hole is completely exposed is formed in the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Kuniharu Kutsuna, Yasuhiko Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8181550
    Abstract: A rotary actuator incorporating a force relationship includes a twistably-deformable structure having a first and a second end plate and a helical spring with a first and a second terminal end secured on the first and the second end plate, respectively, and wherein the first and the second end plate have a first and a second notch, respectively, and wherein the first and the second notch have a first and a second contact zone, respectively. The rotary actuator further includes an outlet shaft and a motor assembly having an outlet gear configured to drive the twistably-deformable structure so as to drive the outlet shaft in rotation, wherein the motor assembly, the twistably-deformable structure and the outlet shaft are disposed in succession. The rotary actuator has a first finger constrained to rotate with the outlet gear and a second finger constrained to rotate with the outlet shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Bernard Gemmati, Romuald Biest
  • Publication number: 20120024099
    Abstract: An instrument including an elongate portion having a first part movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration and a second part, at a different elongate extent along the elongate portion than the first part, movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration, at least one of the parts including a control whereby a force required to move the first part from the first configuration towards the second configuration is less than the force required to move the second part from the first configuration towards the second configuration. A method of using the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: David Main
  • Patent number: 8006583
    Abstract: A fixed support is provided on a base member near a moving lever. A moving support is provided on the moving lever. A coil spring comprises a coil and a pair of arms extending from the coil. The fixed support is wound with the coil. The moving support is held between the two arms of the coil spring and pressed by outward force of the coil spring thereby assuring smooth reverse of a direction of the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smetting Co.
    Inventor: Yuji Yoda
  • Patent number: 7988098
    Abstract: Actuator for a device for the rotary positioning of a movable element for space equipment comprising a part attached to the fixed portion of said equipment, a bearing, a sleeve designed to actuate the movable portion of said equipment and mounted on an output shaft supported by a first race of said bearing, said actuator comprising a mechanically movable input means and being capable of converting a movement of the input means into a rotary movement of the output shaft about the axis of said bearing, characterized in that said second race of said bearing is connected in rotation to the part of said equipment, in that an adjustable stop so as to angularly limit the relative rotation of the two races of the bearing, and in that the rate of rotation of the output shaft in response to a movement of the input means is different depending on whether or not the sleeve is resting on the adjustable stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Yannick Baudasse, JĂ©rĂ´me Brossier, Xavier Jeandot
  • Patent number: 7850124
    Abstract: A rotary positioning device of a movable element for space equipment comprising a part attached to a fixed portion of the equipment and a handle actuating the movable portion of the equipment, said handle being rigidly connected to a first race of a ball or roller antifriction bearing and said fixed part being connected to the second race of said antifriction bearing, wherein a link between said fixed part and the second race is an elastic link in rotation about the axis of said antifriction bearing and wherein a stop is rigidly attached to one of the races in order to interact with an element rigidly attached to the other race, so that the relative rotation of the two races of said antifriction bearing is limited angularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Yannick Baudasse, Jerome Brossier
  • Publication number: 20100199794
    Abstract: A resilient shifting force transmitting device for a manual gear shift apparatus has a spring rate which is variable according to the amount of deformation. Specifically, the device has a first, high spring rate at a first, low deformation and a second, low spring rate at a second, high deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mikael B. Mohlin, Hans-Juergen Burger, Thorsten Hahn, Axel Geiberger, Udo Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7744636
    Abstract: A locking mechanism including a non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A spring for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly. A assembly including an implant body including a rod seat for seating a rod therein, a biasing device seat for seating a biasing device therein, and a biasing device seated in the biasing device seat for biasing a rod against a rod seat. A method of biasing a rod against a rod seat in a screw and rod fixation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Aesculap II, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc E. Richelsoph
  • Publication number: 20100083734
    Abstract: An apparatus provides a linearly decreasing force. The apparatus includes a plurality of links, which can be referred to as swing, seat, fixed, and input/output links. A spring is coupled to each of the seat links, and a rod is positioned in proximity to each spring and through each of the seat links. A load applied to the input/output link will experience a linearly decreasing resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Keith A. Kerns
  • Publication number: 20090282941
    Abstract: A driving simulation device for simulating a driving game includes a mounting frame, a coupler shaft journaled to the mounting frame, extending along a coupling axis and cooperating with a horizontal direction to define an inclined acute angle, a seat body fixed on the coupler shaft above the mounting frame and having an extending direction, a seating portion and a driving portion disposed on the seat body along the extending direction. The extending direction of the seat body cooperates with the coupling axis to define a deviating acute angle therebetween. A swinging action of a rider on the seat body relative to the mounting frame results in turning of the seat body about the coupling axis, which, in turn, causes swinging action of the driving portion and the seating portion such that a swinging range of the driving portion is smaller than that of the seating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: IGS INTERNATIONAL GAMES SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LI-HSIEN CHANG, CHI-SHIAN WANG
  • Publication number: 20090206572
    Abstract: A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Cole
  • Publication number: 20090188339
    Abstract: A rotatable connecting mechanism (100) includes a cover (10), a base (30), a toothed element (20) and an elastic element (24). The cover is rotatably mounted on the base. The toothed element is configured on a surface of the cover facing the base and includes a plurality of slots (224) defined thereon. The elastic element having an engaging portion (2422) formed thereon and configured on a surface of the base facing the cover. The engaging portion rotatably engages with the slots of the toothed element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Ye Liu, Hsiao-Hua TU, Yan-Ling Gao, Xu-Ri Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090056498
    Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box includes an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw having axial dog teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft, an outer ball screw surrounding and normally rotating with the inner ball screw and having a spherical ball and an angled ball track between the inner and outer ball screws, a lock, and a brake for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially toward the lock thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: BALWINDER S. BIRDI, Michael W. Duddeck, William M. Scherzinger, Miguel A. Guzman
  • Publication number: 20090013814
    Abstract: Transmission element, coupling gear as well as mechanical gear shift for motor vehicle transmission with a transmission element for a mechanical coupling gear with a pipe section shaped outer ring and within the outer ring an axis parallel oriented inner ring a good adjustability to individual requirements is achieved with the possibility to realize force/path characteristics by the fact that between the inner ring and the outer ring several pipe section shaped compression bodies are located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Axel GEIBERGER
  • Patent number: 7431325
    Abstract: The steering wheel adapter for a motor vehicle has, for connection to a steering wheel, a rotatable retaining plate (10) with at least three retaining elements (11, 12, 13) that are displaceable within a circular segment formed by the upper region of the steering wheel (50) and whereby the steering wheel (50) is frictionally connectable to said retaining plate (10). This upper circular segment is used as a free space for coupling the steering adapter to the steering wheel, with all retaining elements that serve to clamp the steering wheel to said retaining plate being disposed within this free space so that their retaining force is generated against the steering wheel from the inside. In the steering wheel plane outside the steering wheel rim, no components are therefore required that could come into conflict with other components of the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt Stähle
  • Publication number: 20080215222
    Abstract: A braking system including a brake, a brake actuator which is operable to apply a force to the brake to effect braking, an automatic braking controller, and a manually operable brake actuator control device, the brake actuator control device including a manually operable control part which is movable between a release position and an apply position and which is adapted such that movement of the control part by a user from the release position to the apply position causes the brake actuator to apply the brake and movement of the control part by a user from the apply position to the release position causes the brake actuator to release the brake, the brake actuator control device being characterised in that it further includes a control actuator which engages with the control part and which is adapted to effect movement of the control part from the release position to the apply position on receipt of an appropriate signal from the automatic braking controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Laurence John Potter, Robert David Prescott
  • Publication number: 20080121063
    Abstract: A linkage arrangement comprises a first attachment member for fixedly attaching to a support structure such as a vehicle handle bar and a second attachment member for loosely attaching to said support structure; a resilient joining member for joining the first and the second member; and a member for carrying an object such as a vehicle brake lever; whereby when the object is acted against the resilience of the joining member, it displaces from its rest position and thereafter returns under the resilience of the joining member to its rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Paul Thrower
  • Patent number: 7296493
    Abstract: An offset transmission shift lever assembly and isolator arrangement is provided. The shift lever assembly includes an insert arranged to fit over a transmission shift stub. An isolator is provided that encircles the insert and is formed thereto. The isolator has a varying outside diameter such upon assembling the isolator into a canister that encircles the isolator, a portion of the isolator outside diameter is press fit into the canister and another portion of the isolator outside diameter does not contact the canister thereby leaving a gap between the canister and the isolator. The isolator also includes axial holes formed in a lower end thereof and extending axially for a portion of the isolator length. Affixed to the canister is a shift lever aligned parallel to and offset from the shift stub. A fastener is provided for securing the shift lever assembly via the insert to the shift stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: David G Buckingham, William Slifco, Michael Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7117724
    Abstract: This invention enables high-resolution, high-precision motion control at low cost. A novel flexure-beam motion-reducing actuator is incorporated into an XYĂ˜ positioning stage to enable rigidly stable positioning of any object with sub-10-nanometer linear-positioning precision and sub-0.1-microradian rotary-positioning precision. The actuator's output element moves in the same direction as its input element. A single actuator enhances the resolution and precision of any motion-control drive mechanism by a factor as much as 50 or more, and a cascaded pair of actuators provide enhancement factors greater than 1000. In one embodiment, the enhancement factor is adjustable manually. The actuator and stage are useful for optical, lithographic and scanning probe applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: James Gregory Goodberlet, Alphonse George Goodberlet
  • Patent number: 7110089
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism having a high rigidity and capable of performing fine adjustment in 6-axis directions of an optical element such as a mirror or a lens, or a support member for supporting the optical element, in optical equipment such as an exposure device. The drive mechanism has such a feature that three monolithic planar 3-joint or 4-joint link mechanisms are each arranged between a movable portion and a stationary portion through the intermediation of a bearing having at least one degree of freedom of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7066455
    Abstract: A self-centering mechanical strut has first and second housing members. The second housing member telescopically receives the first housing member. Spring assemblies are mounted within each of the housing members. The spring assembly in the first tube is compressed when the first housing is pushed into the second housing. The spring assembly in the second tube is compressed when the first housing is pulled out of the second housing. Each housing is spring-biased to return to its respective neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Adoline, Mark R. Thomas, Bruce J. Fondren
  • Patent number: 7032472
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a counterbalance for a linkage assembly. The apparatus and method includes a frame, at least one linkage movably connected to the frame, the at least one linkage defining the linkage assembly, at least one actuator for moving the linkage assembly, and an energy storing device connected to the frame and engaged by the linkage assembly, wherein the energy storing device stores energy from the linkage assembly during engagement and provides the stored energy to counterbalance the weight of the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Mikrut
  • Patent number: 6904824
    Abstract: A shifting arrangement for a manual shift lever has an intermediately connected adjusting device which comprises a rigid outer lever connected with a shifting shaft, in which outer lever a swingingly disposed inner lever is arranged which is connected with transmission devices to the manual shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Edmund Sander, Ralph-Maria Netzker
  • Patent number: 6880867
    Abstract: A link rod flexibly connecting an exterior door handle of a motor vehicle and a door latching mechanism to prevent actuation of the door latching mechanism as the result of a lateral collision, the link rod comprising: a first section connected to the vehicle door handle; a second section operatively connected to the door latching mechanism; and a lateral connector operatively connecting the first section to the second section. The lateral connector may be a laterally flexible spring, laterally flexible synthetic material, or a hinge point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M Schoen, Istvan Rozsa, Dale L Gratton, David R. Carr
  • Publication number: 20040189969
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism having a high rigidity and capable of performing fine adjustment in 6-axis directions of an optical element such as a mirror or a lens, or a support member for supporting the optical element, in optical equipment such as an exposure device. The drive mechanism has such a feature that three monolithic planar 3-joint or 4-joint link mechanisms are each arranged between a movable portion and a stationary portion through the intermediation of a bearing having at least one degree of freedom of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Makoto Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20040168536
    Abstract: A system for positioning an object about a remote center of rotation. A non-movable part provides a stationary reference structure. A movable part moves relative to the non-movable part. A connector coupled between the movable part and the object positions the object adjacent the remote center of rotation and rotates it about the remote center of rotation responsive to movement of the movable part. Movement of the connector responds movement of the movable part. First and second force transmitting components coupled to the movable part move the movable part and the connector in first and second directions, respectively. Movement of the connector in the first direction rotates the object about a first axis passing through the remote center of rotation. Movement of the connector in the second direction rotates the object about a second axis passing through the remote center of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Yves Bellouard
  • Patent number: 6748818
    Abstract: A device for amplifying mechanical and geometrical advantage having a base structure, a first link member having a first end and a second end, and a first compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the first end of the first link member to the base structure. A second link member is also provided having a first end and a second end. A second compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the first end of the second link member to the base structure. Furthermore, a third link member is provided having a first end and a second end. A third compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the first end of the third link member to the second end of the first link member and a fourth compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the second end of the third link member to the second end of the second link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Brian D. Jensen, Michael Farina, Katsuo Kurabayashi
  • Patent number: 6694839
    Abstract: The invention concerns a neutral point setting device for the rotating ring of a roller bearing (5) provided with an inner ring (6) and an outer ring (7), one of the rings being integral with a fixed element (9) and the other ring being integral with a rotating element (1). The return device comprises springs designed to apply a return torque on the rotating ring to return it to the neutral point and means for limiting in two directions the rotation of the rotating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: SKF France
    Inventor: Franck Landrieve
  • Patent number: 6668674
    Abstract: The pivot-less Watt linkage supports a first rigid element relative to a second rigid element and permits relative motion between the rigid elements. The pivot-less Watt linkage comprises an elongate, rigid, floating beam, an elongate first flexible beam, an elongate second flexible beam and a flexible member. The first flexible beam extends in a first direction from a first point on the floating beam to the first rigid element. The second flexible beam extends in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction, from a second point on the floating beam to the first rigid element. The second point is spatially separated from the first point along the length of the floating beam. The flexible member extends in the first direction from a third point on the floating beam to the second rigid element. The third point is intermediate between the first point and the second point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Jonah A. Harley
  • Patent number: 6647858
    Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection operating range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Fulks, Michael C. Pfeil