Patents Examined by John L. Love
  • Patent number: 4650019
    Abstract: An inventive electrical motor-assisted power-steering system is compact while still providing adequate steering assist force. The system can also act as a manual steering system in the event of failure of an electrical motor. The system includes a steering gear with a shaft rotated manually via a steering shaft, a worm driven by the electrical motor operating in response to rotation of the steering shaft, and a worm wheel fixed to the steering gear shaft and meshing with the worm. The lead angle of the worm is selected to be larger than the friction angle between the worm and the worm wheel so that the worm wheel can drive the worm freely if the motor should fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tokiyoshi Yanai, Masafumi Nakayama, Yutaka Aoyama, Moritsune Nakata
  • Patent number: 4613148
    Abstract: A detachable towing bracket for a vehicle, particularly for an automobile. The towing bracket includes a towing hook with a first coupling member which is engageable to a second coupling member having fittings attachable to the towing vehicle. The coupling members are linked together by a tapered dovetailed connection, which linkage is tapered so as to prevent wear. Connection is secured by a spring-loaded locking pin which positively prevents separation of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Tobo Made B.V.
    Inventor: Bob Scholte
  • Patent number: 4331344
    Abstract: A disk on a motorcycle fork blocks the flow of air and water upwardly along the fork and is rotatable in a frame mounted carrier located inside a motorcycle fairing mounted on the motorcycle frame. The disc also functions as an engine noise barrier. A pair of crash bars, one on either side of the motorcycle, have forward ends secured to the fairing mounting plates above the front wheel. The crash bars extend downwardly and rearwardly and diverge outwardly from the motorcycle. The intermediate portions of the crash bars are secured to the motorcycle frame and the rear portions rest on the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: First Champaign Corporation
    Inventor: Craig W. Vetter
  • Patent number: 4281872
    Abstract: A cover system according to one aspect of the invention includes a tarpaulin and a series of support rods attached to a longitudinal medial section thereof in spaced parallel relation and arranged to extend transversely of the truck box in the installed condition. A cable system is provided adapted to be installed such that each one of a pair of horizontal reaches of the cable extend along parallel to and above respective ones of the upper edges of the box. The support rods are adapted to be connected at their opposing ends to the respective horizontal reaches of the cable. These rods, save for a final or terminal one of the rods, are arranged to be connected to said reaches of the cable for relative movement therealong. The final rod is adapted to be connected to the tarpaulin and to said reaches of the cable so that movement of the latter can carry the tarpaulin along the upper edges of the box in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Inventor: Vito Biancale