With Sprocket Wheel Patents (Class 74/89.21)
  • Patent number: 11974764
    Abstract: A clot removal device for removing a clot from a body vessel, the clot removal device including: an elongated member sized to traverse vasculature and having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated member comprising a longitudinal axis; and an engagement structure connected to the distal end of the elongated member, the engagement structure comprising a plurality of pinching cells connected to each other, the at least one pinching cell being configured to engage clot in an expanded deployed configuration and to pinch the clot upon actuation to the clot pinching configuration, a first pinching cell of the plurality of pinching cells being connected to a second pinching cell of the plurality of pinching cells such that the second pinching cell is rotatable respective the first pinching cell substantially about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: NEURAVI LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas O'Malley
  • Patent number: 11963913
    Abstract: A foldable ramp for wheelchair access to a passenger car door, can include an entry platform which can be arranged an entry positon where the ramp is folded out of the car to allow wheelchair access to the car, a transport position where the entry platform is arranged in the car in an upright position, and a passive position where the entry platform is arranged in the car in a lying positon. The ramp can include a pivoting mechanism to mount the platform to the car, and can include an interlock configured to allow movement of the platform relative to the car and fix the platform relative to at least a section of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: API CZ S.R.O.
    Inventor: Marek Huisl
  • Patent number: 11965583
    Abstract: Thrust chain device, includes a thrust chain with a straight portion along an axis and a curved portion, and links hinged on shafts, a chain guide, a driving sprocket with chain interlocking teeth, the sprocket being in contact with the chain via contact surfaces in the shape of an involute of a circle, the contact surfaces belonging to the teeth, a tooth engaging with the chain while defining a line of action having an angle with the shaft of the straight portion of between ?10° and 10°, the sprocket in contact with the straight portion and not the curved and is mounted such that it can rotate on a shaft on the side of the chain opposite the curved portion's center of curvature, the contact surfaces including a convex front surface directed towards the straight portion and a rear surface directed towards the curved portion when the tooth is interlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SERAPID FRANCE
    Inventor: Romain Prevost
  • Patent number: 11761516
    Abstract: A device for tensioning a belt of a video camera assembly, including a belt tensioner terminal and an elastic thrust element operating on the belt tensioner terminal for thrusting the belt tensioner terminal against the belt. The device further includes an adjustment element for determining an adjustable positioning of the belt tensioner terminal with respect to the belt and at least one constraint element for operating between a rest condition, where it does not constrain the positioning of the belt tensioner terminal, and a constraint condition, where it constrains in position the belt tensioner terminal. The adjustment element is operatively connected to the thrust element in a removable way. Advantageously, the thrust element and the adjustment element share a same operative direction, the at least one constraint element operating or developing along a direction which is orthogonal to said operative direction of the thrust element and of the adjustment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: VIDEOTEC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alessio Grotto, Angelo Ribello
  • Patent number: 11675260
    Abstract: A modeling projection lamp has a stand, a driving assembly, a first pattern frame, and a second pattern frame. The stand has a first swing bracket and a first gear. The first gear is mounted on the first swing bracket. The driving assembly has a rotating mechanism and a second swing bracket. The rotating mechanism can drive the second swing bracket so that the first swing bracket is swung about a first axis and the second swing bracket is swung about a second axis at the same time. The second pattern frame is movably connected to the second swing bracket. With the second swing bracket swinging with respect to the first swing bracket, the second pattern frame can moves or rotates with respect to the first pattern frame. Therefore, the image formed via the first pattern and the second pattern can be a dynamic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GEMMY INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Chun Zhang
  • Patent number: 11643211
    Abstract: A storage bin assembly includes a fixed bin portion, an articulating bin portion, and an articulation system. The fixed bin portion is configured to be mounted to an aircraft, and has a cavity configured for storage of luggage. The articulating bin portion is coupled to the fixed bin portion, and includes a shelf configured for supporting luggage. The articulation system movably couples the articulating bin portion to the fixed bin portion. The articulating bin portion is movable from a first position in which the articulating bin portion is proximate to the fixed bin portion to a second position at which the articulating bin portion is separated from the fixed bin portion and lower than the fixed bin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Amar Patel, Amruthesh Shivashankar, Vinay Siddalingappa, Ganeshprasad Kalavar, Rejo Jayaraj, Tom Thomas, Premananda Kanthi
  • Patent number: 11597098
    Abstract: An assistive robot system includes a lifting mechanism, a movable arm assembly, a processing device, and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processing device. The processing device transmits a command to the lifting mechanism to cause the lifting mechanism to move the movable arm assembly such that a container is gripped within the movable arm assembly, transmits a first one or more signals to the movable arm assembly to cause the movable arm assembly to extend in a system longitudinal direction such that the movable arm assembly grips the container. The movable arm assembly is positioned at a release location and transmits a second one or more signals to the movable arm assembly to cause the movable arm assembly to extend in a system lateral direction such that the container gripped within the movable arm assembly is released from the movable arm assembly at the release location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Aimee S. Goncalves, Christopher Gidwell, Joseph Bondaryk, Paul W. Baim, Toffee Albina
  • Patent number: 11512764
    Abstract: A tool changing system with rigidity improved belt moving mechanism includes a pedestal, a sliding base, a driving unit, a positioning belt, and a transmission belt. The sliding base is disposed on the pedestal, and reciprocatively moves along a linear direction. The driving unit is disposed on the sliding base. The positioning belt and the transmission belt are disposed on the pedestal and include a gear rack, respectively. A detouring section of the transmission belt is separated from the positioning belt, and transmissibly meshed with the driving wheel of the driving unit. When the driving wheel rotates, the detouring section is driven to continuously shift on the transmission belt, and the sliding base is simultaneously driven to slide on the pedestal along the linear direction. Thus, a combination of the positioning belt and the transmission belt achieves an improved rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: CHEN SOUND INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ying Sun
  • Patent number: 10907707
    Abstract: Provided is an actuator, preferably a linear actuator, including a carriage having a lateral support surface for supporting a first longitudinal section of a belt against lateral deflection and a space adjacent to and longitudinally offset from the lateral support surface for partially surrounding a second longitudinal section of the belt that is deflected relative to the lateral support surface to take up slack and/or tension the belt. By containing the slack within the carriage using the space and the lateral support surface, slack may be removed from the belt or the belt may be tensioned in an easy and cost efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Baric, Mike Bridges, Adis Halimic
  • Patent number: 10907706
    Abstract: The telescopic adjuster includes a telescopic rod assembly, a driving unit, and a chain. The telescopic rod assembly includes a fixed tube and a driving tube, where the fixed tube is sleeved over the driving tube or the driving tube is sleeved over the fixed tube, the fixed tube is fixed to a housing, and the driving tube can extend or retract relative to the fixed tube. The driving unit includes a first motor and a first gear, where the first motor is configured to drive the first gear. The chain has one end wound around the first gear and the other end fixed to a top end of the driving tube. When the first motor drives the first gear to rotate, the first gear drives the chain to push or pull the driving tube so that the driving tube extends or retracts relative to the fixed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ci-Hong Cai, Shih-Wei Hung, Wen-Chang Chuang
  • Patent number: 9249826
    Abstract: A cable for operation with a complex stranded construction may include a core strand stranded with a plurality of element wires and a plurality of side strands on which a plurality of element wires are respectively stranded are stranded. A tightening percentage may be 4 to 11%. The pre-forming percentage may be 65 to 90%. The stranding length of the inner cable for operation is 9 to 18-fold against the outer diameter of the inner cable for operation and an angle of the element wires composing the side strand appearing at the outermost lay against an axis line of the inner cable is ?3 degrees to 3 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Tsuda
  • Patent number: 9222546
    Abstract: An interlocking chain unit includes a stepped rod that determines the positions of case plates in a pair and those of guide plates relative to each other. The stepped rod has a small-diameter part that passes through passage holes of the guide plates respectively. The stepped rod has opposite end portions fitting in countersunk holes respectively formed in respective inner surfaces of the case plates. The stepped rod has a large-diameter part with a guide plate side step abutting on a rim of the passage hole of the guide plate, and a case plate side step abutting on a rim of the countersunk hole of the case plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Ryuta Shoji, Shunji Sakura, Hiroyuki Mineyama, Atsuo Noguchi, Katsunori Sakai, Taku Horie
  • Patent number: 9216617
    Abstract: In an anti-skid device having lengths of chain which can be thrown under a vehicle wheel by means of a rotary plate which is arranged at the end of a pivotable extension arm (5), a drive unit having a piston (16) which is arranged in a cylinder (11) and whose movements are transmitted by a thrust chain (22) which assumes the function of the piston rod, to a drive pinion (29) whose shaft bears the extension arm (5) is used to apply the pivoting movement to the extension arm (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG
    Inventors: Hansjorg Rieger, Peter Hofmann, Wolfgang Biehler
  • Publication number: 20140260725
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vehicle is disclosed, said drive mechanism converting the reciprocating clockwise-counterclockwise motion of an input shaft into continuous rotation of an output shaft by means of two one-way clutches mechanically coupled to the input shaft and the output shaft, said one-way clutches having their power stroke in opposite directions of rotation. In an embodiment, said drive mechanism can be contained in a wheel hub and used for human-powered vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, wheelchairs, rollerskates, or other vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marc Weber
  • Patent number: 8834090
    Abstract: A system for attaching a grappling fork to a conventional bucket, where the grappling fork does not interfere with the normal use of the bucket. The grappling fork attachment system generally includes a support frame pivotally attached to a tractor between a bucket unit and a pair of loader arms, wherein the support frame may securely attach to either the bucket unit or the pair of loader arms through use of a locking element. An extension frame is pivotally attached to the support frame. A drive assembly comprised of a chain and sprocket configuration is provided one the extension frame for rotating and repositioning the extension frame. A grappling structure is pivotally attached to the extension frame for grabbing and securing a load within the bucket of the tractor. A pair of linkage assemblies are provided on the extension frame for pivoting the grappling structure about the extension frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Albert C. Callens
  • Patent number: 8757017
    Abstract: A linear movement device has a housing and a carriage which can move in a longitudinal direction with respect to the housing, wherein the housing extends with an essentially constant U-shaped cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, with the result that the housing bounds a guide cavity, wherein the guide cavity is covered with a toothed belt which extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the toothed belt is attached at both ends to the housing with the result that said toothed belt defines a toothed belt plane, wherein at least one separate guide rail which extends in the longitudinal direction is arranged within the guide cavity, on which guide rail at least one separate guiding carriage is mounted in a longitudinally movable fashion, which guiding carriage is permanently connected to the carriage, wherein a first and a second deflection wheel, which deflect the toothed belt out of the toothed belt plane, are rotatably attached to the carriage, wherein a rotatable drive wheel, which is in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Bauer, Andre Bernd, Sven Anhut
  • Publication number: 20140137679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear drive with a stator, a runner, and two rotative drive units provided for driving the runner. It is provided according to the invention that the linear drive comprises two magnetorheological clutches, wherein the first drive unit can be coupled to the runner using a first magnetorheological clutch and the second drive unit can be coupled to the runner using a second magnetorheological clutch. The output torque of the first drive unit acts upon the runner in the opposite direction to the output torque of the second drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: MAXON MOTOR AG
    Inventors: Raniero PITTINI, Max Erick Busse-Grawitz, Mathieu Roulet, Dominique Martin, Rene Waldvogel
  • Patent number: 8683883
    Abstract: A rotary actuator mechanism for applying torque to a shaft and comprising an actuator housing forming an actuator path that includes an actuator pinion rotatably supported in said housing and having said shaft secured thereto. The pinion having peripheral notches of a selected shape and positioned within the actuator path. The mechanism having a train of discrete actuator elements having opposite ends and positioned in the actuator path, each of the actuator elements being of said selected shape to enable reception in the peripheral notches, a plurality of the elements engaging the notches. The mechanism having at least one linear actuator supported by the housing and engaging one of the ends of the train of actuator elements, the linear actuator being selectively activated to push the train of discrete actuator elements through the actuator path to thereby serially engage the actuator elements with the notches of the pinion and thereby apply torque to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Brett W. Kraft
  • Patent number: 8677849
    Abstract: A sprocket unit comprising: a damper mounted on the first shaft with a first face defining a recess and a second face defining chambers for receiving spring loaded weights; a sprocket mounted to the first shaft with a hub defining an aperture and a slot; a front end plate mounted on the shaft with a hub defining an aperture aligned with the aperture of the sprocket; and a spring received within the aperture of the sprocket, the aperture of the front end plate, and the recess of the damper. When the first shaft rotates and firing frequency of the engine coincides with a resonant frequency of the first shaft, the spring loaded weights slide in the chambers of the damper, dampening out the resonant frequency in the first shaft and when the sprocket rotates the spring compresses and extends, reducing torsional load of the first shaft on the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20140060226
    Abstract: A push-pull chain actuator (1) includes a housing with a chain exit/entry opening (4) and a sprocket (9) arranged to engage a push-pull chain (3). The sprocket (9) causes the polygon effect. The actuator includes a first chain guide part (10a) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) around the sprocket (9) and a second chain guide part (lob) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) at the correct angle between the chain exit/entry opening (4) and the sprocket (9). The second chain guide part (10b) is shaped and dimensioned to counteract the polygon effect. Alternatively, the second chain guide part (10b) can be shaped and dimensioned to reduce chain oscillations caused by the rollers (8c) engaging or disengaging the chain exit/entry opening (4) at the end of the second chain guide part (10b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Ole Fejer, Jens Jørren Sørensen
  • Publication number: 20140000393
    Abstract: A chain positioning system is disclosed that has a chain that contains a plurality of links joined together, end-to-end, with a plurality of pins. The chain can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. The links of the chain limit rotation about the pins in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Oscar Moya Rojo
  • Publication number: 20130312554
    Abstract: Provided is an interlocking chain forward and backward actuating device type device, the device being configured so that the space within the device is effectively utilized and that a device configuration most suitable for driving interlocking chains is selected to enable the interlocking chains to be smoothly driven. An interlocking chain type forward and backward actuating device (100) is configured in such a manner that a pair of flat face-shaped chain support faces (132AS, 132AS) which sandwich and support a rigid chain portion (110G) from both sides thereof each form a portion of each of the guide groove faces (132, 132) of chain guide grooves (131, 131) while being continuously connected to each of a pair of curved guide faces (132BS, 132BS) which respectively guide disengaged portions (110H, 110H) of a pair of interlocking chains (110, 110), the disengaged portions (110H, 110H) having been disengaged from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Saji, Keisuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20130283945
    Abstract: Provided is an interlocking chain-type forward and backward actuating device, the device being configured so that an increase in the number of parts is minimized, an increase in the size of the device is avoided, the amount of scattering of lubricating oil to the outside of the device is reduced, the wear of connection pins is reduced, the breakage of the connection pins is avoided, and the striking noise and vibration of the chains occurring during the reception of the chains are reduced. Chain guide plates are respectively provided on both sides of a pair of interlocking chains in the chain width direction. Chain locus restriction members having chain locus restriction faces in contact with rigid chain portions, which are made rigid by engaging and integrating the pair of interlocking chains with each other, are disposed so as to be adjacent to the rigid chain portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Junichi Kaisaku, Toru Wada, Yoshifumi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20130091968
    Abstract: A tension device for a corded-loop drive system has a base with a sprocket on the base such that the cord loop travels over the sprocket. At least one resilient finger has a first end attached to the base and a free end. Each finger is sized and positioned to engage the cord loop when the tension device is not properly mounted to a wall or window frame and prevent movement of the cord loop around the sprocket. There is a hole in the finger through which a screw passes. When the base is placed on a mounting surface and the screw is driven into the mounting surface, the free end of the finger will have moved from the first position to a second position away from the cord so that the cord loop may move around the sprocket and the window covering can be fully raised and fully lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: WHOLE SPACE INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: Tzong-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 8341931
    Abstract: A lift-driving engagement chain capable of improving buckling strength of a pair of lift-driving engagement chains, by modifying the buckling restricting flat surfaces in order to suppress the force which causes a relative slippage along buckling restricting flat surfaces between hooked inner tooth plates and outer tooth plates that contact each other through the buckling restricting flat surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takahisa Ando, Michio Oitaka
  • Publication number: 20120160042
    Abstract: A linear drive mechanism includes first and second tapes formed of resilient material that each have an inner surface, a parallel outer surface, a first end, a second end and a concave/convex cross-section. A first tape guide has first and second guide slots that are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the first and second tapes and located to position the outer surfaces of the tapes adjacent one another. At least one second tape guide has third and fourth guide slots that are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the tapes. The tapes are connected together adjacent their first ends. A drive system has a mounting for the first tape guide that locates it orthogonal to lengths of the tapes. The drive system has rolled storage for the tapes and driving members for extending and retracting the tapes through the first and at least one second tape guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Stanev, Roger Heinz
  • Publication number: 20120085185
    Abstract: A device for generating a controllable reciprocal movement of a moveable mechanical element between a first stop point and a second stop point. At least one drive element is moved continuously with reciprocal movement between two turning points. A coupling device with a controllable coupling serves for the selective coupling of the mechanical element to the drive element. The coupling device further features a freewheel and is arranged such that in the active state of the coupling the mechanical element is coupled to the at least one drive element during a first half-cycle of the movement of the drive element and is moved from the first stop point to the second stop point, and during a second half-cycle of the movement of the drive element is substantially uninfluenced by the drive element due to the action of the freewheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Claudio Berni
  • Patent number: 8117931
    Abstract: A drive for displacing and positioning at least two profile parts relative to each other, includes: a rotatable drive wheel, a motor coupled to a first profile part and to the drive wheel, a flexible material strip which is rigidly connected on at least one side to a second profile part, which material strip also engages on the drive wheel, and a guide for the flexible material strip connected in at least substantially stationary manner to the first profile part, wherein the distance between the guide and the drive wheel is greater than the distance between the point of engagement of the flexible material strip on the second profile and the drive wheel. The invention also includes a length-adjustable housing provided with the aforementioned drive and to an article of furniture, in the legs of which such drives are accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Actiforce International B.V.
    Inventor: Dirk Jan Stoelinga
  • Patent number: 8096106
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprising a first sprocket encircled by a tensioned chain and an orbit sprocket arranged to orbit the first sprocket in response to a resynchronisation signal. The orbit sprocket is arranged to displace the tensioned chain relative to the first sprocket. The first sprocket is rotatable and is coupled to an output drive sprocket by the tensioned chain such that the first and output drive sprockets are rotatable in synchronicity, whereby the orbit of the orbit sprocket alters the relative angular orientation of the first and output drive sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventor: Mark John Edwin Bellis
  • Patent number: 8061957
    Abstract: A grappling fork attachment system for attaching a grappling fork to a conventional bucket, where the grappling fork does not interfere with the normal use of the bucket. The grappling fork attachment system includes a support frame pivotally attached to a tractor between a bucket unit and a pair of loader arms, wherein the support frame may securely attach to either the bucket unit or the pair of loader arms. An extension frame is pivotally attached to the support frame and a first drive assembly mounted proximate the extension frame for pivoting the extension frame about the support frame. A grappling structure is pivotally attached to the extension frame for grabbing and securing a load within the bucket of the tractor and a second drive assembly mounted proximate the extension frame for pivoting the grappling structure about the extension frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Albert C. Callens
  • Publication number: 20110271778
    Abstract: A linear movement device has a housing and a carriage which can move in a longitudinal direction with respect to the housing, wherein the housing extends with an essentially constant U-shaped cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, with the result that the housing bounds a guide cavity, wherein the guide cavity is covered with a toothed belt which extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the toothed belt is attached at both ends to the housing with the result that said toothed belt defines a toothed belt plane, wherein at least one separate guide rail which extends in the longitudinal direction is arranged within the guide cavity, on which guide rail at least one separate guiding carriage is mounted in a longitudinally movable fashion, which guiding carriage is permanently connected to the carriage, wherein a first and a second deflection wheel, which deflect the toothed belt out of the toothed belt plane, are rotatably attached to the carriage, wherein a rotatable drive wheel, which is in
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Bauer, Andre Bernd, Sven Anhut
  • Publication number: 20110154923
    Abstract: A push-pull chain actuator (1) comprises a housing with a chain exit/entry opening (4) and a sprocket (2) arranged to engage a push-pull chain (3). The sprocket (2) causes the polygon effect. The actuator comprises a first chain guide part (10a) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) around the sprocket (2) and a second chain guide part (10b) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) at a correct angle between the chain exit/entry opening (4) and the sprocket (2). The second chain guide part (10b) is shaped as a meandering path to counteract the polygon effect. Alternatively, the second chain guide part (10b) can be shaped and dimensioned to reduce chain oscillations caused by the rollers (8c) engaging or disengaging the chain exit/entry opening (4) at the end of the second chain guide part (10b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Ole Fejer, Jens Jørren Sørensen
  • Patent number: 7905156
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a chain having adjacent first and second links. A pivotal connection pivotally connects the first link to the second link. The first link is pivotable about a pivot axis which is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first link. A locking mechanism releasably locks the first link and the second link to prevent the first link from pivoting about the pivot axis. A releasing mechanism releases the locking mechanism to allow the first link to pivot about the pivot axis. A drive mechanism moves the chain between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the chain is helically wound when the chain is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Teleflex Canada
    Inventors: Jon Scott, Eric Fetchko
  • Publication number: 20110041632
    Abstract: A jam-tolerant dual-redundant differential-summing actuator (20) includes a first driver (23) adapted to be rotated about a first axis (x1-x1) at a first surface speed; a second driver (26) adapted to be rotated about a second axis (x1-x1) at a second surface speed; a movable output member (21); and a linkage (24, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 40) connecting the first and second drivers to the output members such that the output member will be moved at a velocity that is substantially proportional to the average surface speed of the drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Michael C. Baker, Nicholas J. Miles
  • Patent number: 7806012
    Abstract: A drive unit includes a gear set driving a drive pulley that in turn drives a flexible drive member which is attached to a driven member by an attachment assembly that travels in a channel. The attachment assembly is attached to the flexible drive member by a coupler that has teeth that extend through respective windows of the flexible drive member. The coupler is disposed between side walls of a yoke and attached to a bridge wall of the yoke. An outer shoe engages each side wall of the yoke. The attachment assembly includes an optional spring to tension the flexible drive member and the shoes have optional flexible tapered fingers to stabilize the drive pulley. The flexible drive member and the spring are trapped between the coupler and the bridge wall of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: John R. Rice, Michael A. Ciavaglia, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100096826
    Abstract: A bicycle according to the present invention comprises of a steering axis and an axle of rear wheel that are attached in one unit with a frame to build a form; a pair of guide members with guide holes formed therein are attached to both cut ends of the frame; a pedal axle with the attachment of pedals and a rotating gear in a unit are respectively assembled and fixed onto the guide members; the bicycle according to the present invention comprises a crankshaft of which a pair of crank cams is assembled and fixed into both cut ends of the frame; a gear which engages with the gear; and a spindle which supports a unit of the gear and a sprocket to rotate; the bicycle according to the present invention is run by a running system in which the crank cam rotates when the pedals are reciprocated up and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Mi Ja Baek, Woon Ha Baek
  • Publication number: 20100071488
    Abstract: A device for moving an object on a rail that has grid openings, the device having at least one first movement element, at least one first drive element, and at least one engagement element for engaging at least one grid opening. The engagement element is positioned on the first movement element. The first drive element for driving the first movement element is connected to the first movement element, and the first movement element is movably held in such a way that the engagement element is at least in some regions guided along an outside of the device. As a result of this an even force is directly introduced into the rail to prevent the object to be moved by sliding becoming skewed or jammed. Likewise, the device can be supplemented by a motor so moving the object can be carried out automatically, precisely, and quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Herbert Steinbeck
  • Patent number: 7678001
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for the intermittent drive of a spindle (1) for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine, comprising a traction gear (7) consisting of a traction means (13) guided endlessly about a driving wheel (6) and a driven wheel (8), a continuous rotary drive (5) for the driving wheel (6) and a superposition drive (10) performing rotary oscillations. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the superposition drive (10) comprises a support (11) which can be displaced in a rotary oscillating manner about the axis of the driven wheel (8), and deflection rollers (12) held on the support (11) for the traction strands (14) moving towards and away from the driving wheel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GFM Beteiligungs- und Management m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Seeber
  • Patent number: 7630810
    Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
  • Patent number: 7607640
    Abstract: A rotary valve actuator that effects rotary movement of a rotary valve includes a heavy plate member coupled with a linear motive source, which reciprocates the plate member between a first position and a second position. A first pair of flexible pull connectors, such as lengths of roller chain, are attached to the end of the plate member, and wrap around a wheel. At least one second flexible pull connector is disposed between said first flexible pull connectors and is attached to the other end of the plate member, and wraps around the wheel in the opposite direction of winding as for the first flexible connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Engineered Valves International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Kindersley
  • Publication number: 20090241705
    Abstract: A telescopic tilting device 12 comprises a telescopic arm 14 which is extendable and retractable along an arcuate path 16. Preferably, the telescopic arm 14 includes two arcuate members 22, 24 which are telescopically slidable relative to each other. More preferably, the device further comprises a drive unit 20 having a flexible belt 43 for moving the telescopic arm 14. There is also provided an endoscope holding device 10 which has such a telescopic tilting device 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Arunkumar Subramanian, Kabilan Santhanam, Ning Tang
  • Publication number: 20090124444
    Abstract: A push-pull chain (1) that can bend in one direction only, and is provided with at least two rollers (12,13) on each of the driving pins, one of the rollers (12) engages a drive sprocket (29) and the other of said at least two rollers (13) engages a chain guide surface (28). An actuator (20) for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses this dual-roller push-pull chain. A link (105) driven push-pull chain (101) that can bend in one direction only, with links (105) that is shaped as an engagement surface for engaging a drive sprocket (129). An actuator (120) for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses the link driven push-pull chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Jens Joerren Soerensen
  • Publication number: 20090072101
    Abstract: A drive for displacing and positioning at least two profile parts relative to each other, includes: a rotatable drive wheel, a motor coupled to a first profile part and to the drive wheel, a flexible material strip which is rigidly connected on at least one side to a second profile part, which material strip also engages on the drive wheel, and a guide for the flexible material strip connected in at least substantially stationary manner to the first profile part, wherein the distance between the guide and the drive wheel is greater than the distance between the point of engagement of the flexible material strip on the second profile and the drive wheel. The invention also includes a length-adjustable housing provided with the aforementioned drive and to an article of furniture, in the legs of which such drives are accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ACTIFORCE INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventor: Dirk Stoelinga
  • Publication number: 20080161146
    Abstract: A bicycle chain wheel assembly is provided with a chainring mounting structure, at least one chainring, a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of fastener covering structures. The chainring mounting structure has an exterior facing side and an interior facing side with a plurality of chainring mounting openings on the exterior facing side. The chainring overlies one of the exterior and interior facing sides of the chainring mounting structure. The fasteners secure the chainring to the chainring mounting structure via the chainring mounting openings. The fastener covering structures overlie exterior portions of the fasteners to conceal the fasteners from view when viewed from the exterior facing side of the chainring mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo Shiraishi, Masahiro Yamanaka, Yusuke Nishimoto
  • Publication number: 20070295124
    Abstract: A window lift system (10) includes a support bracket structure (12) including gear structure (18, 20). A fixed rack structure (22, 24) is associated with the gear structure. A motor (16) is carried by the support bracket structure and the motor has a rotatable shaft. A gear train (28, 30, 32, 34) is associated with the shaft and with the gear structure such that rotation of the shaft moves the gear train, with the gear train driving the gear structure so as to move the support bracket structure with respect to the rack structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Yakov Fleytman
  • Patent number: 7292923
    Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
  • Patent number: 7258521
    Abstract: A robotic arm for transporting products in a product storage and dispensing system is disclosed. The robotic arm broadly includes a base operable to couple the arm to the dispensing system; a sprocket coupled with the base; an extendible arm segment coupled with the base; and a chain coupled with the sprocket and the extendible arm segment such that rotation of the sprocket causes movement of the chain and extension of the extendible arm segment. The robotic arm provides a compact and effective retrieval tool that is compatible with closely spaced and densely packed product shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Scriptpro LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Guerra, Sean P. Mannell, Steven R. Walton
  • Patent number: 6705962
    Abstract: A drive unit of a carriage has a drive wheel and a deflector, offset parallel to a racks both of which are implemented as gearwheels, around which a closed elastic toothed belt with teeth on both sides is guided, whose inner teeth engage with the wheels described and whose outer teeth engage with the rack. A pressure block relocatable relative to the rack is positioned between the wheels, which exercises an elastic force on the part of the toothed belt facing the rack by means of a pressure surface under the influence of the part facing away from the rack, which presses the first part mentioned against the rack. In this way, a snug engagement with the rack and low-noise and uniform movement of the carriage are always ensured. A pressure wheel implemented as a pinion and engaging with the inner teeth of the toothed belt can also be used instead of the pressure block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventor: Fred Schinzel
  • Patent number: 6595728
    Abstract: A rigid and fragile material drilling machine is provided, its driving means for driving the upper and lower drilling bit approximating the rigid and fragile material includes a control handle; upper and lower rear gears and associated upper and lower first synchronizing wheels, said upper and lower rear gears being engaged with each other; upper and lower first timing chains being wound around said upper and lower first synchronizing wheels and upper and lower second synchronizing wheels, respectively; upper and lower second timing chains being wound around said upper and lower third synchronizing wheels and upper and lower fourth synchronizing wheels, respectively; and drilling rod guiding sleeves, the gear racks thereof being engaged with said the upper and lower front gears, respectively. The rigid and fragile material drilling machine of the present invention, which is simplified in structure with a compact design and low cost, can be conveniently used wherever a power supply is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Zhenghua Miao
  • Patent number: 6357310
    Abstract: A device for displacing a member in a graduated and motor-driven manner inside a tube that is external to the device, the member being displaced from one end of the tube, the displacement being evaluated by at least one position encoder delivering information on the position of the member placed at one end of a tubular element which is mounted to move in translation on a support body for supporting the device. The tubular element is in the form of a member-carrying worm which is provided with longitudinal toothed racks on its periphery. The worm is displaced in translation relative to the body which carries it under the action of a first toothed belt which is mounted on the support body, which is driven by a motor fixed to the body, and which is meshed with one of the racks. Another of the racks meshes with a second toothed belt which entrains a position encoder fixed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Cegelec
    Inventors: André Blanchet, Jean-Louis Labrune