Patents Examined by Jack Lavinder
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Patent number: 6733089Abstract: A brake assembly for a motorcycle having a reduced number of components and assembly steps, and a simple control system with no interference between separate hydraulic systems. A brake assembly for a motorcycle provided with a front brake and a rear brake respectively for a front wheel and a rear wheel includes a first brake actuator and second brake actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Wakabayashi, Kazuhiko Tani
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Patent number: 6729443Abstract: A transaxle for a small utility vehicle or implement, including a casing, at least one rotatable shaft disposed in and extending from the casing, at least one brake disc rotatably fixed to the rotatable shaft for rotation therewith, and at least one braking mechanism with at least a portion of the braking mechanism being externally mounted on the casing proximate the rotatable shaft. The braking mechanism includes at least one friction puck disposed proximate the brake disc, and a brake shaft including a cam surface having a longitudinal edge, wherein the brake shaft has an engaged position in which the longitudinal edge is in operative engagement with the friction puck and the friction puck is in pressing engagement with the brake disc and a disengaged position in which the longitudinal edge is out of operative engagement with the friction puck.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Tecumseh Products CompanyInventors: Richard T. Ruebusch, Kevin L. Johnson, Douglas G. Williams, Phillip G. Ross
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Patent number: 6729450Abstract: A brake booster amplifies driver brake pedal input into an output force and travel for operating a master cylinder. A power unit builds and stores high pressure fluid to provide boost. Inlet and outlet solenoid valves regulate pressurized fluid to the amplifying mechanism. In one embodiment, a single boost chamber provides fluid pressure to operate the master cylinder and to provide a brake pressure indicative opposing force to driver input. One travel sensor monitors the position and movement of an input rod and piston, and a second travel sensor monitors the position and movement of an output piston. An ECU monitors system parameters and controls a motor pump, inlet and outlet valves and peripherals. In another embodiment, the opposing force to the brake pedal input is provided by a separate pressure fluid chamber located within and movable with the output piston. Boost chamber pressure and, optionally, output piston travel are monitored to provide a braking force indication.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch CorporationInventors: Timothy J. Albert, William J. Penninger, Richard B McClain
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Patent number: 6729611Abstract: An antivibration sleeve comprising an inner strength member which extends longitudinally along a central axis, a rigid annular strength member surrounding the inner strength member, and an elastomer body which interconnects the two strength members. The strength members have respective wedge-shaped bearing zones placed in register with each other to compress the elastomer body when the antivibration sleeve is supporting a static axial load. The bearing zones of the annular strength member enabling passages to be formed between two hydraulic chambers defined by the elastomer body.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: HutchinsonInventors: Alain Deschaume, Ali Medjani, Christophe Duvallet, André Girard
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Patent number: 6729449Abstract: A drum brake having a disc with a peripheral surface with a plurality of radial guides interspersed between a first radial abutment and a second radial abutment. The plurality of radial guides receive a first arcuate channel member on a first brake shoe and a second arcuate channel member on a second brake to align a first reaction surface on the first channel with the first radial abutment and a second reaction surface with the second radial abutment. An actuator provides a force to move the first reaction surface moves away from the first radial abutment and the second reaction surface from the second radial abutment to initiate a brake application.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch CorporationInventors: James E. Doolittle, William E. Sherman, II
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Patent number: 6729610Abstract: Composite material springs with integrals spacers for located between a frame attachment fitting and a spring body provide springs with an increased vertical profile for support structures with greater height. Spring elements are formed with encapsulated fibers. Attachment fittings and other structural elements such as the spacers are integrally formed by molding about the spring elements, in any suitable form for integration and assembly with spring support structure assemblies, such as a support frame on which the composite material springs are mounted, and a support structure such as a grid or wire work to which the springs are attached by the various types of attachment fittings. Direct mounting of springs to surfaces of frame members is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Sealy Technology LLCInventor: Eugene Constantinescu
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Patent number: 6729697Abstract: A braking force control device, wherein wheel speed is detected and a slope of a braking force with respect to slip speed of the wheel is estimated on the basis of the detected wheel speed, a braking operation by which a brake pedal is depressed is detected and, on the basis of the detected braking operation conditions and estimated slope of the braking force, braking of the braking device to brake the wheels by a braking force generated in response to the braking operation by which the brake pedal is depressed is assisted.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Takashi Yonekawa, Akira Tanaka, Hideyuki Suzuki, Mamoru Sawada
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Patent number: 6729447Abstract: The provision of a rotational speed controller which is capable of increasing braking torque without a corresponding increase in size, and easily outputting braking torque assumed in the design, and minimizing variations in the braking torque. A casing 6 incorporates a shaft 7 inserted therein, a first rotor 8 rotated together with the shaft 7 in one piece, and a second rotor 10 rotated through the medium of the first rotor 8 and a planet gear 9. A first rotation mechanism for rotating the first rotor 8 is the shaft 7. A second rotation mechanism for rotating the second rotor 10 is a planetary gear mechanism operated in association with the rotation of the first rotor 8.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Tok Bearing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Takahashi
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Patent number: 6729446Abstract: A damping force control type hydraulic shock absorber includes a plunger having a small-diameter main body portion slidably guided by a first fixed core made of a magnetic material. The plunger has a large-diameter attracted portion at an end thereof closer to a second fixed core. The diameter (D2) of the attracted portion is set larger than the diameter (D1) of the main body portion (D2>D1), thereby increasing the area of the mutually opposing surfaces of the attracted portion and the second fixed core. Accordingly, attraction force acting on the attracted portion can be increased without reducing the magnetic flux density at the main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Tokico, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Sakai, Takashi Nezu
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Patent number: 6726367Abstract: A rolling bearing 1 comprises a inner ring 2 (as a movable member), an outer ring 3 (as supporter) for supporting the inner ring 2, and a plurality of rolling elements 4 disposed between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3. The rolling element are rotated in accordance with the rotation of the inner ring 2. The rolling bearing is to be located in the vicinity of a heat source. The outer ring 3 located nearer to the heat source than the inner ring 2 is composed with a material of a heat conductivity being 40 W/m·K or less.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Toyohisa Yamamoto, Norifumi Ikeda
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Patent number: 6725985Abstract: This invention provides a dynamic damper comprising an outer pipe 20, a weight 30 disposed inside the outer pipe 20 and an elastic body 40 interposed between the outer pipe 20 and the weight 30. The outer pipe 20 contains slit 21 crossing the circumferential direction of the outer pipe 20 and the slit 21 may be filled with elastic filler 50.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Kazunobu Haneishi, Katsuhide Sasaki
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Patent number: 6725979Abstract: The invention is a safety lock applied to a vehicle wheel during a road stop to prevent the vehicle from moving or being driven away during the stop. This safety lock would be applied to any tire on the vehicle by law enforcement or safety inspectors during the stop, the safety lock slid onto the tire from the outside of the tire, with friction enhanced chocks in front and in back of the tire, locking onto the tire to prevent the rotation of the tire, reducing the risk of injury or escape in the event an attempt is made to drive away during the road stop. It may also be used to secure a tire or wheel during maintenance or during an emergency roadside repair, the device compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car and light enough in weight to be carried by an average individual.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Kenneth G. Snook
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Patent number: 6725978Abstract: An auxiliary braking system for supplementing an existing bicycle braking system is disclosed. The brake wire of the auxiliary braking system is removably secured to an existing primary brake wire, so that the actuation of the auxiliary braking system causes the main brake wire to pull and activate the caliper brakes. The interconnection of the auxiliary brake wire to the main brake wire is achieved through a housing joiner which secures the auxiliary brake wire to the top tube of the bicycle frame and a bullet clamp which creates a secure connection between the main brake wire and the auxiliary brake wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: John Walter Karpowich
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Patent number: 6725975Abstract: In order to position a rotary actuator, a positioning device is coupled to the actuator. The positioning device has a coupling shaft and springs which respectively surround top and bottom portions of the shaft and are coupled thereto by respective coupling rings. The springs apply oppositely directed torques to the shaft such that one spring urges the shaft in a clockwise direction towards a stop position and the other spring urges the shaft in a anticlockwise direction towards that stop position. The stop position corresponds to an intermediate rotary position of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Kinetrol LimitedInventor: Roger C. Chapman
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Patent number: 6725982Abstract: A single row rotating-type eddy current braking apparatus for use with a rotor mounted on a powered shaft comprises a support ring, a plurality of magnets, a plurality of ferromagnetic switching plates, and a support body. The switching plates or magnets are capable of rotating with respect to each other to effect braking. The dimensions of the switching plates and angular displacement of the magnets and switching plates are controlled to minimize drag torque when in a non-braking state. The switching plates can be made to rotate and the bearing can be employed in combination with the rotating and stationary components to alleviate problems such as thermal expansion and wear. The apparatus also utilizes a pneumatic cylinder designed to rotate in the direction of the shaft rotation to achieve a braking state, and can employ a single rod double acting cylinder to switch between braking and non-braking states.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yasunori Tani, Kenji Araki, Koichi Miura, Akira Saito, Yasutaka Noguchi, Kenji Imanishi, Keiichi Kawano
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Patent number: 6725983Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a shock absorber that provides variable damping dependent on the load conditions of the vehicle. A central rod of the shock absorber includes a central bore that is fluidly coupled with air pressure within air springs of the suspension assembly. As the vehicle load increases and the pressure within the air springs increases, a damping adjustment assembly within the shock absorber increases the stiffness or damping of the shock absorber. In one example, a plunger moves within the central bore in the rod between a first position where less damping is provided and a second position where increased damping is achieved. A unique adapter member facilitates using a rod of appropriate size to achieve the desired air pressure conditions within the rod, while at the same time supporting conventional piston and disc valve components and providing enough material strength to withstand the tensile loads experienced under full extension.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventor: Stephen H. Bell
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Patent number: 6726190Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat which incorporates a plurality of support rings, suction cups and openings to resist movement of the floor mat and restrain fluid spills.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: The Millennium Mat Company, LLCInventors: Ian S. Malpass, Jeffrey L. Cofer
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Patent number: 6725977Abstract: A probe (20) has a holder (21) with a small-diameter portion- (25) and a stepped surface (33) at a base end of the small diameter portion (25). The stepped surface (33) is recessed over the entire circumference of a base end of a small-diameter portion (25) to form a groove (40) and an inner corner of the groove (40) is rounded. The probe (20) is mounted by resiliently pressing the stepped surface (33) against the edge of a mount hole (15) in a base plate (13) of a brake shoe (12). A bending force acts on the small-diameter portion (25) of the holder (21) due to the sliding contact of the brake drum (10). However, the rounded portion (41) at the bottom of the groove (40) avoids a stress concentration on an inner corner of the base end of the small diameter portion (25).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Takanashi
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Patent number: 6725736Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable eccentric element for continuous adjustment of vibration amplitude, for use in, for example, the roll in vibrating rollers. In particular, the invention relates to a rotatable eccentric arrangement adapted for stepless adjustment of vibration amplitude, comprising a rotatable shaft (1) with an eccentric weight (2) arranged in a fixed manner thereon and a movable weight (5) which is pivotable relative to the fixed weight between a position with maximum amplitude and a position with minimum amplitude for changing the vibration amplitude of the arrangement. The invention is characterized in that the pivoting axis for the pivoting of the movable eccentric weight (5) is displaced from the axis of rotation of the shaft (1) and at least to an extent towards the centre of gravity of the fixed weight (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Rune Sturesson
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Patent number: 6725980Abstract: A spot-type automotive disc brake of floating-twin disc and fixed-caliper format utilizes one or more single wire springs to bias the two floating friction elements with respect to the fixed caliper. Each spring exerts a differential resilient effect on the central friction element with respect to the floating side friction element by virtue of differential connection arrangements, thereby meeting the differential springing requirements.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James Anthony Larkin