Patents Examined by Mary Ann Battista
  • Patent number: 5620388
    Abstract: In a differential/mechanism for transmitting power from a drive shaft to the axle shafts of a motor vehicle, a shim cap surrounding the end of the axle shaft is located between a differential pinion shaft and a slotted washer seated within recesses formed on the axle shaft and on the side bevel gear, the shim cap having a crown whose thickness fills the axial space between the inner end of the axle shaft and the pinion shaft. The shim cap limits the range of axially inward movement of the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Schlegelmann, William D. Baedke, Michael M. Start
  • Patent number: 5619887
    Abstract: A dry tuned damper (10) for mounting on an outboard end of a camshaft (C), the damper (10) having an annular housing (12) defined by inner and outer annular walls (14, 16) and an end wall (18) extending transversely therebetween, with a partition (20) extending diametrically between the inner and outer walls (14, 16) to divide the housing (12) into an opposed pair of compartments (22, 24). Shoes (26, 28) are positioned in the compartments (22, 24) and are biased outwardly against the outer wall (16) by a multitude of compression spring assemblies (30) each of which comprises a concentric pair of inner and outer springs (34, 36) trapped between the partition (20) and one of the shoes (26, 28) and slidably and retained by a pin (32) that extends through the partition (20) between the compartments (22, 24) and concentrically through the opposed pair of inner springs (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5619888
    Abstract: A reinforcement member for a cylinder in a vehicle automatic transmission is in the form of a plate having a top surface generally parallel to a bottom surface. An edge surface circumscribes and is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces have two opposed concentric arcuate sides and two opposed rounded ends. The radius of the first arcuate side is smaller than the radius of the second arcuate side. Two fastener holes extend from the top surface to the bottom surface near each rounded end. An apply hole for the flow of hydraulic fluid extends frown the top surface to the bottom surface between the fastener holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Toledo Trans-Kit, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5615586
    Abstract: In internal combustion engine (10) having a power shaft (12) mounted in an engine block (11) for rotation about a power shaft axis (X), a valve arrangement (20) for controlling intake to and exhaust from a combustion chamber (20), and a cam device (22) for actuating the valve arrangement (20); the cam device (22) includes a ring cam (24) having a generally ring-shaped body, with the body having an inner peripheral surface (35) and an outer peripheral surface (26). The ring cam (24) is mounted to the engine block (11) for rotation about a cam axis (Y) displaced from the power shaft axis (X). A cam surface (32) or (34) is provided on the outer peripheral surface (26) for actuating the valve arrangement (20) as the ring cam (24) is rotated about the cam axis (Y). A gear (38) is operably engaged with the power shaft (12) and nested inside the inner peripheral surface (35) for driving the ring cam (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Phillips, Eric B. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5615583
    Abstract: A terminal (24) is attached to the end of a flexible core element (12) slidably supported in a conduit (14) and connects the core element (12) to a disc-shaped head (26) supported on a post (28). The terminal (24) includes a body (30) and a flange (32) spaced and parallel to the body (30) to define a pocket (34) between the flange (32) and the body (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head (26) with the flange (32) defining a circular opening (36) for surrounding the post (28) and an entrance (38) more narrow than the circular opening (36) for retaining the post (28) in the opening (36). The terminal (24) is characterized by the flange (32) including a pair of holes (44) adjacent the entrance (38) for rendering the flange (32) more flexible at the entrance (38) than the remainder of the flange (32) to facilitate the enlargement of the entrance (38) by the forced movement of the post (28) therethrough and to snap back as the post (28) seats in the circular opening (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Cunningham, Allen G. Irish
  • Patent number: 5613405
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) includes a core terminal (20) composed of a slider (26) and a sleeve (46). Flexible cantilever fingers (48) extend from the sleeve (46) and are inserted into an aperture (22) in the top of an accelerator pedal (16). A compression spring (64) is disposed between the sleeve (46) and the slider (26) for providing over travel protection. Splines (42) are positioned along the slider (26) to support the sleeve (46) as it slides thereover during operation. The improvement of this invention resides in distal tips (50) of the fingers (48) which angle into a protective position seated behind the end stop flange (34) of the slider (26). This arrangement allows the end stop flange (34) to center the terminal (20) as it is pushed through the aperture (22) in the accelerator pedal (16), instead of using the fingers (48) to center the terminal (20), thereby reducing the potential for misalignment or incomplete connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry Kelley, Randy Watkins
  • Patent number: 5609070
    Abstract: A crank cover assembly for a bicycle which includes a molded shell member and a molded leaf member which cooperatively encase a forged crank of a bicycle. The molded shell and molded leaf are configured to substantially perform to the outer contour of the forged crank, and each has formed therethrough openings substantially aligned with through openings in the forged crank. The shell and leaf members are coupled together by use of fastening mechanisms such as a catch-tongue joint or a hot-melted joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: King-Chen Lin, Ming-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 5609069
    Abstract: A foot pedal and pad assembly having a foot pedal, a pad positioned adjacent to the foot pedal, and fastener for securing the pad to the foot pedal. A resilient member is secured to the head portion of the fastener. A bracket member is positioned between the fastener member and the pad. The bracket member includes a hole for insertably receiving the fastener member, and a plurality of openings for insertably receiving a plurality of raised portions extending up from a base portion of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventor: Dale Swenson
  • Patent number: 5606894
    Abstract: The improved clipless pedal comprises an assembly of a generally rounded body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and circumferential edge with a metal insert. A recessed area is formed extending diametrically across each of the top and bottom surfaces. The metal insert fits within the recessed area with its top surface generally flush with the surface in which it is placed. An inset is cut into the circumferential edge to form a chord across each end of the recessed areas. The diametric distance between the insets corresponds to the spacing between the spring-biased tongues of the locking mechanism of the cleat in their relaxed condition. The pedal body is formed from a lightweight plastic or polymer. In an alternate embodiment, means are provided for varying float range of the pedal with respect to the cleat by narrowing the angle within the recessed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 5606893
    Abstract: A rotary detent mechanism comprises a first wheel having a plurality of radially extending lobes circumferentially spaced about its axis of rotation. Second and third wheels each having outwardly extending ribs spaced for driving engagement with the lobes of the first wheel are positioned on opposite sides thereof. The ribs of the second and third wheels are related to the lobes of the first wheel such that driving rotation between the first wheel and the second and third wheels requires relative movement of the wheels toward and away from one another in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first wheel. A drive member is provided for selectively rotating one of the wheels and a spring assembly is provided for biasing the wheels toward one another in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Shifflett
  • Patent number: 5605074
    Abstract: A motion-transmitting remote-control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting motion along a curved path by a flexible motion-transmitting core element (12) with a conduit (14) slidably supporting the core element (12). A terminal (30) has a bore (32) extending therethrough and defines oppositely facing first (32a) and second (32b) openings with the second opening (32b) disposed for connecting the core element (12) to a control member (24). An adjustment interconnects the terminal (30) and the core element (12) for adjusting the position of the terminal (30) axially along the core element (12) and includes a lock button (36) movable between an unlocked position extending from the assembly and a locked position within the assembly for locking the axial position of the terminal (30) relative to the core element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Hall, John W. Harrison, Dan Chegash, Michael Reasoner, Orest Iwasiuk
  • Patent number: 5605076
    Abstract: A swivel mechanism for a bicycle includes a base fixedly mounted around a head tube of the bicycle. An annular sleeve is rotatably mounted around the base. A swivel ring is rotatably mounted between the upperside of the base and an underside of the annular sleeve. A cap is securely mounted around an upper end of a steerer tube of the bicycle. An upper connector has at least one first brake cable fixedly mounted on an outer periphery of the cap. A first wire is slidably mounted in the first brake cable and has a lower end fixedly mounted on an outer periphery of the annular sleeve. A lower connector has at least one second brake cable fixedly mounted on an outer periphery of the base. A second wire is slidably mounted in the second brake cable and has an upper end fixedly mounted on an outer periphery of the swivel ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Chin-chang Wu
  • Patent number: 5601000
    Abstract: A gearbox for self-propelled machines such as lawn-mowers, comprising a frame within which are disposed a primary shaft (1) provided with a gear train (8) of this latter, and a secondary shaft (2) provided with a gear train (9) that is free about the secondary shaft (2). Each gear (8) of the primary shaft (1)is maintained in permanent engagement with a gear (9) of the secondary shaft (2). The primary shaft (1) is driven in rotation by an endless screw (7), in engagement with a toothed wheel (4), by a cone clutch whose cones (3) are mounted slidably upon and kinematically freely and come into engagement with the conical bearing surfaces of the driven member. The movement of rotation of the primary shaft (1) is transmitted to the secondary shaft (2) by a movable key (12) mounted on the secondary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5598744
    Abstract: A racing handlebar structure suitable for shifters to be disposed thereto, the handlebar including two symmetrical parts each having a dropped handle portion and a horizontal portion which has a neck portion with a smaller diameter, each neck portion having a first hole defined therein and a shifter mounted to the corresponding neck portion, a sleeve having two second holes defined therein and received in a handlebar stem, each neck portion inserted into a corresponding end of the sleeve and the first holes and the second holes aligned with each other for bolts inserted therethrough, a fastener securely disposed the sleeve to the neck portion such that the shifter is rotatably disposed to the corresponding neck portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Kun-tsai Chen
  • Patent number: 5599247
    Abstract: A bearing support frame (4) is disposed within a rear end portion of a tractor front housing (1) and is fixedly supported by this housing which has an internal partition wall (1a) and an open rear end. An additional speed change mechanism (12) having plural fluid-operated clutches (54F, 54R) mounted on a primary shaft (7) of a high level which extends through the partition wall is disposed within a rear half of the front housing such that it is operable to perform a speed change transmission between the primary shaft and a co-axial output shaft (10) supported by the support frame. Fluid supply passages (55F, 55R, 55L) in the primary shaft are connected to fluid supply passages (61F, 61R, 61L) in the partition wall through annular fluid chambers (60F, 60R, 60L) defined between the primary shaft and a hollow cylindrical portion (37) of the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mizuya Matsufuji
  • Patent number: 5596908
    Abstract: The remote control assembly (10) includes a fitting (16) characterized by a U-shaped lock (40) supported on the fitting (16) for movement between an unlocked position, to allow movement of the L-shaped arm (32) to a deflected position, and a locked position, to prevent the projection (34) on the L-shaped arm (32) from moving out of gripping engagement with the hole (38) in the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Hall
  • Patent number: 5595092
    Abstract: A positioning device of a pair of telescopically retractable vertical bars of a trolley includes a sleeve member, a pair of eccentric rings and a control unit. The sleeve member has a pair of sleeves coaxially rigidly mounted on outer tubes of the vertical bars, a plate having a height no less than a height of the sleeves and horizontally extending between the sleeves and tangentially in contact with them at an outer periphery thereof, and a gap respectively and radially defined in the sleeves. The eccentric rings have an inner diameter equal to an outer diameter of inner tubes of the vertical bars for the inner tubes passing therethrough and are coaxially rivetally retained in the gaps with a thinner ring wall thereof in contact with the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Chin-chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 5590571
    Abstract: In a transmission having a planetary gear unit arranged on one side thereof with respect to a partition wall integral with a casing, an output gear-and-bearing mounting structure is provided in which an output gear arranged on the other side of the partition wall opposite to the planetary gear unit is supported by the partition wall via a bearing. The output gear has a boss rotatably supported by the partition wall through the bearing fitted into an axial hole of the partition wall, and a flange located on the other side of the partition wall and extending along the same. An outer race of the bearing is fixed to a side surface of the partition wall facing the flange of the output gear, by a bolt inserted through a through hole formed in the flange of the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 5590567
    Abstract: The end of a cable or other elongated object is held in a plastic retainer molded of one piece. The retainer has a base with a pocket for holding the object, upstanding supports alongside the pocket and a retaining element mounted between adjacent supports at each side of the pocket. The retaining element defines a snap element and resilient hinges, either flexible webs or torsion arms, which couple each end of the snap element to a support for rotation of the snap element about an axis. The axes are above the pocket and the snap element extends down to hold the object in the pocket. Optional over-center action provides a locking function. Release tabs on the retaining element extending above the axis permits release of the cable by pinching the tabs together. Grooves or ridges on the cable end engage the retainer for axial retention and permit axial adjustment as well. A receiving opening in the retainer is shaped to guide cable end insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Marrs, Kurt J. Hudoba, John W. Willis
  • Patent number: 5588336
    Abstract: A handlebar stem coupling module for a bicycle which includes a steerer tube, and a handlebar stem having a compression connector formed on one distal end thereof. The handlebar stem coupling module includes an urging sleeve securely mounted between an outer wall of the steerer tube and an inner wall of the compression connector, and an elongated slit laterally defined in the urging sleeve and extending along a length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Chen-chang Chou