Patents Examined by Vinh T. Luong
  • Patent number: 7836791
    Abstract: A knob is attached to a distal end of a lever and has an approximately cylindrical knob body, a cap attached to a distal end of the knob body, and a metal-plated operating member attached to a side face of the knob body. The knob body has a pair of guiding protrusions that define a slit extending in an axial direction of the lever. The operating member includes a rib formed integrally therewith and a flange coupled to the rib approximately perpendicularly thereto. The flange is wider in width than the slit and engages the guiding protrusions due to insertion of the rib into the slit according to insertion of the operating member into the knob body in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Ryo Koyasu
  • Patent number: 7832305
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first axle forming a first pivot axis and a first booster link pivotable about the first pivot axis. A control pedal has a second axle forming a second pivot axis, a pedal arm pivotable about the second pivot axis, and a pedal at a lower end of the pedal arm. A second booster link is pivotably connecting the pedal arm with the first booster link so that pivoting motion of the pedal arm about the second pivot axis pivots the booster link about the first pivot axis. A support member has a first end supporting the second axle on opposite sides of the pedal arm and the support member is pivotable about its second end. A drive assembly is operably connected to the control pedal to move the second axle in a fore-aft direction to adjust the control pedal in a fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Akhil Mahendra, Gordon Smith, Srini Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 7827881
    Abstract: A pedal with a body has two opposing plates on different sides of the pedal that can be easily removed or displaced by sliding to access the inner surfaces of the pedal and the backside of traction pins. In this way, traction pins can be replaced even after the pins have been worn out or broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Crank Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Hermansen, Carl Winefordner
  • Patent number: 7823481
    Abstract: A pedal module includes a double coil spring, a pedal, and a damping part. The double coil spring includes an outside coil and an inside coil. The pedal turns in a forward direction when a depressing force is applied thereto and turns in a reverse direction when a restoring force of the double coil spring is applied thereto. The damping part has an inserting portion disposed between the outside coil and the inside coil. The inserting portion includes a middle portion and a first side end portion disposed relative to each other in a width direction that corresponds to a circumferential direction of the double coil spring. The middle portion crosses a radial axis of the double coil spring and protrudes beyond the first side end portion toward an axial end of the double coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Makino, Shigeru Hasegawa, Takehiro Saito
  • Patent number: 7823480
    Abstract: A brake pedal assembly, for use in a vehicle, includes a support bracket, a first and second side walls extending outwardly from the support bracket. The first side wall includes an integral switch portion having a pair of generally parallel arcuate slots. A pedal arm, having a pair of contact posts positioned to extend through the pair of arcuate slots, is pivotally mounted between the first and second side walls. A conductive strip interconnects each of the pair of contact posts. The support bracket further includes a switch cover plate enclosing the integral switch portion of the first side wall. An electronic switch is disposed on an inside surface of the cover plate, and comes into electrical communication with the conductive strip as the contact posts travel within the arcuate slot in response to movement of the pedal arm, to send an electrical signal to an associated vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: KSR Technologies Co.
    Inventors: Dan O'Neill, Peter Mischenko
  • Patent number: 7814812
    Abstract: A nonrotatable grip assembly for a handlebar that includes a tubular grip body, a pair of compression split rings and a pair of end caps configured to attach to the grip body. As the end caps are secured to the grip body, the compression split rings collapse and pinch against the handle bar to prevent the grip body from turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Ziegahn, Matthew J. Poster, Christopher R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7806021
    Abstract: A control cable adjustment device for adjusting a control cable extending between a control mechanism and an operating mechanism. The adjustment device includes an adjuster rotatably connected to a housing of the control mechanism and a spring element having at least one retention segment. The retention segment engages a detent contour of the adjuster to retain the adjuster in its current position. Another segment of the spring element may have a second function as a return spring for a gear shifter or a brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 7779719
    Abstract: A combination of derailleur shifter and brake lever for bicycles includes a lever which can be pivoted relative to the handlebar so as to respectively control the braking mechanism and the derailleur gears. The lever has a rod connected thereto which controls a driving pawl unit which allows the rider to operate the rack of a driving unit to pull or release the derailleur cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Patent number: 7779718
    Abstract: A bicycle shifter for pulling and releasing a control cable connected to a gear change mechanism that includes a housing mountable to a handlebar, a takeup member, a control member, a holding mechanism and a release mechanism. The takeup member is movable for pulling the control cable in a cable-pull direction and releasing the control cable in a cable-release direction. The control member is movable in a shift direction from a rest position for a first shift movement to permit motion of the takeup member in the cable-release direction. The first shift movement corresponds to a single gear change. The control member is movable in the shift direction from the rest position for a second shift movement to move the takeup member in the cable-pull direction. The second shift movement corresponds to a plurality of gear changes. The second shift movement is greater than the first shift movement. The control member is biased toward the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Christopher Shipman, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 7779724
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control assembly is provided that includes at least one electrical bicycle shift control device. The shift control device includes a handlebar mounting portion configured to be clamped onto a handlebar and an electrical shift control switch portion. The electrical switch portion has an operating member arranged to move relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and an actuating position. Preferably, the electrical switch portion is detachably coupled to the handlebar mounting portion via a mating mounting structure to be removable from the handlebar mounting portion without removing the handlebar mounting portion from the handlebar. Preferably, a bicycle computer unit including a display screen is supported by the handlebar mounting portion. The operating member can include a dial-shaped element or a lever-shaped element that is configured to rotate about an operating axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7770492
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Bear Corporation
    Inventor: George French
  • Patent number: 7762158
    Abstract: A self-locking device for a table elevating screw includes a rotatable disk disposed on a screw having a nut thereon, a wedged body disposed on the rotatable disk, an outer cover moveably disposed on the rotatable disk and the wedged body and a stop plate disposed on the outer cover. When the rotatable disk rotates in relation to the screw in a direction or a reverse direction, the wedged body ascends or descends in relation to the rotatable disk, maintaining a gap between the stop plate and the outer cover or generating a frictional force therebetween. By the frictional force occurred when the screw rotates in a single direction, the self-locking device can achieve a precise self-locking device for the screw in a lifting/lowering positioning task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Wu-Teng Shieh, Yu-Shan Lee
  • Patent number: 7748292
    Abstract: A bearing system can reduce the relative velocity between a bearing member and a rotation shaft and a rotating member to decrease a load on the bearing member although the rotation shaft and the rotating member rotate in opposite directions with the bearing member therebetween. The bearing system includes a case and a rotation shaft supported by the case. A rotating member is disposed coaxially outside the rotation shaft and rotates in the direction opposite to that of the rotation shaft. A housing is interposed between the rotation shaft and the rotating member and is fixed to the case. A bearing member that rotatably supports the rotating member is interposed between the housing and the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7735393
    Abstract: A brake pedal apparatus including: (a) an operating pedal disposed pivotably about a first axis; (b) a pivot member disposed pivotably about a second axis and connected to the operating pedal via a link mechanism so as to be pivoted about the second axis in response to a depressing operation of the operating pedal; and (c) an output member for receiving an output generated by pivot motion of the pivot member. The link mechanism includes (i) a first connecting link connecting the operating pedal and the pivot member with first play, and (ii) a second connecting link connecting the operating pedal and the pivot member with second play. In a first region before a characteristic switching point of a pedal stroke of the operating pedal, the pivot member is pivoted through the first connecting link, while a lever ratio is changed according to a first lever ratio characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Fukase
  • Patent number: 7735395
    Abstract: An electronic communication wire connecting an input speed sensor and a computer controller in a transmission system is provided. The electronic communication wire connects at one end to the input speed sensor through a first aperture in the transmission case and at the other end to the computer controller through a second aperture in the transmission case. Thus, the electronic communication wire is attached at both ends to internal devices but it partially exists external to the transmission case along the length of the electronic communication wire. The connection between the electronic communication wire and the input speed sensor is sealed with at least a single O-ring while the connection between the electronic communication wire and the computer controller is sealed with at least a pair of O-rings. A method of electronically connecting the input speed sensor and the computer controller externally of the transmission case is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Miller, Heidi L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7712393
    Abstract: A safety grip for a handwheel which is movable between an operating position and a home position is comprised of an elongated and ergonomic body (1) and of a support (2), which is anchored to the body of a maneuvering member, such as a handwheel. The body (1) is comprised of an outer case (1a), a rod-like inner core (3) with a head (4), a bushing (6) slidably mounted on the core (3), a sleeve (7) in sliding engagement on the bushing (6), an axial thrust spring (9) arranged between two opposite shoulders (6a) and (7a) of the bushing (6) and of the sleeve (7), and a second thrust spring (10) arranged between the head (4) and the top of the bushing (6). The body (1) is connected to the support (2) at a pivot point (5). An end of the sleeve (7) engages a contact surface of the support (2) through a collar (8). The collar (8) has an inner conical mouth surface that engages a shaped rib (11) on the top of said support (2), where the shaped rib (11) has a frusto-conical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Elesa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Patent number: 7703270
    Abstract: A mistake proof cable assembly for promoting short time engine assembly and method of assembling same. The mistake proof cable assembly comprises a slotted member defining a slot having an open end, and a cable connected to the slotted member and extending longitudinally through the slot. First and second restrainers are mounted on the cable on opposite sides of the slotted member for limiting free movement of the cable in the longitudinal direction of the slotted member. A lock prevents removal of the cable from the slot through the open end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Guy Lefebvre, Eric Durocher
  • Patent number: 7685906
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (10) includes a hub (12) and an airbag module (26). The vehicle steering wheel (10) further includes a plurality of switches (18, 20, 22) being integrated in a common housing (16). The housing (16) is fitted on the airbag module (26) and includes at least one mount (32) cooperating with a cover (28) of the airbag module (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dominik Schütz
  • Patent number: 7681474
    Abstract: A system for adjustably positioning foot pedals with respect to a vehicle chassis, such as to improve ergonomics or to appropriately space a vehicle occupant with respect to a vehicle safety system. The system includes first and second electromagnetic actuators, first and second controllers, and a device, which may be a switch disposed on the vehicle chassis, provides a signal to change spacing between the vehicle chassis and the plurality of pedals. The first electromagnetic actuator displaces a first pedal with respect to the vehicle chassis, and the second electromagnetic actuator displaces a second pedal with respect to the vehicle chassis. The first controller operates the first electromagnetic actuator in response to the configuration of the device, and the second controller operates the second electromagnetic actuator in response to the first controller operating the first electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Frank Wiemer, Edward Kunath, Jacob Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7673539
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for removing a shaft from a gearbox housing without having to totally disassemble the housing. The gear box has an aperture in the housing. The aperture is used to gain access to the retaining ring that locks the shaft within the housing. Once the retaining ring is removed, the shaft may then slide out of the housing. A plug member is used to cover the aperture when it is not necessary to remove the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Knox, Christopher E. Blair