Patents Examined by William C. Joyce
  • Patent number: 10190663
    Abstract: A linear gear shift mechanism includes a support rotator; transmission balls movably disposed at the support rotator and each provided with a cylindrical recess along radial direction thereof; driving posts with inward ends movably disposed in the cylindrical recesses along the radial direction of the support rotator; a gear shift unit movably connected to outward ends of the driving posts to drive the driving posts to rotate from the radial direction of the support rotator to but not reach the axial direction of the support rotator; an axial power input rotator having an inward-tilted power input annular surface; and an axial power output rotator having an inward-tilted power output annular surface, wherein the axial power input rotator and axial power output rotator flank and movably clamp the transmission balls between the inward-tilted power input annular surface, inward-tilted power output annular surface and outer circumferential surface of the support rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MOTIVE POWER INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Lin Cheng, Ching-Chung Teng
  • Patent number: 10190661
    Abstract: A transmission for vehicles may include first and second input shafts to selectively receive power of a drive source via first and second clutches, first and second output shafts parallel to the first and second input shafts, a shift device including gear pairs tooth-engaged with the first and second input shafts and the first and second output shafts and having different gear ratios, one gear pair conforming to a running speed being selected by a synchronizer to shift and output power of the drive source, and a reverse idler gear provided at a reverse idler shaft to be tooth-engaged with an input gear of the first or second input shaft and tooth-engaged with an output gear of the first or second output shaft, the reverse idler gear being selected by a reverse synchronizer to transmit power from the input gear to the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yeo Hyeon Gwon, Choung Wan Son, Chang Yeon Cho, Hyun Chul Kim, Jin Beom Seo, Ki Jong Park
  • Patent number: 10174812
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle may include a first input shaft continuously receiving rotational power from a power source; a second input shaft selectively receiving the rotational power of the power source through a clutch; a first counter shaft and a second counter shaft connected to the first input shaft and the second input shaft through a transfer gear pair, respectively; a controlling device selecting the transfer gear pair to transfer the rotational power from the first input shaft and the second input shaft to the first counter shaft and the second counter shaft; a one-way clutch allowing the rotational power provided to the first input shaft to be transferred only from the first input shaft toward the first counter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Chon Ok Kim, Chae Hong Lim
  • Patent number: 10166682
    Abstract: A system for releasably attaching a steerable disposable multi-linked device to a durable device may include a disposable portion and a durable portion. The disposable portion may include a connecting member connected to the disposable portion and the durable portion and a steerable multi-linked device. The steerable multi-linked device may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links, and a cable which passes through the first link and intermediate links and extends beyond a first end of the first link. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The durable portion may include an axial member which defines an opening therethrough and a feeder mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Brett Zubiate, Amir Degani, Howie Choset
  • Patent number: 10167052
    Abstract: A linear gear shift mechanism for chainless vehicles includes a gear shift unit having a support rotator, transmission balls and driving posts, with the transmission balls disposed in the support rotator, with a cylindrical receiving portion disposed on each transmission ball radially, with the driving posts disposed in the cylindrical receiving portions along radial direction of the support rotator and rotating from radial direction thereof to but not reach axial direction of the support rotator; an axial power input rotator having an inward-tilted power input annular surface; an axial power output rotator having an inward-tilted power output annular surface, with the transmission balls clamped between inward-tilted power input and output annular surfaces and support rotator; a tread-required transverse power source meshing with axial power input rotator; an axial power transfer portion meshing with axial power output rotator axially; a transverse power output portion meshing with axial power transfer portio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MOTIVE POWER INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Lin Cheng, Ching-Chung Teng
  • Patent number: 10151391
    Abstract: An actuation device for a motor vehicle having a transmission with gear steps and a friction clutch for automated actuation of both the transmission and the friction clutch, where the actuation device has an actuator device with whose help both a rotational movement and a translational movement is executable, in order to improve the actuation device in terms of construction and/or function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Herkommer, Dirk Reimnitz, Peter Greb
  • Patent number: 10149720
    Abstract: An instrument that facilitates bending with large degrees of articulation while maintaining ease of manufacturing for medical and surgical applications is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Enrique Romo
  • Patent number: 10144283
    Abstract: A cylindrical ring gear has first external teeth and a support portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical ring gear. An output shaft extends through the cylindrical ring gear and is supported to rotate concentrically with the cylindrical ring gear. A disconnect mechanism is configured to connect or disconnect an inner periphery of the cylindrical ring gear to an outer periphery of the output shaft based on a moved position of the movable engagement member. An actuator is disposed such that the first external teeth are located between the support portion and the actuator. The actuator is configured to move the movable engagement member between a connection position and a disconnection position. The cylindrical ring gear is coupled to the output shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable in the connection position. Relative rotation between the cylindrical ring gear and the output shaft is allowed in the disconnection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 10138983
    Abstract: A constant mesh gear transmission has an input shaft (21, 22), two layshafts (31, 35) and an output shaft (23). Gear wheels are selectively connectable to shafts to provide forward and reverse speed ratios. A common central web (39) provides central support bearings for the shafts. The transmission is stiffened, and allows assembly of components from either end to the middle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Markus Hose, Russell Osborn, Fred Hyde, Matt Hole
  • Patent number: 10141807
    Abstract: Electric motors are disclosed. The motors are preferably for use in an automated vehicle, although any one or more of a variety of motor uses are suitable. The motors include lift, turntable, and locomotion motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Biro, Scott R. Lantzy, William D. Moore
  • Patent number: 10125852
    Abstract: A linear drive device includes: a motor; a speed-reducing transmission stage having: a pinion gear fixedly connected to an output shaft of the motor, and a transmission gear meshing with the pinion gear; a linear transmission stage configured to transform a rotational movement of the transmission gear into a linear movement of an output connecting rod, the output connecting rod being received in a sleeve member so as to only move linearly; a spiral trench arranged on the transmission gear; and a follower received in the spiral trench so as to be movable in the spiral trench. The follower is connected to the output connecting rod via a connector, and the connector is configured as a right-angle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Xiangguang Cao, Longsheng Zhao, Xiaolin Du, Jingjing Song
  • Patent number: 10117566
    Abstract: A driving force transmission mechanism for medical devices, includes a tubular portion including: an opening edge portion which allows a support portion of a drive shaft to be supported at an output end in a state where at least a part of the output end is accommodated in the tubular portion; and a first adjustment section which is configured to fix a gear train in a state where the drive shaft is inserted into the tubular portion and a distal portion of the drive shaft is arranged at a predetermined position where a driven portion is able to be driven and a state where a position of the output end of the gear train is adjusted relative to a position of the support portion of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takafumi Kubo
  • Patent number: 10119595
    Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission has first and second coaxial input shafts, the second shaft extending through the first shaft. The input shafts couple respective countershafts via input constants which have drive input and output wheels. The countershafts are selectively connectable, via spur gear stages that can be engaged by gearshift elements, to an output shaft. Four gear stages engage forward gears and one reverse gear stage engages reverse gears. The second and fourth gear stages are arranged between the first countershaft and the output shaft, and the other gear stages are arranged between the second countershaft and the output shaft. The first input constant has a higher gear ratio than the second input constant. The output of the first input constant is a loose wheel supported on the second countershaft and can couple the first countershaft by a first coupling element. A second coupling element couples the first and second countershafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Bernd Schepperle
  • Patent number: 10080576
    Abstract: An instrument that facilitates bending with large degrees of articulation while maintaining ease of manufacturing for medical and surgical applications is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique Romo, Travis Schuh
  • Patent number: 10077829
    Abstract: A strain wave gear system (10) includes first and second sets of ball bearings (80, 82) located intermediate a flange (84) and a retainer plate (88) rotatable with an output (54) and a radially oriented flat disc (74) of the input including strain relief (76). Strain relief (76) is a helical slot in a coupling (70) located radially within the wave generator (94) and the ring gear (22). The ring gear (22) is sealed by a sealing system including sealant (42) forced by a protrusion (34) of the cap (24) entering into a cavity (36) through a channel (40) into a relief volume (38) of the housing (12). The bearing (48) rotatably mounting the housing (12) to the output (54) is lubricated by a lubricating system including plungers (110) threadably received in axial bores (102) intersecting with radial bores (104) in communication with radial holes (47) of the bearing (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Nexen Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Will Kliber, Charles Christian Boushek
  • Patent number: 10072744
    Abstract: A rotary actuation mechanism comprising an actuator having a body, and a slider movable on a linear path relative to the body. A first linkage can be pivotally coupled to the body at a first pivot having a first axis. A second linkage can be pivotally coupled to the slider at a second pivot having a second axis, and pivotally coupled to the first linkage at a third pivot. A length of the first linkage between the first pivot and the third pivot can be equal to a length of the second linkage between the second pivot and the third pivot. The slider can be movable to position the second axis in a collinear relationship with the first axis. The rotary actuation mechanism can include an anti-singularity device to constrain movement of the body when the first axis and the second axis are in the collinear relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Sarcos LC
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Shane Olsen, Michael Morrison, Glenn Colvin, Jr., Brian Maclean, Alan Hart
  • Patent number: 10066733
    Abstract: A baffle for a gear may comprise a baffle wall and a baffle outlet, the baffle wall having a peripheral portion at least partially defining a channel, the channel extending circumferentially around an axial centerline, the channel configured to receive lubricant through a slot, the slot extending circumferentially around the axial centerline. The baffle wall may be configured to prevent a subset of gear teeth from receiving lubricant. A width of the slot may vary along a circumferential direction. A cross-section area of the channel may vary along the circumferential direction. The cross-section area of the channel may increase along a direction of rotation of the subset of gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Anglin
  • Patent number: 10066711
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a driving member rotating about a first axis, a driven member rotating about a second axis, and an intermediate member interposed between the driving and driven members and rotating about a third axis configured to intersect the first and second axes. The intermediate member transfers torque from the driving member to the driven member. A method for forming a torque transfer member includes providing a base structure, wrapping a needle assembly around the base structure such that the needles extend outwardly therefrom, and affixing the needle assembly to the base structure. A method of manufacturing a needle assembly includes forming a series of pockets on a side of a ribbon, organizing a series of needles into a series of pockets, and affixing the series of needles into the series of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas Magyari
  • Patent number: 10065648
    Abstract: Vehicle control system and method provided to change speed ratio smoothly when switching a power transmission route from a route including a geared transmission to a route including a continuously variable transmission. Vehicle control system applied to a vehicle comprising: continuously variable transmission for changing speed ratio continuously is disposed between input shaft and output shaft; geared transmission is disposed parallel to the continuously variable transmission, and is adapted to establish speed ratio that cannot be established by continuously variable transmission; and friction clutch is brought into engagement to switch torque transmission route from a route including the geared transmission to a route including the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Matsuo, Yusuke Ohgata, Daisuke Inoue, Atsushi Ayabe, Motonori Kimura, Shuhei Ishikawa, Akira Hino, Hiroki Kondo
  • Patent number: 10059010
    Abstract: A manipulator arm module includes a hollow spool with corresponding top and bottom spool ends. An upper envelope member has a bottom ring rotatably attached to the top spool end, a top ring oriented at an angle to the bottom ring, and struts rigidly connecting the rings. A top drive rotates the bottom ring with respect to the spool. A manipulator arm comprises a plurality of modules the bottom spool end of one module rotatably attached to the top ring of a next lower adjacent module. Each ring is rotationally driven independently. A stabilizer is connected between adjacent spools and allows the adjacent spools to move closer together or farther apart, and resists relative rotative movement of the adjacent spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventors: Ahmad Kamal Bakir, Najib Jomha