Alternate Manual Or Power Operators Patents (Class 74/625)
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Patent number: 7472628Abstract: A mechanically-activated decoupler is used in the actuator of the cinching latch mechanism. The decoupler activates with an input from door handle operation such that the motor drive within the actuator decouples from the remainder of the actuator gear train and latch mechanism whenever the door handle is operated. At rest the actuator is direct-coupled to the latch mechanism having a lost motion provision to allow manual latch function. Because of this the actuator with its motor drive is unloaded and routine door handle-activated decoupling carries little friction. In the event of a power failure during a cinching or release cycle, the handle input activates the clutch and decouples the otherwise binding motor drive of the actuator allowing the remainder of the latch mechanism to return to its at rest state using light return springs. After returning to its at rest state the latch mechanism retains normal manual function until the power failure is corrected.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
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Patent number: 7464627Abstract: An actuator and door latch system incorporating the same. The actuator moves a door latch between locked and unlocked positions with rapidity using a gear train directly coupled to an actuator motor or energy stored in an energy storage element such as a spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.Inventors: Knight Ko, Brian Ganter, Thomas P Schregardus, Eric Beishline, William H. Fort
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Patent number: 7448293Abstract: A control system for driving a motor to perform a plurality of actions, includes a motor gear set, a first action gear set, a second action gear set, a third action gear set, a first switch gear set, and a second switch gear set. The first and second switch gear sets are driven by different operation directions of the motor gear set. Moreover, the first, second, and third action gear sets are driven to perform the actions by different switch method of the first switch gear set, the second switch gear set, or a combination of the first and second switch gear sets.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventor: Wen-Bing Li
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Publication number: 20080271563Abstract: A clutch driving structure coupled to a driving motor comprises a retarder (3), a clutch (4), an electronic pedometer (5), and a door position controller (6) mounted inside a housing (2) on the driving motor (1). By coupling the above-mentioned components with the driving motor (1), the transmission apparatus of the roller door is provided with convenient disassembly and maintenance. Besides, the conventional components for controlling and switching the clutch are integrated into the driving motor to constitute the transmission mechanism, and a wireless controller is also applied to obviate the manual clutch control and provide the simple, quick, accurate, and secure control.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2005Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Franco Liu
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Patent number: 7437971Abstract: A drive arrangement for a shaft, such as a shaft for driving a sectional door, roller shutter or the like, is in the form of a module, carried, in use, by the shaft and including a motor, a driven wheel fixed for rotation with the shaft and drivable, in use, by the motor, and clutch means and operable between the motor and the wheel. The module further includes brace means in the form of a limb attachable to a member which is fixed relative to the axis of the shaft, to brace the module against turning as the shaft is driven.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Bruce Stanley Gunton
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Patent number: 7367434Abstract: In an electric power clamping apparatus that locks a clamping arm when it is not driven by an electric motor attached with the a brake mechanism, manual operation of the clamping arm is facilitated. In an electric power clamping apparatus for transmitting an output of an electric motor via a reduction drive system to a clamping arm, an operation shaft including a small gear meshing with a gear that forms a part of the reduction drive system by pressing with an external tool is fit by insertion rotatably and movably back and forth into a body, and a linkage mechanism is provided in the operation shaft for operating a release lever in a brake mechanism to make the brake mechanism inoperative when the small gear meshes with the gear of the reduction drive system.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: SMC CorporationInventors: Toshio Sato, Akira Tadano
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Patent number: 7249441Abstract: A power unit to replace the manual crank handle of a vehicle window, including a housing for a drive unit that will connect to the splined shaft from which a crank handle has been removed, the power unit including drive means to be affixed to a vehicle door when the drive means is coupled between a splined output shaft of the drive means and a splined shaft connected to operate the window; the housing having an exterior face plate and a surrounding wall with each having an exterior decorative finish and with a control switch for the motor projecting through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: Charles Wayne Hartle
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Patent number: 7204291Abstract: The present invention is a modular lid system for an underwater swimming pool cover or other underwater enclosure. The modular lid has a rigid lid portion which has an overall buoyancy such that the lid portion closes the enclosure underwater by force of gravity. The modular lid system also has a remote power pack for providing a source of hydraulic power to the modular lid. The remote power pack is located at a position remote from the swimming pool. The remote power pack includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive mechanism is actuated by the remote power pack. The drive mechanism has a predetermined range of movement. A decoupled linkage mechanism extends between the hydraulic drive mechanism and the lid portion for causing limited opening movement thereof. The limited opening movement corresponds to the predetermined range of movement of the hydraulic drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Harry J. Last
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Patent number: 7199544Abstract: A device for steering a vehicle, particularly a helicopter or even a simulator, comprising a handgrip that can be moved in a manner that is linear to the drive of a drive device, particularly the power unit or motor. The linear motion of the handgrip is coupled with a rotational motion of a drive element.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Wittenstein AGInventor: Jörg Henle
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Patent number: 7192004Abstract: An electric driving device for a valve includes a lower casing member, a cover plate, a driving unit, a cylindrical part, a control part, a third rod and a fourth rod. The cover plate closes the open top of the lower casing member. The driving unit has an electric motor with a shaft being attached with a first gear. The cylindrical part with an axial bore is fixedly attached to the outer side of the lower casing member. The control unit has a first rod with being attached with a second gear to mesh with the first gear and a first elastic member is disposed on the first rod next to the first gear. A third gear is disposed next to the first elastic member and the second rod with the front section thereof being attached with a fourth gear. The third rod is disposed near the first rod in parallel with a fifth gear being attached to a front section thereof and a sixth gear being attached to a rear section thereof to mesh with the third gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventor: Shui-Ching Chen
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Patent number: 7143664Abstract: An electromotive servo drive includes a drive motor, a drive train, which is fitted with an output member and includes at least one gear stage for reducing the rotation speed of the motor, and a rotatable hand-operated adjusting shaft for adjusting the output member of the drive train such that at least the drive train, arranged between the adjusting shaft and the output member, is self-locking. One of the gear stages is fitted with a brake element such that the part of the drive train leading from the gear stage to the output member is prevented from returning, while the hand-operated adjusting shaft can freely rotate in both directions of rotation. The brake element is a wrap spring which is rotatably supported in a bushing, and an inner control part engages the wrap spring to couple both angled ends of the wrap spring such that the wrap spring can be expanded in order to obtain a braking effect in a rotation direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Elodrive GmbH StellantriebstechnikInventors: Kurt Schunke, Bernd Buchholz, Dieter Palm, Gerhard Bruns
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Patent number: 7089988Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing window blinds converts rotary motion about a vertical axis of a vertical rod into rotary motion about a horizontal axis of a horizontal member. A lever is attached to one end of the horizontal member. A drive gear is attached to an opposite end of the horizontal member. A driven gear is attached to a first end of a vertical member. The driven gear is operatively engaged with the drive gear. The vertical member is perpendicular with respect to the horizontal member. An adapter housing is attached to an opposite end of the driven gear and is used to attach a bottom end of the vertical rod thereto. All component parts are supported by a base member that is attached to a wall. Turning the lever rotates the drive gear which rotates the vertical rod and, accordingly, opens or closes the blinds.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: David Harold Coleman
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Patent number: 7063373Abstract: The clutch includes a drive disk, a follower disk and a brake disk. When current flows, the follower disk is connected with the drive disk to transmit a power from a driving unit to a door-opening/closing mechanism. When no current flows, the follower disk is separated from the drive disk to cut off the power transmission from the driving unit to the door-opening/closing mechanism. In a state that the drive disk and the follower disk are separated from each other, the brake disk is connected to the follower disk to brake the door-opening/closing mechanism in the opening direction of the door, and to allow the door-opening/closing mechanism to move in the closing direction of the door.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Chikata, Takuya Kakumae
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Patent number: 6993949Abstract: A pipe grooving tool is disclosed having a housing on which a back-up roller and a grooving roller are rotatably mounted. The grooving roller is pivotably movable toward the back-up roller and has a raised tool surface engageable with the outer surface of the pipe. The pipe is positioned with its sidewall between the rollers, and the back-up roller is rotated while the grooving roller is forcibly moved toward the back-up roller. A circumferential groove is formed around the pipe as the rollers traverse its circumference. A power drive shaft connected directly to the back-up roller is provided, the power drive shaft engaging a power drive unit on which the tool is mounted operated under power. A manual drive shaft is connected to the back-up roller through a torque multiplying gear and pinion transmission for manual operation of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Victaulic CompanyInventor: Douglas R. Dole
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Patent number: 6987327Abstract: An apparatus for producing and storing electrical energy includes a conventional bicycle having a plurality of gear ratios and a generator that includes a drive roller on a shaft that is in frictional engagement with an outer circumference of a rear tire of the bicycle. The bicycle is adapted for stationary use with a stand or independent use without the stand and is capable of producing electricity in either case. The generator charges a battery that may be transported with the bicycle. An inverter converts DC into AC. A mass is optionally added to a bicycle crank or wheel to smooth out the pedaling process. A pivoting modified stand is described.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Gerardo Ramos Lucatero
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Patent number: 6848545Abstract: A brake actuation assembly for a vehicle is actuatable to apply and release tension to one or more elements that connect to a brake system of the vehicle. The brake actuation assembly includes an electrically powered brake actuator, a manually operable control, and a manual brake actuator. The electrically powered actuator includes a motor with a driveshaft for driving connection with the elements. The motor is actuatable to rotate the driveshaft in a brake-applying direction to apply tension to the elements and in a brake-releasing direction to release tension to the elements. The manual actuator includes a handle and a cable. The manual actuator is movable between an operative position wherein the cable connects the handle to the driveshaft to enable rotation of the handle to rotate the driveshaft in the brake-applying and brake-releasing directions via the cable, and an inoperative position wherein the handle is disconnected from the driveshaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Scheuring, III, Terry L. Reid, Michael R. Sykes
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Publication number: 20040182653Abstract: This device comprises a frame bearing means actuated by at least one electric motor to exert a pulling action on at least one control member able to move with respect to the frame and intended to be connected to braking means, wherein the pulling means comprise:Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: SOCIETE EUROPEENNE DE FABRICATIONS INDUSTRIELLESInventors: Dominique Lerouge, Helene Basuyau, Florian Trocme, Christian De Gelis
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Patent number: 6769527Abstract: A stop clutch assembly comprises a shaft fixed for receiving a driving torque. A clutch disk is rotatably disposed about the shaft and is axially slidable thereon. A drive collar rotates the clutch disk through a clutch ball lodged in a biconical clutch cavity formed between the clutch disk and the drive collar. A power takeoff member is rotatably disposed about the shaft. The clutch disk positions a load connected to the power takeoff member through a drive ball lodged in a biconical drive cavity formed between the power take off member and the clutch disk. A ring gear having a friction collar attached thereto is rotatably disposed about the shaft. The clutch disk is engaged with the friction collar when the clutch disk is in a first position, and the clutch disk is disengaged from the friction collar when the clutch disk is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Harold Beck & Sons, Inc.Inventor: Brian D. Paris
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Publication number: 20040144201Abstract: A drive arrangement (10) for a shaft (12), such as a shaft for driving a sectional door, roller shutter or the like, is in the form of a module, carried, in use, by the shaft (12) and including a motor (14), a driven wheel (16) fixed for rotation with the shaft (12) and drivable, in use, by the motor (14), and clutch means (18) and operable between the motor (14) and the wheel (16). The module further includes brace means (20) in the form of a limb attachable to a member which is fixed relative to the axis of the shaft (12), to brace the module against turning as the shaft (12) is driven.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Bruce Stanley Gunton
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Patent number: 6755284Abstract: A parking brake actuation assembly is provided including an electric motor and a first rotatable member operatively connected to the electric motor so as to enable the motor to rotate the first rotatable member in a brake applying rotational direction. The first rotatable member normally is prevented against rotation in a brake releasing rotational direction. A second rotatable member is rotatable relative to the first rotatable member and includes cable attachment structure for affixing a brake activation linkage thereto. A clutch spring is disposed between the first and second rotatable members and is configured to contract upon initiation of rotation of the first rotatable member in the brake applying direction so as to couple the second rotatable member to the first rotatable member for affecting rotation of the second rotatable member in the brake applying direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.Inventors: Peter Revelis, Michael Sykes
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Patent number: 6753668Abstract: A garage door drive assembly for moving a linkage arm connected to a garage door, the assembly being adapted for shipping in a partially assembled condition in at least a box for on-site installation, the assembly has a longitudinally-extending rail with laterally extending flanges. The assembly also has a carriage shaped to fit about the flanges. A drive mechanism is movably mounted to the rail. An anchor is coupled to the drive mechanism. The assembly also has a coupler with a selectively releasable connection to the anchor, a connector pivotably connectable to the linkage arm, and a detachable connection enabling the coupler to be fixedly secured to and carried by the carriage. The rail and the carriage may be shipped to the installation site in a box having a smaller cross-sectional profile than would be required to accommodate the carriage and coupling in their connected state.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Linear CorporationInventors: James Patrick Stewart, Mark Y. Shin, Anthony Ramirez
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Patent number: 6739372Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle
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Patent number: 6681900Abstract: An electric brake actuator for actuating a brake arrangement. The actuator includes an electric drive unit (15, 15′) and a load multiplier (17). the electric drive unit (15, 15′) is in cable connection through a first cable unit (16, 16′) with the load multiplier and the load multiplier (17) is arranged for cable connection through a second cable unit (19) with the brake arrangement. Whereby the electric drive unit (15, 15′) is operable to apply a load to the load multiplier (17) through the first cable unit (16, 16′) and the load multiplier (17) is operable to multiply the load for application to the brake arrangement through the second cable unit (19).Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: PBR Australia Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Nui Wang
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Publication number: 20030178257Abstract: A manual override mechanism is presented for a motor driven rotary actuator that allows the output of the actuator to be manually positioned. Once positioned, the output of the actuator may be locked by a locking mechanism to prevent this output from rotating to its quiescent position. When incorporated in a spring return rotary actuator, the manual override may be used to apply a preload on the spring before the driven device is connected. When the actuator is used to drive a valve or damper, the preload applies a positive closing force on the damper in its zero position to ensure a tight closure of the valve or damper. The locking mechanism engages the gear train and opposes the closing force applied by the spring return of the actuator. To disengage the locking mechanism automatically, the motor applies a forward kick to the gear train. Manual disengagement is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: Invensys Building Systems Inc.Inventors: Michael Hung-Sun Oh, Gerald R. Parsons
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Patent number: 6609736Abstract: A motor-driven lock (2) includes a housing (3), a lock body (4), a motor (5), a transmission device (6) mating with the motor and the lock body, a lid (7), an enclosure (8), and a cover (9). The lock body includes a controller (41) having a gear portion (410), and a cap (43) attached to the controller. The transmission device includes a first gearshaft (60) mating with the motor, a second shaft (61) meshed with the first gearshaft, a wheel (62) meshed with the second gear shaft, a screw shaft (63) fixing the wheel thereon, a slider (64) mating with the screw shaft, a yoke (65) slidingly movable along the housing and actuatable by the slider, and a gear set (66) attached to the cap of the lock body, meshed with the gear portion of the lock body and mated with either of two racks (653) of yoke.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Kinyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsun-Tsai Yeh
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Patent number: 6575864Abstract: A drive mechanism (14) for enabling driving and manual movement of a sliding side door (12). The assembly (14) has a track assembly (16) mounted to a vehicle body (10) at a predetermined height and a drive mechanism (18) mounted to the sliding side door (12) so as to be proximate to a door latching mechanism (19). The drive mechanism (18) has an input drive motor (22) driving an output gear assembly (24) engaging the track assembly (16) and a transmission gear assembly (23) with a sliding gear (50) which selectively couples the input drive motor (22) and an input gear assembly (23) to the output gear assembly (24) between an engaged position for driving movement or disengaged position for manual movement of the sliding side door (12). In this way, the slide side door (12) may be moved manually between open and closed positions without having to overcome the effort required of rotating the drive motor (22).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Atoma International CorpInventor: Thomas Dean
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Patent number: 6557923Abstract: In a roof storage compartment cover operating arrangement for a convertible vehicle whose roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in a storage compartment, a hydraulic operating mechanism for operating the roof storage compartment cover and a force element for applying to the roof storage compartment cover a force in the opening direction are connected to opposite ends of a rocker whose pivoting angle is limited so that the roof storage compartment is opened to a greater degree when operated by the hydraulic operating mechanism than it is when manually opened while the hydraulic operating mechanism is inoperative.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: LTS Fahrzeug-Dachsystem GmbHInventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Alexander Bernhardt, Andreas Hasselgruber
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Publication number: 20030011216Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a closure of an open roof construction. It comprises an electric motor having a drive shaft and transmission means and an electric circuit including said motor and control means to actuate the motor. An emergency clutch is coupled to at least one of the drive shaft and the transmission means and is reachable to enable hand actuation of the movable part in case of an emergency. The emergency clutch is covered by a part of the electric circuit, which must be disconnected to reach the clutch. The part of the electronic circuit is provided on a breakable seal, which is a pierceable metal foil strip. As a result it is possible to observe the use of the clutch, either visibly or electronically.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventor: Paul Theodora Maria Plettenberg
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Patent number: 6491148Abstract: An override device is presented having a manual control, an inlet gear, and an outlet gear, which are mounted to rotate about the same axis. The inlet gear rotates the outlet gear. The manual control has a cam which, in co-operation with an intermediate part suitable for following the cam, serves to disengage the rotation of the inlet gear under torque exerted on the manual control. The manual control drives the outlet gear. The Inlet gear rotates by having a set of friction disks and spring part suitable for exerting a force to compress the disks against one another. The intermediate part carries at least one pusher-forming element, which at the end of a displacement exerts force opposing that of the spring part and relaxes the friction force on at least some of the disks.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Fernand Rodrigues
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Patent number: 6478118Abstract: A knob arrangement for operating parking brakes intended for use in vehicles comprising brake units and an electrically operated tensioning device for applying or releasing braking force to the brake units. According to the invention, a device is arranged to sense the position of the knob and to send control signals to a first electric motor which is arranged to power the tensioning device for generating a braking force corresponding to the position of the knob. The knob is manually adjustable and, in a fully applied position, at maximum braking force, mechanically lockable. A control motor is arranged to automatically displace the knob to the fully applied and mechanically locked position dependent on second control signals applied to the motor. In its fully applied, locked position the knob is only releasable from the locked position by manual operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar ABInventors: Peter Åström, Daniel Berglund
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Patent number: 6443276Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch, at least one control unit and at least one actor receiving signals from the control unit and serving to control the operation of the automated constituent or constituents of the power train. A reestablishable connection can be interrupted in the event of a malfunctioning of the power train, such as exhaustion of the supply of electrical energy, defectiveness of the actor and/or defectiveness of the automated constituent or constituents and/or defectiveness of the motion transmitting connection or connections between the actor and the automated constituent or constituents. This renders it possible to set the transmission in neutral or into another gear and/or to select the condition of the clutch in such a way that the vehicle can advance to a selected destination under it own power or that it can be towed to such destination.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbHInventors: Gerd Ahnert, Andreas Deimel, Andreas Rogg, Reinhard Berger
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Publication number: 20020096415Abstract: A motorized clutch operating system in which it is possible to operate the clutch with a clutch pedal when there is a problem with the motor is provided. A clutch actuator 5 that serves as a mechanism for operating a clutch of a vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic mechanism 32, a motor control mechanism 31, and a clutch pedal device 13. The hydraulic mechanism 32 is a mechanism for operating the clutch. Motor control mechanism 31 executes automatic engagement and disengagement of the clutch using a motor 16 that drives the hydraulic mechanism 32 in accordance with a prescribed input signal. A clutch pedal device 14 executes manual engagement and disengagement of the clutch by driving the hydraulic mechanism 32.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATIONInventor: Akira Inoue
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Patent number: 6422636Abstract: A drive assembly for driving a moveable component of a vehicle in which the component can adopt one or more positions in which the component prevents access to the vehicle or a part of the vehicle. The drive assembly has an actuator which is coupled to the component and provides the force for moving the component, and a control unit for actuating the actuator. In an emergency operating mode, the actuator can move freely in at least one direction, in such a manner that the actuator allows movement of the component caused by an external force being exerted on the component other than by means of the actuator, preferably by hand. The drive assembly is also provided with a theft detection unit for detecting theft or attempted theft of the vehicle or of goods which are present in the vehicle. The theft detection unit is coupled to the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Actuant CorporationInventor: Laurentius A. G. Mentink
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Patent number: 6386338Abstract: A manual override mechanism for an electric brake includes a flexible cable having an elongate outer conduit and an elongate inner core extending within the conduit, a conduit end fitting secured to an end of the outer conduit, a housing located within the conduit end fitting and rotatable therein and a core end fitting secured to an end of the inner core. The core end fitting is located within the housing and is longitudinally movable from a first position to a second position such that the end of the inner core moves toward the end of the outer conduit. Preferably, a spring element biases the core end fitting into the second position. Movement from the first position to the second position engages the core with a connecting element such as a helical gear to operably connect the core to the electric parking brake for manual operation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Daniel Powrozek
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Patent number: 6378393Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for manually shifting an electrically controlled transmission (14) to a desired gear setting in the event of a failure includes unlocking a manual shift mechanism (90) from a non-actuatable condition. The manual shift mechanism (90) is linearly moved from the non-actuated condition toward an engageable position with a link arm (70) to linearly move the link arm in response to further linear movement of the manual shift mechanism after engagement therewith. A transmission gear (16) is rotated to manually shift the transmission (14) to the desired gear setting through linear motion of the link arm (70).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventor: Wayne L. Bates
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Patent number: 6338404Abstract: A locking device is provided between a gear train and an output shaft of a power hand tool. Pawls are arranged in a central bore of a fixed ring with an outer face thereof opposing an inner circumference of the central bore with a tiny gap therebetween. A coupler drivingly engages the shaft and the retention rings whereby when the coupler is rotated by the gear train, the coupler drives the disk and the pawls simultaneously and thus allowing the shaft to be rotated without constraint. When a user manually rotates the output shaft, the disk is rotated while the pawls are prevented from rotation about the first axis which causes a rotation of each pawl about the second axis leading to an interference between the outer face thereof and the inner circumference of the fixed ring thereby preventing the shaft from being further rotated.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
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Patent number: 6270147Abstract: A drive arrangement for articulating a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The liftgate is mounted to a body of the motor vehicle for articulation about a pivot axis. The drive arrangement includes a mounting member for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle. A drive motor is attached to the mounting member. A crank arm is pivotally interconnected to the mounting member. The crank arm includes a driven gear. A linkage includes a first end attached to the crank arm and a second end attached to the liftgate. A drive gear is driven by the drive motor. A clutching mechanism is operative for selectively coupling and decoupling the driven gear to the drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Atoma International CorporationInventors: Frederick C Butler, Peter L Oxley
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Patent number: 6253824Abstract: An operator (10) for moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) having a counterbalancing system (30) including a drive tube (31) interconnected with the door including, a reversible motor (40), a drive shaft (50) selectively driven in two directions by the motor, a drive gear (61) freely rotatably mounted on the drive shaft, a driven gear (65) mounted on the drive tube and operatively engaging the drive gear, a disconnect assembly (70) having a spool (71) rotatable with the drive shaft and movable into and out of engagement with the drive gear for selectively connecting and disconnecting the motor and the drive tube, and an actuating mechanism (80) normally maintaining said spool in engagement with the drive gear and biasing the spool out of engagement with the drive gear when released to permit independent movement of the door.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Kelly R. Green, Harry E. Asbury
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Patent number: 6244325Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular roll-up partition assembly, such as a rolling protective shutter, implementing an improved mechanism for raising the partition in an emergency by disengaging a motor from a rolling shutter. The mechanism includes a cable that passes through an axial passage in a torsion spring. When the cable is pulled, the coupling mechanism is separated from the motor drive shaft, thereby disengaging the motor drive shaft from the shutter support member and permitting the torsion spring to quickly raise the rolling shutter.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: QMI Roll Shutter SupplyInventors: James V. Miller, Michael J. Coniglio, Garrett C. Waecker
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Patent number: 6230586Abstract: An electric drive device for a bicycle includes a motor connected to a speed reduction device which has a bevel gear engaged with an annular gear mounted to a rotatable tube that extends through the bottom bracket of the bicycle frame. A crank axle rotatably extends through the rotatable tube with a first unidirectional device connected between the crank axle and the rotatable tube. The annular gear has a plurality of notches defined in the inside thereof and a second unidirectional device is connected between the annular gear and the rotatable tube. The second unidirectional device has a socket with a plurality of pawls pivotally connected thereto which are engaged with the notches when the motor is actuated to drive the rotatable tube while the first unidirectional device releases the connection between the crank axle and the rotatable tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Chung-Hsi Chang
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Patent number: 6210125Abstract: A water system includes a reciprocating pump operated by pedal and motor delivered solar power, including one-way engagement clutch elements preventing hazardous pedal movement and potential motor damage. The pumpstand includes a housing in which a foot pedal and a drive shaft rotate. An eccentric pin, rotating with the drive shaft, moves a connecting rod, which in turn causes a pushrod to oscillate vertically. The pushrod extends into a pressure-tight chamber formed above the rising main (well pipe). A pumprod connected to the pushrod extends to move a conventional plunger through vertical oscillations. A flywheel is attached to the drive shaft, and a counterweight is mounted on the flywheel diametrically opposite the eccentric pin. The radial distance from the drive shaft to the counterweight can be adjusted. A discharge pipe extends from the pressure-tight chamber to an elevated or pressurized storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: MWI CorporationInventors: James David Eller, Dana J. Eller, Daren J. Eller
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Patent number: 6199943Abstract: A method is described of operating a sliding roof system for a motor vehicle. The sliding roof system includes a sliding roof, a sliding roof drive with a sliding roof motor, a device for controlling the sliding roof drive, and a device for emergency displacement of the sliding roof. Operation of the device for emergency adjustment of the sliding roof is detected, and this information is relayed to the device for controlling the sliding roof drive. Such a sliding roof system is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hubert Lamm, Klaus Voehringer, Friedrich-Wilhelm Dreier, Guenter Haderer
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Patent number: 6129337Abstract: A valve actuating device comprising a lower housing seat, a first transmission member, a main shaft, a second transmission member, a fifth transmission member, and an upper housing body; the second transmission member is fastened pivotally at the lower segment thereof with the outer periphery of the ring portion of the first transmission member and is provided on the outer periphery of the midsegment thereof with a worm gear portion engaging a horizontal worm rod, the second transmission member is provided in the inner periphery of the midsegment thereof with a second engagement portion, the third transmission member is fastened pivotally with the main shaft and is provided on the outer periphery of the top segment thereof with a third engagement portion and is further provided at the lower segment thereof with an eccentric shaft portion, the fourth transmission member is fastened pivotally with the eccentric shaft portion and is provided in the outer periphery thereof with a fourth engagement portion which iType: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Inventor: Chiou-Mei Wu
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Patent number: 6109124Abstract: Disclosed is a high-thrust clutch-type automotive electric lock which uses a motor to sequentially rotate a primary gear connected with a clutch assembly, a secondary gear, and a worm connected to the secondary gear, so that a push rod associated with the worm is guided by the worm to move forward or backward and thereby unlocks or locks an automobile door. The clutch assembly and the motor are in a loose connection relation when the motor is not started and no counter electromotive resistance would exist when a key is used to open the automobile door. Therefore, the torque output by the motor can be highly amplified through a big gear ratio of the secondary gear to the primary gear without the problem of counter electromotive resistance.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Tse-Hsing Chen
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Patent number: 6092582Abstract: A motor drive for a rolling steel door which includes a motor and a speed reducer driven by the motor to take up/let off the rolling steel door. A brake disk is rotated with the motor shaft of the motor, a sprocket wheel is moved along an axle and forced by a spring into engagement with the brake disk to stop the motor shaft of the motor from rotation. An electromagnet is securely mounted on the axle and magnetized to attract the sprocket wheel for enabling the motor shaft of the motor to rotate freely upon starting of the motor. A lever operated by hand disengages the sprocket wheel from the brake disk. A control box is coupled to the power output shaft of the speed reducer to control the operation of the motor, wherein when the control box is controlled to start the motor, the electromagnet is magnetized to attract the sprocket wheel from the brake disk and enables the motor shaft of the motor to be freely rotated.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Inventor: Kuei-Chang Liu
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Patent number: 6085770Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely opening a manual valve of a gas cylinder from a remote location. The gas cylinder is first connected to a purge system which is purged of oxygen and pressurized with an inert gas to a pressure near that of the gas cylinder. The manual valve is then engaged with a pneumatic stepper mechanism. Pneumatic fluid is supplied to the pneumatic stepper mechanism to rotate the manual valve a predetermined stepped increment. The step of supplying pneumatic fluid to the pneumatic stepper mechanism is repeated, after pausing to let the system settle, to rotate the manual valve another stepped increment. The steps of rotating and pausing are repeated until the manual valve is opened. The purge system is then vented to atmosphere through a diffuser. Both the pneumatic stepper mechanism and the purge system are fully operable from the remote location. The pneumatic stepper mechanism includes a ratchet assembly and an attachment assembly connecting the ratchet assembly to the manual valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: AGA ABInventors: James R. MacNeal, Richard D. Philpott, Matthew J. Philpott
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Patent number: 6086232Abstract: The device has a drive motor (30), which via a gear drives a gear wheel (33), which is connected to a sleeve (40) through which an adjusting bolt (44) is inserted. The adjusting bolt (44) can be coupled to the sleeve (40) via a set of teeth (43, 48) in the direction of rotation about its longitudinal axis (17), and the coupling of the adjusting bolt (44) is secured by an axially prestressed spring (57) engaging it. A connecting element (16) pivotably connected to the headlight part to be adjusted is coupled in the direction of rotation to the adjusting bolt (44), and the adjusting bolt (44) is displaceable relative to this connecting element in the direction of the longitudinal axis (17). The adjusting bolt (44) is displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (17) counter to the prestressing of the spring (57), so that it is uncoupled from the sleeve (40) and is rotatable relative to the sleeve (40) via an actuating element (58).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Schulze, Elefterios Konto, Michael Westermann
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Patent number: 6079442Abstract: There is disclosed an actuator for a rotary valve, such as a butterfly valve which rotates a quarter of a turn between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a drive mechanism releasably attachable to the stem of the valve for rotating it in response to operation of a reversible electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Bray International, Inc.Inventors: Frank Jo Raymond, Jr., Michael John Bertoja, Francis William Johnston, David Wayne Gent
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Patent number: 6079794Abstract: A brake actuating device for a parking brake of automotive vehicles includes a hand brake lever which acts upon two wheel brakes by way of two brake cables. To assist the manual operation, an electric motor is additionally provided which generates at least part of the actuating force.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Peter Drott
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Patent number: 6073504Abstract: A drive unit provided with an end position recognition device includes a radially projecting cam (27) connected to a driveshaft (20) of the drive unit, for reducing the stroke travel of the unit. The radially projecting cam engages, from tooth to tooth, into the inner toothing of a ratchet wheel (110), rotatable about an axis of rotation (111) that is offset and parallel to an axis of the driveshaft (20). The end position recognition device can be retrofitted and is preferably capable of operating even in the case of emergency manual actuation. The cam (27) has a sufficient axial stroke lift such that, in the case of emergency manual actuation, it nonetheless meshes with the ratchet wheel (110) even when the driveshaft (20) is displaced axially.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ronald Gleixner, Peter Landwehr, Sabine Lang