Patents Examined by James McClellan
  • Patent number: 7140476
    Abstract: A hand brake lever, especially for a motor vehicle, includes at least two tubes (2, 3) telescopically inserted into each other for actuating a locking device (5) of a parking brake. The tubes (2, 3) automatically lock in any pulled-out position and actuation of a device corresponding to the tubes (2, 3) causes the release of the locking device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk Hilss, Michael Heinrich Schreier
  • Patent number: 7131519
    Abstract: A drum brake device prevents shoe clearance over-adjustment by using a thermo-sensitive member with a lower leg opening force and provides a smaller thermo-sensitive member with a lower cost. A portion between both ends of the brake lever (50) in a direction of crossing the shoe return inhibitor (61) engages with one end of the shoe return inhibitor (61) automatically restricting the return position of the pair of brake shoes (20) and (30); the proximate portion (50a) of the brake lever (50) is pivotally supported on the brake shoe (20); and the free end (50b) of the brake lever (50) is supported at an end nipple (54) of a brake cable (52) via the thermo-sensitive member (73).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7124865
    Abstract: A damper includes housing bounding a chamber. A barrier is movably disposed within the chamber so as to divide at least a portion of the chamber into a pressure compartment and a control compartment each having a volume, the volume of the pressure compartment and the control compartment each being adjustable based on movement of the barrier. A first compressible gas is disposed within the pressure compartment while a first hydraulic fluid is disposed within the control compartment A piston shaft has a first end slidably disposed within the control compartment. A temperature compensator disposed within the chamber automatically adjusts the combined volume of the pressure compartment and the control compartment based on the temperature of the first hydraulic fluid within the control compartment so as to regulate the pressure within the control compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Progressive Suspension, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy A. Turner, John B. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 7124859
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a frame comprising a mechanically actuated braking assembly operably coupled with at least one of the wheels and being operable between braking and non-braking conditions, a handle coupled to the braking assembly and being mounted to the frame for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis between first and second positions in each of which the braking assembly is in the braking condition, and an actuating mechanism responsive to movement of the handle from either of the first and second positions for actuating the braking assembly into the non-braking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Guptail
  • Patent number: 7125086
    Abstract: In a vehicle dynamics control (VDC) system for a four-wheel-drive vehicle employing a brake control system regulating braking forces applied to road wheels independently of each other and a differential mechanism controlling a differential motion between front and rear wheel axles, a VDC controller controls a braking force of each road wheel depending on whether the vehicle is in oversteering or understeering. The VDC controller includes a braking-force compensation section that compensates for a braking force of at least one of a first wheel, which is subjected to vehicle dynamics control, and a second wheel to which a transferred braking force is transferred from the first wheel through the differential mechanism, to reduce a braking force of the second wheel and to prevent the braking force of the second wheel from exceeding a lateral grip limit of the second wheel during the vehicle dynamics control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tanaka, Akihiro Itoh
  • Patent number: 7121635
    Abstract: A device used for controlling brake fluid pressure includes a plunger pump, for pressurizing brake fluid, and a drive motor for driving the plunger pump. The plunger pump and the output shaft of the drive motor are coupled together so as to transmit power through a cam mechanism arranged in a motor cam chamber. The motor cam chamber is provided with a communication passageway to allow brake fluid seepage to flow from the motor cam chamber to an interior chamber such as a solenoid chamber and/or one or more spring-enclosing chambers. The motor cam chamber is sealed from the exterior and brake fluid seeping into the motor cam chamber is contained within the interior of the device used for controlling brake fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masuhiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 7121634
    Abstract: A parking brake system uses a pneumatically controlled brake actuator to provide both service and parking brake functions. The parking brake system for a vehicle includes a hand control that is manually movable between a plurality of operational positions. A valve is responsive to movement of the hand control and controls air flow from a parking brake air supply to the pneumatically controlled brake actuator. The valve includes a gate that defines the plurality of operational positions, which include a park position, a release position, and an off position. When the hand control is moved out of the off position and into the park position, the pneumatically controlled brake actuator remains pressurized and a latching mechanism is activated to mechanically lock the vehicle brake. When the hand control is moved to the release position, the vehicle brakes are re-applied to unload the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Denis John McCann
  • Patent number: 7114596
    Abstract: A brake system with an integral proximity sensor for providing an indication of a condition of the brake system. The brake system includes a brake drum, a brake shoe, a brake pad, and a position sensor. The brake pad is connected to a pad mounting surface of the brake shoe. The brake pad and brake shoe are movable from a disengaged position, where the brake pad is spaced apart from the brake drum to an engaged position, where the pad is in forcible engagement with the brake drum. The position sensor is coupled to the brake shoe for sensing the position of the brake shoe with respect to the position sensor. The position of the brake shoe with respect to the position sensor provides an indication of one or more conditions of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Borugian
  • Patent number: 7114600
    Abstract: A brake device for a motor vehicle having a friction first element with a first face that is pressed against a first face of a second element secured to a wheel of the motor vehicle during a brake application and an third element for applying a braking force bearing via a first end against a second face of the friction first element that is opposite from the first face of the friction first element. The brake device including an amplifier arrangement with a first part separated from a second part by a mutual and a tiltable plane containing a bearing surface located between the friction first element and the application third element relative to a plane for the first face of the second element. The amplifier arrangement rotating applied during a brake application to modify the pressing of the first face against the second face on the friction first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Boisseau
  • Patent number: 7111705
    Abstract: An oscillation limiting mechanism (4) is integrally provided to an engine mount (3) (a vibration proof mount device) of a power plant (P) mounted on an automobile in a traverse mount fashion. Not only is a stopper metal member (40) in the shape of an inverted U letter disposed so as to cross over a mount body portion (30), but a stopper rubber (42) is formed so that it protrudes from the rear end of a casing of the mount body portion (30) toward the rear side of the vehicle body. Not only is a hollow portion (43) formed in the interior of the stopper rubber (42), but a metal core body (44) is also embedded in the stopper rubber (42) so as to be revolvable around an axis in the vehicle body traverse direction as if it were a link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Ohta, Sumio Uchida, Tetsuya Miyake
  • Patent number: 7108108
    Abstract: A device for clamping a rod to stop axial and/or rotative movement between the rod and the device. The device includes pressure and clamp units, the clamp unit having a bushing fixed therein and provided with a radially resilient center section normally sized to permit movement of the rod therein. The pressure unit has an actuating piston normally held under fluid pressure in one position but movable under spring pressure toward a second position should the fluid pressure be lost or released. Such movement results in the application of pressure to the bushing to radially deflect its center section inwardly into clamping engagement with the rod to stop its movement. The center section remains clamped on the rod until sufficient fluid pressure is applied to the actuating piston to move it back to its first position thus permitting radial expansion of the center section to release the rod for movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Jerry E. Heinzeroth
  • Patent number: 7104367
    Abstract: An adjustable brake is provided that applies a braking force directly to an elevator sheave over which a cable suspends an elevator car and a counterweight. The brake includes a pair of calipers that apply a braking force to either longitudinal end of the sheave. The brake is spring set and may be released using, for example, electromagnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic forces. The calipers are mounted to and movable along a rail to enable adjustment of the location of the calipers. Further, the calipers are coupled together using one or more pins and are movable along the pins to enable adjustment of spacing between the calipers. The brake is particularly adapted for use with existing elevators because the brake does not require modification to the existing elevator sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Warner Electric Europe S.A.S.
    Inventors: Gilles Ferrand, Bruno Pitto
  • Patent number: 7100746
    Abstract: In order to facilitate assembly and disassembly of a vehicle, the invention provides a method of assembling and disassembly a drum brake (1). In this assembly and disassembly method, the operating spacing of two brake shoes (4 and 5) inside a drum brake (3) is pre-adjusted. The invention makes it possible for the drum brake (1) to be delivered with the brake shoes (4 and 5) in a position where they are clamped against each other, corresponding to assembly clearance, while potentially retaining the spacing needed to match the operating clearance of the drum brake. A single action (A, B) on the hand-brake lever (6) enables the shoes to be moved from assembly clearance to operating clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Vincent Dupuis
  • Patent number: 7100909
    Abstract: A fluid-filled cylindrical vibration damping device comprising: an elastic body connecting an inner shaft member and an outer sleeve member; a non-compressible fluid-sealing region formed between the inner shaft member and the outer sleeve member; a stop rubber member disposed within the fluid-sealing region and projecting form one of the inner shaft member and the outer sleeve member toward an other of the inner shaft member and the outer sleeve member; and a rigid restricting member bonded to a projecting end portion of the stop rubber member. The stop rubber member extends to a front surface of the rigid restricting member so as to form an abutment rubber projecting from an outer peripheral portion of the front surface so that the projecting end portion of the stop rubber member is brought into abutting contact with the other of the inner shaft member and the outer sleeve member with the abutment rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Ito
  • Patent number: 7100751
    Abstract: A master cylinder which has an unusual ability to limit space requirements, to be fitted in vehicles controllable by handlebars, comprises a cylinder body provided with a seat for housing a portion of the handlebar. A chamber for slidably housing a piston extends along an axis inside the cylinder body. A manual control lever which acts on the piston is mounted on the cylinder body for pivoting about its fulcrum in a plane. The axis along which the chamber for slidably housing the piston extends intersects the plane of pivoting of the control lever at a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Lavezzi
  • Patent number: 7097260
    Abstract: A parking brake for a motor vehicle includes: a manual operating lever; a braking device designed to act on brake disks applied on a bevel pinion for transmission of the motion to the wheels of the motor vehicle; and a cable for transmission of the command imposed via the lever on the braking device. The brake is activated either automatically by a hydraulic actuator when the engine of the motor vehicle is turned off, or alternatively, by a manual command imposed by the operator through the lever whether or not the engine of the motor vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Emiliano Brancolini, Paolo Lelli
  • Patent number: 7097011
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a parking lock for combination with a service brake actuator for a vehicle, preferably a heavy road vehicle. The service brake actuator comprises a fluid actuated piston having a piston rod. The parking lock surrounds the piston rod of the service brake. The parking comprises a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated locking The parking lock has a locking mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The piston rod is free to move in axial, radial and angular directions in relation to the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 7097007
    Abstract: A brake rotor and methods for cooling and/or removing debris from a brake rotor are provided. The brake rotor may include a first and second annular braking surfaces jointly defining inner and outer circumferential surfaces and a central portion and a hat portion disposed in the central portion and adapted for mounting the rotor to a vehicle. The rotor may also include a plurality of vanes provided between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, which may define a plurality of corresponding flow channels between at least a pair of vanes. Each flow channel may include a first flow channel opening (e.g., inlet) provided near the central region and a second flow channel opening (e.g., outlet) provided near a periphery of the brake rotor. The rotor and methods also may include a plurality of first slots provided on the first annular braking surface and a plurality of second slots provided on the second annular braking surface corresponding to the plurality of first slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Warren Lin
  • Patent number: 7097168
    Abstract: A fluid filled engine mount including: a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber connected via an orifice passage tuned to a frequency band of engine idling vibrations; an orifice control member operable by means of negative pressure exerted from an external space so as to restrict flow of the fluid through the orifice passage when an absolute value of the exerted negative pressure is greater than a predetermined value; and a negative pressure conduit of direct connection type, adapted to always introduce negative pressure available from an air intake port of an internal combustion engine to the orifice control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Syouji Akasa, Masaaki Hamada, Yuichi Ogawa
  • Patent number: RE39389
    Abstract: A bicycle brake device has a first brake arm body, a first lid, a second brake arm body and a second lid. The first brake arm body has a first attachment opening and a first fastener recess located adjacent to the first attachment opening. The second brake arm body has a second attachment opening and a second fastener recess located adjacent to the second attachment opening. The second brake arm body is adapted to be operatively coupled to the first brake arm body to move the first and second brake arm bodies between a release position and a braking position. The first lid is detachably coupled to the first brake arm body to overlie the first fastener recess. The second lid is detachably coupled to the second brake arm body to overlie the second fastener recess. First and second covers can also be provided to overlie the attachment openings of the brake arm bodies. The lids can be attached to the brake arm bodies in a variety of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Osamu Kariyama