Levers Patents (Class 74/519)
  • Patent number: 11905858
    Abstract: Systems and methods for intermittent supply of lubricating oil to a tip of a rocker arm assembly. In one embodiment, a lubricating oil may be selectively to a tip of a rocker arm via oil channels aligned only during opening of a valve coupled to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: POWERHOUSE ENGINE SOLUTIONS SWITZERLAND IP HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Sandeep Namadev Kamble, John Patrick Dowell, Samir Vikas Joshi
  • Patent number: 11873020
    Abstract: A pallet lift includes a base and a deck extending forward of the base. Load wheels support the deck. A platform above the deck is pivotable relative to the base. The platform has an upper support surface for supporting objects thereon. The platform may be pivoted as the pallet lift travels on an inclined surface, such as a truck ramp, in order to keep the platform relatively level relative to gravity to increase stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Dane Gin Mun Kalinowski, Joseph E. Popovits, II, Travis James Englert
  • Patent number: 11745334
    Abstract: A spatial large-stroke compliant hinge with hybrid structure, which includes a rectangular planar unit for implementing an out-of-plane torsion function and a crossed-shaped planar unit for achieving an in-plane rotation function. The crossed-shaped planar unit is formed by two flexible straight beam thin sheets intersecting into a crossed-shaped structure with an angle, and the rectangular planar unit and the crossed-shaped planar unit are connected through an external connection or an embedded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: South China University of Technology
    Inventors: Xianmin Zhang, Hongchuan Zhang, Benliang Zhu
  • Patent number: 11528848
    Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber having an inlet for receiving crop material. A strawhook arrangement includes a plurality of strawhooks and an actuation mechanism for moving the strawhooks between an open position wherein the inlet to the main bale chamber is open, and a closed position wherein the inlet to the main bale chamber is closed. The actuation mechanism includes a two-bar linkage and an actuator. The two-bar linkage has a first bar with a first end and a second end, and a second bar with a first end and a second end. The first end of the first bar is pivotally coupled with the strawhooks, and the first end of the second bar is pivotally coupled with a fixed structure of the baler. The actuator is coupled with the second ends of the first bar and the second bar. The actuator is operable to apply pushing or pulling forces to each of the second ends and thereby selectively move the strawhooks between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Xavier G. J. M. Bonte
  • Patent number: 11456468
    Abstract: A fuel cell-type industrial vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a vehicle main body in which a fuel cell unit is installed, and controller configured to control operations of the vehicle main body. The fuel cell unit includes a charging plug which is connectable to a charging socket for supplying fuel gas, and a detection mechanism configured to detect the connection state between the charging plug and the charging socket. The detection mechanism includes a sensor having an output signal that shifts in accordance with the connection state of the charging socket relative to the charging plug. The controller prohibits operation of the vehicle main body after determining, on the basis of the output signal of the sensor, that the charging socket is connected to the charging plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryo Mizukusa
  • Patent number: 11306768
    Abstract: A two-piece coupling walking beam is foldable and separable for sucker rod pumping system shipment, storage, installation, or servicing. It provides a two-piece coupling walking beam using connection plates—a pin plate, a fastening plate, and/or strengthening plate(s) for sucker rod pumping systems. A foldable walking beam with a two-piece coupling beam has a connection joint by which the portion with a horsehead located in the front end of the beam for sucker rod pumping systems wherein the walking beam can be folded either transversely (horizontally or sideways) or longitudinally (vertically) to the other portion of the beam without a horsehead to provide working space for system maintenance, installation/reinstallation, or servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Wei Shang, Craig Daye, Jiacheng Shang
  • Patent number: 11131219
    Abstract: A rocker arm swingably supported by an arm shaft and operating a valve by rotation of a cam includes an arm body part including a bearing portion supported by the arm shaft, a cam-side arm portion extending from the bearing portion toward a first side, and a valve-side arm portion extending from the bearing portion toward a second side, an arch part extending over the bearing portion and connecting the cam-side arm portion and the valve-side arm portion, and a lightweight part disposed in a space defined between the arm body part and the arch part and having a reduced weight compared with a case where the space is filled with the same material at the same thickness as the arch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuichi Miura, Seiji Tsuruoka, Takahiro Sushi, Kenjiro Oda
  • Patent number: 11088499
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wear measuring system for friction elements, in particular for brushes and the like, as well as to a method for measuring the wear of friction elements, comprising at least one consumable friction element, a holding device for movably positioning the friction element relative to a friction surface, and a measuring device for determining a wear status of the friction element relative to a wear length of the friction element, wherein the measuring device has a potentiometer, wherein the potentiometer is mechanically coupled with the friction element in such a way that a movement by the friction element relative to the friction surface induces a movement by the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SCHUNK TRANSIT SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Julian Nolte, Robert Castellanos
  • Patent number: 10947825
    Abstract: Cushioning dampers are beneficial for preventing stress cracks on a sucker rod reciprocating pump whose circular arc head is contiguous with a counterweight and is pivotably connected to the pitman arm, crank arm weight, and speed reducer. The pitman arm is substantially horizontal and the crank arm to wrist pin phase angle is about 70-90 degrees. Auxiliary counter weight extends from the head weight on a stinger and the head weights are adjustable. The head weight diameter is either constrained within the circular arc head's outer diameter or can be larger. The upper pitman bearings are outboard on the equalizer which is integral with the head. The center bearing of the head is outboard on the rectangular sampson post. The head counterweight increases permissible load on a speed reducer. This invention has embodiments for adjusting sampson post height and pitman arm length; and for changing the stroke length without removing the wrist pin from the crank weight hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: George R Dreher
  • Patent number: 10761307
    Abstract: An optical system (e.g., a telescope) comprising an optical assembly that reflects and refracts light rays through a single window about an optical path to a detector. A field-of-view switch assembly comprises a mount, having a pair of diverter mirrors, movably coupled to the optical assembly and being selectively movable between a non-bypass position and a bypass position. The diverter mirrors bypass a first field-of-view and translate a second field-of-view (both through the single window) when moved from the non-bypass position to the bypass position to redirect the optical path. The diverter mirrors straddle the optical path in the non-bypass position. A dynamic shutter shields the second diverter mirror and exposes the second diverter mirror when moved between non-bypass and bypass positions. A four-bar linkage mechanism rotates the mount with an on-board motor and a torsional shaft to absorb impact forces. Associated methods are provided for facilitating switching between fields-of-view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Kirk A. Miller
  • Patent number: 10450024
    Abstract: A bicycle control lever includes a luminous indicator arranged between an inner half-shell and an outer half-shell, and the outer half-shell has at least one transparent region at the luminous indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Stefano Rosati, Flavio Fusari
  • Patent number: 10399411
    Abstract: Provided is a damper opening/closing mechanism of a vehicle air-conditioning device, the damper opening/closing mechanism being configured such that a pin (28) of a damper lever (26) is fitted in a cam groove (24) of a link plate (22) rotatably driven by a stepping motor and that a damper (19) is opened/closed through the damper lever (26) rotated by rotation of the link plate (22). One end portion of the cam groove (24) for reference positioning of the stepping motor is in such a shape that a connection surface (32) not contacting an outer peripheral surface of the pin (28) connects between the point of contact of the outer periphery of the pin (28) with one end surface of the cam groove (24) and the point with a side wall surface (24A) of the cam groove (24) when the damper (19) is in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Kohigashi
  • Patent number: 9533571
    Abstract: A finger-operated lever device to be installed on a handlebar of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or other applicable vehicle, for actuating a cable to cause acceleration of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The lever device includes a housing, an internal first lever assembly connectable to the cable, and an external second lever assembly. The external lever assembly and the internal lever assembly are connected so that user operation of the external lever assembly causes the internal lever assembly to rotate. The external lever assembly is divided into two portions, a support member and an extension member. The extension member can be adjusted at different angles to the support member, allowing the user to set the angle of the lever to most comfortably fit to his or her riding posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Istvan Urmosi
  • Patent number: 9057409
    Abstract: An actuation system for actuating a clutch piston of a transmission includes an actuator and a lever. A first end of the lever is attached to the actuator. The lever is pivotable about a lever connection location. Movement of the actuator rotates the lever about the lever connection location. A spring assembly is pivotable about a spring connection location, and pivotably connected to the lever at a second end of the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an un-actuated position, the spring assembly is positioned such that a pre-loaded spring force is directed along a zero moment path to generate a zero moment in the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an actuated position, the spring assembly is rotated so that the spring force is directed along a moment generating path in order to generate a moment in the lever to rotate the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Li Chen, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chengliang Yin, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Dongxu Li
  • Publication number: 20150122076
    Abstract: A heat isolating linkage (5) that includes an elongate link having first and second end portions (10, 12) and a middle portion (14) extending therebetween. A bearing opening (16) is formed in the first end portion (10) and a bearing race (18) is disposed in the bearing opening (16). A rod end ball (20) is disposed in the bearing race (18). At least one aperture (30-36) is formed through the middle portion (14). The middle portion (14) may include a plurality of apertures (30-36) each in the form of a rectangle that forms a ladder pattern. Accordingly, the middle portion (14) has a cross sectional area (A2) that is smaller than the cross sectional area of at least one of the first and second end portions (A1, A3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: George Edward Heddy, III, Brian Edward Handlon
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140339057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a resetting device (6) for a steering-column switch unit (1) of a motor vehicle, having a triggering element (10) by means of which an actuating lever (2) of the steering-column switch unit (1) can be moved from an actuated position into an initial position, having an intermediate piece (22) on which the triggering element (10) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (35) between a rest position and a triggering position in which the actuating lever (2) can be moved into the initial position, wherein the triggering element (10) is furthermore mounted on the intermediate piece (22) so as to be displaceable in a sliding direction (28) perpendicular to the pivot axis (35), having a spring element (27) for generating a spring force which acts parallel to the sliding direction (28) and with which the triggering element (10) is arranged under preload on the intermediate piece (22), and having a switch override protection unit (32) with at least one switch override spring (33, 34
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: VALEO SCHALTER UND SENSOREN GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer Lipfert, Martin Hasch, Karl Simonis
  • Publication number: 20140116193
    Abstract: A brake pedal simulator apparatus for a vehicle for implementing a change in a foot effort applied to a brake pedal for each stroke, may include a pedal arm including one end hinge-connected to one side of a frame and the other end in which a pad may be mounted, a link unit including a plurality of links mutually connected between the frame and the pedal arm, and an elastic member elastically supporting the link unit and configured to form reaction force by elastic force in the pedal arm according to the each stroke by the foot effort applied to the pedal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Gab Bae JEON
  • Patent number: 8695453
    Abstract: Lockout devices for use with rotary actuators are described. An example lockout device for use with a rotary actuator includes an insert including a first portion to be inserted into a lever of the rotary actuator, the insert to interact with one or more features of the lever to enable rotational movement of the lever to be transmitted thereto. The lockout device includes a second portion of the insert to extend from the lever, the second portion defining an opening through which an object is to be inserted to rotationally fix the insert and the lever in a first position relative to a housing of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Wayne Bell, Lynn Dean Mahncke
  • Publication number: 20140083238
    Abstract: A vehicle parking brake control has an extendable pin with three faces, and a roller on a lower surface. The faces correspond to engage, hold, and disengage of a parking brake. The control also has a lever rotatably connected to it, where the lever has a roller at a lower lever surface. The roller being capable of rotational contact with the pin faces. Further, the control has a base with an upper surface for the pin roller to move across. When the parking brake is engaged the lever roller is in contact with a first face, when the brake is on hold the lever roller is in contact with a second face, and when the brake is in the disengage position the lever roller is in contact with a third face of the extendable pin. Consequently, the rollers provide a reliable lifelong operation of the control over prior controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas R. Rhoades, Linda S. Gulvas, Jason M. Sidders, Paul V. Mackalski
  • Publication number: 20140077112
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control system that may include a tab pivotally connected to a structure, a coupling member pivotally connected to the structure, and a device operatively connected to the tab via the coupling member, wherein the device is configured to control an external system. Disclosed also is a vehicle that may include a first device and a control system. The control system may include a tab pivotally connected to a structure, a coupling member pivotally connected to the structure, a frangible member connecting the tab and the coupling member to the structure, and a second device operatively connected to the tab via the coupling member, wherein the second device is configured to control the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew Wendell Schroeder, Mitchell Paul Horstman
  • Publication number: 20140076095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake pedal (1) for a vehicle comprising a lever (6) provided with a hollow reinforcement segment (12) which comprises a longitudinal groove (13) with a <<pi>> cross-section on the one hand which opens onto the lower portion of the lever (6), said groove (13) being delimited by an upper wall (14) and two side walls (16), and at least two successive oblique reinforcement ribs (20, 120) oriented from the upper wall (14) towards the lower aperture (15) on the other hand, which each connect the left side wall (16) to the right side wall by subdividing the groove into several opening cavities (21, 121), such that in each cross-section (S1, S2, Si, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MGI COUTIER
    Inventors: Pavan HEMMEGE VENKATAPPA, Jacques GUEVEL BADOU
  • Patent number: 8651803
    Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine has a projection protruding from the upper stem of the vane and which engages an aperture in the vane lever to provide a visual indication of correct alignment between the lever and the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Gareth J. Jones, Stephanie Maimari
  • Publication number: 20140028036
    Abstract: Provided is a position holding device for a rotating lever, which includes a rotating lever and a torsion spring, and is capable of elastically holding the rotating lever at the two positions including a first position and a second position. The torsion spring includes a coiled part, and a first arm part and a second arm part each extending from the coiled part and facing each other across an engagement portion of the rotating lever. The first arm part includes a mountain portion formed at an intermediate portion thereof. The second arm part includes an urging portion. As a result, an urging force generated by the urging portion can be applied to the rotating lever as a braking force against an urging force generated by the mountain portion. Consequently, it is possible to reduce an abutment noise generated when the rotating lever abuts against a stopper member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryujiro Akizuki, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Masayuki Tomochika, Masanari Iwata, Yasuhiko Sono
  • Publication number: 20140007734
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash. The system may include a base configured to attach to one or more of a vent stop and a window frame. The system may include a lever pivotably or slidably attached to the base. The lever may be configured to pivotably attach to a locking mechanism interface of the vent sash. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a second direction to an opened position. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a third direction to a closed position. The lever may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ELSTON WINDOW & WALL, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Evensen
  • Publication number: 20140000409
    Abstract: An object detecting actuator and an object detecting switch with increased durability. The actuator in one embodiment includes a roller that receives a load of an external force; and a roller lever to which the roller is rotatably attached by means of a rotary shaft, the actuator being a displacement member that is displaced in accordance with the load of the force received by the roller, wherein the roller is constituted by a sintered body of stainless steel material impregnated with lubricating oil, and a density of the sintered body of stainless steel material is in a range of 6.45 to 6.7 g/cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hayase, Kokichi Tobita, Manabu Takahashi, Junya Mishima
  • Publication number: 20130319166
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a mounting bracket, a shift unit, an attachment member and an operating member. The shift unit is disposed in the mounting bracket. The attachment member is removably attached to the mounting bracket. The operating member is movably mounted on the attachment member. The operating member is mechanically coupled to the shift unit to operate the shift unit while the attachment member is attached to the mounting bracket, and the operating member is mechanically disengaged from the shift unit while the attachment member is removed from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yoshimitsu MIKI
  • Patent number: 8556216
    Abstract: A support assembly for helicopter control sticks has a supporting structure; an instrument panel fixed to the supporting structure; and a connecting device for connecting the sticks to the supporting structure. The connecting device has a longitudinally elongated arm fitted on one end with the sticks; and the arm slides to move the sticks to/from the supporting structure, and rotates about a horizontal axis to adjust the height of the sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Agusta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gian Luigi Bandera
  • Publication number: 20130255366
    Abstract: A monitoring device for detecting a value indicative of the actuation stroke and/or release stroke of a thrust element of a brake actuating mechanism, the thrust element being actuated by a lever of the brake actuating mechanism, including a sensor for sensing variations in a physical property of at least one part of the brake actuating mechanism, whereby the sensor and the part of the brake actuating mechanism are arranged so that by the relative movement between the part of the brake actuating mechanism and the sensor repeated variations in the physical property along a path of the relative movement are created and sensed. The path is formed between the lever and a stationary part being adjacent to the lever. The invention is directed both to drum brakes and to disc brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Fredrik Seglo, Anders Larsson
  • Patent number: 8522640
    Abstract: A cantilever control system including: a cantilever control arm having a bifurcated section for its attachment to a stationary structure so as to provide resistance to off-center loading, a springy portion of the cantilever control arm disposed at the bifurcated section whereby spring redundancy is provided, and a rigid section of the cantilever control arm which includes a user interface portion (i.e., a foot pad or hand grip); a diversity of sensors in terms of types and locations; a coarse flexure control in the form of a contoured snubber which tunes the flexing stiffness and cantilever control arm flexure feel; and a plurality of fine flexure controls including at least one of: a flexure hysteresis control, an over-travel stop control, and a pre-load flexure control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Warwick W. Bryce
  • Publication number: 20130193261
    Abstract: This invention solves some critical issues of contamination and waste of paper taken from a roll of paper towels for cleaning. Two hands are required to remove a sheet, one to restrain the roll and the other to pull the sheet away The hand restraining the roll will leave contamination, exposing others to bacteria. Users will consume more paper than is required to get a clean sheet. This invention solves the problem using a self adjusting vertical clamp bar to restrain the roll, that is held on a vertical post, and horizontal base, eliminating the need to use a second contaminated hand. The clamp bar will self adjust to roll size as sheets are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Billy W. TUTTLE
  • Publication number: 20130160601
    Abstract: A brake lever for a brake of a vehicle for transmitting a brake force from an actuator into a brake actuation mechanism for a frictional engagement of brake pads, wherein the brake lever includes a housing made of cast iron, which cast iron is solid-solution strengthened ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Kjell Onnestam
  • Patent number: 8464606
    Abstract: A shift operation device that has a simple structure and is provided with a lever knob that can absorb impact load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction. A core 11 is provided on the inside of the lever knob, and formed on the core 11 are screw cramps 11b, comprising cylindrical bosses, inside which are inserted screws that fix the core 11 to the lever shaft. V-shaped cut-out grooves 110 formed in the height direction of the cylindrical bosses are provided on the cylindrical parts 11b1 of the screw cramps 11b to reduce the thickness of the cylindrical parts 11b1, providing weak sites with response to the load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hanjono, Hiroto Shimazaki
  • Patent number: 8448537
    Abstract: A spring includes a coil portion and first and second arms. The coil portion is supported around a support portion of a base member. The first arm includes a projecting portion that slides the engagement projecting portion in association with rotation of the rotating lever and presses the rotating lever in a direction in which the rotating lever abuts a first stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a first position and in which the rotating lever abuts a second stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a second position. The second arm abuts a spring stopper portion of the base member in a state where a load is exerted in a direction in which the coil portion is wound so that an inner circumferential surface of the coil portion is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the support portion facing the engagement projecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoharu Nagaoka, Takao Taga
  • Patent number: 8443695
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having a repositionable steering column and a break-away lever arm. The lever arm has a first mounting interface and an adjustment assembly member operably coupled with the steering column has a second mounting interface. Engagement of the first and second mounting interfaces mounts the lever arm on the adjustment assembly member. Movement of the lever arm rotates the adjustment assembly member to facilitate the repositioning of the steering column. Applying a breakaway force exceeding a threshold value to the lever arm disengages the mounted lever arm from the adjustment assembly member by relative translational movement between the first and second mounting interfaces. Some embodiments employ a threaded fastener installed to a predetermined torque to bias the first and second mounting interfaces into engagement. The threaded fastener can be installed such that it may be non-frangibly disengaged by displacement through the open end of a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Cymbal, Jason R. Ridgway
  • Publication number: 20130112032
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly and adjustable steering column including a linearly slidable actuating lever are provided. The actuating lever is slidable between a first position and a second position along a linear travel path. The actuating lever includes an engaging portion which engages a gear assembly. The gear assembly is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to apply or release a clamping force on a steering column or other component. Movement of the actuating lever between the first and second positions causes rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly causes the clamping mechanism to apply or release the clamping force, depending on the direction of rotation. The adjustment assembly also includes a rake bracket to support a compression bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Burns, Melvin L. Tinnin, John Schulz, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 8418828
    Abstract: Embodiments of an unpowered pedal assist device are provided for use in conjunction with a vehicular control pedal movable between a non-depressed position and a depressed position. In one embodiment, the unpowered pedal assist device includes a multi-bar linkage and at least one resilient element coupled to the multi-bar linkage. The multi-bar linkage is configured to be coupled to the vehicular control pedal and, when so coupled to move from a start position to a finish position as the vehicular control pedal moves from the non-depressed position to the depressed position. The at least one resilient element is configured to bias the multi-bar linkage: (i) toward the start position over an initial range of travel of the vehicular control pedal, and (ii) toward the finish position over a primary range of travel of the vehicular control pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Brian K. Bartnick
  • Publication number: 20130055848
    Abstract: Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher George Arthur Hind, Peter REVELIS, Simon Kwan Hoi Chan, Jaafar Bashiry-Khoshraftar
  • Publication number: 20120272782
    Abstract: A clamping device has a hollow shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a housing with a clamping element fastenable to the shaft and includes a lever arm (2) as part of a toggle lever mechanism. An intermediate element is articulated on both sides by the lever arm (2) and an axially movable final control element (4) of a drive element, respectively. An inner shaft (6), connected to a hand lever (5), is arranged in the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft has a pin element (7) that extends through a link guide (8) on the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft (6) can be operationally linked to the toggle lever mechanism. A spring element (9) tensions the inner shaft (6) against the hollow shaft (1) in the main axial direction. The spring element (9) is arranged in the interior of the hollow shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20120146346
    Abstract: A multi-point door lock includes first and second lock assemblies. Each assembly includes a housing, an actuator defining an actuator slot, and a locking element pivotally engaged with the housing, wherein a rotation of the actuator causes a rotation of the locking element from a retracted position to an extended position. A master lever arm is located external from the first lock assembly housing and defines a master lever arm slot aligned with the actuator slot of the first lock assembly. A slave lever arm is located external from the second lock assembly housing and is engaged with the actuator slot of the second lock assembly. A link connects both the master lever arm and the slave lever arm and is located external to both the first lock assembly housing and the second lock assembly housing. A face plate is secured to each lock assembly housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Bruce Hagemeyer, Dan Raap, Gary E. Tagtow
  • Patent number: 8197190
    Abstract: A lever for rotating about its pivot a turbomachine variable-pitch stator vane: including a first zone for attachment to a lever drive member, a second zone for attachment to the variable-pitch stator vane, and a third zone of elongate shape between the first zone and the second zone is disclosed. A vibration-damping laminate is applied to at least one surface portion of at least one of the zones of the lever. The laminate includes at least one layer of viscoelastic material in contact with the surface portion and a backing layer of rigid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Francois Maurice Garcin, Pierrick Bernard Jean, Jean-Pierre Francois Lombard, Christian Paleczny
  • Publication number: 20120138320
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the wear of a force-loaded linkage of an earthwork device, wherein the instantaneous load on the linkage is measured during operation of the earthwork device and used to perform a calculation of the service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Koch, Sebastian Fischer
  • Patent number: 8146456
    Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use for precisely rotating a crankshaft to one or more desired angular positions. The apparatus may include a controller that is programmed to automatically rotate the crankshaft to said one or more positions, or positional control may be allocated to a user of the apparatus. Rotation of the crankshaft is accomplished using a motor or motor/gearbox assembly coupled to a drive element that is adapted to engage an exposed portion of a crankshaft of interest. The angular position of the motor or motor/gearbox assembly and/or the drive element, is monitored, such that the angular position of the crankshaft shaft of interest is known and may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Brent Rankin
  • Publication number: 20120052477
    Abstract: A four bar drive link system simulator 10 has a frame assembly 11, a proximal hinge attachment bracket 20, a bottom bracket simulator 40, a pair of crank levers 31L, 31R, a pair of coupling levers 32 and a pair of pedal simulator levers 22L, 22R. The frame assembly 11 has a plurality of guide rails, including at least a proximal hinge adjustment rail 22, and a frame simulator rail 13. The proximal hinge attachment bracket 20 is connected to the proximal hinge adjustment rail 22. The bottom bracket simulator 40 is attached or otherwise connected to the frame simulator rail 13. The pair of crank levers 31L, 31R is each attached at a first end to an axle 42 having its axis of rotation in the bottom bracket simulator 40, one crank lever being on one side of the bottom bracket simulator 40, the other on the opposite side. The pair of coupling levers 32 is each attached to an opposite second end of the crank lever 31L or 31R.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ZIKE, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Anthony Scolari, Daniel Robert Cabral, Geoffrey Michael Bergmark, Robert Wayne Lewis, JR.
  • Patent number: 8117941
    Abstract: A parking-brake-operation indicator includes a lever having a pressing portion for pressing a brake disc of a parking brake to press contact the brake disc, a cable operable to draw the lever, a brake-operation tool connected to the cable, a switch for detecting a position of the lever and an indicating means for indicating operation of the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Mikio Murase
  • Publication number: 20120018965
    Abstract: A Rocker Fulcrum Assembly for use with hand-trucks or dollies includes an outside flange, and an inside flange and at least two rocker plates. The outside flange comprises a first side and a second side. The inside flange comprises a connecting side and a planar side. The rocker plates are disposed underneath the flanges. The wheels are disposed at a point above the ground as the planar member rests flat on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Gregg Hillier
  • Publication number: 20110259530
    Abstract: A roller cover and mechanism of operation of a roller cover is described. The roller cover comprises a body portion and at least one track along which the body portion is adapted to move. The mechanism of operation of the roller cover comprises a winding system, and winder and a drive system for raising and lowering the track. The winding system comprises a first spindle and a second spindle and a supporting sheet. The winder comprises an arm secured substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first spindle. The drive system comprises an articulated arm rotatably attached at one end thereof to the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: DEROLO LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter T. Brook, David Walker
  • Publication number: 20110247447
    Abstract: A spring includes a coil portion and first and second arms. The coil portion is supported around a support portion of a base member. The first arm includes a projecting portion that slides the engagement projecting portion in association with rotation of the rotating lever and presses the rotating lever in a direction in which the rotating lever abuts a first stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a first position and in which the rotating lever abuts a second stopper portion when the rotating lever is in a second position. The second arm abuts a spring stopper portion of the base member in a state where a load is exerted in a direction in which the coil portion is wound so that an inner circumferential surface of the coil portion is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the support portion facing the engagement projecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Tomoharu NAGAOKA, Takao TAGA
  • Patent number: 8033817
    Abstract: A multi-rod mechanism includes at least one ternary link and a plurality of binary links. The ternary link and the binary links are connected between a first fixing pivot point and a second fixing pivot point to form a combination of the ternary link and the binary links. The combination of the ternary link and the binary links is designed to provide a first movable pivot point and a second movable pivot point between the first fixing pivot point and the second fixing pivot point. In operation, the ternary link and the binary links are rotated to move the first movable pivot point and the second movable pivot point toward or away from each other in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen University of Kaohsiung
    Inventors: Der-Min Tsay, Hsin-Pao Chen, Shih-Han Chen
  • Publication number: 20110138962
    Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section (3) of an elongated configuration, a distal end member (2) fitted to a distal end of the spindle guide section (3) through a distal end member connecting unit (15) for alteration in attitude, a tool (1) rotatably provided to the distal end member (2), a tool rotating drive source (41) for rotating the tool, and an attitude altering drive source (42) for manipulating the attitude of the distal end member. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle (13) then holding the tool (1). The spindle guide section (3) includes a rotary shaft (22) for transmitting rotation of the tool rotating drive source to the spindle and a guide hole (30a). A flexible attitude altering member (31) capable of altering the attitude of the distal end member is reciprocally movably inserted within the guide hole (30a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Hiroshi Isobe