Finger Lever Release Patents (Class 74/537)
  • Patent number: 10486659
    Abstract: A manual park release device includes: a bracket; a pin protruding outwardly from the bracket; a lever pivotably connected to the bracket at a pivot point and configured to rotate about the pivot point in response to a pull of the lever in a pulling direction, such that a first lever position corresponds to a park range of a transmission, and a second lever position corresponds to an out-of-park range of the transmission; and a channel formed in a body of the lever on a side of the lever toward which the pin protrudes, such that the pin interfaces with the channel and is movable in the channel when the lever rotates about the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Singleton
  • Patent number: 9616863
    Abstract: A park brake assembly includes a base. A park brake lever is pivotal about the base. A pawl is pivotal about a pawl pivot. The pawl is linked to the brake lever. A sector is attached to the base and the pawl releasably locks and unlocks relative to the sector. The pawl includes a pivot slot that receives the pawl pivot and wherein the pawl translates about the pawl pivot changing an angle of engagement of the pawl relative to the sector when subjected to a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan M. Pereira
  • Patent number: 8789442
    Abstract: An assembled structure of brake release knob that assures a predetermined anchoring force, and reliable anchoring with no damage being caused in assembling. A cap (80) is fixed in a brake lever distal end part (11); a brake release knob (20) is inserted into the cap (80); a flange part (23) formed on a leg part (22) extending from a head part (21) of the brake release knob is engaged with an innermost end (85) of the cap; in the brake lever distal end part (11), a distal end part taperedly extending from a shoulder part (72) of a release rod (70) is inserted closer to the center of the cap (80) than the leg part (22) of the brake release knob; and between the shoulder part (72) and the innermost end (85) of the cap, the flange part (23) of the brake release knob is sandwiched under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kawano, Satoru Masuda
  • Patent number: 8667862
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block and a locking device adapted to lock the manual brake lever into a position. The locking device includes a detent arranged on the manual brake lever and adapted to pivot around a pivoting axis, the detent having a bore, a locking segment connected to the bearing block, a spring element adapted to hold the detent into a locking position on the locking segment, and a connecting element adapted to secure the detent on the manual brake lever. The connecting element and the spring element jointly form a single structural unit adapted for insertion into the bore in the detent during installation of the detent on the manual brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dietz-automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Baris Barcin
  • Patent number: 8556216
    Abstract: A support assembly for helicopter control sticks has a supporting structure; an instrument panel fixed to the supporting structure; and a connecting device for connecting the sticks to the supporting structure. The connecting device has a longitudinally elongated arm fitted on one end with the sticks; and the arm slides to move the sticks to/from the supporting structure, and rotates about a horizontal axis to adjust the height of the sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Agusta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gian Luigi Bandera
  • Patent number: 8528446
    Abstract: A parking lever cover for a vehicle can be easily and firmly attached to a parking lever frame having a large bend angle, easily manufactured, and provide the parking lever with an aesthetically elegant external appearance, thereby increasing commercial appeal of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jaewan Jin, Hayun Jung
  • Patent number: 7779723
    Abstract: An anti-loosening device for a parking brake is provided to securely park a vehicle comprising: a ratchet wheel (20) having multiple teeth (21) formed on an arc-shaped edge, a pivot hole (22) located at a center of the arc, an operating lever (40) having an upper portion forming a tube-shaped handle, a lower portion forming a flat and narrow cavity, a latching mechanism (60) consisting of a pawl (61), a slot (62), a rotating shaft (31), and an elastic spring (80), a lever operating mechanism consisting of an operating rod (70), a coil spring (71), and a push button (72), wherein the operating lever (40) is mounted on the ratchet wheel (20) for rotation with respect to the pivot shaft (30), one end of the operating rod (70) is mounted on the push button (72) with the coil spring (71) and the other end of the operating rod (70) is connected to the slot (62) of the latching mechanism (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Dongwoun Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeon-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7748290
    Abstract: A parking lever includes a base plate, a parking lever rotatably mounted to the base plate and having a parking brake cable connected thereto, a ratchet disposed on the base plate, a pawl lever rotatably mounted to the parking lever, a button mounted to the parking lever, a rod operably connecting the button to the pawl lever, and a stopper mounted to the parking lever. The lever is moveable from a released state to a parking state in which the pawl lever is engaged with the ratchet. In one embodiment, the parking lever is not released by operation of only the button to prevent accidental release of the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Il Choi
  • 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: 7637180
    Abstract: A release operation knob is provided at a distal end of a brake operation lever so as to move back and forth in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the brake operation lever. A locking pawl is provided swingably on the brake operation lever so as to engage with ratchet teeth which is fixedly placed on a vehicle body side. A rotational rod is provided so as to rotate on an axis extending substantially along an axial direction of the brake operation lever. The rotational rod includes a primary arm portion and a secondary arm portion are respectively provided on each end of a rod main body. The primary arm portion linked to the release operation knob, and the secondary arm portion is linked to the locking pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumikage Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7430940
    Abstract: A shift lever device which includes: a shift lever turnably fitted on a stationary member; an engaging member for engagement of the shift lever with the stationary member; and a knob fitted on the shift lever. The engaging member is moved toward its distal end to disengage from the stationary member. The knob includes a knob body provided with a fitting hole into which the shift lever is inserted together with a first engaging part of the engaging member, a button pivoted on the knob body, and a link lever connected to the button, having a second engaging part for engagement with the first engaging part. When the shift lever is inserted into the fitting hole and the distal end thereof reaches a predetermined position therein, the button is operated to have the second engaging part engaged with the first engaging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kondou, Kyoichi Inoue, Ei Inaba, Naoki Norimatsu
  • Patent number: 7360469
    Abstract: A shift lever includes: a knob having a opening, which is mounted on the distal end of the lever main body; a moving body, movably arranged in the interior of the lever main body with one end protruding from the opening thereof and is placed in the interior of the knob; an operating unit, which is movably accommodated in the opening portion of the knob; and a link member that is provided in the knob turnably around an axis that is the center of a predetermined region of the base end side; an engaging pin provided at one of the operating unit and the link member; and guide grooves provided such that the engaging pin can be placed in the other of any one of the operating unit and the link member, where from one end in the longitudinal direction to the other end is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shigetoshi Tomida
  • Patent number: 7272988
    Abstract: A shift knob (1) for a gearshift lever (3) of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle has a locking bar (5) guided axially in the gearshift lever (3) and a release button (2) which can be actuated manually for actuating the locking bar (5) in relation to the gearshift lever (3). The release button (2) is arranged in the shift knob (1) at the top end of the gearshift lever (3). The release button (2) is connected to the shift knob (1) by means of at least one lever arm (16) via a mounting site (17). The length of the lever arm (16) of the release button (2) is selected such in relation to the path traveled by the release button (2) during the actuation that the release button (2) performs an essentially linear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jörg Meyer, Klemens Meyer, Jan Szekeres-Kriselius
  • Patent number: 7258205
    Abstract: A power tool includes a braking system that minimizes a stopping time for a cutting blade of the power tool. The braking system includes a roller bearing clutch mechanism combined with a positive stop pin. The stop pin is provided at an end portion of a cable assembly. The cable assembly is coupled to a trigger through a lever on one end, with the stop pin and a return spring inserted into a gear box on the other end. When the trigger is in a released position, the stop pin fully engages into a positive stop on a bearing cage at a top portion of the drive assembly. The coiled return spring keeps the stop pin in position. When the trigger is pulled, the cable pulls the stop pin out of the positive stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome L. Berti, Terry E. Fear, James R. Higgins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7059212
    Abstract: An arrestable tensioning device 10, in particular for a parking brake system, is described. The tensioning device 10 comprises an actuating device 20, a tensioning element 40 coupled to the actuating device 20 for executing a tensioning motion, and a releasable arresting device 60 for the tensioning element 40. The arresting device 60 has a first contour 70 coupled to the tensioning element 40, as well as an arresting element 66, which for arresting the tensioning element 40 interacts with the first contour 70, i.e. for example, is brought into engagement with the first contour 70. A lagging element 64 is provided, which upon a reversal of motion of the first contour 70 follows on after a time delay and in said case is movable relative to the first contour 70 back and forth between a first relative position enabling e.g. an engagement of the arresting element 66 into the first contour 70 and a second relative position preventing an engagement of the arresting element 66 into the first contour 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Johann Von Der Heide
  • 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: 6915718
    Abstract: A selector lever for automatic transmission for an automobile has an automatic selector handle in which the horizontal movement of the push button into the housing is transmitted to the rod by means of a deflecting lever which is swivelable around a cylindrical pin. A support lever is connected with the rod by a cylindrical pin. The support lever is supported at the housing and its movement is limited by a distance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Bohuslav Blascok, Axel Wack
  • Patent number: 6871564
    Abstract: A control lever system for a parking brake includes a control lever for a parking brake attached to an interior equipment of a vehicle, the control lever moving between an operating position B and a releasing position A, and a recess provided for accommodating the control lever in the releasing position A. A releasing knob, operated for returning the control lever from the operating position B to the releasing position A, is disposed on a side face of a grip of the control lever, the side face corresponding to an opened face of the recess, so that the gap g between an inner wall of the recess and a head of the grip can be narrowed without being interfered with by the releasing knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Komatsubara, Masahiro Imamachi, Hiroshi Inakazu, Tsutomu Tomimitsu
  • Patent number: 6840134
    Abstract: A hand brake arrangement for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, has a brake lever which is swivellably disposed on a vehicle-fixed stationary base and, with a locking device, can be locked in different swivelling positions. The brake lever has an unlocking device for releasing the locking. The unlocking device has two release press buttons which each drive a push rod, a rocker lever which is swivellably about a rocker axis disposed on the brake lever and on which, on two sides which are opposed with respect to the rocker axis, the two push rods are pivotally connected. A release cable control, on one end, is applied to at least one of the push rods or to at least one of the release press buttons or to the rocker lever and, on the other end, is coupled with the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Falk Stadler
  • Patent number: 6789444
    Abstract: A shift lever device which includes a housing, a shift lever, a knob, a rod with a key and a locking mechanism. The shift lever has a tube and a supporting member provided with a pivot supported by the housing on the vehicle body and a base block to which the tube is connected. The knob is connected to the tube. The rod inserted through the shift lever, is movable in an axial direction by operating the knob button of the knob. The key has a detent engaging portion to engage with a detent plate of the housing. The locking mechanism has a lock lever with a locking portion at its tip. The lock lever swings so that the locking portion is interposed between the base block and the key to lock movement of the rod, thus maintaining the engagement of the detent engaging portion with the detent plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoichi Fujiwara, Yoshimasa Kataumi
  • Patent number: 6732608
    Abstract: A lever (60) is for operation via a grip (40). Lever (60) has a transmission member (61) incorporated therein. A mechanism (M1) is for the operation of transmission member (61) via grip (40). A connecting member (10) is assembled with mechanism (M1). Connecting member (10) is fixed to lever (60), having transmission member (61) incorporated therein. Connecting member (10) is mounted to grip (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6601469
    Abstract: A shifting device with a gearshift lever for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is provided with an unlocking mechanism for unlocking the gearshift lever with a manual actuating element. The gearshift lever can be moved, in at least one shift gate, between two different shift positions and can be locked at least partially in these shift positions as a function of different vehicle configurations. A spring-tensioned force transmission element is provided in the unlocking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
  • Patent number: 6446528
    Abstract: An actuating element for a latching device of a selector lever is provided. To prevent improper unlatching of the latching device, the force that can be introduced by an actuating element into a transfer rod is limited by a pretensioned spring located therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Edmund Sander, Peter Hoebel, Sven Hartnigk
  • Patent number: 6431025
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a surgical retractor blade having a dual ratchet holder. A pivot ratchet is mounted on the dual ratchet holder. A pawl key mounted on the dual ratchet holder. The pawl key is used to engage the teeth on the pivot ratchet. The mechanism also has a pivot thumb piece that is pivotally attached to the pawl key. The thumb piece is used to release the pawl key when it is activated. A rocker thumb piece is mounted on the dual ratchet holder. It is used to engage and disengage a tooth on the stem of a surgical retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Tibor Koros, Gabriel Koros
  • Patent number: 6060803
    Abstract: A starter comprising: a motor 24, a clutch 21, which is connected to the motor 24; a pinion gear 22, which is connected to the clutch 21 and engages and disengages with the ring gear of the engine; an electromagnetic switch 2, which switches on and off an electric current for the motor 24; a reciprocating shift lever 4, which is linked to the electromagnetic switch 2; and lever springs 105, which press the shift lever 4 so that the pinion gear 22 is elastically pushed against and engaged with the ring gear; wherein the lever springs 105 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane 25 which includes the central axis of the motor 24 and the central axis of the electromagnetic switch 2, the lever springs 105 are attached to cylindrical portions 106b which are a plurality of protrusions on the plate 106, and the lever springs 105 and the shift lever 4 come into contact through a plate 106.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoi Hisamoto, Shigeru Shiroyama
  • Patent number: 5950496
    Abstract: The hand brake lever 1 mounted rotatably at a stationary frame 4 engages with two lever arms 10 to a slide 11, which surrounds a tie rod 15 and is to displace same along its longitudinal axis via a silent ratchet. At least one cable line 6 is linked to the tie rod 15. The silent ratchet includes two clamping pieces 14 made of a plastic or other material, which are located between the side surfaces of the tie rod 15 and of the slide 11, which side surfaces face each other. The clamping pieces 14 are pressed via wedge surfaces 20, 21 against the tie rod 15, and opposite teeth 16, 19 lead to positive locking. The tie rod 15 is also subjected to the force of a tension spring 18 to bring about the absence of clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: AL-KO Kober AG
    Inventor: Armin Rampp
  • Patent number: 5819595
    Abstract: A safety brake mechanism incorporates a self-regulating device and a self-adjusting device, the first including a traction body (36) attached to one end (44) of the steel cable (60) of the control cable and a traction spring (37) coupled to the pivot pin (5) of the brake lever (4), and a thrust body (47) coupled to the pivot pin (8) of the ratchet (6) lever (7), with both bodies (36, 47) having respective toothed portions (41, 52) for mutual meshing, so that when the brake lever (4) is in the rest position, the spring (37) subjects said end (44) to traction, permanently adjusting the length of the sheathed portion of the control cable, while the self-adjusting device includes, in the traction body (36) and on the support (2) of the mechanism corresponding orifices (42, 58) traversed ex-works by a retaining pin (59).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Gabas Cebollero
  • Patent number: 5609066
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a vehicle parking brake mounted in a vehicle consisting of the following elements. An actuator that is pivotally-mounted for movement between a first and second position. An elongate output member connected to a vehicle parking brake that is slidably mounted in the mounting structure. This elongate output member moves in a brake-applying direction in response to the movement of the actuator from the first to second position. A driver that alternates states between an uncoupled and coupled position in relation to the output member, in response to the movement of the actuator from the first to second position, respectively. A releasable holder that restrains the output member against reverse movement during movement of the actuator from second to first position, and a release mechanism for disengaging the releasable holder from the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Simplistik Design Limited
    Inventors: Gavin Bunker, Timothy Bunker
  • Patent number: 5564315
    Abstract: A locking system for vehicular seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, is described and includes a rail (9), having a row of identically designed snap-in holes (11), which are separated by identically long, web-like material members (13), and a part having with a pair of bolts (1, 7), which can be moved relative to the rail. The bolts (1, 7) of the pair of bolts can be moved independently of each other at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the rail. In each position along the rail (9) at least one bolt (1, 7) can fall into a snap-in hole (11). One of the bolts (1) has a segment (3), which tapers away from the basic body (1') and includes an end which has a smaller cross section and which adjoins an end segment (5), that faces the rail. The largest width of the pair of bolts (1, 7) exceeds the length of the snap-in holes (11). The smallest distance between the bolts (1) and (7) is larger than the width of the web-like material parts (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Keiper Recaro GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Udo Orzech, Ulrich Lehmann
  • Patent number: 5509326
    Abstract: This brake comprises a lever (1) articulated onto a pin (2), a soleplate (3) and a toggle joint mechanism (8) connected to the application cable (9); this mechanism (8) includes a connecting rod which is articulated onto the lever (1), the end of the cable (9) being connected to the end of the connecting rod (10) through the use of a balance bar (11) which can be moved translationally in a direction parallel to the cable (9). The mechanism (8) considerably decreases the forces for applying and releasing the brake. On application, the lever (1) is brought into abutment on the soleplate (3) so that the direction of the force (P) in the connecting rod (10), which force is brought about by tensioning the cable (9), passes above the pin (2), which keeps it in the applied position. A push-rod (16), subjected to a return force (F) and sliding inside the lever (1) automatically provides safety locking of the brake in the position for keeping it applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell Body and Chassis Systems
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Belmond
  • Patent number: 5479993
    Abstract: Disclosure is made of an adjustable pitch garden hoe tool head (16) as an article of manufacture wherein the pitch of the garden hoe tool head (16) head assembly can be adjusted to control the dig or "bite" into the soil and comprises ferrule legs (11, 11') mounted on an extended handle (1) and adjustable pitch garden hoe tool head (16) mounted on the ferrule legs (11, 11') and a modified compression V spring (10) having a three sided trapezoidal shape with an apex segment of modified compression V spring (23) which is a straight segment at the apex mounted within the ferrule legs (11, 11') and arms (9, 9') of the modified compression V spring (10) extending into pitch set slots (4, 4') and pitch set stops (3, 3') in vertical sides (5, 5') of base blade (6) of the garden hoe tool head (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Bojar
  • Patent number: 5467666
    Abstract: An improved non-jamming self-adjust pawl and ratchet mechanism for use in an automotive parking brake system or the like, includes cam-out and cam-in devices that are spaced to define an overlap dwell distance to insure suitable engagement between the adjuster pawl and the adjuster ratchet as a foot or hand brake operating lever is pivoted from a brake disengaged position toward a brake fully-engaged position. In the case of the foot-operated lever, the spacing distance between the cam-out and cam-in devices is greater than the bounce-back travel distance of the lever upon the removal of cable tension load thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Soucie, Larry B. Champ, Jeffrey E. Tayon, Harold L. Carlson, Steven W. Marek, Peter C. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5375481
    Abstract: A multi-position ratchet mechanism for holding a surgical retractor blade which permits a retractor blade to be rotated into the wound and retracted at the same time to duplicate the natural "toe-in" method of retraction achieved with the hand. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet holder to which is pivotally attached a ratchet pivot housing. The retractor blade is mounted in an opening projecting through ratchet pivot housing and held in position by a retractor pawl attached to the ratchet pivot housing. The ratchet pivot housing also has a curved ratchet which depends into a cooperating slot in the ratchet holder and engages a ratchet release bar which is mounted on the ratchet holder and spring biased into the ratchet slot. One end of ratchet release bar is positioned under an actuating surface of the retractor pawl. The application of pressure on the actuating surface will release both ratchets to allow adjustment of the retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene J. Cabrera, Francisco A. Amaral, John J. Amaral, John R. Bookwalter
  • 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: 5272935
    Abstract: A hand brake for a motor vehicle includes a hand lever pivotably supported on a support bracket fixed to the vehicle body, and an adjusting disc likewise supported on the support bracket and connecting the hand lever with a pull member leading to a wheel brake shoe. A detent pawl supported on the hand lever cooperates with a toothed segment formed integrally with the support bracket and is released with an actuation rod longitudinally displaceable in the hand lever. The hand lever is connectable with the adjusting disc by a coupling pawl supported on the hand lever and slidably engaging a guide pin secured to a side surface of the support bracket. The adjusting disc is springbiased in the rotational direction so that it provides for progressive pull member displacement/force ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Ed. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz W. Heinemann, Sven Bode
  • 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: 5247850
    Abstract: The actuating device for a hand brake of a motor vehicle includes a hand lever pivotably supported on a support bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle body and displaceable against a bias of a return spring, and a traction lever that connects the hand lever with the drive element for actuating means of at least one wheel brake assembly of the motor vehicle. The actuating device further includes an automatically locking latching mechanism which is associated with the traction lever and is not connected with the hand lever. The latching mechanism provides for predetermined positioning of the drive element necessary for application of the brake. The latching mechanism is released with an auxiliary rod displaceable within the hand lever against a spring bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Lenzke
  • Patent number: 5243856
    Abstract: In a parking brake operating device for a motor vehicle, an operating lever and an intermediate lever are pivotally mounted around a transverse common shaft. The intermediate lever is pivotally mounted to a locking lever at its upper part. The locking lever is engaged with an engaging pin of the operating lever. A release lever is pivotally mounted at an upper part of the operating lever and is engaged with the locking lever in a locking position. By pressing an operating portion of the release lever manually, the release lever is disengaged from the locking lever, which is, then, disengaged from the engaging pin of the operating lever. Thus, the operating lever can easily be brought down by one hand of a driver while the parking brake is applied, and the inside of the motor vehicle is effectively utilized without keeping the operating lever upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamazaki, Katsushige Nakamura, Kyoichi Ishida
  • Patent number: 5109719
    Abstract: A device for generating rotational force about an axis converts the angular velocity of a ferromagnetic gyro disk turning at high speeds to rotational power delivered at a central power take off shaft by precession of the ferromagnetic disk induced by an electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Oscar W. Piokins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5090260
    Abstract: A thrust producing apparatus comprising a gyrostat having a gyrostat wheel, apparatus for supporting the gyrostat, apparatus for toppling the gyrostat creating precessional force in a predetermined direction against the supporting apparatus, and apparatus for rotating the gyrostat into an orientation whereby it can again be toppled while avoiding the creation of precessional force in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. Controlled unidirectional movement of the apparatus based on gyrostatic precession is thereby obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Mortimer S. Delroy
  • Patent number: 5024112
    Abstract: A gyroscopic apparatus (100), having application as a prime mover, comprises a pair of discs (102) disposed opposite one another with arms (104) rotatably supporting the discs (102) connected at a pivot point, the pivot axis thereof lying in a plane midway between the discs (102). A drive arrangement (124, 126, 180) operates to spin the discs (102) in opposite directions while simultaneously rotating the whole assembly of discs (102) and arms (104) about a second axis in the same plane as, but perpendicular to, the pivot axis. A camming arrangement (144, 146, 152) working in conjunction with the rotation about the second axis periodically forces the spinning discs (102) to pivot about the pivot axis to thereby generate a force along the second axis which can be used to perform useful work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Noel Carroll
    Inventor: ALexander D. Kidd
  • Patent number: 5009629
    Abstract: A shift lever assembly for use in a bicycle wherein a wire connected at its one end to a derailleur is wound up or paid out to operate the derailleur. The assembly comprises a lever pivot fixed to the handlebar of the bicycle; a shift lever having a base-end boss portion rotatably supported by one end of the pivot and an arm portion extending from the boss portion; wire winder separate from the lever and rotatably supported by the pivot; a lever-coupled member provided between the boss portion and the winder and supported by the pivot so as to be rotatable with the winder; and a clutch for transmitting the rotation of the shift lever to the lever-coupled member. The shift lever is so biased by a spring as to return to a neutral position for starting rotation toward the wire winding direction and the wire paying-out direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Maeda Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Tagawa
  • Patent number: 4951514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gyroscopic stabilizer consisting of two interlocking wheels which comprise the field and armature of a synchronous electric motor. The wheels of equal mass and moments of inertia revolve about a common stationary shaft in opposite directions at the same rate of speed. The wheels interlock so that they may revolve relative to each other, but all other motion of one wheel relative to the other is prevented. The total angular momentum of the system is zero. In case of sudden destructive deceleration, no angular momentum is transferred to the stabilized object. Gyroscopic action of the wheels is maximized, and the nongyroscopic mass of the mechanism is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Daniel Gubin
    Inventor: Daniel Gubin
  • Patent number: 4881424
    Abstract: A vehicular parking brake is incorporated within and operates in conjunction with a centrally mounted armrest. The parking brake is actuated by swinging the armrest upwardly. The locking components are fashioned such that the armrest may be returned to its rest position without effecting the release of the parking brake which is accomplished by pressing an easily reached release lever mounted to the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Russell L. Clark, Roger Bomgaars
  • Patent number: 4633733
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism comprising a disc rotatable on a pivot pin, said disc being provided with radially disposed ratchet teeth on a face of the disc, an engagement plate provided with channels corresponding to and engageable with the teeth of the disc, the ratchet face of the rotatable disc being biassed into engagement with the ratchet face of the plate, and means for disengaging the ratchet disc from the plate. The mechanism is particularly suitable for the construction of a hand brake for an automotive vehicle using thermoplastics as the material of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: John W. Tavener
  • Patent number: 4561323
    Abstract: An adjustable tilt steering wheel column, including a tilt steering column mechanism which operates substantially independently from the steering column is disclosed. The tilt mechanism includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a hinge pin and a release lever. The upper and lower plates are connected by the hinge pin which allows for angular movement between the two plates. The upper plate has two vertical wall members spaced apart and positioned perpendicular to the hinge pin. The vertical wall members have a plurality of vertically spaced notches which are parallel to the hinge pin. An upper portion of the release lever includes a pair of spaced pin-carrying legs to coincide with the vertical wall members. The legs are pivotally connected to the lower plate by a pair of pivot bolts. A compression spring is mounted between the upper portion of the lever and a bracket mounted on the upper plate. The spring urges the pins into the notches of the vertical wall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: American Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Clinton V. Stromberg
  • Patent number: 4515036
    Abstract: A vehicle parking brake control mechanism having a clutch drive through which the brake setting actuator lever drives the brake cable to set the brake, is provided with a self-adjusting arrangement for automatically taking up slack in the brake cable. Release means actuated by the actuator lever on return to its brake released position acts to disengage the clutch drive to free the driven element thereof for cable slack take-up movement by an adjusting spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jarvis L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 4479396
    Abstract: A propulsion system for converting rotary motion into unidirectional motion and consisting of a frame, a pair of counterrotating lower members rotatably mounted to the frame and containing damping elements, a pair of upper members containing damping elements and rotatably mounted to the frame and positioned above the lower members, each at an angle to the lower member so that each contacts a surface of the member below it at a single point, and a motor and drive train for driving the lower members. Each lower member includes a pair of studs mounted at its periphery which engage radially extending posts mounted to its corresponding upper cylinder so that rotation of the lower member causes the upper member to rotate in the same sense and at the same angular velocity. The superposition of the damped upper members upon the damped lower members generates unbalanced centrifugal forces which create a constant unidirectional resultant force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Fred deWeaver,III
  • Patent number: 4409856
    Abstract: A propulsion system for converting rotary motion into unidirectional motion and consisting of a frame, a pair of counterrotating lower members rotatably mounted to the frame containing damping elements, a pair of upper members containing damping elements rotatably mounted to the frame and positioned above the lower members, each at an angle to the disk so that each contacts a surface of the member below it at a single point, and a motor and drive train for driving the lower members. Each lower member includes a pair of studs mounted at its periphery which engage radially extending posts mounted to its corresponding upper cylinder so that rotation of the lower member causes the upper member to rotate in the same sense damped and at the same angular velocity. The super position of the damped upper members upon the damped lower members generates unbalanced centrifugal forces which result in a constant unidirectional resultant force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Inventor: Fred de Weaver, III
  • Patent number: 4354393
    Abstract: Electrical and mechanical synchronization of two or more synchronously driven gyroscopes, mounted on the same platform, to minimize cross-talk induced drift, is achieved by bringing one gyroscope to a speed which is slightly higher than the other by driving it at a slightly higher frequency. At speed, coincidence of mechanical position is established by means of signals from pick-offs on each gyro and the drive for the faster gyroscope is shifted to the lower frequency. Electrical synchronism is established by restarting the lower frequency generator to instantaneously establish a predetermined relationship between a pick-off signal and the frequency generator. Phase-lock start-up of a single gyroscope by instantaneous shift of the phase of the driving voltage, relative to the gyroscope wheel position, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Acker, Frank L. Rosen, Donald J. Weber