Toggle Patents (Class 74/520)
  • Patent number: 11179728
    Abstract: An adjustable toggle assembly adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment having a frame and a jaw, said adjustable toggle assembly. The assembly includes a wedge having a generally tapered configuration, a first wear bar configured to contact the wedge, and a second wear bar configured to contact the wedge. The assembly also has a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The assembly further includes a means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar. The assembly still further includes a first toggle seat that is connected to the frame and a second toggle seat that is connected to the jaw. The means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar is adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Telsmith, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Terry, Lodewikus van der Walt, Mike Thompson
  • Patent number: 10966380
    Abstract: An alfalfa valve telemetry system for regulating irrigation fluid to an irrigation-dependent field provides an alfalfa valve that operates over an opening to a fluid supply pipe in a field, so as to selectively discharge fluid to the field. The alfalfa valve telemetry system provides a telemetry-controlled valve actuation assembly that axially or pivotally displaces the alfalfa valve between an open position and a closed position over the opening in the pipe. A valve actuation assembly displaces the lid, axially, or pivotally, over the opening of the pipe. A mounting portion anchors the valve actuation assembly to the pipe. Environmental sensors and fluid sensors in the field communicate data signals with a primary controller that controls the valve actuation assembly. The position of the alfalfa valve is based upon the data signals received from the sensors, indicating fluid levels, fluid flow rate, and environmental conditions on and near the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Jack Martin Goldwasser
  • Patent number: 10899404
    Abstract: A multi-bar actuation assembly for use in installing a vehicle door to a vehicle includes a drive comprising a piston arm and a casing that movably receives the piston arm, a multi-bar linkage that includes a base support structure, a first bar link pivotally connected to the base support structure, a second bar link pivotally connected to the drive and the base support structure, and a toggle link that connects the first bar link and the second bar link, and a suction end effector pivotally connected to the toggle link at an end effector pivot that engages a window of the vehicle door. The drive extends and contracts the piston arm thereby moving the end effector pivot along a door arc about a door pivot axis with the suction end effector engaged with the window of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair C. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20140076096
    Abstract: A rocker button switch device of a dog leash comprises: an outer shell, a line wheel, a button, a locking slider, an unlocking slider, and a translation slider, wherein the button is mounted in a corresponding groove on the outer shell, the button is a rocker button, and able to rotate about a rocker central axle, two ends of the button respectively contact the locking slider and the unlocking slider directly and slidingly, for driving the locking slider and the unlocking slider to move up and down, the translation slider comprises a translation spring, the translation slider and the unlocking slider push each other by inclined plane sliding, and the translation slider and the locking slider are locked together via a buckle. The rocker button switch device of the dog leash according a preferred embodiment of the present invention is simple in movement, convenient to use, and stable in performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Fuyou Shi
  • Publication number: 20130112034
    Abstract: In a vehicle input device having a position detection portion configured to output a detection signal and a controller (control section) configured to receive the detection signal, the position detection portion operated by a driver is provided near an end side of the vehicle input device, and a contact operation surface on which the driver performs a contact operation is an end surface of an operation member of the position detection portion. Thus, the driver is capable of operating the vehicle input device with a finger while holding a steering wheel. In addition, by the controller determining the position of an operation of the driver on the basis of the detection signal from the position detection portion, it is made possible to detect various operations and various devices can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20120240717
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pivot-arm type manipulator device, comprising an arm member that pivots about an axis by being manipulated, and a friction contact unit that generates friction force as the arm member pivots. At least one of the following differs between a first region of a small degree of manipulation vis-à-vis the arm member and a second region of the degree of manipulation vis-à-vis the arm member that is greater than the degree of manipulation of the first region: the friction coefficient between two members that configure the friction contact unit, the pressing load that acts between the two members that configure the friction contact unit, or the distance in the radial direction between the axis and the friction contact unit. The resistance torque that is applied to the arm member about the axis by friction force accordingly varies with the degree of manipulation vis-à-vis the arm member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 8240637
    Abstract: The device includes a spindle rotatably supported perpendicular to a value displacement direction and is made of a first spindle part and a second spindle part. The two parts are provided with outside threads configured in opposite directions to each other. On the first spindle part, a first nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. On the second spindle part, a second nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. The first nut includes a first bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a first connecting rib. The second nut comprises a second bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a second connecting rib. The other end of the first connecting rib and the other end of the second connecting rib are rotatably supported on a third bearing. Parallel to the spindle, on the side thereof facing away from the valve member, a stop is provided for the first nut and for the second nut, the stop surface extends perpendicular to the displacement direction of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Hannewald
  • Patent number: 7484396
    Abstract: A guide mechanism for use with a sheet bending brake has a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom, a pivot arm and a guide mechanism. The pivoting arm being pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member to define a clamping area with the lower leg. The guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 7228721
    Abstract: A guide mechanism for use with a sheet bending brake has a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom, a pivot arm and a guide mechanism. The pivoting arm being pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member to define a clamping area with the lower leg. The guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 6886589
    Abstract: The float valve (11) controls water level e.g. in an associated plant pot. A housing (21) has a water inlet (25) with an inlet port (26), a float (31) able to rise and fall with the level of the water in the housing (21), a valve operating mechanism (60) able to open and close the port (26), and an actuator means (40) to operate the valve operating mechanism when the float (31) rises and falls to predetermined levels. For opening and closing the inlet port (26), there is a valve operating mechanism comprising a valve operator (60) having a valve member (67) and a lever (61) mounted for pivoting movement about generally central pivot point (65). Actuator means (40) is coupled to the float (31) and switches between a standby condition an active condition respectively to the closed and open positions of the valve operating mechanism (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignees: Autogrow Pty Ltd., Aquarose Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: John Earnest Oretti
  • Patent number: 6708723
    Abstract: An inwardly opening mechanical vent system is provided for use in a fluid tank having a bottom loading valve and a vent formed in an upper tank surface. The vent system includes a spring interposed between a vent valve and a body extending downwardly into the tank to bias the vent valve upwardly into a closed position. A shaft extends downwardly from the vent valve and is connected to a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism includes a scissor-hinge assembly connected to a trunnion of the body. A linkage rod extends upwardly from the bottom loading valve and is capable of actuating the lever mechanism to lower the shaft and vent valve into the tank to open the vent when the bottom loading valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: J. C. Carter Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Tak-Yiu Wong, James Turvey
  • Publication number: 20030070504
    Abstract: A lever for a quick release device includes a back plate and two side plates respectively perpendicularly extending from two opposite sides of the back plate. Each side plate has an eccentric lobe extending from one of two ends of the side plate, and a hole is defined through each of the lobes and align with each other. A pivot pin is mounted in the hole. The side plates integrally extend from the back plate and are bent by a punching machine so that the manufacturing process is simplified and the lever is stronger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Tsai Tsai
  • Patent number: 6502671
    Abstract: The braking mechanism comprises a toggle lever, a brake pad, and an incline. An incline actuates the braking mechanism by forcing an extension of the toggle lever. As the toggle lever extends, it pushes the brake pad closer to the surface to be slowed. Multiple toggle levers may be used to distribute the force across the brake pad. This configuration allows a single input from the incline to actuate both toggle levers. By adjusting the width of the incline actuating the toggle lever, the force on the brake pad may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Lee Hayford, Neil Williams, Juergen Dreher, Christos T Kyrtsos, Wilfred Giering, Gerald D. Anderson, David Brademeyer
  • Patent number: 6161447
    Abstract: A selection system for an automatic motor vehicle transmission has a selector element for selecting transmission adjustments (P, R, N, D) which can be manually adjusted. A toggle lever arrangement connected with the selector element acts transversely to the moving direction of a locking element. As a result, a manual force on the selector element cannot be transmitted or can only be transmitted in a highly reduced manner to the locking element. To reduce the overall size of the systems, the locking element is preferably an armature of a solenoid arranged parallel to the axes of rotation of the toggle lever arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Gunter Worner, Hartmut Gosele
  • Patent number: 5967486
    Abstract: A valve actuator having a pivotal cam-lever driven push-pull mechanical linkage system. A power mechanism moves a cam-lever member which then moves a connecting rod to move a push-pull member to lift out or push in a conventional valve stem. This then opens or closes the valve. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes an adjustable block member to which the cam-lever is pivotally attached. This provides a separate adjustability for the ultimate maximum movement of the push-pull member and thereby also of the valve stem in order to ensure a proper closing force is imparted to the valve. Also in this embodiment, it is preferred that the push-pull member includes at least one spring washer disposed therein. This provides a desirable compressibility in the system during the imposition of the force that the push-pull member exerts on the valve stem during the opening and/or closing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Gene A. McCrory, David L. Rehder
  • Patent number: 5787593
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a razor comprising a handle, a razor blade unit having one or more razor blades which can be connected to the front end of the handle, and a connecting device for connecting the razor blade unit to the handle, such that the shaving results are improved for normal shaves as well as for specific applications like medical pre-operation shave. The razor blade unit of the present invention is mounted such that it can swivel relative to the handle about a swivel axis which intersects the cutting edge of the razor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Wolfgang Althaus
  • Patent number: 5649454
    Abstract: A compliant mechanism is configured to generate a substantially constant output force in response to an input in the form of a linear displacement. The compliant mechanism is a slider mechanism whose members and their interconnects cooperate to generate a biasing force that causes the slider mechanism to generate a substantially constant output force that is substantially parallel to the linear path of a reciprocable member in response to the displacement of the reciprocable member along the linear path. To achieve the above functional characteristics, the slider mechanism is composed of structural elements, one or more of which is compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ashok Midha, Morgan Daniel Murphy, Larry L. Howell
  • Patent number: 5535518
    Abstract: In order to develop a wet razor consisting of a handle, a razor head which can be connected to the front end of the handle, in particular a razor blade unit with at least one razor blade, and a connecting device for connection of the razor head to the handle, to the effect that the results of shaving are improved and the razor can also be used for medical purposes for preoperative shaving, it is proposed that the razor head is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the handle about a pivot axis located essentially perpendicular to a cutting edge of the razor blade and essentially in the plane of the razor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Wolfgang Althaus
  • Patent number: 5520069
    Abstract: A lever mechanism for the insertion and removal of a module in a housing includes two levers the proximal ends of which are pivotally mounted to the module at spaced locations on the module. The distal ends of the levers are disposed in confronting relationship when the levers are longitudinally aligned. A leaf spring is longitudinally slidably mounted to the levers including sliding attachment to the levers at their distal ends. The leaf spring is sufficiently stiff to maintain spatial alignment of the distal ends of the levers during angular movement. Arcuate sectors branching from the levers adjacent their distal ends overlap and provide handles for manually operating the levers. Latches correspondingly positioned at the proximal ends of the levers cooperate with catches in the opening or slot in the housing in which the module is inserted to provide the final insertion or removal forces for insertion and removal of the module with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Rudolf R. Rynders, Darrel W. Poulter
  • Patent number: 5491633
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a rotating element, a rotary to linear converter, a linearly moving element that linearly extends and retracts when the rotating element rotates in first and second directions, a rotary sensor assembly, integrally constructed with the rotating element, for determining relative movement of the rotating element and for thereby determining relative movement of the linearly moving element, a linear sensor assembly, integrally constructed with the linearly moving element, for providing an absolute position signal each time that the linearly moving element extends or retracts to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Rassem R. Henry, Bruno P. B. Lequesne, Thaddeus Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5319169
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having an operating mechanism including a collapsible toggle linkage, an operating handle and a movable frame. The collapsible toggle linkage includes a rectangular cross section knee pin non-rotatably held within an open rectangular slot in an upper link of the linkage. The operating handle pivots about a first pivot point when moving between ON, OFF and TRIPPED positions. The operating handle pivots about a second pivot point when moving to a RESET position thereby reducing the lateral force component of the operating springs of the operating mechanism for reliable return of the handle to the OFF position. Also, bifurcated movable contact fingers are provided for pivotal movement about a fixed pin to break contact welds and a trapezoidal cross section shaft interconnects the movable contact fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Link, Michael R. Larsen, Edward L. Wellner
  • Patent number: 5297444
    Abstract: An improved toggle assembly for use in a band-type clamping closure assembly such as provided on a textile kier or like pressure vessel for securing a lid or cover in place during operation. The toggle assembly includes a first pair of lugs affixed to one end of the clamping band in laterally spaced facing relation and a second pair of lugs affixed to the other band end in laterally spaced facing relation. A toggle body has a pair of laterally spaced arm portions each pivotably affixed to a respective one of the first lugs and a handle portion extending outwardly from the arm portions. An actuating link is affixed pivotably at one end to each of the arm portions of the toggle body intermediately of the handle portion and the location at which the arm portions are pivoted to the first lugs and is affixed pivotably at the opposite end to each of the second lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Gaston County Dyeing Machine Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Kriner, David A. Stamps
  • Patent number: 5230361
    Abstract: A snap action toggle valve actuator assembly for use in a fluid holding tank. Movement of a float or other movable actuating element causes pivotal movement of pivot arm, which compresses a spring. When the float element reaches a predetermined level, the spring causes a downward movement in linkage attached to the rear of a valve actuating lever and an upward movement of a valve rod secured to the other end of the valve actuating lever and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Carr, Daniel Douro
  • Patent number: 5189922
    Abstract: A force impulse generator designed for machines with impulse action used for press working of metals, ceramics, cermet and other materials can produce force impulses with high values and large amplitude of displacement of the impulse body with reduced overall size, high efficiency, increased service life and neutralized side forces. The generator includes a stationary base to which there is movably connected by means of columns a box shaped impulse body. In a cavity formed between the base and body, there are disposed two identical crank mechanisms, each of which has a bottom hinge segment, a bottom segment arm, a middle hinge segment, a top segment arm and a top hinge segment. The middle hinge segments are driven by connecting rods connected to a common crankshaft. As a result the impulse body is displaced reciprocally and produces an impulse of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Peter H. Parashikov
  • Patent number: 5148717
    Abstract: A telescopic steering column apparatus has a press member for face-to-face abutment or a pair of lock members for two-point abutment and a toggle mechanism which is extended to a straight state and retracted to a bent state so that the length of the toggle mechanism is lengthened in the straight state and shortened in the bent state whereby the toggle mechanism acts as a wedge in the straight state for the face-to-face abutment or the two-point abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: NKS Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5002457
    Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and storing articles and subsequently unstacking the articles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor to convey a plurality of articles, and a plurality of secondary conveyors are disposed normal to a side edge of the first conveyor. To store the articles, each article is stopped on the conveyor and is pushed laterally from the main conveyor into bearing engagement against a movable stop member on a secondary conveyor. Additional articles are pushed onto the secondary conveyor into engagement with the preceding article to form a composite stack. The composite stack can be lifted from the secondary conveyor by a lifting mechanism to a storage site, and subsequently, when it is desired to release the stack from storage, the stack is lowered back onto the secondary conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Wolfgang C. Dorner, Kenneth N. Hansen, Todd A. Eggebrecht, John C. Redding
  • Patent number: 4889008
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for an oscillating spout is presented which includes a control mechanism which directs a control arm to perform the movement required by the spout and a transmission device which acts to transmit the control arm movement and reproduce it as spout movement. The control mechanism consists of a driving rod pivotally connected to an intermediate lever arm and a novel universal joint connecting the lever arm to the control arm. The universal joint enables the spout to be moved in and out of a vertical orientation by prohibiting the components of the control mechanism from becoming axially locked in a 180.degree. angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Edouard Legille, Emile Lonardi
  • Patent number: 4873885
    Abstract: The open end of the shaft (10) of the slave arm of a telemanipulator carries two fixed hooks (50) able to encircle two spindles (52) projecting on either side of a toggle joint (16) supporting a gripper (18). Hooks (50) and spindles (52) form a pivot axis, which is displaced from the side of the pivot pin (34) of the gripper with respect to a plane parallel to the pivot axix and containing the longitudinal axis of shaft (10a). On the side of the plane opposite to the hooks (50) and the spindles (52), a latch (54) locks the case (16a) to the end of the shaft, thus, formed coupling device (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Societe Nouvelle D'Exploitation La Calhene
    Inventors: Eric Teillauchet, Angelo Bandiera
  • Patent number: 4833972
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking an wheeled table into a fixed location is disclosed. The base of the table is provided with both an electric motor coupled to a hydraulic pump and a manually operated hydraulic pump either of which may provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. Extendable and retractable legs are provided on the base of the surgical table. Hydraulic cylinders disposed adjacent to each of the legs are provided with upper link members pivotally attached to the table's base and lower link members which are pivotally attached to the deployable legs. When pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided by the electrically driven or manually powered hydraulic pumps, the hydraulic cylinders disposed adjacent to the deployable legs are extended. Such extension is translated by means of the respective upper and lower link members into a vertical movement which lowers the supporting legs to fix the table in a specified location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Glen D. Bohusch, George D. Hall, Edward M. Shostek
  • Patent number: 4823902
    Abstract: For constant-speed cruising of a car, a throttle valve in a carburetor of a car is controlled by a motor-driven actuator through an improved variable-length lever mechanism. The variable-length lever mechanism has four arms which are movably connected through four elbows to form a changeable rhombic shaped lever. A linear actuator is interposed between a first pair of the four elbows at first opposing corners so that the distance between the first pair of elbows is expanded or contracted, whereby a radius in swing movement of the variable rhombic shaped lever mechanism is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayoshi Onishi, Takeshi Yasukawa
  • Patent number: 4800767
    Abstract: An acceleration control device for a hydraulic drive unit having a rotatable control shaft movable between an on position and an off position. An arm is connected to the control shaft for rotating the shaft between the off and on positions. A motive apparatus is movable between a first position which corresponds to the off position of the control shaft and a second position which corresponds to the on position of the control shaft. A mechanical linkage is connected between the motive apparatus and the arm. The linkage imparts movement to the arm in response to movement of the motive apparatus to cause the control shaft to move between the off and on positions as the motive apparatus moves between the first and second positions, respectively. The linkage is configured to provide a substantially nonlinear relationship between the speed of the arm and the speed of the motive apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Builders Equipment Company
    Inventor: Daniel P. Abrahamson
  • Patent number: 4771643
    Abstract: A load return mechanism is provided having an actuator for driving a load, a load adapted to be driven by the actuator, a first lever driven by the actuator, a second lever attached to the load, and an apparatus for locking the two levers together so that the load can be driven by the actuator and for unlocking the two levers to return the load to a predetermined position upon power interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Mott
  • Patent number: 4755102
    Abstract: In a fork-lift truck comprising a wheeled structure carrying a lifting arm with a first part articulated at its rear end to the structure and a second part projecting downwardly from the front end of the first part and carrying a forked loading platform, and a jack for raising and lowering the arm, the lifting arm is supported by the wheeled structure so as to be orientable about a substantially vertical axis and two adjacent caliper units located in a general V configuration are provided to move the forked platform linearly relative to the lifting arm. Each caliper unit includes two plates having one mutual hinged articulation end and opposite articulation ends respectively hinged to the second part of the lifting arm and to the forked platform, the hinged articulations of the caliper units having respective axes which diverge downwardly and are substantially perpendicular to each other. Actuators are interposed between the two plates of each caliper unit for opening and closing them simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Merlo S.p.A. Industria Metalmeccanica
    Inventor: Amilcare Merlo
  • Patent number: 4749064
    Abstract: A brake system for a wheelchair comprises a base plate fixed to a frame of the wheelchair and a swing lever pivotally mounted to the base plate and provided with a brake member engagable with a circumferential surface of a wheel of the wheelchair. A toggle joint mechanism composed of two pivotally interconnected links is pivotally mounted to the base plate and connected to the swing lever to move the swing lever between an extended braking position and a retracted inoperative position. An operating lever is pivotally mounted to the pivot which interconnects the two links of the toggle joint mechanism. The operating lever has cam surfaces engageable with the two links to depress the latter when the operating lever is moved in either of two directions by pushing it or pulling it. Such action drives the swing lever into braking engagement with the wheel. A biasing spring is provided to urge the links of the toggle mechanism towards retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Nissin Medical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fukuzo Jinno, Hisahi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 4740119
    Abstract: A dual, mirror-image lever and linkage assembly of a drill control mechanism advances the bit of the drill toward and away from a workpiece while retaining the bit at a true perpendicular orientation relative to the outer surface of the workpiece. Each linkage and lever assembly includes two levers which are arranged to provide a compound action and which are pivotally interconnected to a base by means of respective links which spread apart from each other as the levers are buckled to advance the bit toward the workpiece. The drill is releasably carried by a support that is fixed on each side to two guide pins that slide along a slot of a guide track which is secured to the base at a location between the two links. During advancement of the bit toward the workpiece, a handle region of one of the levers is moved toward the operator in order to provide enhanced perception of the rate of advancement of the bit which is particularly advantageous when drilling, for example, through safes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Lierz
  • Patent number: 4729248
    Abstract: A lever arrangement comprises a bearing pin and a supply space arranged next to the bearing opening of at least one of the levers and which contains a high-viscosity lubricant. In the operation of the lever arrangement with alternating tilting direction, the lubricant arrives, due to its inertia, in the respectively unstressed part of the bearing gap between the levers. The arrangement is suited particularly for highly stressed parts in the mechanism of circuit breakers which must be designed for space saving due to the small space available. The service life of such lever arrangements is increased substantially by arranging the lubricant in the supply space. The supply space can be part of a sleeve braced on the bearing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludvik Godesa
  • Patent number: 4723457
    Abstract: The sudden interlocking and unlocking mechanism of a translation switch comprises a spring interlocking and spring unlocking rocking device associated in line with a toggle joint mechanism used as interlocker. According to one characteristic of the invention the mechanical assembly of the translation switch includes a remote unlocking mechanism. According to another characteristic, the unlocking energy is used to automatically replace the toggle joint mechanism and its composite elements in position ready for engagement of the switch, that is, in position in which the articulation points of the mechanical assembly are aligned in the phase preceding the interlocking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme Dite Socomec
    Inventors: Robert R. Zinck, Jacques J. Siat
  • Patent number: 4716435
    Abstract: Mechanism for effecting pressure engagement between two roll fuser members used for fusing toner images to copy substrates. The mechanism is characterized by simplicity of design and serviceability. To this end, one of two roll fuser members is supported on bearing surfaces such that it is lifted or raised upwardly through engagement with the other fuser member as it is moved upwardly. Upward movement of the last mentioned roll is effected by pair of lever arms which serve as the support for that roll. Each lever arm is operatively attached to an overcenter toggle structure which is actuatable either by rotary or linear motion of an actuator mechanism.An adjustment device is provided for varying the load applied to the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Jack O. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4648624
    Abstract: The tubular part (1) passes through a middle support piece (25) which is arranged between two clamping flanges (17a, 17b). A tie rod (21) passes through the flanges (17) and bears against the external surfaces of these flanges by means of a stop (29) and a clamping device on the one hand, and a nut (31), on the other hand. The clamping device consists of a bistable toggle-joint system comprising two levers (40,41) located in between the stop (29) and a bearing part (34). The stop (29), the levers (40,41) and the bearing part (34) have complementary hinging surfaces which are freely engaged with each other for assembly of the clamping device. With the device according to the invention it is possible to fix a steering column which can be continuously adjusted by pivoting and/or sliding. It is also possible to absorb the torques which may be transmitted to the steering column when the anti-theft device of the vehicle is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Cycles Peugeot
    Inventors: Frederic Mouhot, Jean-Pierre Barnabe, Andre Hoblingre, Michel Clerc
  • Patent number: 4622798
    Abstract: A low-to-high pressure, fusion-welding, press mechanism for vertical packing machines which seals packed products using packing film. The press mechanism comprises a cylinder, a cylinder rod, a circular disc, a plurality of pairs of levers and a pair of sealing substrates having a pair of sealing blades, these members being interconnected to each other to fusion-weld packed products with said pair of sealing blades under desired sealing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Orihiro Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Oki
  • Patent number: 4559839
    Abstract: A drive means for an oscillating spout is presented which includes a control mechanism which directs a control arm to perform the movement required by the spout and a transmission device which acts to transmit the control arm movement and reproduce it as spout movement. The control mechanism consists of a driving rod pivotally connected to an intermediate lever arm and a universal joint connecting the lever arm to the control arm. A novel movable torque means is associated with the universal joint and enables the spout to be moved in and out of a vertical orientation by overcoming the tendency of the components of the control mechanism to become axially locked in a 180.degree. angle. The movable torque means accomplishes this result by reducing the angle between the intermediate lever and control arm when that angle reaches 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Edouard Legille, Emile Lonardi
  • Patent number: 4523395
    Abstract: The device comprises a bar carried rotatably on the ski boot and provided with first and second oppositely threaded portions rotatively engaged by first and second blocks effective to translate along the bar. To the blocks there are articulated respective ends of first and second connecting rods, both thereof are articulated with their other ends to an adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Nordica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Borsoi
  • Patent number: 4515029
    Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length shifting mechanism (30) is provided, preferably for shifting a synchronized positive clutch transmission. A compound mechanism comprises a first member (34) in the form of a variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length first class lever having a first lever portion (34), a second lever portion (42) and a fixed pivot axis (38), and a second member (44) in the form of a second class lever pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (70) extending substantially parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis. A pivot pin (48) extending substantially parallel to the first and second pivot axis is slidably received in axially extending slots (46 and 84) provided in the first and second members, respectively. A resilient biasing member (58) is provided for resiliently biasing the pivot pin axially away from the first pivot axis and axially toward the second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Reynolds, Alan R. Davis
  • Patent number: 4513629
    Abstract: An actuator responsive to seismic or other shock forces includes a first swinging arm yieldingly urged pivotally in one direction and releasably retained against such swinging movement by shock responsive means acting to permit swinging movement of the arm in response to predetermined shock forces, a second arm for actuating a controlled element and which is swung through an angle shorter than the first arm by a mechanical advantage linkage including two links pivotally connected together at first ends and pivotally connected at second ends to a support structure and to the mentioned second arm, together with a third link operable to swing the first and second links from relatively angularly disposed positions toward aligned and preferably overcenter positions in response to the swinging movement of the first arm to cause the desired relatively smaller movement of the second arm with resultant increased force applicable to the controlled element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Koso International, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Keller, Richard D. Sibley
  • Patent number: 4510817
    Abstract: In a manual transmission having a gear which is axially slidable from its neutral position to its operating position, there is provided a gear operating mechanism which is constructed to positively prevent the undesirable "gear disengagement phenomenon".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tamio Kawamoto, Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 4505217
    Abstract: A rigid marine sail comprises a vertical mast secured onto a deck of a ship; at least one pivot shaft provided substantially in parallel with the mast; a left sail portion and a right sail portion pivotally secured respectively to the left side and the right side of the mast in parallel therewith through the at least one pivot shaft; and at least one drive mechanism for symmetrically pivoting the left sail portion and the right sail portion relative to the mast around the pivot shaft between a deployed position and a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Nippon Kokan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Endo, Kazuo Nakanishi, Hideki Namura, Terukazu Doi, Katsunori Kusumoto, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Kazuhiko Yoshimi, Shigeru Nagai, Shoichi Sato
  • Patent number: 4462476
    Abstract: A walking device employs a linkage mechanism to drive a vehicle on skis supporting it. The linkage mechanism, of which Peaucellier's mechanism is a special case, is caused to raise the skis when a motor drives linkages to raise one of its pivot axes. During that portion of the cycle in which a given ski supports the vehicle, a locking mechanism locks its movable axis against movement, and the weight of the vehicle is thereby not transmitted to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Nikolay Shkolnik
  • Patent number: 4462266
    Abstract: A kiln floor system having a plurality of sequentially operated, pivotally mounted trays capable of dumping a load of grain in a minimum of time. Typical field trays of the floor are coupled in pairs to a single air cylinder for economy of operation. The gear rack associated with the turning machine is independently adjustable to insure alignment of the gear rack. The floor includes stringer gage members to insure proper installation and alignment of the stringers. A wall panel is provided for updated restoration and automation of existing kiln floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Norman H. Andreasen
  • Patent number: 4460072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a braking mechanism for braking the chain of a portable power chain saw when a hazardous state occurs. The operating lever rotatably mounted on the chain saw casing is in operative connection with a control lever acting on a brake band by means of a lever-like device. Thus, in the braking position the control lever is transferred into an angular position with a simultaneous position change of the two brake band articulation points. As a result, the brake band is applied to the brake drum, which ensures that the braking mechanisms act without any delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Firma Sachs Dolmar GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bengt O. J. S. Morner, Peter Thomsen
  • Patent number: 4453425
    Abstract: A holding mechanism for holding a workpiece in position during an operation being performed by an operating device (7) passing along the workpiece includes a toggle linkage (1, 2, 3), a projecting member (9) attached to the device, and a cam track (2) connected to one part of the toggle linkage, the arrangement being such that, towards the end of the pass of the device, after it has completed its operation on the workpiece, the projecting member (9) engages the cam track (2), further movement of the device causes the projecting member (9) to move the middle pivot (3) of toggle linkage to release it and, hence, release the workpiece as the device completes its pass. Preferably the toggle linkage is arranged as an over-center toggle linkage with its other component formed by a telescopic arm (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Crosfield Electronics Limited
    Inventors: William G. Wayman, Harald Engelbert