Patents Examined by Chris Schwartz
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Patent number: 7004290Abstract: To provide an electrically powered brake system capable of performing a control of the braking force appropriate to a particular wheel rotational speed with high response and capable of being simplified in structure with no need to employ any hydraulic equipment and the related pipe lines, the electrically powered brake system includes an actuating unit 18 including a brake wheel 16 mounted on a vehicle wheel 1 and brake pieces 17 frictionally engageable with the brake wheel 16. A drive unit 19 is operable to translate a rotary output of an electric drive motor 20 into a rectilinear reciprocating motion by means of a ball screw mechanism 23, which rectilinear reciprocating motion is transmitted to the brake pieces 17 as a braking force. An operating unit 32 is operable to control the electric drive motor 20 according to manipulation of an operating member 31 such as, for example, a brake pedal.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Hisashi Ohtsuki, Masuo Takaki
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Patent number: 7000741Abstract: A self-boosting, electromechanical friction brake having with a fixed, drumlike brake body in which two rotatable brake rings are disposed, which are rotatable counter to one another via a planetary gear and can be spread apart thereby. As a result of being spread apart, the brake rings are pressed from inside against the brake body and are braked. The friction brake may be sealed off and thus protected it against environmental factors. A lubricant filling is possible, which reduces wear and as a result makes a lifetime brake possible. The brake may be cooled through coolant channels which can be connected via connections to a coolant circulation system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dietmar Baumann, Dirk Hofmann, Herbert Vollert, Willi Nagel, Andreas Henke, Bertram Foitzik, Bernd Goetzelmann
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Patent number: 6993996Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic torsional vibration damper which is characterized in that the secondary mass is guided by a pair of slotted plastic flange sleeves with an L-shaped cross-section. The damper is characterized in that the butt joint is closed by a bridge temporarily formed onto it that will either break or deform in an elastic plastic manner when thermal length changes occur, thereby allowing transport of the sleeves in a pile and an automatic assembly of the damper.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Hasse & Wrede GmbHInventor: Jens Herrmann
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Patent number: 6991071Abstract: A wedge-operated brake apparatus includes a piston for generating a braking force when axially driven, an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input, and a wedge transmission mechanism for converting the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston. The brake-actuating output is transmitted to the piston so as to drive the piston to thereby generate a braking force. The wedge transmission mechanism includes a first plate member which moves together with the piston, a second plate member disposed in opposition to the first plate member and fixedly secured to a housing, a wedge member disposed between the first and second plate members and engaging respective engaging surfaces of the first and second plate members via rollers, and a holder for rotatably holding the rollers and holding the wedge member while allowing linear movement of the wedge member.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Murayama, Daizo Oba
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Patent number: 6984005Abstract: An improved braking method and system for a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), a traction control or anti-slip regulation system (ASR) and one or more additional systems capable of effecting automatic braking of the vehicle independently of driver control, e.g., an adaptive cruise control system (ACC) or a rollover stability control system (RSC). Automatic braking takes place by admission of brake pressure to the drive axle. To detect a simultaneous braking demand of the driver, the wheel speeds of the non-driven axle or axles are compared with the wheel speeds of the drive axle or axles. If the wheel speeds of the non-driven axle(s) are less than the wheel speeds of the drive axle(s), or less than a vehicle reference speed, the brake pressure injected in response to driver demand is also fed to the brake cylinders of the wheels of the drive axle(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. oHGInventors: Benno Meyer, Marcel Schlottmann, Immanuel Henken, Thomas Lenz, Tobias Munko, Gerhard Ruhnau
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Patent number: 6983831Abstract: A brake shoe assembly comprising a brake shoe to which brake plates are assembled. The brake shoe has a key that extends outwardly from an outer radial surface of the brake shoe. The key is received in a slot formed in a backing plate of the brake plate. Preassembled rivets are provided on the brake plates to facilitate alignment of the brake plates with the brake shoe so that the key is received in the slot. Rivets are provided in four open corner areas so that the brake plate may be secured to the brake shoe with metal-to-metal contact where the brake plate is riveted to the brake shoe.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: C.M. Brake Inc.Inventor: Michael Beri
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Patent number: 6981579Abstract: A dynamic damper including: a cylindrical metallic mass; a cylindrical fixing member with an inner diameter smaller than that of the metallic mass member; a connecting member connecting the metallic mass member with respect to the fixing member; and a covering member integrally formed with the cylindrical fixing member and the connecting member, and covering the mass member. A plurality of engaging recesses are formed at axial end portions of the mass member to be open in an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a plurality of engaging projections integrally formed with the covering member are held in stable engagement with the engaging recesses, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Naohito Kuwayama, Takashi Hayashi
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Patent number: 6976562Abstract: A method of calibrating a brake system includes storing several input-signal-value/output-value associations for a specific brake in a memory unique to the specific brake. The method includes determining an input signal associated with a desired output by interpolating between the stored input-signal-value/output-value associations. In one embodiment, the brake system is used in conjunction with a rehabilitation device to provide a device that accurately produces a desired output.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: BTE Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Francis Perret, Jr., Michael Barr
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Patent number: 6974143Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber for a vehicle in which a slide pipe is slidably provided within a cylinder tube, and a working fluid chamber is provided within the cylinder tube and the slide pipe, a guide bush coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene and an oil seal sealing the fluid chamber are provided in an inner periphery of the cylinder tube so as to be in slide contact with an outer periphery of the slide pipe. An amorphous hard carbon film is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the slide pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Shinichi Oba, Tomoya Toda
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Patent number: 6971493Abstract: This invention provides a front fork that can be efficiently be filled with oil when it is manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 6971721Abstract: A chair includes a seat portion; a backrest surrounding at least a portion of the seat portion; and a base removably positioned beneath the seat portion. The base preferably includes tapered sidewalls that correspond with the backrest when the base is inverted and placed on the seat portion. In such a nested position, the disassembled chair may be efficiently shipped and stored in polyhedral boxes with angled side walls, that may be stacked and alternatingly inverted to take advantage of the angled sidewalls of such boxes.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: LumiSource, Inc.Inventor: Steve Lee
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Patent number: 6966412Abstract: A position-sensitive shock absorbing device with a single cast body construction is provided. The device has a tubular member, a moveable piston within the tubular member, a first hydraulic fluid chamber defined by an interior volume of the tubular member, a bypass member attached to an outside area of the tubular member. The bypass member surrounds a portion of the tubular member and a second hydraulic fluid chamber is defined by a volume between the tubular member and the bypass member. A first and a second opening in a side of the tubular member are arranged such that the openings are fluidly connected with each other and with both the first and second hydraulic fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Douglas K. Braswell, Del R. Nelson, Brian W. Dick
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Patent number: 6964459Abstract: An anti-theft device is disclosed for use on a vehicle employing air-operated parking brakes. The device is shaped for disposal about the parking brake control knobs when engaged. The device includes a pair of mating halves formed for surrounding and enclosing the control knobs while in an engaged position. A first of the halves includes a tongue having an opening therein and a second of the halves includes a channel for receiving the tongue. A lock is provided with a locking pin being disposed in the second half wherein the locking pin engages the opening in the tongue in order to secure the first and second halves together. Also, an adjustment mechanism is provided for tailoring the device to minor differences between the brake control knobs from one vehicle to another.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventor: David C. Cormier
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Patent number: 6959921Abstract: A temperature responsive valve assembly for a gas spring includes a valve body, a seal, a bi-metal valve and a locking member. The valve body includes a flexible radial member defined along the outer periphery of the valve body. Each radial member includes a radially inward extending tab which engages the outer diameter of the locking member. The construction allows the temperature responsive valve assembly to be essentially “snapped” together. The locking member further includes axial spring feet which provide axial pressure upon the bi-metal valve to maintain engagement with the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Mark M. Rose
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Patent number: 6957723Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical brake with self-boosting by means of a wedge mechanism. An actuating force is exerted on the friction brake lining via toothing sets that mesh with one another. By means of an engagement angle of the toothing sets, a favorable force introduction angle of the actuating force on the friction brake lining can be attained. In addition, by using a nonround gear wheel and/or a non-straight rack as the toothing sets, flaring of a caliper upon braking and an infeeding motion of the friction brake lining transversely to a brake disk can be compensated for.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dietmar Baumann, Dirk Hofmann, Herbert Vollert, Willi Nagel, Andreas Henke, Bertram Foitzik
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Patent number: 6957872Abstract: First and second pumps are integral in that the pumps are driven by a common motor. The first pump is driven in pumping motion by an eccentric disposed on the motor shaft and the second pump is driven in pumping motion by an end of the motor shaft. The first pump can be an ABS pump and the second pump can be a pre-charge pump. The first and second pumps can be disposed in a common block housing and the common block housing can define a fluid path extending from the outlet of the second pump to the inlet of the first pump. A third pump can be susbtantially similar to the first pump and be disposed on an opposite side of the shaft as the first pump. The third pump can be driven in pumping motion by the eccentric. A separate feed line can be directed from the reservoir of the brake system to the second pump to improve performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jamshid K. Moradmand, E. Wayne Lloyd
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Patent number: 6955252Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for isolating torque fluctuations of a rotary drive shaft. The device comprises a first member (2) for connection to the drive shaft, a second member (3) for connection to a driven member and an intermediate member (21) interposed between the first and second members. The intermediate member comprises a radially outer ring (22) connected to the first member, a radially inner ring (24) connected to the second member and at least one resilient rolling element (32) in a cavity between the inner and outer rings. The cavity is defined by alignment of at least one pair of recesses (26, 29), one recess being on the radially inner surface of the outer ring and the other recess being on the outer surface of the inner ring, each recess having a ramped surface. Relative rotation of the first and second members causes relative rotation of the inner and outer rings so that the rolling element rotates and compresses.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Metaldyne International (UK) LimitedInventor: John Martin Allport
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Patent number: 6955407Abstract: A negative pressure type brake hydraulic pressure generating device is proposed in which the stroke on the operating side can be set independently of the stroke on the output side. A slide resistance imparting means is provided between the fixed shell and a piston having a built-in control valve introducing atmospheric air to cancel the slide resistance which is the cause of increased stroke hysteresis of the piston, i.e. the slide resistance applied to the piston at airtight seal portions between the power plate and the piston.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kaoru Tsubouchi, Akihiko Miwa, Tomoyasu Sakai, Koichi Hashida, Haruo Arakawa
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Patent number: 6953229Abstract: In an enabled mode of a first-fill device, if a fluid pressure in a first pressurizing chamber is lower than a predetermined value, a working fluid can be supplied to a brake cylinder from both the first pressurizing chamber and a second pressurizing chamber. If the fluid pressure in the first pressurizing chamber becomes higher than the predetermined value, the working fluid can be supplied only from the second pressurizing chamber. On the other hand, in a disabled mode of the first fill device, no matter how high the fluid pressure in the first pressurizing chamber is, the working fluid is supplied to the brake cylinder only from the second pressurizing chamber or supplied from both the first pressurizing chamber and the second pressurizing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Isono, Takayuki Yamamoto, Yasuji Mizutani
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Patent number: 6953107Abstract: The disclosure relates to a magnet track braking device comprising a magnetic base and/or support body and a pole shoe section containing a magnetic flow guiding area and a magnetic flow separating area. The disclosure is characterized in that the magnetic base and/or support body is made from materials having different magnetic characteristics, so that an increase in induction in the gap between the magnet track brake and the rail head is reduced when erosion occurs in the pole shoe section.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Henry Lehmann, Hermann Koidl