Friction Patents (Class 74/531)
  • Patent number: 5704257
    Abstract: A securing mechanism for securing a drive shaft of a rotating tool member of a working tool against rotation includes a securing member fixedly connected to the drive shaft. The securing member has at least one engagement opening. A lock bolt for engaging the at least one engagement opening is provided. The lock bolt is axially displaceably positioned in the housing of the working tool. A spring for biasing the lock bolt into engagement with the at least one engagement opening is provided. An actuating element for displacing the lock bolt from an engaged position, in which the lock bolt engages the at least one engagement opening, into a disengaged position, in which the lock bolt is removed from the engagement opening, is provided. The actuator element is positioned adjacent to the lock bolt and has a cam member extending into the travel path of the lock bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Joachim Kottke, Gerhard Zerrer, Thomas Schweigert
  • Patent number: 5678454
    Abstract: A steering column (10) has a first steering column member (12) movable axially relative to a second steering column member (14). A support (68, 144) for connecting the steering column to a vehicle frame includes first and second clamping members (68, 144) at least partially circumscribing a member (58) connected to the first steering column member (12) for clamping the member (58) connected to the first steering column member (12) to lock the first steering column member (12) in any one of an infinite number of positions relative to the second steering column member (14). The first clamping member (68) is adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame. The second clamping member (144) has a first end portion (148) connected to the first clamping member (68) and a second end portion (142). A cam (122) engaging the second end portion (142) of the second clamping member (144) applies a clamping force to the second clamping member (144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Cartwright, Gary L. Vander Molen, Samuel G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5655413
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle in which antifriction elements are provided which interpose between relatively sliding components of an adjustable steering column construction each element allows sliding between limiting stops with resilient means between the stops to provide a soft stop. The resilient means may be a separate member or resilient portions at the ends of a slot in the element. Walls of the element may have longitudinal slits to take up manufacturing tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Laurence George Herbert Barton
  • Patent number: 5639177
    Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft including a polygonal tubular shaft, a polygonal solid shaft telescopically received in the polygonal tubular shaft, a spring which thrusts the solid and tubular shafts in opposite lateral directions to eliminate lash attributable to running clearance between the solid and tubular shafts, and a control operative from outside of the tubular shaft to relieve the lateral thrust of the spring. The solid shaft has an outside longitudinal groove facing an inside longitudinal groove in the tubular shaft and cooperating with the inside longitudinal groove in defining a longitudinal passage between the solid and tubular shafts. The spring is a helical coil spring wedged between the inside and the outside longitudinal grooves. The control includes a lever on the coil spring and a lateral slot in the tubular shaft through which the lever protrudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 5626059
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column includes clamping members which are drawn by a spring against sides of a steering column mounting bracket which flexes to clamp a steering column supporting adjustment bracket. The clamping members are located at opposite pivot points of a parallelogram linkage which has intermediate pivot points coupled to a Bowden cable with sheath. Operating the Bowden cable to draw arms of the linkage together against the bias of the spring causes the clamping members to be unclamped to allow adjustment of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: John T. Bobbitt, III, Stephen J. Baker
  • Patent number: 5613404
    Abstract: A tiltable steering system for an off-highway implement including a steering column having a steering wheel connected toward an upper end thereof. A tilting mechanism for the steering column defines a generally horizontal pivot about which the steering column moves. The tilting mechanism further includes a gas spring mechanism connected to the steering column for allowing the steering column to pivotally move through a relatively wide range of positions and thereafter be locked in a selected tilted position. A second tilting mechanism is provided between the steering column and the steering wheel for allowing the steering wheel to be adjusted and secured in a tilted position independently of the selected tilted position of the steering column. To further promote ergonomic positioning of the steering wheel, the steering column of the present invention is elevationally adjustable as through telescoping casings which define the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lykken, Barry A. Bowman, Philip T. Kemper
  • Patent number: 5606891
    Abstract: A steering column support includes a solid holder or box arranged for stationary mounting in a vehicle. The steering column support also includes a steering column which is longitudinally displacable (slidable) and/or rotatable (tiltable) in relation to the stationary box and means for providing a locking and releasing, respectively, of the steering column slide in relation to the stationary box under cooperation of locking lamella packs. The column slide is box shaped and is formed so solid and rigid that there cannot appear any substantial resilient movement or deformation thereof during locking and releasing, respectively, of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Autotech Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Claes G. E. Y. Tisell, Kurt Str omberg
  • Patent number: 5598741
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column incorporates a pre-set but variable preload. An operating handle is fitted on a shaft to rotate between clamped and unclamped conditions. Part of the shaft is provided with opposed flats about which a shaft lock washer is non-rotatably fitted. The lock washer operates with a stop member to prevent rotation of the assembly and a nut is tightened on one end of the shaft to the required preload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Colin A. Mitchell, Gerald A. Speich
  • Patent number: 5596909
    Abstract: A control lever assembly includes a mounting bracket on which a control lever and detent plate are supported. The bracket presents a generally planer sliding surface in which a detent element is formed. The control lever and detent plate are supported on the bracket for movement across the sliding surface, and the detent plate includes a finger that is supported for pivotal movement about an axis extending in a direction parallel to the sliding surface. A pair of opposed side walls are provided on the detent plate for guiding the pivotal movement of the finger while preventing the finger from shifting relative to the plate along the pivot axis of the finger. A spring is provided for biasing the finger against the sliding surface so that when the lever is pivoted to a position in which the finger is aligned with the detent element, the finger is forced into engagement with the element and holds the lever in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Wescon Products Company
    Inventors: Marvin L. Cox, Anthony F. Beugelsdyk, Ted E. Deubner, Donald R. Novak, Arthur L. Urban
  • Patent number: 5596907
    Abstract: An antifriction element for use between two relatively sliding metal components of an adjustable steering column is locatable between the two components and is formed such that, in an unclamped state of the components, two opposed resilient angled flanges act to urge the components away from contact with one another to allow relative free sliding of the components on the element, which is of plastics material, and, in a clamped state of the components, the flanges are deflected to allow direct contact between surfaces of the metal components to provide the clamping friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Laurence G. H. Barton
  • Patent number: 5595092
    Abstract: A positioning device of a pair of telescopically retractable vertical bars of a trolley includes a sleeve member, a pair of eccentric rings and a control unit. The sleeve member has a pair of sleeves coaxially rigidly mounted on outer tubes of the vertical bars, a plate having a height no less than a height of the sleeves and horizontally extending between the sleeves and tangentially in contact with them at an outer periphery thereof, and a gap respectively and radially defined in the sleeves. The eccentric rings have an inner diameter equal to an outer diameter of inner tubes of the vertical bars for the inner tubes passing therethrough and are coaxially rivetally retained in the gaps with a thinner ring wall thereof in contact with the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Chin-chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 5590565
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column having power adjustment of the horizontal and vertical positions of a steering wheel on an end of the steering column including an adjustable tubular mast jacket on which the steering wheel is supported, a stationary tubular mast jacket, and a self-adjusting slide bearing between the stationary and adjustable mast jackets. The self-adjusting slide bearing includes a support tube on the stationary mast jacket, pair of inward facing frustoconical seats on the support tube, a pair of plastic split sleeve bearings slidably mounted on the adjustable mast jacket each having an outward facing frustoconical side, and a tubular spring between the split sleeve bearings biasing the latter toward converging annuluses defined between the frustoconical seats and the adjustable mast jacket for lash-free sliding support of the adjustable mast jacket on the stationary mast jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Palfenier, Frank R. Keipert, Howard D. Beauch, Leland N. Olgren, William D. Cymbal
  • Patent number: 5570610
    Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle steering column having a stationary mast jacket, a tilt-housing supported on the stationary mast jacket for up and down pivotal movement, a steering wheel rotatably supported on the tilt-housing, a friction clamp for infinite tilt adjustment, and a wedge lock to prevent upward pivotal movement of the tilt-housing in the event the friction clamp is overpowered. The wedge lock includes an arc-shaped land on the tilt-housing, a locking ring having an eccentric outer edge rotatably supported on the stationary mast jacket concentric with the arc-shaped land, and a torsion spring biasing the locking ring toward engagement of the eccentric outer edge thereof on the arc-shaped land. If the friction clamp is overpowered, the arc-shaped land effects rotation of the locking ring to a wedged position against the land at the onset of pivotal movement of the tilt-housing in which further pivotal movement of the tilt-housing is foreclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William D. Cymbal
  • Patent number: 5568843
    Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where a rod is normally locked for axial movement through a lock housing by a spring tightly wound about the rod and axially fixed to the housing, the rod being released by partially unwinding the spring. The lock is assembled without welding of the components to permit use of dissimilar materials in the lock housing selected for strength and weight characteristics and use of plated or painted components. The lock housing is configured to reduce the number of parts in the lock and adjustment can be made to eliminate axial free play of the locking spring following assembly of the lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Co.
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, Calvin R. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5537892
    Abstract: In the mounting of a control lever utilized to manipulate a machine or implements of a machine, complex designs are often required to provide lever positioning stops and operational detents. The mounting apparatus of the present invention provides a control lever that is mounted within a housing by a plurality of non-metallic bearing members. At least one side portion of the bearing member bears against the control lever. Integrally formed in this side portion is a mounting apparatus for maintaining the position of the control handle in a preselected position. In addition, a recess is integrally formed in the bearing member for resisting the movement of the control lever and indicates when the control lever is approaching a point at which a functional change in the implement, controlled by the control lever, is about to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dean A. Wiechman
  • Patent number: 5522277
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated latch for a linearly movable shaft such as a shift lever shaft of a vehicle transmission includes an L-shaped armature that forms a latch plate and a magnetic arm. The shaft extends along the solenoid axis and through a clearance hole in the latch plate. Energization of the solenoid draws the magnetic arm toward a planar pole piece at one end of the solenoid winding. The latch plate swings from a position normal to the shaft axis to a tilted condition acutely angled to the shaft axis so that edge areas of the clearance hole grip the shaft surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Carter Automotive Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 5481938
    Abstract: A position control apparatus for a raked steering column including a stationary bracket having a pair of vertical legs on opposite sides of the steering column, a spacer on the steering column between the legs of the stationary bracket, and a clamp on the steering column for squeezing the legs of the stationary bracket against the spacer. The clamp includes a long bolt spanning the legs of the stationary bracket, a nut on the bolt, a one-way clutch between a head of the bolt and the stationary bracket permitting rotation of the bolt in only a tension-increasing direction, and a snap-on operating lever rotatable as a unit with the nut. After assembly on a vehicle, the clamp afforded by the bolt can be adjusted without changing the terminal positions of the lever by rotating the head of the bolt in a tension increasing direction while the operating lever is maintained in a clamped terminal position corresponding to maximum bolt tension between the vertical legs of the stationary bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Stuedemann, Russell L. Herlache, Ray G. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5481941
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively locking a stationary element and a movable element mounted on the stationary element. The mechanism comprises a pawl block mounted within a casing for sliding movement in opposite first and second directions along a first axis substantially transverse to an engagement surface on the stationary element. The pawl block has a substantially "V"-shaped cavity defined by two ramp surfaces which, together with the engagement surface, define a substantially triangular recess. A striated roller member is mounted within the recess for simultaneous circumferential engagement with the engagement surface and at least one of the inclined ramp surfaces when the pawl block is in its locking configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Ltd.
    Inventor: Gulam Premji
  • Patent number: 5465632
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-function steering mechanism having a non-rotatable display panel located within the rim of the steering wheel. Wires of a wiring truss to the display panel are continuous through a hollow non-rotatable support shaft for the display panel. The rotatable steering shaft is offset from the support shaft and geared to a cylindrical gear hub of the steering wheel which is rotatably supported on either the support column or onto an outer housing for the mechanism. The steering shaft is made to be telescoping and or tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventors: T. Jack Oki, Martin D. Oki
  • Patent number: 5454280
    Abstract: At least one toothed roller cooperates with a deformable bar with respect to a casing which contains at least one V-shaped cam. The V-shaped cam has a central portion with opposed toothed ramps cooperating both with the toothed roller. A control cam acting on the V-shaped cam for permitting a blockage of the whole assembly is provided. The deformable bar is either made of vertical blades assembled and fixed to one another or provided with transverse bores. The bar will be deformed under action of the toothed roller upon great impact in an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Automobile "BFA"
    Inventor: Georges Droulon
  • Patent number: 5450735
    Abstract: A door locking handle assembly of pull-out and side-swinging lever-action type, including a locking shaft 11, to which a catch plate 36 is fixed, is inserted in a cylindrical portion 2 of a casing 1, a retractable handle 19 received in the casing 1 is pivoted to the shaft 11 through a pivot 35, a spring-support plate 29 is axially slidably mounted on the shaft 11 but not rotatable relative to the shaft 11, a spring 37 urges the plate 29 toward a front-end of the shaft 11, wherein a cross-shaped click concave 23 is provided in a bearing surface 22 of the handle 19, and engaged with a corresponding cross-shaped click convex 31 provided in a bearing surface 30 on a front surface of the plate 29 when the handle 19 is projected from the casing 1 and side-swing, so that the handle 19 is held in a position in which a front end 36a of the plate 36 is retracted behind a rear surface 53b of the door 53.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Esaki, Kenichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5421180
    Abstract: A collapsible locking crank for use in locking burial caskets including a body pivotally housing a crank key arm and crank handle. The crank key arm includes a hexagonal key head on its free end for engaging the locking mechanism of the casket. The arm and handle may be pivoted away from the body to an open, operative position and toward the body to a closed, inoperative position. Rotation of the crank key arm about its longitudinal axis is had by rotation of the crank handle through the crank body when the crank is configured into a generally Z-shape. The crank is compact and lightweight for discrete and dignified use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilija Rojdev
  • Patent number: 5394767
    Abstract: A support structure is provided with two flanges (41,42) between which the steering column (43) is arranged. A device for locking the column by moving the flanges together has a tie (40) extending between the flanges, one end of which is associated with locking members including a stop member (44) for the tie, an intermediate bearing member (45) in contact with one flange, and a spacing assembly (46) arranged between the two members. The spacing assembly includes at least one rolling member (48,49) between the facing surfaces of the members, and a cage (50) for displacing this rolling member along an incline (52) provided on the corresponding surface of the intermediate bearing member (45). At least part of the tie connected to the stop member can be displaced rotationally so as to follow the displacements of the rolling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: ECIA-Equipements et Composants pour l'Industrie Automobile
    Inventors: Andre Hoblingre, Patrick Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 5392667
    Abstract: A device for improving the ease of operation of an adjustable steering column is disclosed. This device includes a support structure provided with two movable lock flanges between which the column is arranged, and a tie (20) extending between the flanges, one end of which is associated with a stop member (24) for the tie, an intermediate bearing member (25) in contact with one flange and, arranged between the two members, an intermediate bearing washer (51) free to rotate and move axially around the tie, a rolling-contact bearing (52) between the facing surfaces of this washer and of one of the members, at least one rolling member (53) between the facing surfaces of this washer and of the other of the members, and a cage (54) for displacing this rolling member along an incline (28) provided on one of the corresponding surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Ecia-Equipements et Composants pour l'Industrie Automobile
    Inventor: Patrick Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 5377555
    Abstract: A rake and reach adjustable steering column is secured in its desired location by means of a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a cam on camming surfaces on which rollers held in a body freely run. A bolt extends from the cam and roller arrangement through a mounting bracket for the steering column and through a member fixed to the steering column. The body is rotatable by a handle which, through the cam and roller arrangement, causes thrust washers and other parts to release and clamp the steering column in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Hancock
  • Patent number: 5367917
    Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor (10) includes a spindle (22), a ratchet wheel (30) and a locking pawl (44). The locking pawl (44) is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which it blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel (30) and the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) is moved into its engaged position in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of the spindle (22) in the unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) moves back to its disengaged position in response to rotation of the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The retractor (10) further includes a torsion spring (210) and a leaf spring (250) acting in series between the spindle (22) and the locking pawl (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Hishon, Steven Stoll
  • Patent number: 5363717
    Abstract: This invention relates to the bearing mount of the steering column tube (1) of a telescoping steering column in which the steering column tube (1) is supported in a housing (2) on the body with axial mobility. To produce a bearing mount without play, the steering column tube (1) is mounted to move axially in the housing (2) in a bearing bushing (3) slotted in the longitudinal direction and made of a nonmetallic material, with this bearing bushing (3) being supported on an outer contour (5) conical in cross section with frictional adhesion against an inner cone (6) of the housing (2) under axial spring load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Raimund Eichholz, Klaus Schuller
  • Patent number: 5363716
    Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. An input shaft is connected with the steering wheel and supported on the first steering column member for pivotable movement relative to the first steering column member. A first lock locks the first steering column member in any one of an infinite number of axial positions relative to the second steering column member. A second lock locks the input shaft in any one of an infinite number of pivot positions relative to the first steering column member. A member to unlock the first and second locks has a first position in which the first lock is unlocked and the second lock is locked. The member has another position in which the second lock means is unlocked and the first lock is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Budzik, Jr., Mark A. Cartwright, Mark A. Hoagland, Samuel G. Johnson, III, Murthy N. Nemani, Gerald K. Oxley, Philip S. Peterson, Gerald W. Thomas, Frederick D. Venable, Daniel L. White
  • Patent number: 5361646
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a first member in any one of an infinite number of positions relative to a second member includes a resilient members for urging the first and second members toward each other to apply a friction force between the first and second members to prevent relative movement between the first and second members. An actuator member for releasing the friction force between the first and second members has a first position in which the first and second members are prevented from moving relative to each other. The actuator member has a second position in which the first and second members are positionable relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes a handle for moving the actuator member from its first position to its second position to release the friction force between the first and second members. The resilient members is operable to move the actuator member from its second position to its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick D. Venable
  • Patent number: 5335563
    Abstract: A one-way damper comprising, one forming member for forming an accommodating chamber, other forming member disposed opposite to the one forming member such that the one and other forming members form the accommodating chamber therebetween and the other forming member is rotatable relative to the one forming member, a coil spring wound around the other forming member, and a viscous fluid accommodated in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignees: Kuroishi Iron Works Co., Ltd., Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Yamamoto, Masamitsu Kojima, Kazuo Kato
  • Patent number: 5333515
    Abstract: A motorcycle throttle control for installation in a hand grip throttle control comprises a body designed to be threaded into a motorcycle throttle housing, a plunger within the body, and a cam lever mounted by the body for engaging the plunger to urge it into binding contact with a motorcycle throttle drum to hold a motorcycle throttle in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: William C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5328242
    Abstract: An adjustable chair includes a base, a seat, a back and a chair control for pivotally connecting the back to the base for movement between an upright position and an inclined position. The seat is pivoted to the base at a front end. The seat is also connected to the base by a plurality of locking plates. A spring clamp normally holds the plates in a locked position. The clamp permits pivotal adjustment of the seat with respect to the base. A cable actuated back stop or lock includes a lever pivoted to the back. When in the operative position, the lever contacts the locking plates connected to the seat to limit or prevent tilting of the back with respect to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Steffens, Russell T. Holdredge
  • Patent number: 5307706
    Abstract: A speed control apparatus for a bicycle for selecting a speed position from a plurality of speed positions based on a wire winding amount. This apparatus includes a fixed element, a displaceable control lever, a takeup element pivotally supported by the fixed element for winding a wire, the takeup element being rotatable to rotate the takeup portion by the displacement of the control lever in a wire winding direction to select one of the speed positions, and a position setting mechanism disposed between the control lever and the fixed element. The position setting mechanism includes a clutch pawl and clutch teeth. The clutch pawl is movable between an engaging position to engage the clutch teeth and a retracted position away from the clutch teeth. The takeup element is retained in a selected speed position by the clutch pawl engaging one of the clutch teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5301567
    Abstract: A device for locking a tilt steering column in adjusted position has two clamping rings, one of which is rotated by a handle. When the handle is rotated in one direction, the clamping rings interact to lock the steering column in adjusted position. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the clamping rings release the steering column so that its position can be adjusted. A third ring is provided to releasably retain the locking rings in locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Snell, Thomas S. Kaliszewski, Rodney L. Eaton
  • Patent number: 5301569
    Abstract: At least one rod is normally locked by toothed rollers cooperating with toothed slanted inner portions of V-shaped locking members controlled by a locking cam. The V-shaped locking members are guided within an inner casing of a polygonal shape that has a lower portion for supporting the rod. The lower portion comprises two slanted inner elements which cooperate with a fluted roller placed underneath the underside of the rod. Under an impact, the fluted roller is locked underneath the rod by moving upwardly along one of the two slanted inner elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Automobile "BFA"
    Inventor: Georges Droulon
  • Patent number: 5287763
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt type steering system having: a steering column having its one end part into which a handle shaft fixed with a steering wheel is rotatably inserted; a pivotal supporting unit for pivotally supported the other end part of the steering column; an adjusting unit for adjusably locating and releasably fixing the steering wheel in an arbitrary position with respect to the car body within the range of pivotal movement of the steering column; a tilt lever for controlling the fixation and the release of the steering column with respect to the car body by the adjusting unit; and a shearing bolt having a head part sheared off when undergoing predetermined or greater torque in order to fix the tilt lever to the adjusting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Nagashima
  • Patent number: 5285695
    Abstract: A steering wheel and deflection unit for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, is described, of the type in which a steering wheel is connected in an angularly rigid manner to a steering shaft and a control lever for a direction signalling device is supported radially in the vicinity of this steering wheel; the rest position of the control lever with respect to the steering wheel can be adjusted into a plurality of different angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Nevio Di Giusto
  • Patent number: 5267480
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column has a tube and a shaft. The shaft has a slide portion at one end and a midregion adjacent the slide portion. The slide portion and at least a portion of the midregion are received in sliding engagement in the tube. The tube has a crimp which is formed about a portion of the midregion and slidably engages the midregion. Rotational torque is transmitted between the shaft and the tube through the midregion and crimp. Further, the slide portion of the shaft abuts the crimp and is blocked from passing through the crimp. Finally, a slide lock is provided to fix the position of the shaft relative to the tube in a locked position and whereby the shaft slides relative to the tube in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Douglas Autotech Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Krizan
  • Patent number: 5265492
    Abstract: A device for locking a tilt steering column in adjusted position has two clamping rings, one of which is rotated by a handle. When the handle is rotated in one direction, the clamping rings interact to lock the steering column in adjusted position. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the clamping rings release the steering column so that its position can be adjusted. The handle is normally positively retained in a position in which the locking device clamps the steering column, but can be moved to a position in which it unclamps the steering column upon operation of a release lever on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: William M. Snell
  • Patent number: 5261290
    Abstract: A control lever system for actuating the hydraulic pump of a hydrostatic transmission system of an agricultural vehicle includes a lever having a hand grip portion for actuation by the operator. The lever passes through an elongate slot in a console surface to control its movement. A lower end of the lever is connected to the pump. A friction resistance system is applied to the lever to generate a frictional force resisting the natural restoring force of the pump tending to move to the neutral postion. The friction resistance is applied only over the length of the slot relating to the forward movement of the pump so that there is no action at the neutral position or in reverse. The friction resistance includes a friction multiplier generated by a sub-lever portion pivotally mounted on the lever and biased by spring action when in contact with an abutment member to pinch a friction band so that the friction force generated by the band is greater than the spring action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ramsay, Leonard Bergman, Thomas R. Fox
  • Patent number: 5259264
    Abstract: An adjustable steering wheel, preferably for trucks, includes a steering column (4) on an upper supporting arm (3), which is pivoted in a lower supporting arm (2), which in turn is pivotally mounted to a windshield beam, for example, in the cab. A locking device in the form of a first and a second friction plate package (19, 11) with an intermediate conical spring washer package (30) locks the supporting arms relative to each other and relative to the cab. By means of a pair of levers (32, 33), a control cable (36) and a foot pedal, the spring package can be compressed to remove the locking effect of the plate packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Jan-Olof Bodin, Sven-Ake Hurtig
  • Patent number: 5222414
    Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the actuation of a pair of control levers through a control unit and an actuator unit from a remote location by a moveable operator. The operator is attached to a drive plate for rotation when the operator is moved. A contact element is associated with the drive plate and is adapted to make contact with one or the other of a pair of friction plates after the operator is rotated through a predetermined angle from its upright position so that the frictional force between the contact element and the friction plate increases as the angle of rotation of the operator increases from the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyonobu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5219045
    Abstract: Simplified assembly and reduced parts count in a linear mechanical lock assembly of the type where a rod is normally gripped against axial translation through a housing by a coil spring and released by unwinding the spring, is achieved by a one piece housing with integrally formed spring containment and rod bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, George V. Babiciuc
  • Patent number: 5211073
    Abstract: A rotating shaft has a ball bearing axially fixed on the shaft with a recess formed in the outer race. A detent device, urged radially toward the recess, cooperates with inclined flanks on axially opposite sides of the recess to produce a counterforce in response to axial displacement of the shaft without generating significant friction caused by rotation of the shaft. The detent device may have a spherical tip received in a conical or groove-shaped recess or it may be a rotatable roller received in a transversely oriented groove in the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Horst Nikl, Alfons Weissbrich
  • Patent number: 5205538
    Abstract: Detent mechanisms are useful for retaining a stem of a control valve at predetermined operating positions. The ball type detents commonly used in control valves tend to slide thereby causing the operator to extend additional energy to overcome the sliding friction. The subject detent mechanism includes a roller rotatably disposed on a pin carried by a roller carrier. The roller has an annular arcuate surface in rolling contact with the peripheral surface of the stem. The arcuate surface increases the contact surface between the roller and the stem to thereby insure that the roller rolls on the stem and minimizes the lever effort necessary to move the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Mackoway, Jr., Charles E. Holzinger
  • Patent number: 5197347
    Abstract: A control system including interfaced hand and foot control assemblies for independently conditioning an off-highway implement by selectively positioning a regulator thereof relative a neutral position. The hand and foot control assemblies utilize a common force transfer mechanism in the form of a push/pull cable for moving and positioning the regulator. The foot control assembly includes a self-centered foot pedal and linkages for arranging the push/pull cable relative to the regulator in a manner inhibiting binding forces from being imparted to the cable. The hand control assembly requires independent movement of a control lever in two different planes to shift the hand control assembly from a neutral condition. Moreover, the hand control assembly is isolated from spring forces acting to self center the foot pedal and thus requires low operator efforts to adjust the position of the regulator. The control system of the present invention further includes a mechanism for governing operation of the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Moffitt, Marvin L. Morris, David E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5189926
    Abstract: A pivotal throttle control lever having a plurality of primary flaps with teeth formed therein in an arc about the pivot axis of the lever. A plurality of ribs, each corresponding to a respective primary flap are provided for engaging the teeth as the lever is pivoted by the operator. The ribs deflect the primary flaps only as the teeth engage the ribs during pivotal shifting of the lever. The ribs are offset within respective spaces between the teeth such that the primary flaps alternate deflecting as the ribs encounter the teeth. A choke flap is formed integrally with the lever and deflects as a choke tooth abuts a first portion of the control quadrant. The choke tooth is positionable within an opening for securing the lever in the choke mode. The resistance to shifting created by the choke tooth in abutment with the first portion is great than the resistance created by the teeth encountering the ribs, such that the operator senses the position of the lever during shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jon M. Patterson, James H. Weitz
  • Patent number: 5182963
    Abstract: A control mechanism of the soft release type includes a cylindrical drum about which is concentrically arranged a helical clutch spring the coil turns of which are normally contracted radially inwardly into frictional engagement with the outer periphery of the drum, characterized in that the drum is formed of powdered metal that is impregnated with damping oil. Owing to the direction of the coil turns, the drum may be rotated only in a first direction relative to the spring, and upon radial outward expansion of the spring, the viscous film of the damping oil between the outer periphery of the spring affords controlled soft-release of the drum for rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Orscheln Co.
    Inventors: Randal J. Perisho, Robert L. Heimann, Wayne L. Soucie
  • Patent number: 5170867
    Abstract: Pedal parking brake. This device is provided with a supporting shaft fixed to the side of a car body, a rotary body attached to another end of the supporting shaft, a damper case interposed between the supporting shaft and the rotary body, a lock spring latched to a lock releasing member, a clutch spring ineternally provided to the rotary body and the damper case being bridged thereon, and a viscous material filled in a clearance between the supporting shaft and the damper case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juji Ojima, Yoshiharu Kitamura, Kouichi Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 5167166
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting motion along a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element (12) movably supported within a flexible conduit (14). The assembly (10) includes an adjustment member (18) for adjusting the length of the core element (12). The adjustment member (18) includes a housing (20) having a slot (26) therein and a further includes a rack (28) movably disposed in the slot (26). A lockable roller (40) having a periphery (42) tangentially in rolling engagement with the rack (28) interconnects the housing (20) and rack (28). A lock member (48) is movably engageable with the rack (28) or roller (40) for preventing movement therebetween thereby locking the roller (40) in a selected position along the rack (28) to maintain an adjusted core element (12) length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: David L. Ruhlman