Friction Patents (Class 74/531)
  • Patent number: 11713608
    Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TD IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia Yulkowski, Leon Yulkowski, Edward J. Yenni
  • Patent number: 11415200
    Abstract: A torque-variable single-shaft rotary shaft structure with multiple frictional pairs includes a pivot shaft. A first support is secured to a pivot shaft and a second support is disposed on the pivot shaft. An adjustment wheel assembly, a frictional assembly and an elastic assembly are fitted on the pivot shaft. The adjustment wheel assembly and the frictional assembly have a first adjustment wheel and a second frictional member synchronously movable with the first support and a second adjustment wheel and a first frictional member synchronously movable with the second support. When the first and second supports are rotated, the first and second adjustment wheels are driven to contact and abut against each other so as to provide axial action forces. The frictional assembly has multiple first and second frictional members, which are alternately arranged in frictional contact with each other to form multiple frictional pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Fositek Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Yu Hsiao, Ci-Syuan Wong
  • Patent number: 11199867
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle quadrant arrangement having a throttle lever which is independently mechanically connected to different Rotary Variable Differential Transformers (RVDTs). A friction lever selectively creates and releases friction from the throttle lever to enable it to be selectively positioned. The system is configured such that the mechanical connections existing between the throttle lever and the RVDTs are shielded from the friction created by the friction lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sheridan Hunter, Ronald J. Parker, Philippe A. Ciholas
  • Patent number: 10774583
    Abstract: A crank structure for a curtain has a base, a rolling wheel set, an engagement set and a crank. The base has a bottom plate and a limiting frame. The rolling wheel set is disposed in the storing space of the base and has two rolling wheels. Each central aperture is jacketed onto the central shaft of the storing space. The two rolling wheels is further respectively provided with a braking gear and an inclined ring. Each inclined ring has a plurality of engagement ribs. The engagement set disposed in the assembling portion of the base and has a socket, a supporting wheel and a bottom member. An engaging pattern is provided at a periphery of the supporting wheel, a passive gear is provided at the supporting wheel, and a shaft is provide at a center position of the supporting wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ABO WINDOW FASHION CORP.
    Inventor: Shan-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 10625865
    Abstract: Aircraft seat having a first seat element and a second seat element, the second seat element being mounted so as to be adjustable relative to the first seat element, a spring element that moves the second seat element relative to the first seat element being provided, it being possible for the force acting on the second seat element by the spring element to be released by an actuating element such that the spring element is deactivated in a first switching position of the actuating element, and the spring element is activated in a second switching position of the actuating element, where a force limitation element is provided, by which the force acting on the second seat element by the spring element can be limited to a predetermined value such that intermediate states between the first and the second switching positions can also be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Oliver Thomaschewski
  • Patent number: 9770099
    Abstract: Disclosed is a readily releasable locking device for guarding a movement of an angularly movable flat board relative to an elongated shell. The readily releasable locking device includes a latch member operable to retain or release a guided rod that can be retained at various positions to permit the flat board to be tilted at different angles. Also disclosed is a readily releasable locking device for guarding against a movement of the elongated shell that is linearly movable relative to a non-movable tubular core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Artso International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kuo-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9687072
    Abstract: Disclosed is a readily releasable locking device for guarding a movement of an angularly movable flat board relative to an elongated shell. The readily releasable locking device includes a latch member operable to retain or release a guided rod that can be retained at various positions to permit the flat board to be tilted at different angles. Also disclosed is a readily releasable locking device for guarding against a movement of the elongated shell that is linearly movable relative to a non-movable tubular core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Artso International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kuo-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9632524
    Abstract: A vehicle pedal bracket, including a pair of bracket halves disposed on right and left sides of an operation pedal and joined by placing joint portions thereof parallel and on top of each other so that the joint portions surface contact each other, and the vehicle pedal bracket being fixed to a vehicle body via attachment portions of the pair of bracket halves, the joint portions protruding from the bracket halves formed by a sheet material and at least one of the joint portions bent into a crank shape and placed on top of each other so as to surface contact each other, the joint portions being provided at least at two positions located on both sides of the attachment portions in a vertical direction of a vehicle, and the joint portion which is located below the attachment portions being provided to protrude toward the front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Kitaguchi, Masataka Nakane
  • Patent number: 9551135
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for a plumbing fixture fitting that provides a secure mounting even when the mounting conditions are not optimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark S. Bors, Jeremy S. Culmer
  • Patent number: 9487192
    Abstract: A parking brake device comprises: a brake pedal which is capable of pivoting from an initial position in relation to a dash panel in a determined angle range; a pair of base plates which are fixed to the dash panel, and which sandwich and pivotally support the brake pedal; a ratchet plate in which ratchet teeth are continuously formed, and which pivots together with the brake pedal; a support pin which couples the pair of base plates; and a ratchet pawl which is supported by the support pin in a manner so as to be capable of oscillation, and which meshes with the ratchet plate. The support pin and the ratchet pawl are disposed between attachment points at the dash panel side of the base plates and a center pin of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ohki, Fumikage Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20150135889
    Abstract: A safety guard device includes at least one base body and at least one safety-guard anti-rotation lock that has at least one braking element. The at least one braking element is configured to at least secure the base body against rotation relative to the hand-held power tool by a frictional connection in at least one operating mode of the hand-held power tool. The safety-guard anti-rotation lock includes at least one bearing unit that is configured to movably mount the braking element relative to the base body at least in one braking state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Cornelius Boeck, Joachim Schadow, Tobias Overbeck, Rainer Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20140352486
    Abstract: A positioning assembly is disclosed herein. An example includes a guide shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing movable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the guide shaft. The housing is also transversely movable and transversely rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the guide shaft. The example of the positioning assembly additionally has a brake mechanism including at least one shoe and a caliper eccentrically mounted on the guide shaft and moveable from a first position that permits movement and rotation of the housing to a second position that impedes movement and rotation of the housing. Other elements and features of the positioning assembly are disclosed herein, as are other examples of positioning assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Eduardo Ruiz Martinez, Joaquim Brugue Garvi, Daniel Gonzalez Perello
  • Patent number: 8567282
    Abstract: A throttle grip apparatus is provided with a throttle grip (1) rotatably mounted on a leading end of a handlebar (H) of a vehicle, a magnet (6) which is integrally rotatable with the throttle grip (1), a detector (13) for detecting variations of a magnetic field of the magnet (6) in a non-contact manner so as to detect a rotation angle of the throttle grip (1), and a frictional device (9, 10) for generating a resistance force during a rotation of the throttle grip (1). The resistance force is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Denso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120285288
    Abstract: A device forms a wedge shape and is operative to be placed between a control surface and the underside of a rotating control knob. A frictional coating is applied to an upper and or lower surface of the wedge to improve resistance to rotation of the knob, and to maintain an inserted position of the wedge. A tab extends from a trailing end of the device to facilitate insertion and removal. The tab may include two portions hingedly connected to the upper and lower surface of the body, and the body includes a biasing member which urges the surfaces and portions apart. The wedge may be formed with resilient material, to increase friction and provide utility for a wide variety of gap sizes. A plurality of wedges may be interconnected to facilitate connection to control panels with a plurality of rotating controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew M. Chinigo
  • Patent number: 8272294
    Abstract: A control-holding device to be mounted so as to selectively engage the end of a twist-grip control and hold it still at the discretion of the user, the device including an interchangeable mounting means that may be specific to the machine to which it is attached, a stationary element connected to the machine through the mounting means, a moving element which is manipulated to allow or disallow engagement with the twist-grip, an elastic or propulsive element that presses the moving element to engage the twist-grip when the moving element is manipulated in the prescribed way, and a standard means to mount accessories onto the outboard side of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Geoffrey Ashman
  • Patent number: 8205524
    Abstract: A torque limiting handle assembly is described. One member of a two member torque limiting handle assembly has resiliently depending legs extending about its rotational axis. The second member has features arranged such that on rotation of the first member, the features contact the legs so that when a reaction torque of the second member is less than a threshold value, the second member rotates with the first member and when a reaction torque of the second member is greater than the threshold value, the legs resiliently deflect so that the features simply pass across the legs and the second member does not rotate with the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt Canada Co.
    Inventor: Shaffeek A. Yusuf
  • Patent number: 7913585
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises an assembly for incrementally changing an axially fixable position, including an annular gripping element with at least one deformation segment, a glide push ring axially displaceable along a pilot element, and a wedge push ring axially displaceable along the pilot element. The gripping element is in contact with a circumference of the pilot element and the deformable segments are circumferentially deformable in response to a change in a gripping element diameter. The glide ring incrementally urges the gripping element in a first direction along the pilot element. The gripping element axially fixes responsive to force applied by the wedge ring in a second direction, opposite the first direction, along the pilot element. A surface between gripping element inner and outer circumferences forms a fixed angle with the pilot element despite changes in the inner or outer circumferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Smith, Brian Zaugg
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100123057
    Abstract: There is provided a braking device for braking a support member, which connects a main body of an equipment at one end thereof and a sub-body of the equipment at an opposite end thereof. Such a device includes a support bracket, a shaft, first and second plates, a pressing member, and a movable member. The support bracket is mounted on the main body of the equipment. The shaft is connected at both ends on the main body of the equipment. The first plates are disposed around the shaft and movable relative to the shaft. The second plates are disposed around the shaft and alternately positioned between the first plates. The pressing member presses the first and second plates in a braked position. The first and second plates are spaced apart from one another in an unbraked position. The movable member moves the pressing member between the braked and unbraked positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Jung Sik Song, Dong Jun Oh, Ghi Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20100072805
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates a reclining lift chair frame used in a reclining lift chair. The reclining lift chair frame utilizes a position holding mechanism to eliminate the free (idle) fall of the footrest of the reclining lift chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: I-Trust Better Life Corp
    Inventors: Jian-Ming Qiu, Yan-Jun Zhang, Zhi-Liang Gao, Xiao-Xiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 7597023
    Abstract: A shifter mechanism includes a secondary detent forming a secondary detent profile having a plurality of gear positions, a shifter lever movable relative to the detent profile and a along a shift path, a lever pivotably secured to the shifter lever and engaging the detent profile as the shifter lever moves along the shift path, and a torsion spring biasing the lever into engagement with the detent profile. The illustrated lever includes a cylindrical-shaped connecting portion operatively secured to the shifter lever and an elongate arm portion extending from the connecting portion and having a free end engaging the secondary detent profile. The illustrated connecting portion is received in a cylindrically-shaped cavity formed by the shifter lever so that the lever is pivotable relative to the shifter lever and the spring extends about the connecting portion to resiliently bias the lever into engagement with the secondary detent profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Douglas Kortge, Robert John Reha
  • Publication number: 20090193930
    Abstract: A control-holding device to be mounted so as to selectively engage the end of a twist-grip control and hold it still at the discretion of the user, the device including an interchangeable mounting means that may be specific to the machine to which it is attached, a stationary element connected to the machine through the mounting means, a moving element which is manipulated to allow or disallow engagement with the twist-grip, an elastic or propulsive element that presses the moving element to engage the twist-grip when the moving element is manipulated in the prescribed way, and a standard means to mount accessories onto the outboard side of the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Geoffrey Ashman
  • Publication number: 20090139366
    Abstract: A slide plate and a rack guide for supporting a rack bar in a casing of a rack and pinion type steering device are provided. The slide plate can be mounted on a rack guide base body while being restricted to be in a regular state with respect to a recessed portion of the rack guide base body. The rack guide is constituted by the slide plate and the rack guide base body on which the slide plate is mounted. The slide plate is constituted by a main body portion receiving the rack bar, and restricting portions on both sides of the main body portion in a moving direction of the rack bar, which restricting portions are in contact with both flanks of the rack guide base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: DAIDO METAL COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroichi MATSUHISA
  • Publication number: 20080196532
    Abstract: A throttle control assembly includes a throttle screw for retaining a hand grip throttle control in a desired position, and a thumb grip extension device removably attached to the head of the throttle screw to facilitate turning the screw. The thumb grip extension device includes a disc-shaped base, a plurality of detent structures extending above an upper surface of the base, and a handle protruding radially outwardly from one of the detent structures. The detent structures each have a convex outer surface with a curvature that generally corresponds to the outer periphery of the base, a convex inner surface, and a detention ridge protruding from and extending across the convex inner surface at a location spaced from the upper surface of the base. The detent structures are resiliently movable outwardly relative to each other to allow the device to be installed and retained on the head of the throttle screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: William K. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20080184839
    Abstract: A throttle control for a motorcycle comprises an electromagnet mounted adjacent to a throttle tube on a handle bar of the motorcycle. The throttle tube includes a radial flange on one end that is configured to define at least one slot. An armature plate is positioned between the electromagnet and the radial flange and is configured to define at least one tab that registers with the slot in the radial flange of the throttle tube. The armature plate is moveable between a first position in contact with the electromagnet and a second position spaced from the electromagnet while the tab remains within the slot. When the electromagnet is energized, the armature plate frictionally contacts the electromagnet and fixes the radial position of the throttle tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Mario Negri, Todd Sigfrid
  • Patent number: 7320263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a controller and a method for controlling a maneuverable control object and comprising a control lever (1) designed to be manually maneuvered by an operator into various positions and a console (2) in which the control lever is pivotable about at least two intersecting pivot axes and in which the console is provided with a corresponding number of clamps (3, 4) swivel-mounted about their respective swivel axis (5, 6), which clamps are provided with slots (15, 16) through which the control lever (1) extends and along which the control lever can be led. Each clamp (3, 4) cooperates with its respective detention device (27, 28, 31, 32) for locking the associated clamp (3, 4) in at least one predefined detention position and hence limiting the movement of the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin AB
    Inventor: Hans Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20070180946
    Abstract: A pedal is rotated in a forward rotational direction by a pedal force applied from a driver and is rotated in a reverse rotational direction by a restoring force exerted from a double coil spring arrangement. A friction member generates friction between the pedal and the friction member. The friction member includes a sliding part, a holding part and a resiliently deformable part. The sliding part slidably engages the pedal, and the holding part is held by a housing. The resiliently deformable part is resiliently deformable between the sliding part and the holding part to permit displacement of the sliding part relative to the holding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Makino
  • Patent number: 7243575
    Abstract: An indexing and braking mechanism for a manual transmission having a shifting mechanism and at least one rotatable drive shaft is disclosed. The mechanism includes an indexing mechanism for controlling movement of the shifting mechanism between at least a first position and a neutral position. The indexing mechanism has a plate having a plurality of notches formed thereon, wherein one notch corresponds to the first position and another notch corresponds to the neutral position. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively limiting movement of one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft. The locking mechanism is adapted to selectively engage the plurality of notches to selectively maintain the indexing mechanism in one of the first position and the neutral position. The locking mechanism includes an indexing lever having a contact surface for contacting the rotatable drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Niederwimmer
  • Patent number: 7237453
    Abstract: A power control device for drive motors in motor vehicles, in particular an accelerator pedal, includes an operating lever which may be operated by an operating force against a return force from a rest position on pivoting about a pivot axis. A damping device for damping the pivot motion of the operating lever is also included. The damping device is a friction device which includes a friction element. The friction element acts upon a component of the operating lever such that in addition to the return force a friction force is also overcome during a pivot movement of the operating lever in a direction away from the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Peter Kohlen, Christian Reimann, Joachim von Willich
  • Patent number: 7155992
    Abstract: A driving force transmission mechanism having a following rotation preventing mechanism that prevents a follower wheel from rotating together with a driving wheel in a play section is provided. Also, a damper apparatus that can drive two open-close plates independently from each other through the driving force transmission mechanism are provided. The following rotation preventing mechanism includes a cam member that rotates together with the follower wheel, and an elastic member that elastically presses a cam surface of the cam member. The cam surface has an arcuate section that slides against the elastic member in a linked movement section in which the follower wheel follows rotations of the driving wheel, small diameter sections on both sides of the arcuate section, and ridge sections that continuously connects the small diameter sections and the arcuate section without forming step differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro Noritake
  • Patent number: 7140271
    Abstract: A damper that is mounted to a printed circuit board of an automobile's climate control system includes a tactile feel and torque control mechanism for the user as the user controls the temperature and climate within the interior of an automobile. The damper incorporates a plurality of detents that engage with a plurality of ribs or similar protrusions for providing the desired tactile feel and torque control in the control knob of the climate control system. The printed circuit board used with the automobile's climate control system has an integrated polymer thick film (PTF) circuit that replaces the traditional circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the need for separately mounted potentiometers and resistors as those items can be printed onto the polymer circuit. The printed circuit board is less expensive to manufacture over existing circuit board technology, is easier to assemble, results in fewer parts, and is environmentally friendly as no soldering of components is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Michael J. Hall
  • Patent number: 7114333
    Abstract: An axle driving apparatus in which a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor which constitute a hydrostatic transmission are disposed on a center section. In a horizontal portion of the center section are provided a pair of linear oil passages in parallel to each other. A pair of arcuate ports are provided on a pump mounting surface formed on the horizontal portion of the center section. The pair of arcuate ports are substantially perpendicular with respect to the direction in which the oil passages extend. The axis of slanting movement of a movable swash plate of the hydraulic pump extends laterally of the vehicle body on which the axle driving apparatus is provided. The rotating direction of an arm provided on a control shaft for slantingly operating the movable swash plate is coincident with the operating direction of a control rod connected with a speed changing member. Thus, the link mechanism for connecting the speed changing member and the control arm for the movable swash plate is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa, Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7032786
    Abstract: A caulking gun includes a gun body, a push rod, a push plate, an adjusting seat, a driving member, and an elastic member. Thus, the adjusting seat is movable in the gun body by rotation of the driving member to adjust the incline angle of the push plate by guidance of the tapered urging face of the adjusting seat so as to increase the incline angle of the locking hole of the push plate, so that the locking hole is locked on the push rod in a tilt manner so as to lock and move the push rod, without having to replace the push plate, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the caulking gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kai Shyun Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7032785
    Abstract: A caulking gun includes a gun body, a push rod, a push plate, an adjusting knob, and a piston lever. Thus, the adjusting knob is rotated to move away from the push plate to increase the incline angle of the push plate, so that the push plate is locked on the push rod in a tilt manner to lock and move the push rod without having to replace the push plate, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the caulking gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kai Shyun Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7028579
    Abstract: An over-mold lever in particular for use in a clamping mechanism for a vehicle steering column, is preferably made primarily of plastics material and includes a main portion (1) a head (5) and a hand grip (4). The head (5) is molded over an integrated camming surface (2), which is provided with one or more, preferably four, raised camming portions (2A). The camming surface (2) is arranged for engagement with a corresponding camming surface of another cam component to operate the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nsk Steering Systems Europe Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Irish, Nicholas Vinsonneau
  • Patent number: 6994361
    Abstract: A steering control apparatus centers a vehicle steer wheel movable away from a selected center position and includes a rotary member having a face with centering detents, a piston member having a face arranged opposite to the rotary member face with a centering detent aligned with each rotary member detent when the rotary member is center. Bearing members are resiliently pressed between the rotary and piston members, and each is arranged to be in contact with a seat of each of the aligned detents when the steer wheel is centered and to move out of the seats when the rotary member rotates relative to the piston member in response to steering movements by the vehicle driver. Each of the detents includes opposing ramps sloped up from the seat to a track in the corresponding face, and the ramps and tracks may be formed as grooves having substantially the same radius as the bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Durrell U Howard
  • Patent number: 6978694
    Abstract: A handlebar throttle controller includes a cylindrical housing adapted to be rotatably mounted to an end of a handlebar, and a rotary shaft supported within the housing for relative rotation about a longitudinal axis. A first spring angularly biases the shaft toward a first angular position, while at least one of a cam and follower arrangement and a friction element and reaction element arrangement generates a first torque characteristic resisting relative rotation of the shaft when the shaft is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and a second torque characteristic resisting relative rotation of the shaft within the housing when the shaft is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. A sensor on the housing generates an electrical output representative of an instantaneous angular position of the shaft relative to the housing, for use, for example, in an electronic throttle control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Peppard
  • Patent number: 6857660
    Abstract: A steering column assembly has a tilt head for rotating a steering column. A spring lock assembly locks the tilt head in any of an infinite number of pivotally adjusted positions and includes a locking bar and a coil spring. The coil spring has coils which are wrapped around and grip the locking bar to lock the tilt head in a selected pivotally adjusted position. A tilt release is provided to release the grip of the coils on the locking bar to enable the tilt head to be pivoted to another pivotally adjusted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Melvin Lee Tinnin, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Ray Garnet Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6840133
    Abstract: The release mechanism includes a hollow abutment member fastened to one end of the flexible outer conduit of the cable. The abutment member is mounted for sliding movement in a housing, but is normally prevented from sliding by a stop member associated with the housing for engaging a shoulder on the abutment member. The stop member establishes a reaction surface against which the abutment member and outer conduit bear when the cable is tensioned. An actuating mechanism is provided to selectively move the stop member so that the stop member is out of engagement with the shoulder of the abutment member, for example by a rotary movement, to permit axial movement of the abutment member in the housing when it is desired to release tension in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Richard Aubrey, Alan Samuel Botham, Roberto Capolongo, Neil Dean Williams
  • Patent number: 6725994
    Abstract: A mechanism useful as a slip clutch or brake, including a first member having a cylindrical inner wall, a second generally cylindrical member received coaxial within the first member so as to be rotatable therein, and at least one generally annular third spring member between the first and second members, the at least one third member having an external surface in contact with the inner wall of the first member, the second member having at least one longitudinal recess defining two wall surfaces, the at least one third member having ends extending inwardly into the at least one recess, each of the ends of the at least one third member contacting the wall surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Custom Products Corporation
    Inventor: Philip H. Bacon
  • Patent number: 6722734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dutailier International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Bellefleur
  • Patent number: 6694841
    Abstract: A self adjusting closure mechanism for a locking plier or similar device. Central to the invention is a set of one or more friction pawls which slide along a support rod, moved by a push link working against a spring. The push link is free to rotate between two positions relative to the rod as it slides. In the first position, and in between the positions, the push link bears against the center of the friction pawls and they remain free to slide along the rod. When the push link rotates to the second position, it presses on the edge of the pawls, causing them to tilt, coupling to the rod and preventing movement along the rod. In a typical locking plier, the support rod is mounted to the frame and the opposite end of the push link connects to the handle. As the handle closes, the push link rotates towards its second position and optionally slides along the support rod. When the friction pawls lock, the plier begins to grip and lock on to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Donald A. Kesinger
  • Patent number: 6675674
    Abstract: A locating/controlling structure for telescopic tube including an elliptic outer tube. A rotary button is rotatably disposed at one end of the outer tube. The rotary button is connected with an elliptic rod passing through the outer tube. An inner tube is telescopically nested in the outer tube. One end of the inner tube fitted in the outer tube is provided with a cock body formed with a central circular hole through which the elliptic rod is passed. The cock body has a stop section protruding from the inner tube. The stop section is formed with two radially opposite receptacles. A movable block is disposed in each of the receptacles. Each movable block has a contacting face complementary to the inner circumference of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Kuang Pin Wang
  • Publication number: 20040000212
    Abstract: A self adjusting closure mechanism for a locking plier or similar device. Central to the invention is a set of one or more friction pawls which slide along a support rod, moved by a push link working against a spring. The push link is free to rotate between two positions relative to the rod as it slides. In the first position, and in between the positions, the push link bears against the center of the friction pawls and they remain free to slide along the rod. When the push link rotates to the second position, it presses on the edge of the pawls, causing them to tilt, coupling to the rod and preventing movement along the rod. In a typical locking plier, the support rod is mounted to the frame and the opposite end of the push link connects to the handle. As the handle closes, the push link rotates towards its second position and optionally slides along the support rod. When the friction pawls lock, the plier begins to grip and lock on to the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Donald A. Kesinger
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030042109
    Abstract: A mechanism useful as a slip clutch or brake comprises a first member having a cylindrical inner wall, a second generally cylindrical member received coaxial within the first member and at least one third generally annular member between the first and second members and having frictional engagement with the inner wall of the first member. The second member has a longitudinal recess defined by a chordal wall or walls on radii from the longitudinal axis of the second member. The at least one third member has its ends bent inwardly forming arms extending inwardly into the recess and arranged to be contacted by or contact one of the recess defining walls upon rotation of one of said first and second members. Upon rotation of the first member as a driving member, the second member is driven through the frictional contact of the third member with the inner wall and the arms of the at least one third member acting on the recess defining walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip H. Bacon
  • Patent number: 6513404
    Abstract: A device for controlling the driving movements of a tracked vehicle includes a control lever 2 which can pivot about at least one pin 3, and a magnet arrangement by which any manually established position of the control lever 2 can be magnetically fixed. The strength of the magnetic fixing force is selected so that the control lever can be manually moved to a new position while overcoming the magnetic fixing force, and then the control lever is again magnetically held at the new position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: macmoter S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alois Johann Haringer
  • Patent number: 6494005
    Abstract: An inner leg telescopically fits within an outer leg and includes a motor coaxially mounted to an end remote from the outer leg. A drive screw is coupled to the motor shaft and extends through a drive nut in an axially extending drive nut riser. As the motor rotates the drive screw, the inner leg extends and retracts from the outer leg. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive nut riser is a hollow cylindrical tube extending substantially the length of the outer tube to position the drive nut near the intersection between the inner and outer legs when fully extended. Such an arrangement allows a motor to be coaxially mounted within the inner leg and, therefore, concealed and provides the desired extension and retraction of the legs for adjustment to different operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Suspa Incorporated
    Inventor: Dean A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6402242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Dutailier International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Bellefleur
  • Patent number: 6394692
    Abstract: A head lock ring assembly includes a ball bearing mounted on the head tube of a bicycle at a top and holding a set of steel balls outside the head tube, and a cover shell assembly formed of a cover shell, a first split ring, a second split ring, a rubber ring, and a locating cap, the cover shell assembly being covered on the ball bearing to lock the handlebar stem and the front fork of the bicycle for enabling the handlebar stem and the front fork to be rotated relative to the head tube, wherein the locating cap has a bottom flange inserted into the cover shell to hold down the first split ring and the second split ring in a receiving chamber in the cover shell around the handlebar stem and the front fork; the rubber ring is mounted around the locating cap above the bottom flange, and peripherally partially engaged into an inside annular groove in the cover shell to secure the cover shell, the first split ring, the second split ring and the locating cap together for quick installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin