Hand Crank Patents (Class 74/528)
  • Patent number: 11859359
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling and measuring flow. The arrangement includes a fluid control barrier and a flow-measuring apparatus upstream of the fluid control barrier. The fluid control barrier includes a pair of plates for opening and closing a pipe, and the plates are movable towards a center line of the pipe to open the pipe and produce a symmetrical flow profile for the flow-measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rubicon Research Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David John Aughton
  • Patent number: 11812816
    Abstract: In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a headgear, an outer shell, a duct and a manifold. The headgear is configured to engage a wearer's head and at least partially support the protective headwear on a wearer's head. The headgear includes a front, a rear opposite the front, a right side, and a left side opposite the right side. The outer shell is coupled to the headgear at a coupling location and includes a shield positioned to the front of the headgear. The duct is at least partially coupled to and at least partially positioned in an interior of the outer shell. The duct is located below the coupling location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: William P. Gardner, Nishank R. Patel, Eric T. Sommers, John C. Mehnert
  • Patent number: 11796179
    Abstract: A cooking appliance may include a panel provided with a through hole; a knob assembly installed at the panel; and a valve disposed inside of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Haemin Kim
  • Patent number: 11542013
    Abstract: An aircraft seat fastening assembly, due to the use of electroactive polymers, facilitates the compensation of tolerances and the fastening of aircraft seats in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. A fixing actuator contains the electroactive polymer and can be switched electrically between a fixed state, in which a movement of a fastening region is not possible, and a non-fixed state, in which a movement of the fastening region is possible in a vertical direction. The aircraft seats can thereby be displaced in a continuously variable manner along the aircraft seat fastening rail. The aircraft seats can also be locked in a fully automated manner, and possibly from a central location. It is also conceivable to individually control the aircraft seats and/or the group(s) of seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Benthien, Matthias Hegenbart, Peter Linde
  • Patent number: 11457919
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ranucci, Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Augustus Felix
  • Patent number: 10737604
    Abstract: A grab handle assembly for a vehicle includes a sleeve for attaching to the vehicle, an insert receivable in the sleeve, and a grab handle positioned on an end of the insert. A locking member is provided to adjustably fix a position of the grab handle with respect to the sleeve. The locking member includes a locking pin and a cam lock mechanism to hold the insert with respect to the sleeve. A rotation prevention surface may be provided on the locking pin to prevent the locking pin from rotating with respect to the sleeve and the insert. A locking force provided by the locking member may be preset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Michael J. Hokes, Shinichi Karube
  • Patent number: 10691158
    Abstract: A rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly, including a hub having a longitudinal axis and an axial bore extending at least partially through the inner hub along the longitudinal axis, wherein the axial bore is configured to receive a shaft of a rotary controller arranged in or on a device surface. The hub includes a radial bore extending from an outer surface of the hub to the axial bore, wherein the radial bore is perpendicular to the axial bore. A knob is concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the hub, wherein the knob includes at least one central bore structured to receive at least a portion of the hub, a radial slot alignable with the radial bore, and a circumferential bottom surface having a first engagement arrangement. The knob is axially moveable on the hub to selectively disengage the first engagement arrangement from contact with the second engagement arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Anthony Livolsi
  • Patent number: 10486557
    Abstract: A device that enables the correct ergonomic adjustment, by means of preset longitudinal positions, of the advancement and retreat of the motor vehicles seats, to guarantee comfort and safety of the driver as well as of the passengers. The device is made up by two rails (special and differentiated profiles), the upper rail (1) having a flat base (10) with flaps at tangent arcs (11 to 15) and the lower base (2) having tangential curved flaps (21 to 27), being fit and inserted in the inner spaces of the flaps by bearing balls (3). It further includes stops (16 and 28) of longitudinal movement and a position lock (4) activated by a bi-articulated mechanism (5) through a tubular lever (6), with vertical activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: AETHRA SISTEMAS AUTOMOTIVOS S/A
    Inventor: Pietro Sportelli
  • Patent number: 9384920
    Abstract: A locking knob has a mounting base and a knob. The mounting base is shaped to be mounted to a fixed base of an electronic device, and includes a knob receiver extending upwardly to form a knob receiving portion. The knob has a knob top that is adapted to be grasped for manipulating the knob. The knob is positioned in the knob receiving portion of the knob receiver to operably engage a shaft of the electronic device so that the knob can be used to turn the shaft. A position selection mechanism enables locking the knob in either a lowered position or a raised position, and a locking feature of the knob interlocks with the locking base when the knob is in the lowered position, but leaves the knob free to rotate when in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Eric J. Bakulich
  • Patent number: 9309711
    Abstract: The present invention provides a locking unit 3 which is arranged to be fitted to existing casement window winding mechanisms. The winder assembly 1 comprises a winding mechanism 2 which is arranged to move the casement window outwardly or inwardly. In particular, the winder assembly 1 comprises a handle 48 which is rotated by a user in a first direction to open the window and in a second direction to close the window. The present invention provides a restrictor for restricting the opening of the casement window beyond a predetermined distance. In particular, the present invention is arranged to enable a user to wind the handle 48 until the casement window reaches the predetermined distance. The restrictor is automatically reset once the casement window is moved back or towards the closed position such that the casement window is within the predetermined restricted initial opening distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Mighton Products Limited
    Inventor: Michael Derham
  • Patent number: 9181733
    Abstract: In a vehicle door handle system, a handle is pivotally supported by a base member, at least one portion of the base member being attached to an outer panel; and a lever member is pivotally supported by a spindle fixed to the base member and having an axis at a right angle to a plane extending along the outer panel, the lever member being interlocked and connected with a handle arm configured to pivot with the handle and the lever member being linked to a latch device. An attachment part which attaches the base member to the outer panel is disposed coaxially with the spindle. Accordingly, it is possible to attach the base member to the outer panel while avoiding the bulkiness of conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Fujiwara, Koichi Sakamoto, Yuujiro Tashima
  • Patent number: 9170068
    Abstract: A locking adjustment device for changing an adjustable setting of a device such as a riflescope locks in a baseline position to provide expedient feedback regarding an adjustment position of the adjustable setting. The device includes a guideway extending around an axis and a knob mountable over the guideway for rotation about the axis. The guideway includes a notch and a curved slide surface sized to slidably receive a guide tab carried by the knob. The guide tab is biased so as to urge at least a portion of the guide tab into the notch when the knob is rotated to a locked position, thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of the knob from the locked position. A button carried by the knob is depressible to urge the guide tab out of the notch and thereby allow the knob to be manually rotated away from the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventor: Quint Crispin
  • Patent number: 8776437
    Abstract: An operator for a casement window is disclosed which includes a hub that frictionally receives a spindle. The hub is pivotally connected to a proximal end of a pivoting handle. The hub is disposed within a cavity that extends through the proximal end of the handle and terminates at a back wall. The cavity partially accommodates a biasing element, an actuator and the hub. The biasing element is disposed between the actuator and the back wall and biases the actuator towards the hub. The hub includes at least one open position recess and open position protrusion and the actuator includes a complementary protrusion and a recess wherein the protrusion is received in the at least one open position recess of the hub and the recess of the actuator receives the at least one open position protrusion of the hub when the handle is pivoted to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Roto Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Bourgoin
  • Publication number: 20140026709
    Abstract: The present invention provides a locking unit 3 which is arranged to be fitted to existing casement window winding mechanisms. The winder assembly 1 comprises a winding mechanism 2 which is arranged to move the casement window outwardly or inwardly. In particular, the winder assembly 1 comprises a handle 48 which is rotated by a user in a first direction to open the window and in a second direction to close the window. The present invention provides a restrictor for restricting the opening of the casement window beyond a predetermined distance. In particular, the present invention is arranged to enable a user to wind the handle 48 until the casement window reaches the predetermined distance. The restrictor is automatically reset once the casement window is moved back or towards the closed position such that the casement window is within the predetermined restricted initial opening distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Mighton Products Limited
    Inventor: Michael Derham
  • Patent number: 8573086
    Abstract: A rotating knob is rotatably attached to an outer peripheral portion of an operation lever. The rotating knob has a lead thread portion on the inner surface thereof, and the lead thread portion meshes with external teeth of a ring gear. Internal teeth of the ring gear mesh with speed-increasing gears, and permanent magnets are fixed to the speed-increasing gears. A circuit board is arranged in the operation lever so as to extend along the axial direction thereof, and magnetic sensors mounted on the circuit board are opposed to the permanent magnets at positions close thereto. Accordingly, the operation position of the rotating knob can be detected by the magnetic sensors. The gears, the circuit board, etc., are supported by a support case and a cover case to form a switch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 8528705
    Abstract: A brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle having brakes actuable by a cable system with cables. The brake actuator includes a mounting bracket and an output member connected to the cables. The brake actuator includes an input lever mounted to the mounting bracket at a pivot for movement in brake applying and brake releasing directions. The pivot of the input lever is spaced axially from the output member and connected to the output member to effect movement of the output member. A plate is provided between the mounting bracket and the input lever and prevents contact between the mounting bracket and the input lever during movement between the brake applying and releasing directions. An additional plate is provided between the mounting bracket and a cover portion and prevents contact between the mounting bracket and the cover portion during movement between the brake applying and brake releasing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Mark Van Ryswyck, Jaafar Bashiry-Khoshraftar
  • Patent number: 8380400
    Abstract: An HV-ECU performs a program including the steps of: determining whether or not the HV-ECU is in an auto-P execution state; determining whether or not a predetermined time period Tb has elapsed since an auto-P was requested; and permitting determination of the shifting operation if the HV-ECU is in the auto-P execution state and if it is determined that the predetermined time period Tb has elapsed since the auto-P was requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Kanai, Takahiko Tsutsumi, Ichiro Kitaori
  • Patent number: 8234894
    Abstract: An electric steering lock device is provided that includes a column pipe, a steering shaft pivotably passed through the interior of the column pipe, and an electric lock unit that has an electric motor and that can switch in response to operation of the electric motor between a locked state, in which pivoting of the steering shaft is prevented, and an unlocked state in which pivoting of the steering shaft is permitted, wherein the electric lock unit is disposed within the column pipe. This arrangement can advantageously make breakage or unauthorized unlocking of the electric lock unit difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Takeshi Taniguchi, Takushi Matsuto
  • Patent number: 8087639
    Abstract: An oxygen tank key includes an elongated substantially thin flat handle portion defining a first plane and having first and second ends that define the length thereof and first and second side edges that define the width. A socket, integrally formed with the handle portion between the two ends, has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the handle portion. The socket includes an aperture that opens adjacent one of the side edges and has a depth extending substantially the width of the handle portion. The aperture has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is adapted to fit onto the rectangularly shaped end of an oxygen tank valve control stem. A slot passes through the handle and is elongated in the direction of the length of the handle. The slot includes champhered ends and is adapted to fit over the lever of a regulator for the oxygen tank to help release the regulator from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua Knapp
  • Patent number: 7757525
    Abstract: A dial mechanism for a combination lock is provided. The dial mechanism may include an escutcheon plate, a ring member, a fastening member, and a dial. The ring member may include three arms, wherein each of the arms have first and second portions. The first portion extends inwardly from an inner edge of the ring member and the second portion extends perpendicularly from the first portion. The arms include a protrusion that extends outwardly from each of the second portions. The fastening member fixedly mounts the ring member to the escutcheon plate and includes an indicator. A plurality of tick marks are positioned on an outer surface of the dial, and a plurality of teeth extend from an inner surface of the dial. A tick mark is aligned with the indicator when each of the protrusions are positioned between and in contact with two adjacent teeth on the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: John D. Brush & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: R. David Pallo
  • Patent number: 7658126
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a vehicle includes a toothed stationary sector fixed to a mounting structure, a brake lever pivotably mounted to the sector, a pawl mounted to the brake lever for movement between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the teeth, an elongated, substantially rigid release member mounted to the brake lever for movement relative to the brake lever between normal and depressed positions, and a motion-absorbing member connecting the release member to the pawl. When the brake lever is operatively connected to the vehicle brake cable and in a braking position thereof with the pawl in the engaged position thereof, moving the release member to the depressed position thereof without also moving the brake lever in the brake applying direction compresses the motion-absorbing member without moving the pawl from the engaged position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Michael Sykes, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • Patent number: 7574943
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator includes a mounting bracket, a cover plate. A brake operating assembly includes a lever and a locking sector gear. A locking clutch spring assembly includes a pinion rivet, a shaft, a flange, first and second tubular portions and a pinion with a plurality of teeth. A torsion spring is wrapped about the first tubular portion and the pinion. A first leg of a release spring abuts a first arm of a release lever. A release cable is connected to a second arm of the release lever. A brake cable is connected to an adjusting sector gear, which is engageable with an adjusting clutch spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Joseph Wortmann
  • Patent number: 7373856
    Abstract: The present application discloses a brake actuator for applying tension to a brake cable. The actuator includes: a mounting bracket; a brake actuator lever mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket in brake applying and brake releasing directions; and a cam-and-drum member mounted for rotation relative to relative to the brake actuator lever. The cam-and-drum member is formed as one integral part including a protruding drum portion and a cam portion integral with the drum portion. The present application also discloses a brake actuator with a one-piece cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sykes, Steven Demoe, Bob Bunker
  • Patent number: 7194929
    Abstract: A pole for a hand pallet truck that includes a pole bar which is linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at the other end. An operating device is disposed within the space defined by the handle. The operating device is attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle in prolongation of the bar, and is connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element. If applicable, it is connectable via a second traction and/or pushing element to a brake of the hand pallet truck, wherein an operating lever is disposed on either side of the extension. The operating levers are pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane essentially defined by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin von Werder
  • Patent number: 7136221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-grip with a grip part which can be detachably fastened on a microscope housing, the mounting and dismounting being possible with a single-handed movement with the gripping hand. The hand-grip is fashioned and positioned such that it permits operation of the microscope in all directions with only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Switzerland) AG
    Inventors: Peter Strobel, Fritz Sollberger
  • Patent number: 7021174
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a vehicle includes a toothed stationary sector fixed to a mounting structure, a brake lever pivotably mounted to the sector, a pawl mounted to the brake lever for movement between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the teeth, an elongated, substantially rigid release member mounted to the brake lever for movement relative to the brake lever between normal and depressed positions, and a motion-absorbing spring connecting the release member to the pawl. When the brake lever is operatively connected to the vehicle brake cable and in a braking position thereof with the pawl in the engaged position thereof, moving the release member to the depressed position thereof without also moving the brake lever in the brake applying direction compresses the motion-absorbing spring without moving the pawl from the engaged position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Michael Sykes, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • Patent number: 7021430
    Abstract: A hand brake mechanism having a release hold mechanism to prevent unwanted application of the railcar brakes. The release hold mechanism includes a cam and a holding pawl having cooperating force members and a detent retaining device engaging the cam disposed within the railcar hand brake to maintain the hand brake in the released hold condition. The cooperating force members disengage the cam from the detent retaining device to allow brake application. The hand brake incorporates an indicator member having a reflective coating to indicate such release hold position of the railcar hand brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, Howard Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 6634383
    Abstract: The present invention is a control arrangement that includes a detent assist assembly for assisting a detent arrangement in holding a control device in a predetermined position. Additionally, the detent assist assembly serves as an actuator for a control valve operative with the control device. Further, the detent assist assembly provides tactile feedback to an operator through the control device. The present invention is a simple and efficient device for providing a detent assist with tactile feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Aarestad
  • Patent number: 6619743
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment armature comprising a fixed component (11) which is associated with part the seat and an adjustable component (12) which is connected to the backrest. The components of the armatures (11, 12) are joined to each other by means of an actuating member (13). An adjusting and locking device, having the form of a gear, is provided in order to adjust the relative positions of the two armature components (11,12). The adjusting member (13) comprises an eccentric segment (14), whereby one of the armature components (12) is mounted thereon. The other armature component (11) acts as a bearing for the eccentric segment (14). The eccentric segment (14) is comprised of wedge segments (27), which rest against each other and partially overlap a catch (20). Said eccentric segment is also provided with a catch segment (29) between the narrow sides thereof and an energy accumulator which moves the wide ends of, the wedge segments (27) apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Grit Scholz, Holger Finner, Andreas Vedder
  • Patent number: 6592163
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle includes a drive train with a drive gear and an output gear. An electric motor is connected to the drive gear. A drive shaft is slidably received through a center hole in the output gear so as to be longitudinally movable relative to the output gear. A clutch operates to engage the drive shaft with the output gear as the drive shaft is moved in a first direction and to disengage the drive shaft from said output gear as the drive shaft is moved in a second direction. A drive member connected to a first end of the drive shaft is engageable with a room actuation mechanism, and a crank handle is removably connectable to a second end of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Patent number: 6560928
    Abstract: A system assembles an apparatus for activating a window on a fixed support. The apparatus includes a drum housing drum cover which has a cover body which is capable of being secured on the fixed support by a first securing member. The cover body includes lugs which block the drum in the drum cover. The system further includes a motor assembly for driving the drum in rotation. The motor assembly includes a principle body which is capable of being secured on the cover body by a second securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems -France
    Inventors: Damien Cabanne, Mark Lawrie, Yann Le Gallo, Pascal De Vries, Klaus Blume, Charles Hopson, Hervé Laurandel, Simon Dobson
  • Patent number: 6536302
    Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a component in a vehicle including a control device for actuating the mechanism. The manual adjustment mechanism includes an input shaft coupled to the control device and an output shaft operatively coupled to the input shaft. A support bracket axially supports the input shaft and the output shaft. A drum shaped housing having a cylindrical inner surface is fixedly secured to the support bracket and rotatably received the input shaft. A coupler is mounted to the input shaft and rotatably disposed within the housing. The coupler includes a pair of spaced apart tube walls planar with and spaced from the inner surface of the housing and a pair of circumferentially opposite tabs projecting between the tube walls. A coiled spring is disposed between the housing and the coupler and compressed against the inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Omar D. Tame
  • Patent number: 6467371
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6450063
    Abstract: A folding handle for attachment to a rotatable shaft element. The handle includes a handle body 10 having a cavity 17 within which a mounting block 20 is engaged. The mounting block 20 has oppositely projecting pivot members 21 slidingly engaged in recesses 19 in the walls 18 of the cavity 17. The pivot members 21 therefore engage with bearing surfaces 19a to facilitate pivotal movement of the handle body 10 relative to the mounting block 20. A clip 24 retains the mounting block 20 in cavity 17. No pivot pin is therefore visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: John Harvey, Christodoulos Toulis
  • Patent number: 6443029
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6439078
    Abstract: An overload protection device for a manual hoist lever including a pressure hub, an outer hub, a brake nut, and a dowel pin. The pressure hub includes a radially extending flange and a cantilevered boss having a threaded outer surface with an axial groove. The outer hub includes a central opening, a tapered inner surface, and a flange contact surface which frictionally contacts the radially extending flange of the pressure hub. The brake nut is disposed in the central opening of the outer hub between the outer hub and the boss of the pressure hub, and includes a frusto-conical outer surface that frictionally contacts the tapered inner surface of the outer hub, as well as a threaded inner opening with a corresponding axial groove, the threaded inner opening being sized to threadingly engage the boss. The dowel pin is received within a receiving hole formed upon alignment of the axial groove of the boss and the corresponding axial groove of the brake nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: FKI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Schlude, Daniel L. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6416077
    Abstract: A collapsible stroller having simplified components is provided. Each sub-frame is substantially a triangle having a latch mounted on a third side and a cooperating mechanism. The third side tube is foldable at the latch, thus causing a second side tube to fold toward the first side tube. It is possible to obtain a flat collapsed stroller by a simple collapsing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Er-Jui Chen, Chuan-Tso Tai
  • Patent number: 6393937
    Abstract: A latch mechanism selectively maintains a first component in a fixed position relative to a second component. The latch mechanism include a first member for selective attachment to the first component; and a second member for selective attachment to a second component and pivotally attached to the first member. The first and second members assume a locked position when the first and second members are substantially aligned and assume an unlocked position when the first and second members are traverse to each other. A handle is pivotally connected to the second member. A link member is pivotally connected at one end to the second member and pivotally connected at an opposite end to the handle. The link member assumes a first position when the handle is moved to a corresponding first handle position to have the link member overcenter with respect to the first and second members to brace the first and second members in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Joseph Nicolosi, William A. Burton, Dara Nanette Lubin, Richard R. Getz, Robert J. Katchmar, Arthur T. Vumback, Steven Wayne Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6377192
    Abstract: In an electronic control system for controlling the setting of two or more continuously variable parameters, the system comprises a hand operated lever and electronic processing means 14 having an input from the lever 1 and output means for outputting a signal or signals representative of the said continuously variable parameters, characterised in that: a) the lever 1 is arranged in a gate having two substantially parallel slots 3-5 and a transverse slot 6, the position of the lever 1 in each of the two parallel slots being substantially continuously variable and corresponding to a desired value for one or more of the said continuously variable parameters; b) the processing means includes means 14 for storing a record of the position of the lever 1 in one of the said slots after the lever has been removed from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: AGCO S.A.
    Inventor: Regis Bellanger
  • Patent number: 6364428
    Abstract: An apparatus for a quick release mechanism in a railcar hand brake. The hand brake has a housing having a front casing with an inside wall of a predetermined size and shape, and a back plate. An operating shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. The operating shaft includes a first end and a second end. The operating shaft further includes a ratchet wheel rotatable with the operating shaft intermediate the first and second ends thereof, and a release shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The apparatus comprises a projection of a predetermined size and shape disposed substantially perpendicular to the ratchet wheel, and a flexible clamp of a predetermined size and shape mounted inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Angelo M. Labriola, Everett G. Ring
  • Patent number: 6325465
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism for a railcar hand brake comprises a release shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a cavity of a predetermined size and shape. A release lever has a hub journaled on the first end of the release shaft. A stop of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the circumference of the hub of the release lever and engageable with the cavity of the release shaft to rotate such release shaft to cause free release of the brakes. A projection of a predetermined size and shape is disposed on the second end of the release shaft. An attachment of a predetermined size and shape is mounted to an inside wall of a housing of such hand brake. A tension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the projection, and the second end is secured to the attachment whereby the tension member will return the release shaft to the brake application position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Sommerfeld, Angelo M. Labriola, Everett G. Ring
  • Patent number: 6282980
    Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator for a vehicle is provided having an eccentrically-mounted self-adjust cam assembly. The cam assembly is mounted eccentrically to the lever axis to provide a variable mechanical advantage during actuator stroke. The eccentric offset for the self-adjusting cam is less than the outside radius of the cam to reduce the overall space requirements of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Sykes
  • Patent number: 6269557
    Abstract: A manually adjustable snowplow apparatus for mounting to an all terrain vehicle comprises a blade assembly pivotally mounted to a frame member of the ATV and adapted for relative up and down movement. The snowplow apparatus further includes a vertical plate mounted to the ATV and forming a plurality of spaced apart notches. A handle is pivotally attached to the plate and includes a rod that selectably mates with one of the notches. A cord extends between the handle and the blade assembly such that a forward or rearward movement of the handle decreases or increases, respectively, the height of the blade assembly above a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip K. Henks
  • Patent number: 6247715
    Abstract: To produce a wheelchair with high forward-moving efficiency, incorporating a simple structured driving mechanism that is compact enough to be fitted between the wheel and the frame. Thanks to this driving mechanism, the wheelchair moves forward not only when the operation lever is pushed but also when it is pulled. For the less frequent backward movement, the push rim continues to be used. An operation lever 2 is rockably established on each of the left and right sides of the moving direction of frame 1. Each operation lever 2 is provided with a pair of one-way-clutch-driving links 41, 42, in such a way that one ends of these 41, 42, are linked to the operation lever 2 via mutually spaced apart sub pivots 51, 52 at a certain distance forward from said main pivot 3, while the other ends of said links 41, 42 are linked to a pair of forward and backward arms 71, 72, which are established on opposite sides of a hub spindle of a one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Akira Korosue
  • Patent number: 6131935
    Abstract: An upper torso support for riders on vehicles such as motorcycles or bicycles has a padded surface for contact with the upper torso or the chest of a seated rider. The support is fixed to the vehicle framework and positioned forward of a vehicle seat. The angle of the support relative to the vehicle framework is adjustable to accommodate and provide support for riders of various statures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: James H. Judkins
  • Patent number: 6122990
    Abstract: A hand brake for motor vehicles, and including a trestle provided with a toothing, a brake lever pivotally supported on the trestle, a locking pawl for retaining the brake lever on the trestle in an arbitrary selected pull position, at least one brake cable, a spring-biased tensioning element for the brake cable supported on the trestle, and a spring-biased arrangement for connecting the brake lever with the tensioning element, with the tensioning element being formed as a tooth segment or a tooth wheel which is constantly form-lockingly connected with the brake lever and a brake cable connector associated with the trestle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Bode, Wolfgang Kopittke
  • Patent number: 6108979
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a motor vehicle door operative for selectively releasing a latch mechanism. The handle assembly includes a mounting portion attached to the motor vehicle door and a handle proper adapted to be manually grasped. The handle proper is linearly translatable between a first position and a second position for releasing the latch mechanism. In a preferred form, the handle proper is biased to the first position by a coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Siegel-Robert, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Saffran, Glenn W. Abbott, James Kavanaugh
  • Patent number: 6073512
    Abstract: A manual quick change tool changer, said tool changer including a master plate. The master plate connected to a rotatable sprocket with the sprocket having a plurality of teeth. A thrust bearing engaging the sprocket. A handle connected to the sprocket such that the handle moves a predetermined distance. The tool changer further including a secondary plate that mates with the master plate. The secondary plate further including a plurality of leaves such that the plurality of teeth from the master plate locks underneath the leaves of the secondary plate to secure the master plate to the secondary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter McCormick, Dan Beall
  • Patent number: 6067874
    Abstract: An actuating arrangement for a Bowden cable, in particular in a vehicle, includes a bracket which can be fastened to a wall and a lever arrangement which is pivotally fastened to the bracket and includes a lever member and a cable coupling for one end of the Bowden cable. To provide improved installation conditions and a concealed arrangement of the Bowden cable, the lever member and the cable connector are separate parts which can be connected to each other in a rotationally fixed relation after the assembly consisting of the bracket and cable coupling has been fastened to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Meissner, Frank Bekemeier, Dieter Meyer
  • Patent number: 6065365
    Abstract: A control lever assembly for generating an electrical signal representative of the position of a linearly-moveable control lever which extends through an elongated passage in a console cover includes a control lever guide rotatably mounted to a bracket beneath the console cover. An arm projecting above the console cover is provided for moving the guide between rotational positions. The guide has an opening with slots of predetermined length associated with the rotational positions which define ranges of linear movement of the control lever. The movement of the control lever causes a sensing circuit to generate the electrical signal representative of the position of the control lever. The assembly also includes a switch actuated by a cam on an end of the guide depending upon the rotational position of the guide. The assembly also includes detent mechanisms for releasably retaining the control lever and the guide in various detent positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Ostler, Hermann H. Regep, Darrel J. Svendsen, Patrick M. Lourigan, Ted W. Gregory, William L. Christopher