Patents Examined by Thomas Diaz
  • Split grip control lever for heavy machinery
    Patent number: 8887597
    Abstract: A split grip control lever is suitable for operating heavy machinery and includes a fixed base portion that provides secure operator support during operation of the machine. A movable upper portion is pivotable relative to the fixed base portion by the user's thumb and index finger to control operation of machine components. The movable upper portion and the fixed base portion preferably define a substantially continuous profile. Additionally, a control device is placed inside the fixed base portion of the grip, allowing for a shorter control shaft that pivots at or near the center of the unit. This arrangement facilitates control of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip John Black
  • System, method and apparatus for tolerance ring with functional layers
    Patent number: 8882354
    Abstract: A tolerance ring with functional layers has an annular band and an elastomeric layer. The assembly also may have a low friction layer, which may be bonded, calendared or laminated thereto. The low friction material may completely encapsulate the annular band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Pampus GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Jaeger, Dominique Burgeff
  • Variable position flywheel lock
    Patent number: 8869650
    Abstract: A variable position flywheel lock for a rotating engine shaft terminating in a flywheel having plurality of radially spaced slots around the circumference. The flywheel lock includes an elongated base positioned perpendicular to a radius of the flywheel. A body is engaged with the base and is movable vertically toward or away from the base. A top is engaged with the body with the top movable parallel to the base. A toothed device extends from the top and is engageable with the radially spaced slots in the flywheel to hold the flywheel in a desired position and lock it in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Reynolds French & Company
    Inventors: David Martin Harris, Russell Dale Watkins
  • Control module mounted on handlebar of bicycle
    Patent number: 8863613
    Abstract: A control module, which is mounted on a handlebar of a bicycle, includes a base, a grip, a control bar, and a bolt. The base has a hole, and the hole has a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is bigger than the first section. The base is fitted to the handlebar whereby a sidewall of the first section touches the handlebar. The grip is fitted to the handlebar, and has a portion received in the second section of the hole of the base. The control bar is provided on the base to control a brake module or a derailleur module. The bolt is provided on the base, wherein both the base and the grip are fixed to the handlebar at the same time by tightening the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lee Chi Enterprises Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Hsin Lin
  • Bicycle control device
    Patent number: 8863611
    Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a lever for actuating a brake control mechanism and a shift control mechanism in a cable-release direction and a cable-pull direction. The lever is rotatable about a brake axis to actuate the brake control mechanism and rotatable about a shift axis to actuate the shift control mechanism in the cable-release direction and in the cable-pull direction. The bicycle control device is configured to not displace the shift control mechanism upon actuation of the brake control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Christopher Shipman
  • Link connecting structure of operating pedal device for vehicle
    Patent number: 8857290
    Abstract: A link connecting structure of an operating pedal device for a vehicle includes a connecting pin used for at least one of connections of a connecting link to an operating pedal and to a pivot member, a disengagement-preventing portion formed by plastically deforming a tip portion of a shaft of the connecting pin passed through the connecting link and the operating pedal or the pivot member and a predetermined space formed between the connecting link with the operating pedal or the pivot member and the disengagement-preventing portion. The tip portion has a larger diameter locally than the initial diameter of the shaft. The predetermined space allows the connecting link and the operating pedal or the pivot member to be pivoted relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hikaru Sugiura, Isao Yagi, Shuji Kohama
  • Flywheel, internal combustion engine with flywheel and system comprising an internal combustion engine and a machine driven thereby
    Patent number: 8857291
    Abstract: In a flywheel for mounting as a coupling element between an internal combustion engine and a machine to be driven thereby, including a flywheel flange for connecting the flywheel to the machine and a driver flange for connecting the flywheel to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, coupling structures are provided between the flywheel flange and the driver flange which coupling structures include insulating connecting areas which electrically insulate the flanges from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schäffer, Martin Kaifler
  • Adjustment device for a remote control assembly having an easily engageable and disengageable locking element
    Patent number: 8850920
    Abstract: A remote control assembly having a conduit and a core element slidably disposed in the conduit. An adjustment device is selectively connected to one of the conduit and the core element for adjusting an effective length thereof. The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing and a slider. A locking element, having locking teeth, engages with slider teeth of the slider. The locking element defines a cavity for allowing insertion of a tool to facilitate movement of the locking element from a locked position to an unlocked position. Also, a cover is slidably supported on the housing and the cover includes a detent to further facilitate movement of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Edward Koontz, John William Harrison, Joseph Matthew Laperriere, III
  • Dynamic vibration absorber
    Patent number: 8850927
    Abstract: Rolling element bores are provided in the outer circumferential portion of a disk-like main body. Each rolling element bore has an arcuate outer rim. Rollers each have a groove formed on the peripheral edge and extending along the entire circumference of the roller. The outer rim of each rolling element bore engages with the groove of the associated roller so that the roller is loosely fitted in the rolling element bore. Shafts are respectively formed on both sides of each roller. The shafts project from the center of the roller. An elastic ring is mounted on each shaft. Annular guide plates are respectively mounted on both sides of the disk-like main body so that the shafts of the rollers are supported by the guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Kinoshita, Katsunori Tanaka, Aki Ogawa, Naohisa Yamashita, Makoto Yamaguchi
  • Reading rack for use with vehicle
    Patent number: 8850924
    Abstract: A reading rack for use with vehicles is proposed, comprising: a sheath member adapted to cover the steering wheel of a vehicle; a bottom member adapted to fasten to a surface of the sheath member; and a pressing member coupled with the sheath member and located at an upper surface of the sheath member, thereby allowing pages of an article/book to be placed above the bottom member and underneath the pressing member. The reading rack of the invention further comprises a holding member consisting of a clipping portion and a coupling portion, wherein the clipping portion is adapted to clip an article or book and couple with the surface of the bottom member by the coupling portion, thereby securely fastening a reading article or a piece of paper onto the steering wheel of a vehicle to provide for convenient reading while stopped or quick reference while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-Hsing Lin
  • Faucet handle and control module
    Patent number: 8839813
    Abstract: A faucet handle and control module includes: a control handle and three joints. Each joints is respectively disposed between the protruding portion of the control handle and the engaging member, each joint has an insertion aperture. each insertion aperture having a different cross-sectional shape, two insertion apertures of the two joints having an assembly aperture at one end, the assembly aperture engaging with the screwing member of the control handle, these two joints having a securing aperture connected to the insertion aperture, and the securing aperture engaging with a securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Alexander Yeh Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Centrifugal pendulum absorber
    Patent number: 8839693
    Abstract: A pendulum absorber assembly for a torque converter including a first spring retainer, a second spring retainer, and a floating flange positioned between the first spring retainer and the second spring retainer. The pendulum absorber assembly also includes a drive plate affixed to the floating flange, a plurality of arcuate springs disposed between the second spring retainer and the drive plate, and a plurality of pendulum weights affixed to the second spring retainer, wherein at least one of the pendulum weights is made of tungsten alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Marvin G. Schiemann, Michael Fingerman, Tomasz K. Kietlinski, Bruce Geist
  • Pedal device for vehicle
    Patent number: 8833201
    Abstract: A pedal device for a vehicle may include a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal which may be pivotally installed in a movable panel, an electric device selectively moving the movable panel, and an eco device transferring a motion of the electric device to the accelerator pedal to adjust a pedal effort of the accelerator pedal or vibrate the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Donghee Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eunsik Kim, Hojong Oh, Yangrae Cho, Jeehyuck Choi
  • Bicycle brake control device
    Patent number: 8833199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle brake control device, comprising a support body to be fixed to a handle bar and suitable to receive an end length of a traction cable according to a line, and a brake lever pivoted on the support body for actuating the brake through the traction cable when it is pulled towards the handle bar, the brake lever having a first actuation area at one end, wherein the pivot of the brake lever is arranged at a position which is not intermediate between the intersection of the line with the brake lever, and the first actuation area of the brake lever. Through such a configuration, the length of the brake lever on the side of the first actuation area, i.e. on the useful side of the brake lever, increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
  • Gearbox and cartridge insert for gearbox
    Patent number: 8826774
    Abstract: A gearbox for an irrigation system can comprise a housing, a worm gear within the housing and a bull gear within the housing and configured to engage the worm gear. The housing can be configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge can include a diaphragm and a vent. The diaphragm can define a chamber configured for expansion and contraction and configured to be positioned inside the housing to relieve pressure build-up within the housing. The vent can be configured to allow air to flow between the atmosphere and the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Motion Components Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Craig
  • Energy storage device
    Patent number: 8826771
    Abstract: Energy storage devices for storing energy are provided. An energy storage device includes a flywheel disposed in a chamber of a journal. A gas bearing is formed between an outer face of the flywheel and an inner face of the journal. The gas bearing exerts a compressive force on the flywheel, which allows for higher rotational velocities and higher energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Adjustable mechanism for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8826756
    Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a motor vehicle is used to adjust an adjustable element in a motor vehicle, especially a seating part. Said mechanism comprises a spindle nut comprising an axis, said spindle nut co-operating with a thread spindle and comprising external toothing on the external surface thereof which is in contact with an additional drive element. The external toothing of the spindle nut is formed by recesses in the external surface of the spindle nut which are inwardly turned in a radial manner, the teeth depths thereof diminishing in the direction of at least one axial end of the spindle nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Matthias Hoffmann, Andrea Bauersachs, Andreas Prause
  • Active balancing system powered by light
    Patent number: 8813602
    Abstract: An active balancing system for rotating machinery is provided which is light weight, solid state and powered by radiant energy. One or more balance rings coupled to the rotating machinery each have balancing elements which are moved to a selected position by actuators whose operation is controlled according to measured vibration resulting from imbalance of the machinery. The actuators are powered by an electrical energy generating device, such as a photo cell or a photovoltaic element, which is coupled to the machinery and located across an air gap from a source of radiant energy such as an array of light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: John F. Justak, Frank M. Caimi, Donna M. Kocak
  • Crank drive
    Patent number: 8813603
    Abstract: A crank drive has a crankshaft having at least one crank pin having a bearing surface with a concavely curved shape in a longitudinal crankshaft section and a conrod having a big end fitted to the crank pin and having a bearing surface with a convex shape in contact with the concave shape of the bearing surface of the crank pin in a load-bearing area that transmits forces acting between the big end of the conrod and the crank pin when the drive is in use. The shapes of the bearing surfaces are in accordance with the principle of uniformly distributed stresses such that essentially the same equivalent stress is distributed overall in the bearing surfaces in time average.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Metalurgica Campo Limpo Ltda
    Inventors: Sergio Stefano Guerreiro, Luis Antonio Fonseca Galli, Walter Tavares De Oliveira, Alex De Souza Rodrigues
  • Operating mechanism for a parking brake
    Patent number: 8806979
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block, a locking device adapted to secure the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position, an actuating rod guided inside the manual brake lever and operatively connected to the locking device, and a guiding device for the actuating rod located on the manual brake lever. The guiding device comprises a U-shaped profile having an opening oriented toward a side of the manual brake lever. The opening is adapted to receive the actuating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Dietz-automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Baris Barcin