Specific Cable Connector Or Guide Patents (Class 74/502.6)
  • Patent number: 6705179
    Abstract: A rope tensioner sets the tension of a rope operated switch assembly actuable to switch between first and second conditions on a change in tension of the rope. The tensioner comprises a body, a rotatable member which engages the rope, a shaft for rotating the member relative to the body to adjust tension in the rope by winding the rope around the member, and a lock to lock the member in position relative to the body. The rope opperated switch assembly is much simpler to install than previous assemblies, as the tensioner may be simply threaded or otherwise installed onto the rope without the rope having to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: EJA Limited
    Inventor: Mehdi Mohtasham
  • Patent number: 6698967
    Abstract: A device (10) for length adjustment has a bar-shaped component (12) with an external profiling (14) which is received in a receptacle (16) of a base body (18). The base body (18) has at least one profiled segment (22, 24) which, under the influence of an axially slidable hollow element (28), is shifted into a locking position at a first axial position of the hollow element (28), in which the base body (18) and component (12) are axially rigidly coupled, and is shifted into an unlocking position at a second axial position of the hollow element (28), in which the base body (18) and component (12) are axially displaceable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Küster Automotive Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Henrich, Bernd Bock
  • Patent number: 6662675
    Abstract: A synchronous brake device includes a carrier movably received in a box and a pulley received in the carrier and two ends of the pulley movably engaged with two slots defined through two opposite faces of the box. A brake cable reeves through the pulley and two ends of the brake cable are connected to two respective brake levers. A bridge member movably received in the carrier and two operation cables fixedly connected to the bridge member and extend through a bottom of the box and are connected to two brake mechanisms. Either end of the brake cable is pulled, the carrier is pulled upward and pulls the operation cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Sen-Yung Lee, Chung-Shun Su
  • Patent number: 6662910
    Abstract: For the connection of the Bowden cable coming from the pedal with the Bowden cables leading to the wheel brakes, the foot parking brake for vehicles has a connection element by means of which the cables are connected with one another. As a compact constructional unit, the connection element is provided with a sleeve part in which a pivot pin can be inserted by means of which swivel levers are connected for the connection of the cable and Bowden controls, and can be fixed as a constructional unit on a vehicle body part, for example, a transmission tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Edgar Grundke
  • Patent number: 6640936
    Abstract: A brake cable connecting apparatus is structured to prevent the inadvertent disengagement of a cable end from the brake lever while transporting a drum brake. The bridge portion (11e) of the strut (11) extends above the free end (12e) of the brake lever (12) leaving a clearance (23), being smaller than the cable end (16a), therebetween. When the brake lever (12) rotates to the predetermined degree, the clearance (23) becomes larger than the cable end (16a) so that the cable end (16a) is able to pass through the clearance (23) between the bridge portion (11e) and the free end (12e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6637286
    Abstract: A quiet drive device for motor vehicle sliding sunroofs is proposed capable of withstanding even strong drive forces and permitting an equal, that is to say, smooth displacement of a cover of the motor vehicle sliding sunroofs. The drive device comprises a toothed belt, which is guided so that two parallel line sections are formed on the toothed belt. On the running line sections the toothed belt, with an external toothing extending without interruption over its outer circumference, is in meshing engagement with two drive cables for a cover. An internal toothing extending without interruption over the inner surface of the toothed belt is in meshing engagement with a toothed pinion that can be driven to rotate in both directions and is partially wrapped by the toothed belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Friedrich, Rainer Hattass
  • Patent number: 6634252
    Abstract: A retainer (22) is supported on a body (12) and includes a pair of tabs (24) for engaging a pair of recesses (26) in the edges (18) of the slot to retain the body (12) in a slot. The assembly (10) is characterized by the retainer (22) being disposed axially adjacent the slot groove (16) with the tabs (24) extending axially over the slot groove (16). The body (12) and the ring (34) present a rib (32) and a shoulder (40) extending annularly about the interior surface (36) of the ring (34) for retaining the retainer (22) in the retainer groove (28) on the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Andrew Mayville, Vanky Cheung, Matthew R. Zolan
  • Patent number: 6634253
    Abstract: A device and method of mechanically synchronizing the displacement requirements of a bicycle derailleur with the displacement created by an indexing gear shifter lever. The device includes a linkage element that is mounted to a bicycle between a gear shifter lever and a derailleur. The linkage element is mounted to the bicycle with a pivot hinge, wherein the linkage element is free to rotate about the pivot hinge. A cable from the gear shifter lever is attached to the linkage element at a first distance from the pivot hinge. A cable from the derailleur is attached to the linkage element at a second different distance from the pivot hinge. As the cable from the gear shifter is moved, the linkage element is rotated and that movement is transferred to the cable for the derailleur in a compensated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: David M Gioia
  • Publication number: 20030192393
    Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6626060
    Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6622588
    Abstract: The invention concerns a remote control device for a motor vehicle comprising a cable (22) whereof the ends (26, 28) are each provided with a connecting piece (34, 36), a sleeve (24) wherein the cable can slide such that the cable ends (26, 28) exceed the sleeve ends (30, 32), and clips (42, 44) for interlocking the sleeve ends on parts of the vehicle. The connecting pieces (34, 36) and the clips (42, 44) are overmoulded on the cable and on the sleeve respectively from a common plastic material, thereby enabling to control accurately the distance (A or B) between the connecting piece and the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Vincent Feuillard, Carine Paumier, Olivier Seuge
  • Patent number: 6619439
    Abstract: A mechanical release for an electric parking brake has a first cable engaging a housing. A second cable is connected to a lever that is pivotally supported on the housing by a pivot pin. A locking member engages the lever and prevents rotation of the lever when tension is applied to the cables. When the locking member is released, the lever is free to rotate, reducing tension in the cables and freeing the parking brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Glenn Gibson
  • Patent number: 6606921
    Abstract: A pull cable system, includes a cable for transmitting a tensile force, a flexible tube for accommodating the cable, and a casing surrounding the tube for absorbing a pressure force. The casing is composed of a plurality of form-parts so joined to one another as to form a continuous axial passageway which is defined by an inside dimension. The form-parts are so configured that abutting end faces between successive form-parts have a complementary configuration to thereby enable a disposition of the casing along an arcuate path, with the tube being defined by an outside dimension corresponding to the inside dimension of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Nobert Noetzold
  • Patent number: 6595080
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster having a release device on a core of an actuating-pull mechanism for use, e.g., on motor vehicles has a connecting eyelet on an end of a housing. An end of the core includes a toothing arrangement which is engageable with a toothing arrangement carried on a retaining pawl in the housing. Normally, the adjuster is maintained in closed condition by a spring acting on the housing and a slide on the housing. The slide can be moved in opposition to the spring to place the adjuster in open condition. In open adjuster condition, the retaining pawl is displaceable such as to disengage the toothing arrangements thus allowing adjustment of a distance between the connecting eyelet and the core end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Waldow, Axel Wack
  • Patent number: 6588712
    Abstract: A clamp for a cylindrical includes a base portion and a clamping portion which define together a common through opening for passage of a cylindrical element. Fasteners are provided to brace the base portion and the clamping portion to thereby hold the cylindrical element in a clamping zone. The base portion and the clamping portion are each provided with an attachment surface, wherein the attachment surface of the clamping portion includes a cutout formed with internal teeth for optional positive engagement of external circumferential teeth of a protrusion of a base portion of a further such base portion or external circumferential teeth of a protrusion of a connection piece, such that the internal and external teeth are constrained against rotation. Thus, a series of clamps can be stacked on top of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Erich Brell, Klaus-Dieter Gabriel, Albert Hitzler, Sven Müller
  • Publication number: 20030094065
    Abstract: A connector apparatus and method for connection is disclosed for connecting a spiral-armored cable to an instrument or device used in detecting and measuring mechanical vibrations such as a vibration sensor. The connector apparatus includes a threaded connection port for receiving a spiral-armored cable. The connection is further secured by applying epoxy to the area of engagement to bond the connector apparatus and spiral-armored cable together. The resulting threaded connection provides enhanced strength and endurance to allow the connection to withstand long-term exposure to machine vibrations in contrast to prior art crimped connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: George Zusman
  • Patent number: 6561057
    Abstract: An adjusting device designed to adjust the length of control cables made up of two half-cables which are connected by a linking device having two exterior linking bodies and two interior linking bodies. The adjusting device includes a coaxially arranged stem provided with retaining teeth which forms one of the exterior linking bodies, a sheath terminal body, a fixing jacket and a fixing ring provided with retaining teeth. Upon rotation of the fixing jacket and fixing ring, a locking assembly is disengaged and the length of the cable may be adjusted. The adjusting device may also include a thrust sleeve and a thrust spring designed so that the adjusting device is permanently subjected to a force biased to reduce its length when unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Gabas Cebollero
  • Patent number: 6540427
    Abstract: A connection element for cable pulls, having a cable pull sleeve for protecting the cable pull core and for the transmission of movements with forces, an elongated wire for mechanical strength of the cable, a guide tube for guiding the inner cable core, and rubber elements for damping. Elongated wires having bent ends are provided with an injection molding so that there is a contour with U-shaped cross section in the injection molding. A holder engages in the injection molding via an elastic element which simultaneously carries the guide tube and connects it with the injection molding. A flat strip with sliding tube opens into the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Scheidling, Grant A. Webb, Arnd Bürger
  • Publication number: 20030051570
    Abstract: A fastening device for fixing a cable to a shift actuating means or a transmission of a motor vehicle is presented, which has a jacket end piece (5) jacketing the cable and a mounting element (6) accommodating the jacket end piece at the shift actuating means or the transmission. The fastening device is characterized according to the present invention in that the jacket end piece (5) has a circular groove (13) and the mounting element (6) has at least one projection (16, 17) engaging the groove in the fixed state of the cable (1), and that the mounting element (6) is provided with at least one spring element (7, 8) located in a plane extending in parallel to the plane of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jorg Meyer
  • Patent number: 6520043
    Abstract: A transmission shifter for controlling a transmission of a motor vehicle by a cable has a base, a shift lever mounted on the base and pivotable along a shift path, the shift lever having a guidance opening, and a cable attachment bracket having a tail and adapted to receive a transmission cable. The cable attachment bracket is adjustably attached to the shift lever so that the cable attachment bracket may be adjusted with respect to the shift lever over an adjustment distance. To reduce vibrational noise, the tail is laterally captivated within the guidance opening. For ease of assembly, preferably the cable attachment bracket is attached to the shift lever free of the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong-Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 6511248
    Abstract: A brake wire connecting device for a stunt bike has an upper shell and a lower shell threadingly connected together to form a housing. A connector disposed inside the housing has two branch wires attached on the bottom portion of the connector and each of the branch wires extends out of the housing through two stepped bores defined inside the lower shell. A main wire has a first end mounted with a stub and a second end mounted with a stopper. The second end extends into the upper shell and is pivotally received in a slot defined in the connector. The upper shell and the lower shell are detachable which allows inspection and maintenance inside the housing, and also the main wire pivotally received is detachable from the connector such that replacing the main wire and the branch wires is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6510760
    Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20030005789
    Abstract: A well-known connector (26) extends from at least one of a terminal (18, 20) and a conduit support (16) for connection to a disc-shaped head (22) supported on a post (24). The connector (26) presents a surface (28) and a flange (30) is spaced and parallel to the surface (28) to define a pocket between the surface (28) and the flange (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head. The connector of the assembly is characterized by a catch (40) extending upwardly of the surface (28) forwardly of the circular opening (32) for allowing insertion of the head (22) into the pocket and for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes a shoulder (42) extending upwardly to a top (44) for retaining the head (22) in the pocket. The catch (40) includes an inclined ramp (46) extending downwardly and forwardly from the top (44) of the shoulder (42). A slot (50) extends around the beam (48) for allowing the beam (48) to flex relative to the connector (26) for snapping the catch behind the head (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Harry Edward Koontz, Joseph Matthew Laperriere
  • Publication number: 20020189390
    Abstract: A retainer (22) is supported on a body (12) and includes a pair of tabs (24) for engaging a pair of recesses (26) in the edges (18) of the slot to retain the body (12) in a slot. The assembly (10) is characterized by the retainer (22) being disposed axially adjacent the slot groove (16) with the tabs (24) extending axially over the slot groove (16). The body (12) and the ring (34) present a rib (32) and a shoulder (40) extending annularly about the interior surface (36) of the ring (34) for retaining the retainer (22) in the retainer groove (28) on the body (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Andrew Mayville, Vanky Cheung, Matthew R. Zolan
  • Patent number: 6490947
    Abstract: A support wall (16) has a predetermined thickness (18) between opposite surfaces and an inwardly extending periphery defining a pocket (20). A fitting (21) defining an annular groove (22) and the periphery of the pocket (20) is disposed in the groove (22) whereby the support wall (16) supports the fitting (21). First and second projections (38) are disposed on the support wall (16). A U-shaped retainer clip (24) has legs (26) extending from a base (28) and terminating in distal ends (30) with the base (28) and the legs (26) disposed in the groove (22). The distal ends (30) extend out of the groove (22) and engage the projections (38) for retaining the fitting (21) in the pocket (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Arnd Burger
  • Patent number: 6490946
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an operating cable to an actuating lever and a method for connecting the same. A cable end nipple is automatically rotated and proceeded into a space reserved between parallel walls of a strut simply by pushing the cable end nipple toward a space between parallel walls in a cable releasing direction. The present apparatus and method eliminates the necessity of horizontally adjusting the connecting portion of the cable end nipple and the free end of the brake cable as is found in conventional devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6485216
    Abstract: A control device for folding movement of a stroller includes a safety button, a control button, two upper locking members and two lower locking members. The safety button can move left and right along an elongated opening of a housing member connected to the handle. The control button can move up and down through a lower hole of the housing, and has two pivotal bars having upper holes pivoted to a pivotal rod passing through upright elongated holes of lateral protrusions of the control button. When the safety button is pushed sideways to disengage the tops of the lateral protrusions, the control button can be pushed up for inner bottom curved surface to force the pivotal bars to pivot towards a respective edge of the control button. Steel ropes connected to the lower ends of the bars are pulled by the bars to lift upper locking members, which are provided to engage lower locking members pivoted to the frame of the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6470767
    Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano (Singapore) Private, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
  • Patent number: 6463826
    Abstract: A carburetor to transmission cable linkage for Chrysler Torqueflight® transmissions found on carbureted, rear wheel drive Chrysler cars manufactured since 1962. A throttle lever adapter provided by the invention provides a connection of the cable to the carburetor. The cable is also mounted to the transmission. The opposite end of the cable is mounted to the throttle lever of the carburetor. The throttle lever adapter has a structure which allows it to be universally mounted to, and operable with, Carter, Edelbrock, and Holley carburetors, of various models, as used with Chrysler cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Randy Bouchillon
  • Patent number: 6453765
    Abstract: An abutment with a molded part for the fastening of actuating pulls, preferably for actuating pulls at the transmission in motor vehicles. The abutment has a base plate with a self-locking wedge, a perforated plate and a stop which protrudes relative to the base plate. A molded part into which at least one cable pull projects and is enclosed and held by the molded part. The molded part has a conical support surface into which the self-locking wedge fits. A guide rod projects into the molded part and can snap into the perforated plate of the abutment. A lock is provided at the molded part and can be unlocked by the stop of the abutment and provides a connection between the abutment and the molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Waldow, Arnd Bürger
  • Patent number: 6443032
    Abstract: An assisting apparatus that uses power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission includes a mounting member; a cam member coupled to the mounting member for rotation around a cam axis, wherein the cam member has a cam surface; a cam follower cooperating with the cam surface for moving in response to rotation of the cam member; a transmission actuating element coupling member for communicating movement of the cam follower to a transmission actuating element; a first coupling member coupled for rotation of the cam member, wherein the first coupling member moves between a first engaged position and a first disengaged position; an operating member for moving the first coupling member to the first engaged position; and a decoupling member that moves the first coupling member to the first disengaged position in response to a rotational position of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Yoshiaki Nanko
  • Patent number: 6439077
    Abstract: A cable feed for a cable actuated bicycle includes a housing and an actuator residing within the housing operatively associated with the cable. The cable feed consists of a mount attached to the housing having a mount orifice along a guide axis. A cylindrical ferrule having an axial bore extending between first and second ferrule ends includes a barb at the first end and a stop near the second end. The ferrule is axially inserted within the first end leading into the mount orifice with the stop halting axial insertion of the ferrule into the mount orifice. A minor elastic boot having a first end with an inwardly extending angular flange mates with the attachment barb and has an outer diameter at the first end large enough to prevent axial withdraw of the ferrule from the mount orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Avid LLC
    Inventors: Wayne R. Lumpkin, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 6435317
    Abstract: A brake-actuating mechanism comprises a strut; an operating lever relatively pivoted with respect to the strut about a pivot pin, a brake cable including a cable end engaging with the lever and a resilient member provided to obstruct a cable end engagement recess of the operating lever. A brake cable-connecting apparatus of the brake-actuating mechanism designed to avoid a disengagement of the cable end from the lever without damaging or deforming the cable end and/or the lever. The resilient member deforms thoroughly allowing the cable end to go toward the cable end engagement recess when the brake cable is installed in the operating lever and avoids the cable end disengaging from the engagement recess while transporting a drum brake device with the brake cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Tanaka, Katsuhisa Kurihara
  • Patent number: 6435056
    Abstract: A cable assembly (11) has a conduit (12) and a core element (14) passing through the conduit (12). A terminal assembly (15) is secured to one end of the core element (14). The subject invention incorporates both an interlock device (46) and an adjustment device on the same cable assembly (11). The interlock device (46) is disposed adjacent the terminal assembly (15) and is movable between a release position allowing relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46) and an engaged position preventing the relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46). The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing (20) partially disposed about a base portion (28) for allowing axial adjustment of the base portion (28) to tension the core element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Klemens J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6431326
    Abstract: A braking power modulator is coupled to the brake lever of a brake operating device for easy adjustment and viewing. The braking power modulator is preferably adjustable to provide different braking powers for different riders or different road conditions. The braking power modulator basically includes a mounting member, a brake lever, a biasing member, a modulating member and an adjusting member. The mounting member is adapted to be coupled to a handlebar of a bicycle, and has a cable passageway with a first abutment and a second abutment. The brake lever is pivotally coupled to the mounting member, and has a cable attachment portion. The biasing member is disposed in the cable passageway, and has first and second portions with the first portion of the biasing member being operatively coupled to the first abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 6422353
    Abstract: A brake device includes a brake lever, a brake shoe, a tube, a stem rotatably secured in the tube, two followers pivotally secured to the stem and the tube for supporting two brake cables, and a bearing coupling the followers together. The followers are rotatably secured to the stem and the tube and are sliding in concert with each other relative to the tube and the stem and are rotated relative to each other for allowing the cables to be operated and to be prevented from being twisted relative to each other when the stem is rotated relative to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6408714
    Abstract: A rotary device for stunt bicycles includes a bearing set movably mounted to a steerer tube and having two upright lugs and two downward lugs. A first collar is pivotally connected to the upright lugs and a first lever member has one end thereof pivotally connected to the first collar, and the other end of the first lever member is connected to a first brake cable. A second collar is pivotally connected to the downward lugs. A second lever member has one end thereof pivotally connected to the second collar, and the other end of the second lever member is connected to a second brake cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Yung-Pin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6405613
    Abstract: A cable saver mechanism is provided in a cable of a cable operated component, such as a rear derailleur, to protect the cable operated component or a part of the bicycle when the bicycle falls over and the cable operated component, e.g., the rear derailleur, hits the ground. The cable saver mechanism has a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a biasing member disposed between the first and second housing portions to urge them apart from each other. The first housing portion has a first tubular section with a first end wall and first open end spaced from the first end wall. The first end wall includes a first cable bore with an internal section becoming wider towards the first open end. The second housing portion has a second tubular section with a second end wall and second open end spaced from the second end wall. The second end wall includes a second cable bore. The first and second open ends of the first and second housing portions are movably coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Puat Thiam Lim
  • Patent number: 6401565
    Abstract: A self-locking telescoping device including an outer tube, an inner tube telescoped into the outer tube having a cone-shaped ramp at an inboard end, and a plurality of metal spheres between the ramp and the outer tube. The metal spheres wedge between the ramp and the outer tube when the inner tube is thrust into the outer tube in a collapse direction thereby locking the tubes together. When the thrust is attributable to a severe impact, the spheres plastically deform the outer tube by plowing tracks therein thereby to absorb energy. The self-locking telescoping device further includes an actuator rod, a driver which translates the actuator in the collapse direction and in an expansion direction, a first clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the expansion direction, a second clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the collapse direction, and a tubular retainer on the actuator rod having a plurality of closed-ended slots around the metal spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jenne-Tai Wang, Gary Lee Jones
  • Publication number: 20020053253
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) for transmitting forces along a curved path by a motion transmitting core element (14) includes a guide means and a motion transmitting core element (14) moveably supported by the guide means. A support wall (16) for supporting the guide means has a predetermined thickness (18) between opposite surfaces and an inwardly extending periphery defining a pocket (20). The guide means includes a fitting (21) defining an annular groove (22). The groove (22) has a predetermined diameter (23) and a predetermined width (25) perpendicular to the diameter (23). The periphery of the pocket (20) is disposed in the groove (22) whereby the support wall (16) supports the fitting (21). First and second abutments (36),(38) are disposed on the support wall (16). A U-shaped retainer clip (24) has legs (26) extending from a base (28) and terminating in distal ends (30) with the base (28) and the legs (26) disposed in the groove (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Arnd Burger
  • Patent number: 6375234
    Abstract: A latch is mounted between the inside and outside of a motor-vehicle door provided with a plurality of actuating elements and respective links extending from the elements and each having a respective movable part. The latch has latching and locking mechanism, a closed housing enclosing the mechanism and formed with a respective openings receiving free ends of the links, and seals in the openings engaged hermetically around the link free ends. The free ends are connected inside the housing to the mechanism. The housing includes a pair of housing parts that are hermetically joined to each other and the mechanism includes locking and latching elements received in the respective parts. The holes are all formed in one of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Horst Brackmann, Frank Kleefeldt, Volker Westerwick
  • Patent number: 6370982
    Abstract: A device for fastening cable pull elements of cables, preferably for gear shift systems in motor vehicles. The device including fastening elements and the cable pull core. A fastenin rod with a cable pull core is arranged at a coupling element and a fastening element is enclosed by the coupling element and a rubber element with a gap dimension, so that oscillations are not transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Scheidling, Arnd Bürger
  • Publication number: 20020038576
    Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20020035887
    Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20020033067
    Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
  • Publication number: 20020033066
    Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
  • Patent number: 6357319
    Abstract: A transmission shift control assembly comprising a housing (12) presenting a support (16) and a lever (18) pivotally is supported by the housing (12) for movement between shift positions. A mechanical connection (20) produces rectilinear movement in response to pivotal movement of the lever (18) and a core element (28) is connected to the mechanical connection (20) for receiving the rectilinear movement. A casing (30) movably supports the core element (28) and is supported in the support (16). The casing (30) includes a swivel tube (32) supported by a fitting (34) for swiveling movement relative thereto. The invention is characterized by an electrical sensor (46) supported by the swivel tube (32) for measuring the rectilinear movement of the core element(28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Benda, Matthias Scheidling
  • Patent number: 6357826
    Abstract: A spine support comprises at least one bending element (20, 20′) a plurality of supporting elements (30) essentially orthogonal arranged to the at least one bending element (20) and connected with it; and a first operating element (40, 40′) arranged such that its operation leads to a bending of the at least one bending element (20). Two pairs of bowden cables (40, 60) for adjusting the spine support are operated by a control unit (90) comprising two coaxially arranged axles (91, 92). Preferably on at least one of the axles (91, 92) a receiver (96) for the inner steel cables of one of the two pairs of bowden cables and a receptacle (97) for the corresponding covers of the bowden cables are provided. The receiver (96) and the receptacle (97) approach each other or move away from each other under a rotation of the axle, depending on the direction of the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Gabas, Rui Antionio Cruz de Pinho
  • Patent number: 6349611
    Abstract: The inventive cable operated actuator assembly includes an actuator element, a reaction element, a conduit defining a lumen therethrough, a cable longer than the conduit slideably disposed through the lumen of the conduit, and at least one pivoting ferrule defining a bore therethrough. One of the ends of the conduit is secured to the actuator element and the other end of the conduit is secured to the pivoting ferrule. The reaction element is pivotally secured to the other end of the pivoting ferrule. While the cable is slideably disposed within the bore, the second end of the cable extends out of the second end of the pivoting ferrule. At least one of the pivoting ferrule and the reaction element may pivot substantially about the axis created by the cable as it exits the second end of the pivoting ferrule. A specific application of the inventive assembly includes a steering column tilt actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: John M. Nagle, David A. Van Zanten, Michael J. Konn
  • Patent number: 6349613
    Abstract: A push-pull control cable device for automatically setting same in standby or a cancel mode. The device has an outer casing tube on which a tubular cap has an end fixed stationary relative thereto. An inner cable extends longitudinally guided through the tubular cap and into the device's outer casing tube for transmission of a desired control force. A member slidable axially in the tubular casing is disposed adjacent an opposite end thereof and has a reduced diameter tubular portion extending axially from the tubular cap. Inner cable extends through an opening in the slidable member and has terminal end extending into the tubular portion. A terminal block fixed to the terminal end is slidable in the tubular portion. An intermediate block slidable in the tubular cap is fixed to the inner cable spaced axially from the slidable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Chuouhatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Tsuge, Yoshio Misaki