Pawls And Ratchets Patents (Class 74/575)
  • Patent number: 10301840
    Abstract: A canopy assembly includes a canopy fabric, a plurality of tightening wires, and a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement includes a plurality of tension adjustment units. Each of the tension adjustment units includes a supporting frame, a ratchet gear, a main shaft connected to the ratchet gear and rotatably connected to the supporting frame, and a resilient locking member mounted on the supporting frame to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the resilient locking member is pivotally moved to engage with the ratchet gear so as to limit the ratchet gear to incrementally rotate in one predetermined direction with respect to the supporting frame, When the resilient locking member is in the unlocked position, the resilient locking member is pivotally moved to disengage from the ratchet gear so as to allow the ratchet gear to freely rotate with respect to the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventors: Yan Jin, Qing Feng Lyu
  • Patent number: 9821685
    Abstract: A pumping device is disclosed for a vehicle seat, including a clutch means for receiving rotational force from the outside and transferring power to a link means of a seat cushion. The clutch means includes a clutch block rotated by the rotational force transferred from the outside, a clutch drum which is provided with the clutch block in an inside space and transfers the power to the link means of the seat cushion while rotating by the rotational force transferred from the clutch block, and a plurality of fitting pieces interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the clutch block and an inner peripheral surface of the clutch drum and transferring the rotational force of the clutch block to the clutch drum. The clutch block has a protrusion portion protruding radially from the outer peripheral surface and thus stress concentration is not generated on the plurality of fitting pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: DAS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Ho Kim, Jin-Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 9371046
    Abstract: A steering angle sensor (3) includes: a sensor housing (40) that is fixable to a stator (11); idler gears (47) configured to be meshed with a drive gear (30) and rotated by the drive gear (30); a rotatable member (43) configured to be engaged with a sleeve (20) and rotated integrally with the sleeve (20); a detector (34) configured to detect rotation of the rotatable member (43); and a holder (49) configured to hold the detector (34). The sensor housing (40) is opened at its stator (11) side. A second storage space (50) is formed that is enclosed by the sensor housing (40) and the stator (11). The rotatable member (43) is stored in the second storage space (50). The holder (49) is able to hold the detector (34) even in the state where the second storage space (50) is not closed by the stator (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD, FURUKAWA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Utsunomiya, Yasuharu Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 9038497
    Abstract: A pedal apparatus for a vehicle may include a pad, a bracket which may be disposed below the pad, wherein the bracket may be coupled to the pad and a pedal arm at each opposite end of the pad and the pedal arm, respectively, a link section which may be disposed in the bracket, wherein the link section may be coupled to a lower portion of the pad and an intermediate portion of the bracket, respectively, such that the bracket may be movable in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a hinge-adjusting section which may be disposed above the link section such that an angle of the pad may be adjusted as the link section moves in the longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeong Seon Min, Chun Nyung Heo, Young Eon Jung
  • Publication number: 20150075321
    Abstract: A hold and release mechanism for holding and releasing a cable includes a toothed-disk arrangement coupled with the cable take-up device for rotating together about a first axis. The toothed-disk arrangement includes a plurality of teeth at an outer periphery of the toothed-disk arrangement. The plurality of teeth includes locking and safety teeth. The locking teeth are disposed in a first tooth plane orthogonal to the first axis. The safety teeth are disposed in a second tooth plane that is orthogonal to the first axis and offset relative to the first tooth plane. An adjustable locking pawl pivotably mounted about a second axis includes locking and safety catches. The locking catch engages with one of the locking teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a first rotational position. The safety catch engages with one of the safety teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a second rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 8919361
    Abstract: A ratcheting assembly can include a housing, a ratcheting gear, a first ratchet pawl, a motion translation member, and a ratcheting actuation member. The ratcheting gear can rotatably mount within the housing and include a plurality of ratchet teeth and an eccentric opening. The eccentric opening can include a rotational center of the ratcheting gear. The first ratchet pawl can mount to the housing adjacent to the ratcheting gear to allow rotation in a first direction and to hinder rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction. The motion translation member can mount within the opening such that rotation of the ratcheting gear can cause a movement of the motion translation member via rotation of the eccentric opening. The ratcheting actuation member can mount to the housing and include a second ratchet pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 8839691
    Abstract: A parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The parking brake includes a brake actuation lever which is arranged pivotably on a lever holder, a coupling unit for coupling the brake actuation lever to a brake cable, a locking device which comprises a toothing arranged on the lever holder and a locking catch engaging in the toothing, a catch spring for prestressing the locking catch in the direction of the toothing, a release device which comprises a push rod which can be displaced between an inoperative position and a release position along the brake actuation lever, and a triggering element, wherein the push rod has an aperture, a guide element for guiding the push rod and a spring element for prestressing the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Edscha Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Krompass
  • Publication number: 20140117140
    Abstract: A reel based lacing system is disclosed. The reel can be configured to allow the incremental tightening of a lace about a spool by rotation of a knob in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the system can include a substantially inflexible pawl beam configured to resist rotation of the knob in the loosening direction and a pawl spring configured to bias the pawl against the housing and to allow the pawl to be displaced away from the housing when the knob is rotated in the tightening direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Paul Goodman, Eric Craig Irwin, Mark S. Soderberg, Sean Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 8695452
    Abstract: A shifter designed to actuate a gear change device of a bicycle by pulling and releasing a control cable. The shifter includes a base plate mountable to the bicycle, a cable spool and cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies. The cable spool is rotated in a cable-pull direction to wind the control cable thereon and in a cable-release direction to unwind the control cable therefrom. The cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies are operatively connected to the cable spool to rotate the cable spool in the cable-pull and cable-release directions, respectively. The cable-pull lever assembly includes a cable-pull lever rotated about a first axis and at least two winding pawls received by and rotating with the cable-pull lever about the first axis to transmit rotational movement of the cable-pull lever to the cable spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 8689942
    Abstract: The technology is directed to an energy storage and release system that stores energy and enables a repeatable and accurately timed release of energy. A shaft member supports a drive assembly, a locking assembly and a lever member there between. The lever member and locking assembly are attached to the shaft. The drive assembly rotates freely about the shaft and loads energy into a torsion spring in communication with the lever member. The torsion spring connects at one end to the drive assembly and at the other end to the lever member without contacting the shaft member. The locking assembly provides a triggered release mechanism for selective release of stored energy from the torsion spring that accordingly rotates the lever member. The system can automatically reload the torsion spring once a signal is received from any number of events including, when the rotating lever member contacts a stop member or limit sensor that signals the end of travel for the lever member in either rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Richard A. McGrail
  • Patent number: 8500314
    Abstract: Provided is a bulb holder locking apparatus, comprising a fixing mount, a bulb holder, a spring and a ratchet mechanism comprising a ratchet bar having a plurality of ratchets, a pawl and a movable cam having a curve contour; wherein the bulb holder is flexibly connected to the fixing mount; the spring is connected to the fixing mount, so as to force the bulb holder to move downwards; the ratchet bar is connected to the bulb holder; the pawl is connected to the fixing mount and elastically contacted with the ratchet bar; the movable cam is slidingly connected to the ratchet bar and elastically contacted with the pawl; and the curve contour comprises a plurality of crests engaged with the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Guangdong Cosio Lighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yulin Wu
  • Publication number: 20130168482
    Abstract: An innovative and advantageous ratcheting system having a housing, a corresponding ratcheting member, and a primary ratcheting member. Wherein the members provide dependent interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member whereby the dependent interlocking behavior takes place on the adjoining surfaces orthogonal to the axis in which the ratcheting mechanism is rotatably mounted. Such interlocking behavior is dependent upon the direction of relative torque between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member thereby allowing relative rotary motion in the first predetermined direction while preventing relative rotary motion in the second predetermined rotary direction. Further, the interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and primary ratcheting member can be disabled whereby relative rotary motion between the ratcheting members can be achieved in the second predetermined rotary direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Hamilton Grant Moore
  • Patent number: 8443697
    Abstract: A shifter designed to actuate a gear change device of a bicycle by pulling and releasing a control cable. The shifter includes a base plate mountable to the bicycle, a cable spool and cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies. The cable spool is rotated in a cable-pull direction to wind the control cable thereon and in a cable-release direction to unwind the control cable therefrom. The cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies are operatively connected to the cable spool to rotate the cable spool in the cable-pull and cable-release directions, respectively. The cable-pull lever assembly includes a cable-pull lever rotated about a first axis and at least two winding pawls received by and rotating with the cable-pull lever about the first axis to transmit rotational movement of the cable-pull lever to the cable spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 8281687
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection device includes rotary body 1 rotating in linked motion with a steering wheel; detectors 2 and 3 that rotate in linked motion with rotary body 1; detecting parts 5 and 6 for detecting rotation of detectors 2 and 3; control part 21 for detecting a rotation angle of rotary body 1 from a detection signal from detecting parts 5 and 6; latching body 23 for latching the rotation of rotary body 1; and case 8 containing rotary body 1, detection parts 5 and 6, control part 21 and latching body 23. Latching body 23 includes latching part 23B urged by elastic body 24 and brought into elastic contact with an outer periphery of rotary body 1; and releasing part 23C for releasing an elastic contact of latching part 23B to rotary body 1 and a part of which is exposed to the outside of case 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Koma, Shozoh Shiraga, Hiromitsu Noda, Masahide Onishi
  • Patent number: 8245596
    Abstract: A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a pivot. A release mechanism is associated with the brake lever and includes a pawl adapted to contact and lock with a sector. A trigger is linked with the pawl and is moveable to change a moment of the pawl relative to the sector allowing selective movement of the brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hanna, Brooke Elsener, Jeremy Gill, Brian J. Eckerle, James Allen
  • Publication number: 20120067164
    Abstract: A rotation control device for a tool is disposed between a handle and a tool head and essentially comprises two ratchet wheels, a spring and two C-shaped snap rings. The two ratchet wheels are symmetrically arranged, so that when being pressed, the respective ratchet wheels will be subjected to the same force and move the same distance, thus making the engagement between the ratchet wheels and the tool head more assured while avoiding the stuck fault and improving the convenience in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Patent number: 8127463
    Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus of a circulative preheating type comprises a working area, containing a material-filling-preheating sub-area, a heating sub-area, a drying sub-area, and a material-discharging sub-area; a rotatable frame, rotatably installed in the working area and having four accommodating spaces corresponding to the sub-areas of the working area, respectively; four cylinders, installed in the accommodating spaces of the rotatable frame and corresponding to the sub-areas of the working area; and a driving assembly, connected to and thereby driving the rotatable frame to rotate; wherein when the rotatable frame rotates, each of the cylinders is moved from a currently corresponding sub-area to an adjacent said sub-area. Thereby, since the cylinders have been preheated in the material-filling-preheating sub-area before receiving a heating procedure in the heating sub-area, a required duration of the heating procedure can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ban Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 8122786
    Abstract: Locking arrangement for locking a first element which is movably mounted in a first direction, by means of a second element which is movably mounted in a second direction transversely with respect to the first direction. First element has a toothed contour with at least two teeth and a tooth gap which lies between. Second element has a projection which has a projection length which is shorter than the tooth gap length. The projection can be introduced into tooth gap when there is movement in the second direction, to lock the first element. Each tooth has a face which points towards the second element and has a first contour. Projection has a face which points towards the first element and has a second contour. First and second contours are matched to one another so that the projection is deflected by the teeth from becoming inserted into tooth gap if first element moves faster than a predetermined locking speed and slower than a maximum speed of first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Markus Kirchner
  • Patent number: 8113086
    Abstract: A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a primary and secondary pivot. The brake lever selectively rotates about the primary and secondary pivots changing a ratio of rotation of the brake lever relative to a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Eckerle, Ronald J. Hanna, James Allen
  • Publication number: 20120024330
    Abstract: A ratchet assembly includes an elongated shaft, a gear housing, a ratcheting member, and an arm. The elongated shaft can have a gear and be supported by the gear housing to allow rotation about a primary axis of the shaft. The ratcheting member can mount in the housing and be biased toward the gear to engage with the gear hindering relative rotation about the shaft axis in a first direction and allowing rotation about the shaft axis in a second direction opposite the first direction. The ratcheting member can rotatably mount within the housing about a second axis. The arm can couple to the gear housing in a first configuration to provide torque to rotate the housing about the shaft axis in the first direction when the arm is pressed downward. The arm can also be coupled to the gear housing in a second configuration to rotate the housing about the shaft axis in a second direction opposite the first direction when the arm is pressed downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20120024329
    Abstract: A ratcheting assembly can include a housing, a ratcheting gear, a first ratchet pawl, a motion translation member, and a ratcheting actuation member. The ratcheting gear can rotatably mount within the housing and include a plurality of ratchet teeth and an eccentric opening. The eccentric opening can include a rotational center of the ratcheting gear. The first ratchet pawl can mount to the housing adjacent to the ratcheting gear to allow rotation in a first direction and to hinder rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction. The motion translation member can mount within the opening such that rotation of the ratcheting gear can cause a movement of the motion translation member via rotation of the eccentric opening. The ratcheting actuation member can mount to the housing and include a second ratchet pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20110266384
    Abstract: A reel based lacing system is disclosed. The reel can be configured to allow the incremental tightening of a lace about a spool by rotation of a knob in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the system can include a substantially inflexible pawl beam configured to resist rotation of the knob in the loosening direction and a pawl spring configured to bias the pawl against the housing and to allow the pawl to be displaced away from the housing when the knob is rotated in the tightening direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Paul Goodman, Eric Craig Irwin, Mark S. Soderberg, Sean Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 8006584
    Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a base. A light box is disposed about the base. The shifter assembly also includes a ratchet system for adjusting the light box relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chad A. Blondeel, Norman D. Rezmer, Scott B. Fugate
  • Publication number: 20110174118
    Abstract: A gear unit applies to engaging a ratchet wheel for co-operation, wherein the body material of the gear unit is chose high-density steel through heat processing for enhancing hardness, such as medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, or alloyed steel, and made through continuous multiple cold forging and punching and heat processing; the gear body of the gear unit includes a junction matching the ratchet wheel profile and forming an external tooth through cold forging and punching, and the tooth shape matches the ratchet tooth of the ratchet wheel to engage the ratchet wheel; by way of using the special steel through the process of continuous cold forging and punching and heat processing, the internal structure of the gear unit is dense compaction, so as to improve the mechanical properties, thus the ratchet wheel wrench using the gear unit will have excellent operating performance and long service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Jie-Shing Peng
  • Patent number: 7738323
    Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement for the mechanical interfacing of a micromotor of the MEMS type with a toothed wheel in which the micromotor is produced in the upper layer of a plate made of crystalline or amorphous material and comprises at least one actuator which drives a rotor in rotation, characterised in that a pinion, coaxial with the rotor and arranged above the rotor, is connected in rotation to the rotor by means of at least one pin which is received in an associated housing and in that the pinion meshes with the toothed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Lionel Paratte, Jean-Philippe Rebeaud, André Zanetta, Fabien Blondeau, Martin Bisig, Pierre-André Meister, Nicolas Golay
  • Publication number: 20100101355
    Abstract: A ratcheting end-of-arm (EOM) tool having a spring-loaded level compensator, a distally mounted gripper, and a ratcheting mechanism. In operation, upon a selectively adequate contact between the gripper and a payload, the ratcheting mechanism is engaged which holds the position of the gripper with respect to the robot arm at a fixed position, independent of spring biasing. Upon conclusion of robotic movement of the payload, the gripper is deactivated, the ratcheting mechanism is disengaged, and the spring returns the ratcheting EOA tool to its nominal configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Lance T. Ransom
  • Publication number: 20100071504
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus for joining an associated first object having a first bore extending therethrough and a second object having a second bore extending therethrough which includes an elongated flexible member having a plurality of notches on a face thereof and first and second axial extremities; anchoring structure at the first axial extremity; and a first discrete locking member having a pawl and ratcheting mechanism dimensioned and configured for engagement with the plurality of notches. also disclosed is apparatus for supporting an associated ventilation apparatus which includes an engagement member for engaging and gripping a plurality of teeth of the user; an adjustment assembly for connecting the engagement member to associated ventilation apparatus. The adjustment assembly includes an elongated flexible member having a plurality of notches thereon. The apparatus may further including a first discrete locking member and the elongated flexible member may have a bulbous axial extremity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: JOHN A. PAOLUCCIO, John J. Paoluccio
  • Publication number: 20100044193
    Abstract: In the present invention are disclosed a step type ratchet wheel mechanism and a turning switch with step type ratchet wheel mechanism, wherein comprising: camshaft circular disc, on its end surface is disposed at least one groove, on its rim is disposed at least one positioning slot; driving cam, on its end surface is disposed at least one groove, on its rim is disposed at least one angular shape tooth; first pawl and second pawl; one resilient element is contained in the chamber, which is formed from two corresponding grooves respectively disposed on the end surfaces of camshaft circular disc and driving cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Yang WANG
  • Patent number: 7581460
    Abstract: A drive assembly, particularly for driving arms around a compartment in a waste material digester, comprises a rotatable hub having an inner drive plate and a ratchet plate secured thereto for rotation therewith. Positionally opposed, parallel piston and cylinder drive reciprocatably drive an outer drive plate, drive arms pivotally carried on the outer drive plate engaging with drive pins on the inner drive plate to drive the hub in one direction. Movement of the hub in the opposite direction is prevented by latches engaging with respective shoulders of the ratchet plate when the outer drive plate moves in said opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Civic Environmental Systems Limited
    Inventor: James Nicholas Cooper
  • Patent number: 7574943
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator includes a mounting bracket, a cover plate. A brake operating assembly includes a lever and a locking sector gear. A locking clutch spring assembly includes a pinion rivet, a shaft, a flange, first and second tubular portions and a pinion with a plurality of teeth. A torsion spring is wrapped about the first tubular portion and the pinion. A first leg of a release spring abuts a first arm of a release lever. A release cable is connected to a second arm of the release lever. A brake cable is connected to an adjusting sector gear, which is engageable with an adjusting clutch spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Joseph Wortmann
  • Patent number: 7571661
    Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a base having top and bottom surfaces. A shift lever is coupled to the base. A light box includes top and bottom surfaces and is disposed about the base. The light box includes a lever slot formed through the top surface for receiving the shift lever. The light box also includes a travel guide. At least one spring is disposed between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the light box for biasing the light box from the base. A release member is disposed in the travel guide and is also releasably coupled to the base. The release member is adapted to contact the shift lever to initiate movement of the light box from a starting position to a final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Blondeel, Norman D. Rezmer, Scott B. Fugate
  • Publication number: 20090151492
    Abstract: A heat sink mechanism includes a fixed and a movable clamping piece, at least one adjusting gearwheel rotatably mounted to and between the fixed and the movable clamping piece via a fixing shaft while an end of the fixing shaft is screwed to the movable clamping piece, and an adjusting worm shaft rotatably mounted to the fixed clamping piece for driving the adjusting gearwheel to rotate via meshed worm threads on the worm shaft and gear teeth on the adjusting gearwheel. When the adjusting worm shaft is rotated, the meshed worm threads and gear teeth bring the adjusting gearwheel and the fixing shaft thereof to rotate, so that the movable clamping piece screwed to the rotating fixing shaft is brought to move toward or away from the fixed clamping piece to thereby fix the heat sink mechanism to a heat-producing source to achieve the purpose of heat dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Shih-Chieh Chiang, Lin-Yu Lee
  • Publication number: 20090151507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ratchet wheel of a wrench, which has an opening that penetrates the first and second ends. The opening has twelve identical first recesses that are disposed around the inner periphery of the opening about the central axis, wherein one longitudinal end of the six equidistant first recesses has a stopper portion, said end of the first recess is blocked by the stopper portion. Each of the stopper portions has an identical second recess on the side toward the central axis of the opening. Each of the first recesses comprises two corresponding first angulated portions, wherein the angulated portions of every six equidistant first recesses form a first hexahedral area. Each of the second recesses comprises two corresponding second angulated portions, and the angulated portions of the second recesses form a second hexahedral area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Yi-Fu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20090133530
    Abstract: An actuator for providing functions of one-way actuation and shiftless rotation includes a main body, two rolling elements, and a recovery apparatus, in which an accommodating space is arranged in the main body and has two frictional faces corresponding to each other with a tapered distance between them. Initially, two rolling elements are arranged at one side of the accommodating space of a wider spacing distance and then make a rolling contact with two frictional faces respectively to be displaced toward a narrower side of the accommodating space through the recovery apparatus, so that an aforementioned one-way actuator is thus constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Chun-Lung Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen, Chien-Lin Chen
  • Publication number: 20090100960
    Abstract: A manually operable ratchet mechanism includes a pinion assembly comprised of a handle connected to a shaft. The handle and shaft are mounted on a housing to allow the shaft to be rotated as a consequence of a user manually rotating the handle. The shaft carries a pinion configured to engage a toothed rack to incrementally move the rack in discrete steps relative to the housing. Additionally, a rotatable detent member is provided which rotates with the shaft as the handle is rotated. The rotatable detent member cooperates with a fixed detent member on the housing to define discrete detent positions which provide discrete step tactile feedback to the user. The handle is mounted for (1) axial rotation with respect to the shaft axis and additionally for (2) pivotal movement between locked and unlocked positions around a pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis. In the unlocked position, the shaft and rotatable detent member can rotate relative to the housing as the handle is turned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Tibor B. Koros, Gabriel J. Koros
  • Patent number: 7506562
    Abstract: A ratchet assembly includes a threaded rod and a support collar that defines a bore. A portion of the threaded rod is disposed in the axial bore of the support collar. A ratchet pawl is pivotable carried by the support collar between locked and unlocked positions. The ratchet pawl has at least one tooth that threadably engages the threaded rod when the ratchet pawl is in the locked position to allow the threaded rod to threadably rotate with respect to the support collar for fine position adjustments. The ratchet pawl automatically pivots to the unlocked position when the threaded rod is forced in a direction from the first end toward the second end to allow for gross position adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Randolph Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Franze, Donald L. Franze
  • Publication number: 20090013821
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection device including angle Rotary body 1 rotating in linked motion with a steering wheel; detectors 2 and 3 rotating in linked motion with rotary body 1; detecting parts 5 and 6 for detecting rotation of detectors 2 and 3; control part 21 for detecting a rotation angle of rotary body 1 from a detection signal from detecting parts 5 and 6; latching body 23 for latching the rotation of rotary body 1; and case 8 containing rotary body 1, detection parts 5 and 6, control part 21 and latching body 23. Latching body 23 includes latching part 23B urged by elastic body 24 and brought into elastic contact with an outer periphery of rotary body 1; and releasing part 23C for releasing an elastic contact of latching part 23B to rotary body 1 and a part of which is exposed to the outside of case 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Tetsuya KOMA, Shozoh SHIRAGA, Hiromitsu NODA, Masahide ONISHI
  • Patent number: 7472624
    Abstract: A brake actuating assembly for a vehicle having a brake system is provided. The assembly includes a mounting bracket for mounting the brake actuating assembly to the vehicle, and a pedal arm mounted to the mounting bracket for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The pedal arm is connectable to the brake system such that movement of the pedal arm in a brake applying direction activates the brake system and movement of the pedal arm in a brake releasing direction de-activates the brake system. An arcuate rack of teeth is connected to the pedal arm, and a pawl that includes a tooth engages the rack. The assembly also includes a spring that has a first end that operatively connected to the pawl, and the second end that is operatively connected to the mounting bracket in an opening that includes a surface extending between a first stop and a second stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Michael Sykes, Jerry Zielinski, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • Patent number: 7442137
    Abstract: An eccentric adjustment and mounting system is useful for belt engaging engine components such as alternators or water pumps. The system includes a housing fixed to the engine, a socket rotatable in pawl-and-ratchet fashion within the housing, and a socket aperture eccentrically disposed relative to the socket's axis. The aperture receives the belt engaging component, whereby rotation of the socket moves the component to adjust belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David N. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080202277
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a support structure, a take-up unit and a shift positioning mechanism. The support structure has an inner wire fixing part. The take-up unit includes a rotating body mounted on the support structure to rotate about a first axis, and an inner wire routing pulley mounted on the rotating body to move with the rotating body about the first axis and to rotate independently of the rotating body about a second axis that is offset from the first axis of the rotating body. The shift positioning mechanism is operatively coupled to the take-up unit to selectively hold the take-up unit in one of a plurality of shift positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 7404344
    Abstract: A ratchet device for an electrical component that can be adjusted by rotation, such as a rotary switch or a rotary potentiometer, is provided. The ratchet device includes a leaf spring, resting against a ratchet contour by means of spring pressure, whereby the ratchet contour is applied on an outer side of a symmetrical ratchet disc. The leaf spring substantially encloses the ratchet disc, rests diametrically on the ratchet disc, and the ends of the leaf spring have an essentially radial embodiment, the leaf spring being otherwise free to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Preh GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Erdloff
  • Publication number: 20080127772
    Abstract: A parking lock for a motor vehicle with an automatic or manual automatic transmission includes a parking lock wheel connected with the transmission output, a locking pawl pivotably attached by a parking lock bolt to a transmission housing. The locking pawl engages and disengages the parking lock wheel and has an end communicating with a guiding plate. A locking element is placed between the pawl and plate to prevent the pawl from disengaging the parking lock wheel. A hydraulic damping element, is at least operatively connected with the pawl, such that while disengaging the parking lock, movement of the pivotable end of the locking pawl toward the guiding plate is damped upon release of the parking lock thus preventing any undesired release jolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Sauter, Gerhard Hockl
  • Publication number: 20080111449
    Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement for the mechanical interfacing of a micromotor of the MEMS type with a toothed wheel in which the micromotor is produced in the upper layer of a plate made of crystalline or amorphous material and comprises at least one actuator which drives a rotor in rotation, characterised in that a pinion, coaxial with the rotor and arranged above the rotor, is connected in rotation to the rotor by means of at least one pin which is received in an associated housing and in that the pinion meshes with the toothed wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: Lionel Paratte, Jean-Philippe Rebeaud, Andre Zanetta, Fabien Blondeau, Martin Bisig, Pierre-Andre Meister, Nicolas Golay
  • Patent number: 7357051
    Abstract: A ratchet-type adjustment device for the ratcheting displacement of an adjustment body with respect to a fixed base element having an oblong actuating element, where the actuating element can be displaced along linear toothed portions, which are fitted to the adjustment body on either side of the actuating element, and latched into the first linear toothed portion, acting as driving toothed portion, by first ratchet elements, the adjustment device furthermore comprising at least two second ratchet elements mounted pivotably on the fixed base element, which ratchet elements can be latched into the second linear toothed portion, acting as blocking and braking toothed portion, to block a displacement movement of the adjustment body with respect to the fixed base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Holger Raum
  • Patent number: 7353730
    Abstract: A foot depressing parking brake apparatus including a brake pedal main body 3 pivotably supported by a support shaft 2, a ratchet plate 4 having ratchet teeth 4b and attached to the brake pedal main body 3, a ratchet pole 6 rotatably attached to a pivot pin 5 and constituting a shaft hole inserted with the pivot pin 5 by a long hole 7, and a toggle spring 10 for exerting a turning force to the ratchet pole 6, wherein a brake operating state in which a claw portion 6a of the ratchet pole 6 is brought in mesh with the ratchet teeth 4b of the ratchet plate 4 and a brake releasing state in which the meshing is released are realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Fujioka, Masateru Momozu, Takayuki Kato
  • Patent number: 7315006
    Abstract: A ball ratchet mechanism suitable for use with an electrical disconnect employs a track and drive surface that engage the ball so as to capture it without significant shear force being applied to ridges of the track. In this way, the shape of the track can be optimized for smooth ratcheting action without the risk of high torques shearing track ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore John Houck, III, Jie Ning, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7234372
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end extended beyond the compartment, a second end extended beyond the compartment, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. The toothed side of the pawl includes a first teeth portion having a first center of curvature and a second teeth portion having a second center of curvature located at a position different from the first center of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7156374
    Abstract: A chain block comprising a load sheave winding up a load chain, a hand wheel arranged on one side of the load sheave and rotatable in one of a normal direction and a reverse direction in response to the manual operation of a hand chain, a pinion shaft inserted through the load sheave along the center axis of the load sheave in a manner allowing the load sheave to be freely rotatable thereabout, one end of the pinion shaft screwed into the center of the hand wheel and the other end of the pinion shaft including a spindle gear, a reduction gear composed of a small-diameter gear and a large-diameter gear, the large-diameter gear in mesh with the spindle gear, a main shaft gear, in mesh with the small-diameter gear, transferring a torque of the reduction gear to the load sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: HHH Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Iwao Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7000496
    Abstract: A bicycle shifter having a housing mountable to a handlebar, a takeup mechanism for pulling a shift cable and a release mechanism for releasing the shift cable. The takeup mechanism includes a takeup tooth segment, a takeup pawl and an actuation element. The release mechanism includes retaining and locking tooth segments, retaining and locking pawls and a release element. The takeup, retaining and locking tooth segments are arranged on one disk element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Wessel, Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 6988684
    Abstract: A handle assembly has a handle arm mounted to a fore-end of a handle shaft, a handle grip rotatively mounted to one end of the handle arm, and a rotation support portion made of a metal for rotatively mounting the handle grip to handle arm. The handle grip is a substantially egg-shaped member made of a synthetic resin, and is rotatively provided on the outward side of the rotation support portion. The handle grip is shaped such that the user can grip the whole of the handle grip with his palm. The handle grip also has first through fourth recesses such that the user can grasp the handle grip by attaching the thumb to the third recess, or pinch the handle grip between the thumb and fingertips by placing the thumb and index finger in the first and second recesses. Accordingly, it is possible to conduct high-speed winding easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hirayama, Kenichi Kawasaki, Tomoharu Sakurai