Rotary To Intermittent Unidirectional Motion Patents (Class 74/84R)
  • Patent number: 6082206
    Abstract: A motor having gears which transmit rotations of a rotor to an output shaft through a gear mechanism made of gear trains, comprises a gear mechanism provided with an intermittent rotation mechanism including a primary gear which rotates upon receiving rotations of the rotor and a secondary gear which meshes with the primary gear and rotates intermittently. The primary gear has a tooth unit for driving the secondary gear, a tooth-shaped hole, which is provided adjacent to one side of the tooth unit and with which a meshing tooth of the secondary gear meshes, and a control unit which is provided adjacent to the other side of the tooth unit so as to stop the secondary gear for a given period such that the primary gear is asymmetric around the tooth unit. When the primary gear rotates in a predetermined direction, the meshing tooth meshes with the tooth-shaped hole to intermittently rotate the secondary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Terada
  • Patent number: 6009773
    Abstract: A motion conversion apparatus having a torque compensation device which is operable to cancel a fluctuation torque, acting on an input shaft due to an inertia load and a fluctuation torque acting on the input shaft due to a frictional load. The motion conversion apparatus converts a continuous rotational motion of the input shaft into a predetermined-type motion of an output shaft through a transmission cam device with the torque compensation device comprising a cam connected to the input shaft, a cam follower, and a resilient force-producing device pressing the cam follower against the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sankyo Seisakusho Co.
    Inventors: Heizaburo Kato, Masao Nishioka, Motoo Takamura
  • Patent number: 5979255
    Abstract: An intermittent rotary motion mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle includes an electromagnetic device, a member moving in response to selective energization of the electromagnetic device, an intermittent motion mechanism and a window wiper shaft coupled to the intermittent motion mechanism. The intermittent motion mechanism moves the wiper shaft in a first wiping positional range when the electromagnetic device moves the member a first predetermined amount. The intermittent motion mechanism further moves the wiper shaft to a park position when the electromagnetic device moves the member a second predetermined amount in a first direction. The wiper shaft is mechanically deterred from movement from the park position concurrently with the electromagnetic device further moving the member past the second predetermined amount in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuxian Huang, Petre Dan
  • Patent number: 5966986
    Abstract: A propulsion system (10) which is designed to be used on a payload platform (90) such as a spacecraft, satellite, aircraft or an ocean vessel. To operate the system (10) electrical power is required. However, during operation the system (10) does not require fuel or other mass be expelled into the environment to move in space. The system (10) is designed to operate in two operational modes: in Mode I the system (10) incrementally moves the payload platform (90) forward with each operational cycle. In this first mode, the velocity imparted to the payload platform (90) is not additive. In Mode II the payload platform (90) accelerates forward a discrete increment of velocity during each operational cycle. In this second mode the increments of velocity are additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Virgil Rickard Laul
  • Patent number: 5960668
    Abstract: A roller gear cam index mechanism including a turret having pairs of adjacent rollers radially arranged on a circumference thereof. Each pair of rollers is engaged between adjacent ribs on a globoidal cam. The angle between the line up direction of every pair of rollers and the tangent direction of the turret circumference is a variable between 0 to 90 degrees. The rollers are modified globoidal rollers which are selected having difference maximum radii and vertex positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Ching-Huan Tseng, Wei-Han Wang
  • Patent number: 5937698
    Abstract: A centrifugal force propulsion device includes an eccentric rotor rotatably mounted to a base via a shaft. The rotor has an aperture therein which is substantially larger than the shaft, such that the rotor is able to rotate at speed away from the shaft, as well as move longitudinally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A drive motor drives the rotor through a stretchable flexible belt. As centrifugal force rotates the rotor toward a longitudinal standing position alone away from the shaft and drive motor, and as the drive belt is stretched, the increased tension therein pulls the drive motor and base ahead following the rotor, thus pulling the device in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: William T. Kunz
  • Patent number: 5916324
    Abstract: The stepping gear mechanism is provided in particular for motion control of a machine tool turret and comprises two cam plates adapted to be driven in rotation in the same sense about an axis of rotation each and arranged in such manner with respect to a roller supporting member that circular stop zones of both cam plates each engage a roller at the same time and in mutually counteracting fashion, whereby the roller supporting member is prevented from rotating. Subsequently, a projection of a cam plate engages one roller, while another roller dips into an indentation of the other cam plate so that the roller supporting member will be rotated. The cam plates are disposed adjacent each other and their projections are movable past each other in overlapping relationship such that, alternating with these conditions of engagement, the stop zones of both cam plates engage one and the same roller simultaneously and opposingly, whereby the roller supporting member once again is prevented from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Traub Drehmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Baumann
  • Patent number: 5906134
    Abstract: A Geneva drive mechanism includes a Geneva gear having arcuate recesses and radially outwardly opening slots arranged alternately in a circumferential direction thereof, and a driving member having an engaging element for engaging the slots. The driving member has a cam. The cam includes a plurality of rolling elements rotatable and movable circumferentially of the driving member. The rolling elements are arranged in a portion of the cam which contacts the arcuate surfaces when the engaging element is disengaged from the slots and rotation of the Geneva gear is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Yamada
  • Patent number: 5903114
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs a power transmission mechanism for generating intermittent motion having a specific range of motion and angular velocity profile for selectively actuating a mechanical device operably coupled to the power transmission mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the power transmission mechanism. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates a plurality of intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, William C. Zimmer, James W. Gibson, Eric J. Krupp
  • Patent number: 5890400
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for developing a propulsion force in a predetermined direction. The apparatus includes an outer frame and an inner frame slidably mounted within the outer frame. The inner frame supports a flywheel which rotates about a shaft defining a first axis. Masses are mounted to the flywheel for rotational movement with the flywheel and for lateral movement relative to the flywheel in a direction to increase and decrease a distance of a center of gravity of the masses from the first axis. The outer frame supports a mass movement control member rotating with the flywheel about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The control member moves the masses cyclically such that the distance from the first axis is at a maximum in the direction of propulsion and at a minimum in a direction opposite to the direction of propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Ross A. Oades
  • Patent number: 5831354
    Abstract: A bootstrap propulsion system is provided including a housing with a pair of elliptical track assemblies situated side-by-side within the housing and further positioned in a common plane. A moving mass assembly is situated on each of the track assemblies. The moving mass assemblies are each adapted to move around the associated track assembly such that an instantaneous position thereof on the associated track assembly is a mirror image of that of the other moving mass assembly within the same compartment of the housing. In order reduce the weight of the overall system, movement of the moving mass assemblies is effected by way of a linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Timothy J. Stopplecamp
  • Patent number: 5806367
    Abstract: An intermittent indexing apparatus has a simple structure of supporting portions for bearings without requiring complicated manufacturing processes. The intermittent indexing apparatus includes input shaft, an output shaft, and a housing. An indexing cam is provided on the input shaft and engages cam followers disposed on the peripheral surface of a turret fixed to the output shaft. Opposite ends of the input shaft and the output shaft are rotatably supported by respective first and second pairs of bearings in the housing. First and second openings are formed through opposite side walls of the housing. The second pair of bearings are enabled to slide in an axial direction of the output shaft for positioning. The first opening has a sufficient diameter for introducing therethrough the output shaft with the cam followers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
  • Patent number: 5791188
    Abstract: A propulsion system for converting rotary motion of a pair of weighted rotor arms into linear motion includes a support frame with a drive unit mounted thereto. The drive unit includes a rotatable shaft with a pair of rotor arms pivotally mounted thereto. Upon rotation of the shaft the rotor arms rotate about the shaft. A cone surrounds the rotor arms so as to present a course for rolling movement of the weight elements on said rotor arms. The cone is mounted to a platform which is pivotally mounted to said support frame. Upon movement of said platform and associated cone from a horizontal position the interior surface of the cone presents an asymmetrical course for the weight elements about said shaft. Upon rotation of the shaft the travel of the opposed weight elements through said asymmetrical course produces a resultant linear force on the cone which is transferred to the object attached to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: George J. Howard
  • Patent number: 5782134
    Abstract: A propulsion unit which converts electricity into unidirectional thrust by electromagnetically spinning an assembly of weights about a circuitous path, such that the radius of rotation for a given weight from the center of the spinning assembly is significantly greater along one portion of path than a second portion of the path. Two identical electromagnetically spinning weight assemblies spin in opposite directions to counteract torque stresses created by varying the respect radii of rotation for the weights. The resulting imbalances of centrifugal force produced by the actions of the two electromagnet weight spinning systems produces a unidirectional thrust whose vector would depend upon that sector of the path where the respective radius of rotation is greatest. A plurality of these systems arranged in counter-rotating coplanar pairs along the three axes of three dimensional space (i.e. X,Y, and Z axes) are utilized to produce a smooth unidirectional thrust along any vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: James D. Booden
  • Patent number: 5767633
    Abstract: An electrodynamic motor drive system, for generating enhanced rotational output, is comprised of a pair of flywheel mechanisms that are integrally connected to an output shaft. Each flywheel mechanism is energized by its own motor and is operable to temporarily engage a weighted mass that travels a path defined by the housing of the system. A pair of mass accelerators rapidly advances each flywheel mechanism during the transfer of the masses from one flywheel mechanism to the other. A component of the force generated by the continuously rotating masses is transferred through each flywheel mechanism to an output system which, in turn, causes rotation of an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Maciej Kardas, Leonard Zembrzuski, Leonid Bogdanov
  • Patent number: 5737861
    Abstract: A simplified gear box for intermittently displaying a number of displays on a display apparatus is comprised of a partial gear driven by a drive shaft, the partial gear cooperates with a number of pins on a rotatable pin wheel which is secured to a triangular shaped display element so as to intermittently rotate the display element upon rotation of the pin wheel. A number of gear boxes are connected to a number of triangular elements to intermittently synchronously rotate all of the triangular display elements, to display different images upon a face of the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Tri Motion Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Hansen
  • Patent number: 5692411
    Abstract: The current invention discloses methods and apparatus for quieter sorters. The quieter sorter reduces the collision noises generated by movable pins of the sorter trays and a Geneva wheel which controls the movement of the sorter trays. The movable pins generally receive a force, and the force is necessary to advance the trays in a predetermined direction. As a particular pin approaches the Geneva wheel, a collision protector isolates this approaching movable pin from the force. When the Geneva wheel engages the isolated movable pin, since the isolated pin is free from the force, the isolated pin does not collide onto the Geneva wheel. This smooth engagement of the Geneva wheel substantially reduces the noise level associated with the travel of the movable pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Tamura
  • Patent number: 5685196
    Abstract: Devices herein described utilize vehicles that are propelled, braked, and steered by means of a process called Inertial Propulsion Plus. This consists of a "power phase" to extend the weight(s) from the vehicle, alternated with a "null phase" to cancel out the return phase or stroke reactions. This process is made workable by selectively applying a pure external force derived from the pathway and opposing the movement of the weight(s) on the power phase. For non-travel-related applications, the inherent displacement can be harnessed by a treadmill or other ways for a power source to increase available power and reduce pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Richard E. Foster, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5645507
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission used for translating between rotary motions or between rotary and linear motions, for use in automotive, industrial and robotics applications, operating with the following principles: an upper section (1) is allowed to freely move in all directions parallel to the surface below, but is not allowed to rotate. A disc (2) in a lower section is constrained such that its centre is always directly below the centre of the upper section (1). The disc (2) in a lower section is constrained such that its centre is always directly below the centre of the upper section (1). The disc (2) is rotated in the direction (12) shown relative to the upper section (1), and the freely rotating wheels (6) are steered by rods (7) that slide through wheel supports (5). The rods (7) meet at a coincidence point controlled by rod (8) which is set at a particular point relative to the upper section (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Eryx Limited
    Inventor: Nigel Anthony Hathaway
  • Patent number: 5605072
    Abstract: A driven gear (3a), a gear (11a) to a rotary solenoid (15a) and an output drive gear (19a) are mounted to rotate together, preferably as one part turning on a stationary shaft (7a). The driven gear and the output drive gear have disengagement sectors (5a and 20a). Activation of the solenoid turns the driven gear into engagement with a normally turning drive gear (1a). Shortly after the sector on the output gear is cleared, and the load (27) is driven through engagement with driven gear (23a). After one cycle, the detent force of the solenoid positions the sector 5a so that engagement is terminated. Because the rotary solenoid need only move the gears 3a, 11a and 19a, the size of the load is immaterial to the physical requirements for the solenoid and its reliability of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Schmidt, Kevin D. Schoedinger
  • Patent number: 5557988
    Abstract: A centripetal impeller to impart a force and having an attachment piece defining an axis of revolution. The impeller has a movable arm pivotable relative to the attachment piece so that the movable arm is a distance r from the axis of revolution. The impeller includes a rotation device coupled to the attachment piece causing the attachment piece to rotate along the axis of revolution. A variable force device is attached to the movable arm to produce a force on the movable arm toward the axis of revolution so as to cause a net force along the axis of revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: John C. Claxton
  • Patent number: 5553513
    Abstract: The apparatus of this invention consists of a housing containing 1) a "cam-motor" mechanism 2) an input shaft and 3) an output shaft that may or may not be collinear with the input shaft. The "cam motor" mechanism linking the input and output shafts is capable of an infinite variety of motion transfer functions between the input and output shafts. A "cam-motor" or cam-modulated linkage provides the transfer function. Output motion can be specified to be any of a large variety of displacement profiles (either clockwise and or counter-clock wise) including several dwells and controlled accelerations and decelerations between them. Input motion can also be specified and can have either constant or variable velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold T. Eventoff
  • Patent number: 5546822
    Abstract: An automatic transmission incorporating a means for varying the ratio of input rotational velocity to output rotational velocity. A cylinder cam is mounted on a cam driver having a helical gear tooth thereon engaging corresponding helical internal gear teeth within the cylinder cam. The cylinder cam incorporates a continuously varying cam angle and is axially translatable along the cam driver; the cam is positioned on the cam driver automatically in accordance with torque requirements by the forces transmitted to the cam through the helical gears of the cam driver. Spherical cam followers mounted in a sphere cluster engage the cylinder cam; the clusters are mounted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: John E. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5497671
    Abstract: A gear combination is disclosed in which a spherical body has a plurality of grooves defined therein into which a pin gear enmeshes. Substantially all the pins on the pin gear engage the grooves in the spherical body at all times. The spherical body rotates about a first axis and the pin gear rotates about a second axis. The grooves are cut into the spherical body by a computer-controlled milling machine. The groove is endless or eventually returns to its beginning position. The axis of the milling tool may be oriented at any angle with respect to the axis of the lathe head, since the resulting motion of the milling tool necessarily cuts whatever lissajous shape is dictated by the relative periodic motions of the lathe head and milling table. The pins in the pin gear thus follow the grooves defined in the spherical body so that the rotation of the pin gear relative to the spherical body mimics the relative motions of the lathe head and milling table when the spherical body was cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Edward G. Rourke
  • Patent number: 5488877
    Abstract: Two phases of weight or mass of equal value are interconnected at a fixed distance which rotate and interact with a force retainer having a circular path. Both phases move equally but in opposite direction from the center of rotation on a guide. The guide is connected at its linear mid point to a shaft that is supported in rotation by sleeves or bearings that are firmly attached to a frame. The force retainer is also attached to the frame. The combination allows the shaft to be rotated at a frequency that causes a centrifugal force to act upon the phases. The phases interact with the circular path through rollers forcing the phase radius to change from a normal orbit of equal radius. This causes an imbalance of centrifugal forces acting on the phases. The difference between the two centrifugal forces is transmitted to the frame through the phase rollers interacting with the circular path of the force retainer. The magnitude of centrifugal force of the phases are dependent upon frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Richard L. Lieurance
  • Patent number: 5473957
    Abstract: A controlled translational force generating system includes a main frame, a first set of parallel eccentric mass subsystems mounted on the main frame and being counterrotatable to generate a set of initial translational forces, and a second set of parallel balance subsystems mounted on the main frame and being counterrotatable to produce a controlled reference environment. The set of translational forces generated by the parallel eccentric mass subsystems through interaction with the controlled reference environment produced by the parallel balance subsystems produce a controllably steerable straight-line resultant translational force which causes the generating system to move along a desired directional path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas L. Navarro
  • Patent number: 5454277
    Abstract: In an intermittent torque transmission device, an input shaft is provided to have a cylindrical cam face. An output shaft has a wheel provided in a manner to intersect the input shaft. A plurality of recesses are provided on an upper surface of the wheel along a predetermined base circle. A cam groove is provided on the cylindrical cam face of the input shaft. A spherical ball is rotatably provided in each of the recesses of the wheel while engaging against the cam groove so as to intermittently rotate the wheel of the output shaft in association with the rotational movement of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Kenji Imase
  • Patent number: 5455646
    Abstract: A stop-motion mechanism utilizes rotational means for rotating a shaft having a thread with an alternating series of helical portions and arc portions. A follower is mounted for motion having a longitudinal component, and is adapted to engage the thread formed on the rotatable shaft. When the shaft is rotated, the follower thus moves in an intermittent fashion which is characterized by alternating periods of motion having a longitudinal component and pauses in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Wayne E. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5388470
    Abstract: The centrifugal force drive machine for generating force in a controlled direction is provided. The machine includes a machine frame having a shaft mounted thereto for rotation about its axis. The drive mechanism is provided to rotate the shaft about its axis. At least one mass is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. Each mass has a center of gravity which is moveable radially with respect to the shaft between the position in which the mass is rotationally balanced about the shaft and a position in which the mass is unbalanced. A control member in an operative connection between the mass and the frame is provided to constrain radial movement of the mass between the balanced position and the unbalanced position during each revolution thereof. When a mass is in the unbalanced position, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the mass is transmitted to the control member, thereby generating a linear force in the controlled direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Richard O. Marsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5388469
    Abstract: The vibrator system of this invention provides conversion of rotary motion to an unidirectional motion and may be used to propel watervessels. The vibrator system involves a rotating vibrator unit which bears large and small rotating eccentric weights. A gear arrangement provides synchronized rotation of the weights which results in a net unidirectional force. In a second embodiment, two vibrator units are mounted on a single frame and are rotated in synchrony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Howard M. Woltering
  • Patent number: 5385509
    Abstract: A drive train for a pulsed feed wheel has an offset cam on a continuously rotating drive shaft. The cam acts against a pendulum which rocks the input of a one-way clutch. A support arm attached to the output of the clutch terminates in a planetary gear. The planetary gear meshes with two sun gears one of which is fixed against rotation and the other of which is keyed to the output shaft. The planetary gear and sun gears are harmonic gears. Each revolution of the drive shaft pulses the output shaft through a small fraction of one revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Longford Equipment International Limited
    Inventor: John D. Long
  • Patent number: 5372474
    Abstract: An apparatus for gravity assisted rotational motion includes a frame and a axle supported on the frame. A plurality of hollow arms are rotatably supported on the axle. At the outer ends of each arm is mounted a hollow reservoir which can be selectively filled or emptied of a heavy, flowable material such as water. Heavy plates are slidably mounted on rods and alternately open or close the reservoirs depending on the location of the plate above or below the reservoir as the device rotates. The transfer of water from one side of the rotational device to the other as the device rotates minimizes the energy input necessary to rotate the device, creating an attractive and interesting attraction for miniature golf courses, circuses, county fairs, and other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Charles J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5335561
    Abstract: An impulse converter is provided for converting angular impulses into linear impulses. The impulse converter includes a frame with frame members adapted to be oppositely rotated on the frame. The frame members may be rotated by any rotation generating device. Arms and masses are provided on the frame members, the masses are to be accelerated both radially and tangentially by the arms due to the rotation of the frame members. A rack and pinion mass retrieval unit is provided on each of the arms to throw out and/or retrieve the masses back along the length of the arm. The masses are re-accelerated along the arms, and re-retrieved by the rack and pinion mass retrieval unit which converts the radial and tangential accelerations into linear impulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: James Harvey
  • Patent number: 5313851
    Abstract: A reusuable mass propulsion system comprising; means to change the force created by a linear accelerating mass into rotating kinetic energy, the kinetic energy being in a different plane and dimension which, in the process, gives at least 4 distinct thrusts to its vehicle host. The apparatus uses no magnetic forces, gases or particle discharges and requires only a power source such as solar energy for its activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Donald E. Joslin
  • Patent number: 5280826
    Abstract: A coulter adjusting device for use in a reversible plowing machine having a non-reversible mast frame, a bottom frame secured to the non-reversible mast frame in such a manner as to be rotatable or reversible relative to the non-reversible mast frame, a rotatable shaft for rotating or reversing the bottom frame, plural pairs of bottoms fixed to the bottom frame such that each pair of bottoms is secured to upper and lower sides of the bottom frame respectively, and coulters provided in correspondence with each pair of bottoms, at least one of the coulters being secured to the non-reversible mast frame, includes an adjusting mechanism the position of the coulter secured to the non-reversible mast frame by inclining the coulter on a plane perpendicular to a plowing direction by an angle corresponding to the plowing depth, or by moving the coulter in the plowing width direction by an amount corresponding to the tread of a tractor interlockingly with a reversing operation of the bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Sugano Farm Machinery Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Tanimizu, Kouichi Kawano
  • Patent number: 5279170
    Abstract: A jumping mechanism includes a support frame and a swing arm pivoted to the support frame. A U-shaped leg has a pair of vertically extending parts which are mounted pivotally to the swing arm. The support frame is movable relative to the vertically extending parts in a vertical direction. A jumping control unit has a rotary cam plate which is mounted on the support frame and which rotates in a predetermined direction. The cam plate is disposed below and has a periphery which abuts with an outward projection of the swing arm. One end of a tension spring is hooked to an upper rear end of the swing arm, while the other end thereof is hooked to an upper front end of the support frame. Rotation of the cam plate initially causes the cam plate to urge the outward projection upward so as to cause the swing arm to pivot upwardly from a first position relative to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Hwa-Lo Chen
  • Patent number: 5269233
    Abstract: A heater for burning particulate combustible fuel material, and a stoker for transferring the fuel for use in connection with such a heater. The heater includes a burner with a step upward from the stoker onto the burner, for reducing the possibility of the fire burning back into the supply of fuel. The stoker includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor, spaced vertically apart and connected together by a drop box. A drive arrangement for driving the conveyors includes a prime mover connected to the first conveyor by means of a drive shaft and to the second conveyor by an intermittent drive. The intermittent drive includes a second shaft with a plurality of paddles extending radially outwardly therefrom. In one embodiment, one or more paddles are removably affixed to the first shaft and extend radially outward therefrom. Thus rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the second shaft only when the paddles are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Howard A. Johnson, Lloyd D. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5255463
    Abstract: A rotating sign assembly includes a number of multi-sided, rotatable sign segments driven by an elongated drive shaft operably interconnected with each of the sign segments. The drive shaft includes at least one multi-armed driven cam fitted to the drive shaft. Each arm of the driven cam includes an outer sloped driving surface and a peaked extremity. The driven cam is rotatably driven by a driving arm assembly comprising a driving pin plate and a driven arm stop plate. The driving pin plate includes a pair of pins, one situated on each end of the plate. Each driving pin alternatingly interacts with the outer sloped surfaces of the cam for rotation thereof, this rotation being halted by interaction of the peaked extremities alternatingly with the ends of the stop plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Paul H. Werner
  • Patent number: 5243869
    Abstract: A cam operated indexing drive having a generally cylindrical cam body operatively engaging a follower equipped plate member, the cam body having a radially outwardly projecting rib having dwell portions on opposite sides of the equatorial centerline so that preload forces are balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Paul J. Kukowski
  • Patent number: 5233887
    Abstract: A quick return mechanism for a drilling machine comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, an overdrive gear train and a speed-reduction gear train, each disposed between the input and output shafts, a first clutch for connecting the output shaft to the input shaft through the over-drive gear train when a motor for driving the input shaft rotates in the quick-return direction and disconnecting the output shaft from the input shaft when the motor rotates in the feed direction, a second clutch selectively set at a first position and a second position, for connecting the output shaft to the input shaft through the speed-reduction gear train at the first position when the motor is rotated in the feed direction, and disconnecting the output shaft from the input shaft through the speed-reduction gear train at the second position, when the motor rotates in the quick-return direction, and a rotation=linear-movement converting unit for setting the second clutch at the first position when the motor rotates in the feed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Asano, Michihiro Shoji
  • Patent number: 5197354
    Abstract: An intermittent drive mechanism is provided for intermittently driving an output shaft with an input shaft that has an axis that intersects the axis of the output shaft at an angle. A driving element on the input shaft couples with a driven element on the output shaft through pairs of corresponding accelerating and decelerating pin and slot combinations which engage each other intermittently at the surface of an imaginary sphere which is centered at the intersection point of the shafts. Embodiments are provided both with and without intermittent driving gears on the elements to maintain the output shaft rotation at constant maximum velocity through a predetermined arc. The slots are curved, preferably in circular arcs, so as to optimize acceleration and the rate of change of acceleration (jerk), particularly as the output shaft approaches and leaves the point of maximum angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt Incorporated
    Inventors: Henry G. Mohr, Randall L. Sparks
  • Patent number: 5182958
    Abstract: A non-linear propulsion and energy conversion system, in one embodiment, includes an impulse drive having a frame with inner and outer pairs of driving members movable relative to the frame. Guides in the form of rails are provided for supporting the driving members so that they move along a path confined by the rails when kinetic energy is provided thereto. Solenoid switches are located at each end of the frame and are operable to cause the outer driving members to move linearly along the rails in opposite directions towards each other. At least one of the inner members has a pair of rotatable discs mounted thereon which rotate upon interaction with one of the outer members. The other inner member interacts with the other outer member in a manner so that it transmutes a greater portion of the translational kinetic energy and linear momentum applied thereto by the outer member into linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: James W. Black
  • Patent number: 5176036
    Abstract: A parallel shaft drive controls rotational and translational movement of a driven hub. The drive is useful in indexing and other types of machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Overton Corporation
    Inventor: William O. Harris
  • Patent number: 5161421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving device for driving or operating elongate display members at signs for consecutive, repeated presentation of series of images, whereby said elongate display members (2) are driven through pairs of gear wheels (15, 16) having conical teeth and whereby a driving gear wheel (15) in each pair of gear wheels is provided on a drive shaft (6) and a driven gear (16) wheel in each pair is operatively connected with the elongate display member (2) to be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Prisma Skyltreklam AB
    Inventor: Stig E. A. Stigsson
  • Patent number: 5159846
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably moving and positioning an indexing table is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention allows an indexing table to be quickly rotated between a plurality of index positions to within an accuracy of less than 0.001 inches on a repeated basis. Further, the apparatus has no looseness or physical separation between motion transmission elements while at or near each index position that would otherwise allow for externally induced movement of the indexing table. While at or near each index position, a first side of the cogs of a first planetary gear is kept in continual contact with the first side of the cogs of a main gear, and the second side of the cogs of a second gear is kept in continual contact with the second side of the cogs of a main gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Michael V. Warner
  • Patent number: 5156058
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of orbiting a first mass unit alternately about spaced centers of rotation with the orbit around each of the spaced centers of rotation extending for approximately one-half of a complete circle, orbiting a second mass unit side-by-side with the first mass unit but in the opposite direction, and adjusting the spaced centers of rotation relative to each other so that the resultant of first and second unbalanced centrifugal forces produced by the first and second mass units is a substantially straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Theodore R. Bristow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5150626
    Abstract: A rotatably-driven asymmetrically-accelerated mass apparatus generates a substantially translational force with interaction with its external environment. The apparatus has an orbital frame mounted to a main frame and attached to a rotary drive shaft for undergoing revolution about a central axis upon operation of a drive unit. The orbital frame has at least one and preferably a plurality of support shafts defining separate orbital axes angularly spaced from one another about the central axis and located radially outwardly of and substantially parallel to the central axis. An orbital member is mounted to each support shaft for undergoing revolution with the orbital frame about the central axis. Each orbital member also is mounted to the support shaft for undergoing rotation about its orbital axis and for predisposing its center of mass in eccentric relation, and at a preset angular position relative, to the orbital axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas L. Navarro, James D. Isaacson
  • Patent number: 5097718
    Abstract: An intermittent driving apparatus having input and output shafts disposed in perpendicular but nonintersecting relationship, and joined together by an intermittent drive coupling for transmitting rotation of the input shaft intermittently to the output shaft. The input shaft extends through an eccentric opening formed on a ring which is disposed within an opening formed in the housing. The ring can be angularly adjusted relative to the housing to vary the position of the axis of the input shaft. The ring is fixed to the housing by a securing pin, and a ring-shaped cover is press-fit into the angular gap between the ring and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Sahara
  • Patent number: 5081885
    Abstract: A worm-like drive mechanism has a plurality of axially-spaced eccentrics rotated by an input shaft located at right angles to an output shaft. A wheel mounted on the output shaft has a circumferential surface with periodic undulations. Oscillators in the form of rollers mounted on pins and captured in respective slots of a fixed carrier are reciprocated through contact with the external surfaces of the eccentrics to cause the undulated surfaces of the wheel to move, thereby driving the output shaft. Contact between the rollers and the eccentrics is achieved through the intermediary of bars which are reciprocated with the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Consulier Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5054331
    Abstract: A controllable gyroscopic propulsion apparatus comprising a base, a shaft rotatably mounted on the base, a cylindrical frame attached to the shaft and rotating therewith, a plurality of rods slidably and horizontally carried by the frame, weights attached by a pulley and cable system to the rods so that sliding the rods horizontally causes the weights to move radially, and a rotatable, tiltable plate for changing on command the horizontal positions of the rods so that the apparatus develops propulsion in the desired direction. The ends of the rods bear against the plate that can be rotated and tilted using a paid of cylinders. A motor may be attached to the base of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Andrew T. Rodgers