Patents Issued in October 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9797456
    Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Randle Engineering Solutions LTD
    Inventor: Steven James Randle
  • Patent number: 9797457
    Abstract: A fixed ball type joint for a vehicle, which reduces the friction between a cage and an outer race and friction between the cage and an inner race by changing shapes of an inner spherical diameter of the outer race and an outer spherical diameter of the inner race. The fixed ball type joint for a vehicle includes an inner race, an outer race installed at the outside of the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage for supporting the balls. A first inner spherical radius of the outer race is set to be smaller than a second inner spherical radius of the outer race. A first outer spherical radius of the inner race is set to be larger than a second outer spherical radius of the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9797458
    Abstract: A shifting device for a motor vehicle transmission includes several transmission shafts which each are rotatable about a transmission axis, a synchronizer ring which is firmly connected with a transmission shaft, a first disk carrier, a plurality of first disks which are non-rotatably and axially shiftably connected with the first disk carrier, a second disk carrier which is axially shiftable relative to the first disk carrier and in circumferential direction can be coupled with the synchronizer ring both frictionally and positively, a plurality of second disks which are non-rotatably and axially shiftably connected with the second disk carrier and form a multidisk clutch with the first disks, and an actuating body for axially pressurizing the second disk carrier, wherein the actuating body and the second disk carrier are rotatable relative to each other in circumferential direction and substantially are firmly connected with each other in axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HOERBIGER ANTRIEBSTECHNIK HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Ansgar Damm, Peter Echtler, Michael Koelzer, Juergen Ackermann, Kjell Lundin
  • Patent number: 9797459
    Abstract: In a hydraulic system with a dog clutch (23-25), a hydraulically operated dog clutch actuator is arranged to alternatively bring the dog clutch into a connect mode or a disconnect mode. The clutch actuator has a piston (27) reciprocally movable under hydraulic pressure between two end positions, corresponding to the two clutch modes. Pressurized hydraulic oil is supplied to the clutch actuator by a hydraulic power system comprising a pump (4) driven by an electric motor (3). Means are provided in the clutch actuator to decrease the hydraulic pressure acting on the piston (27) at the approaching by the piston of either of its end positions, so that a hydraulic signal is transmitted back to the hydraulic power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Sweden AB
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 9797460
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus is disclosed having concentrically spaced inner and outer clutches. The inner and outer clutches are coupled for rotation via a coupling ring. The present invention is well suited to a configuration wherein one of the clutches is dynamically actuated and one of the clutches is manually disengageable by the operator using a clutch lever. In this configuration, the operation of the clutch lever by the operator is unaffected by the dynamically actuated clutch. The concentric configuration of the clutches is beneficial in allowing the improved clutch to occupy a similar space compared to a traditional clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Albert James Youngwerth, Jr., Daniel Scott Youngwerth, Sean Gabriel Brown
  • Patent number: 9797461
    Abstract: A removable brake cover apparatus is disclosed including a sidewall presenting frontal and posterior surfaces and a circumferential wall extending transversely from the sidewall to define a brake rotor receiving cavity adjacent the posterior surface of the sidewall. A brake caliper pocket having a limited circumferential extent is disposed along the sidewall and the circumferential wall to define a brake caliper receiving cavity adjacent the brake rotor receiving cavity. Engagement fingers extend radially into the brake caliper receiving cavity to engage a brake caliper received therein with an audible and/or tactile indicator defining a fully installed position of the brake cover apparatus. Locking recesses extend radially into the brake rotor receiving cavity to engage a brake dust shield received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cadillac Products Automotive Company
    Inventors: Kevin E. Morse, Robert J. Zander, Michael P. Williams, II
  • Patent number: 9797462
    Abstract: An electric linear motion actuator includes an electric motor, a motion conversion mechanism for converting the torque of the electric motor to the linear driving force of an outer ring member, a load sensor, and a motor control device. The motor control device is configured to control the electric current applied to the electric motor such that the torque of the electric motor increases until the pressing force detected by the load sensor exceeds a target value, and then the torque of the electric motor decreases until the pressing force detected by the load sensor reaches the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 9797463
    Abstract: A passive airflow regulation system for controlling temperature of a heat-absorbing subassembly is disclosed. The passive airflow regulation system includes a duct configured to provide a conduit for an incident ambient airflow to the heat-absorbing subassembly. The duct is arranged proximate to the heat-absorbing subassembly. The airflow regulation system includes a valve configured to control passage of the incident ambient airflow through the duct. The airflow regulation system also includes an actuator employing a phase-change element configured to selectively store and release energy in response to changes in temperature and stress. The actuator is arranged at the heat-absorbing subassembly and configured to select a position for the valve between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed in response to a temperature of the heat-absorbing subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9797464
    Abstract: An urging spring (15) urges a friction pad toward the exit side of the rotational direction of a disk when a vehicle equipped with the disk brake runs forward. The urging spring is disposed between a lug portion (11A) of the friction pad and a torque receiving surface (5) of a carrier (2). The distal end of the urging spring is configured to abut against the disk to perform wear detection. The urging spring includes a mounting portion (15A), a first extending portion (15B), a boundary region (15E), a bent portion (15C), and a second extending portion (15D). The boundary region is reduced in width to lower stiffness. The bent portion is increased in width and provided with reinforcing portions, thereby enhancing the stiffness. Thus, the natural frequencies of the second extending portion in the rotational direction K and the vertical direction J come close to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hayuru Inoue, Daisuke Tanabe, Yoichi Kumemura, Seiko Tanabe, Hitoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9797465
    Abstract: A piston of a magnetorheological fluid shock absorber is provided with a piston core having a small diameter portion mounted on an end portion of the piston rod, an enlarged diameter portion formed continuously in an axial direction with a diameter larger than the small diameter portion and forming a stepped portion, and a large diameter portion formed continuously in the axial direction with a diameter larger than the enlarged diameter portion and having a coil; a ring body surrounding the outer periphery of the piston core and forming a flow passage of the magnetorheological fluid between itself and the large diameter portion; a plate formed annularly and arranged on the outer periphery of the small diameter portion and mounted on one end of the ring body; and a stopper mounted on the small diameter portion and sandwiching the plate between the stopper and the stepped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Saito, Kazuhisa Nakamura, Takashi Teraoka
  • Patent number: 9797466
    Abstract: A damping force variable type shock absorber includes: a piston rod reciprocating within the cylinder; a piston valve connected to the piston rod to partition the cylinder into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber; a housing including an auxiliary chamber communicating with a connection passage penetrating an inside of the piston rod in a longitudinal direction of the piston rod, the housing being connected to a lower portion of the piston valve and forming an auxiliary passage connected to the compression chamber disposed thereunder; a first damping unit disposed in an upper side of the auxiliary chamber to form a first bypass passage communicating the connection passage with the auxiliary passage in a zigzag form, the first damping unit allowing a deformation according to a flow of a working fluid in a predetermined speed section; a second damping unit accommodated in the auxiliary chamber and disposed under the first damping unit to form a second bypass passage connected to the first bypass passage,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hark Joo Kim, Ki Don Jung
  • Patent number: 9797467
    Abstract: Pressure-sensitive vales are incorporated within a dampening system to permit user-adjustable tuning of a shock absorber. In one embodiment, a pressure-sensitive valve includes an isolated gas chamber having a pressure therein that is settable by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, Joshua Benjamin Yablon, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 9797468
    Abstract: In liquid, an elastic main body member, a partition member, and a diaphragm are inserted into an outer cylinder one by one, and the diaphragm is held down by a fixing ring and fixed by a claw. Then, the liquid adheres onto outer circumferential surfaces of the partition member and the diaphragm. Therefore, a first special seal for adhered liquid is provided in an elastic partition member of the partition member and also a second special seal for adhered liquid and a third special seal for adhered liquid are provided in the diaphragm, so as to provide a seal between each of the outer circumferential surfaces of the partition member and the diaphragm and the fixing ring, so that the adhered liquid is prevented from leaking outwardly as leaked liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: YAMASHITA RUBBER KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yousuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 9797469
    Abstract: An isolating decoupler comprising a shaft, a pulley having a belt bearing portion, a one way clutch, a torsion spring, the torsion spring engaged between the pulley and the one-way clutch, and a single bearing disposed between the shaft and the pulley, the bearing comprising a radial centerline, the radial centerline aligned with a mid-line of the belt bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Serkh, Ilya Kleyman, Essie Rahdar
  • Patent number: 9797470
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damping arrangement has an input-side connection component, an output-side connection component, a first torque transmission path arranged between the input-side connection component and the output-side connection component, a second torque transmission path arranged parallel to the first torque transmission path between the input-side connection component and the output-side connection component ( ), a phase shifter arrangement and a torque adjusting arrangement ( ). The phase shifter arrangement is arranged in the first torque transmission path or second torque transmission path and is configured to generate a phase shift of rotational irregularities guided via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities guided via the second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Lorenz, Thomas Weigand, Tobias Höche
  • Patent number: 9797471
    Abstract: A mass damper system includes a damper mass carrier having movable damper mass and a stop. The damper mass moves within a predetermined movement region during an operating state. A first movement region portion bounded by an initial position in which the damper mass is free from a deflection in circumferential direction and by a limit position in which the damper mass has undergone a deflection, and a second movement region portion defined by the limit position and a stop position in which the damper mass has come in contact with the stop. At a side facing the stop, the damper mass has a proximity profile that correspond to a stop profile such that in the first movement region portion the damper mass remains within a residual distance region relative to the stop in one extension portion of the proximity profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Kram, Jörg Sudau, Dennis Egler, Volker Stampf, Kyrill Siemens
  • Patent number: 9797472
    Abstract: A plate-link chain for a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle. The chain includes relatively long and relatively short chain links. In long-short regions the chain links are arranged to overlap in a chain running direction by arranging plate-links disposed adjacent to one another transversely with respect to the chain running direction, and coupled to one another by pairs of rocker pressure members. In the long-short regions the plate-links of the chain links are arranged in a double configuration or in a triple configuration. Spacing or biasing elements are provided between pairs of side-by-side plate-links to provide damping of the plate-link chain when in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Penner, Jürgen Ochs, Anna Ruf
  • Patent number: 9797473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a line guide (100; 200; 300) for protecting at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, or the like for example, for supplying a motor vehicle seat for example. A longitudinal portion with multiple segments (110, 112; 210; 310) of the line guide is produced as a single piece, and each of the multiple segments has a closable holder (123; 223; 323) for the at least one line. Thus, the line can be positioned in a receiving area (130; 230; 330) when the holder is open and is held transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) in the closed position of the holder. The segments are connected together in the longitudinal direction so as to form an elbow (106; 206) by means of a flexible connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGUS GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Strack
  • Patent number: 9797474
    Abstract: In a series of reduction gears including a parallel shaft reduction gear and an orthogonal shaft reduction gear, the parallel shaft reduction gear includes a motor, a parallel shaft reducer, and a first joint unit, and the first joint unit includes a first joint casing which is connected to a motor casing and a parallel shaft reducer casing, and a joint shaft which is connected to a motor shaft and the input shaft of the parallel shaft reducer. The orthogonal shaft reduction gear includes the motor and the parallel shaft reducer which are used in common with the parallel shaft reduction gear, a second joint unit in which a portion or all portions are used in common with the first joint unit, and an orthogonal reducer, and the motor, the second joint unit, the orthogonal reducer, and the parallel shaft reducer are connected to one another in this order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoshi Asano, Yoshitaka Shizu
  • Patent number: 9797475
    Abstract: An epicyclic transmission has a sun gear rotating about a transmission axis, a planet carrier provided with a plurality of tenons, which extend along respective supporting axes, and a plurality of planet gears meshing with the sun gear and supported by the tenons, by means of the interposition of bearings which allow the planet gears to rotate about respective rotation axes, parallel to the transmission axis; the inner rings of the bearings are coupled to the tenons in a swiveling manner by means of joint devices defined by cylindrical hinges which hinge about hinge axes which are fixed with respect to the tenons and lay on a plane orthogonal to the transmission and rotation axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GE AVIO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Paolo Altamura
  • Patent number: 9797476
    Abstract: An assembly method for a planetary roller speed changer is provided. The planetary roller speed changer includes a plurality of planetary rollers that is in rolling contact with both an input shaft and a fixed ring and an output shaft supported by a housing and rotating along with the planetary rollers. An assembly apparatus includes an adjustment apparatus that enables positions of the fixed ring and the housing to be adjusted and a measurement apparatus that measures irregularity of rotation of the output shaft. In an assembly step, the fixed ring and the housing are fixed at a position where the irregularity of rotation of the output shaft is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hajime Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9797477
    Abstract: A power train for a hybrid vehicle may include a first transmission mechanism receiving a selective input of a power of an engine, and gear-shifting and transferring the power provided from the engine to a drive shaft through selection of engine-side gear mates that meet a traveling speed among a plurality of engine-side gear mates through a first control device, and a second transmission mechanism receiving an input of a power of a motor, and gear-shifting and transferring the powers provided from the engine and the motor to the drive shaft through selection of a motor-side gear mates that meet a traveling mode or the traveling speed among a plurality of motor-side gear mates through a second control device, wherein the second control device of the second transmission mechanism maintains one of the motor-side gear mates in a normally connected state to the drive shaft during traveling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kum Lim Choi
  • Patent number: 9797478
    Abstract: An electrically powered gear box for a semitrailer stabilizer, comprising a gear box housing; the housing is internally provided with a drive gear (10), a power output shaft (2), and a clutch mechanism ensuring transmission connection or disengagement between the drive gear (10) and the power output shaft (2); the housing is externally provided with a motor (20); and the shaft of the motor is in a transmission connection with the drive gear (10). The electrically powered gear box for the semitrailer stabilizer can be manually or electrically controlled. In the case of electrical control, the clutch mechanism causes the drive gear (10) to be in a transmission connection with the power output shaft (2); upon activating the motor (20), the motor (20) drives the power output shaft (2) to rotate via the drive gear (10) and the clutch mechanism, thus ensuring easy operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Zhiqiang Wu
  • Patent number: 9797479
    Abstract: A dual speed gearbox is provided that utilizes hydraulically actuated one way clutches and a planetary gear assembly to shift between a direct drive configuration and an overdrive configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Luis A. Riera, Michael Tebbe
  • Patent number: 9797480
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fourth planetary gear sets and six control elements which are disposed between the rotating elements, and disposed at portions where the rotating elements are selectively connected to a transmission housing, in which the input shaft is directly connected with the second rotating element, the output shaft is directly connected with the eleventh rotating element, the first rotating element is directly connected with the seventh rotating element, the sixth rotating element is directly connected with the transmission housing, the fourth rotating element is directly connected with the ninth rotating element, the eighth rotating element is directly connected with the tenth rotating element, and at least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are implemented by operations of three control elements among the six control elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seongwook Ji, Sueng Ho Lee, Jae Chang Kook, Dong Hwan Hwang, SeokJin Kim, Wonmin Cho, Hyun Sik Kwon, JongSool Park, KyeongHun Lee, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9797481
    Abstract: A positive-locking shifting device of a transmission connects one element of a first planetary gear set to one element of a second planetary gear set in a first shifting position and connects an additional element of the second planetary gear set to a torque-proof element of the transmission in a second shifting position. A single element of the shifting device is axially displacable between the first and second shifting positions. A shiftable operative connection between the torque-proof element of the transmission and the additional element of the second planetary gear set disposed, at least in sections, axially between the first and second planetary gear sets. The shiftable operative connection between the torque-proof element of the transmission and the additional element of the second planetary gear set intersecting a shiftable operative connection between the one element of the first planetary gear set and the one element of the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Martin Brehmer, Peter Ziemer, Kim Führer
  • Patent number: 9797482
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for an accessory drive of an internal combustion engine having a lever arm rotatably assembled to a hydraulic strut assembly. The hydraulic strut assembly including a fixing eye for rotatably mounting to a mounting boss of an engine, the fixing eye having a cupped portion at a first end to seat onto the mounting boss and a travel limiter at a second end extending along an axis of the hydraulic strut to limit travel of the lever arm toward the fixing eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Scott Thompson, Andrew Kaye, Jesse Myers
  • Patent number: 9797483
    Abstract: An object is to provide a guide shoe having a simple structure and suppressing a significant shift in pitch line while reducing friction losses and preventing possible noise. In a guide shoe having a shoe surface on which a traveling chain is guided, the shoe surface includes a plate guide surface which is formed on an upstream side of the shoe surface in a shoe longitudinal direction and on which only chain plates are slidably guided, a guiding protruding portion which is formed on a downstream side of the plate guide surface and on which only a chain roller or a chain bush is guided, and a continuously transitioning protruding portion that smoothly connects the plate guide surface and the guiding protruding surface together. Plate escaping portions are formed on opposite sides across the guiding protruding portion in a shoe width direction to avoid contact with the chain plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yuta Kurono, Toshihiko Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9797484
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Solomon, Thomas G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9797485
    Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission device includes an actuator that moves a moveable sheave member of a drive pulley which is a one-side pulley in an axial direction. The actuator includes a moveable feed member, a gear case, and an electric motor. The moveable feed member includes an inner tube section in which a moveable-side feed screw is provided, an outer tube section in which an outer gear is provided, and a lid section. The gear case has a fixed tube section in which a fixed-side feed screw is provided, and an outer cover. The electric motor drives a motor-side gear that intermeshes with the outer gear. The outer cover has an opening into which the outer tube section is inserted and that proximately opposes an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ebihara, Tatsuya Kamada, Michio Tsukamoto, Koji Iwaki
  • Patent number: 9797486
    Abstract: A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a handle assembly is disclosed. The surgical device adapter includes: a housing; a drive mechanism disposed within the housing and couplable to the handle assembly and the end effector; and a drive coupling assembly coupled to the surgical device adapter and selectively couplable to the handle assembly, the drive coupling assembly including a retraction assembly selectively couplable to the drive mechanism such that rotation of the drive coupling assembly about a longitudinal axis defined by the surgical device adapter and relative to the housing actuates the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Earl Zergiebel, Ramiro Cabrera, Paul Richard, David Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, Anand Subramanian
  • Patent number: 9797487
    Abstract: An assembly for converting motion is provided, the assembly comprising: a first arm rotatable about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable about a second fixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the first fixed pivot; a third arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a fourth arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a first connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the third arm; a second connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the second arm; and a third connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the fourth arm. The assembly finds particular use in the support and movement of moveable building assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ten Fold Engineering Limited
    Inventor: David Martyn
  • Patent number: 9797488
    Abstract: A vehicular operating device includes an operating member manipulated to swing, a slider slidably fitted in a holding bore, a cam surface positioned in front of the slider, and a helical compression spring pressing the slider into pressure contact with the cam surface. The metal-made slider includes a first outer peripheral surface with a diameter being smaller than an inner diameter of the helical compression spring, and a guide portion with an outer diameter allowing the guide portion to slide along an inner peripheral surface of the holding bore. A resin-made annular spacer having an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the guide portion is fitted between the guide portion and the helical compression spring. The helical compression spring biases the slider through the annular spacer. The annular spacer holds the helical compression spring in a state not contacting the first outer peripheral surface and the guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: APLS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, Seishi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9797489
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes an actuator housing (20), a drive screw assembly (26) extending into the actuator housing (20), a tubular thrust rod (22), and an inner sleeve (104) disposed therein and engaging the drive screw assembly (26) for supporting the drive screw assembly (26) against radial movement during axial movement of the thrust rod (22) relative to the actuator housing (20). The drive screw assembly (26) includes a rotatable drive screw (72), a nut (74) coupled to the thrust rod (22) for movement with the nut (74) and in threaded engagement with the screw (72) for driving the nut (74) relative to the screw (72), and a screw bearing (76) coupled to a distal end (90) of the screw (72) for providing engagement between the screw (72) and the inner sleeve (104), where the nut (74) translates rotational movement of the screw (72) into axial movement of the thrust rod (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas J. Baric, Michael D. Bridges, Adis Halimic
  • Patent number: 9797490
    Abstract: An actuator for moving a first component relative to a second component includes a first actuating mechanism secured to the first component and having a first motor, a first nut, and a first shaft secured to the first motor and the first nut such that the first nut is rotatable with the first motor. A second actuating mechanism is secured to the second component and has a second motor, a second nut, and a second shaft secured to the second motor and the second nut such that the second nut is rotatable with the second motor. A screw is threadably engaged with the first nut and the second nut such that rotation of at least one of the first motor and the second motor causes movement between the first and second nuts to move the second component relative to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: LCDRIVES CORP.
    Inventors: Russel Hugh Marvin, David H. Leach
  • Patent number: 9797491
    Abstract: An electric actuator assembly comprises a main actuator including a gear set containing a stepped friction portion located on a gear shaft of a drive gear thereof, an extension rod, and a power drive for rotating the gear set to move the extension rod through a lead screw, and a one-way bearing consisting of an inner race fitted to the gear shaft of the drive gear, an outer race surrounding the inner race, and a backstop mechanism mounted in between. When operating the power drive to rotate the gear set in lifting the extension rod, the inner race is rotated by the gear set relative to the outer race in one direction. When the driving power is off, the one-way bearing cannot rotate in reverse direction, the stepped friction portion is abutted against the flat contact surface of the inner race to produce a braking effect, preventing falling of the load that is supported on the main actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MOTECK ELECTRIC CORP.
    Inventor: Hsien-Te Tseng
  • Patent number: 9797492
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices for converting a small input force to a larger output force and particularly relates to devices and methods for converting an input force to an output force comprising: an arm rotatable about an axis of rotation where the axis of rotation is moveable between first and second positions; an input force for rotating and moving the arm about the axis of rotation between the first and second positions; structure for controlling the rotation of the arm, movement and position of the axis of rotation to generate a non-circular orbital segment of the arm to transfer an output force between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: L. T. Machine & Tools Inc
    Inventors: Vinh Le Tuan, Thanh Vo Van
  • Patent number: 9797493
    Abstract: An actuator for adjusting a seat includes a motor, a gear-box, and an output member. The gear-box includes a casing accommodating a two stage gear train connecting the motor to the output member. The gear train has a first and second transmission mechanisms. The first transmission mechanism includes a worm on a shaft of the motor, and a worm wheel meshed with the worm. The second transmission mechanism is a movable teeth gear transmission mechanism and has an eccentric wheel that rotates with the worm wheel, an internally toothed ring gear fixed to the casing, a fluted disc with radial grooves formed in its outer periphery, and rollers mounted in the radial grooves. The eccentric wheel drives the rollers to mesh with the ring gear to rotate the fluted disc, to drive the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventors: Jing Ning Ta, Xue Qian Xu, Guo Ping Zhang
  • Patent number: 9797494
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device for coupling together a driving shaft and a driven shaft. The torque coupling device includes a casing rotatable about a rotational axis and having a casing cover shell and an impeller shell, an impeller coaxial aligned with the rotational axis, a turbine-piston coaxially aligned with and drivable by the impeller and including a turbine-piston shell, a stator situated between the impeller and the turbine-piston, a torsional vibration damper configured to operatively connect the turbine-piston shell to an output hub having radially outer gear teeth, a rotatable damper hub drivenly connected to the torsional vibration damper and having radially inner gear teeth, a carrier configured to connect to a stationary stator shaft, and a planet gear rotatably supported by the carrier and meshing with the radially inner gear teeth of the damper hub and the radially outer gear teeth of the output hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Alexandre Depraete, Eugene Kozak
  • Patent number: 9797495
    Abstract: A clutch to be combined with a rotary machine rotating about an axis is comprised of a rotary member including a first face perpendicular to the axis, a first bottom receding in an axial direction from the first face, and plural first clutch teeth being arranged in a circumferential direction and respectively projecting from both the first face and the first bottom; and a clutch member movable in the axial direction relative to the rotary member, the clutch member including a second bottom, plural second clutch teeth being arranged in a circumferential direction and respectively projecting from the second bottom to be respectively engageable with the plural first clutch teeth, and an internal peripheral wall connecting internal ends of the plural second clutch teeth and projecting in the axial direction toward the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Inose, Yasuo Yamanaka, Atsushi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9797496
    Abstract: A differential assembly having a case and a spider. The case may have a first case portion and a second case portion. The first case portion may have a spider shaft hole and a recess. The second case portion may have a protrusion that may extend through the recess and into the spider shaft hole to retain a spider shaft in the spider shaft hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Martin, Aaron J. Kleinhans
  • Patent number: 9797497
    Abstract: A flat strain wave gearing device equipped with: a first internal gear and a second internal gear; a flexible tubular external gear; and an elliptically shaped wave generator. In the direction of a central axis, the center of support of the external teeth by the wave generator is offset, by an offset amount of ? along the direction of the central axis, with respect to the tooth-width center of the external teeth of the external gear. By setting the offset direction and the offset amount appropriately it is possible to achieve a strain wave gearing device which is suitable in terms of the operating conditions and the mechanical characteristics of the first and second internal gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HARMONIC DRIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Mizoguchi, Yoshihide Kiyosawa
  • Patent number: 9797498
    Abstract: An isolator is provided for use with an engine and in particular an engine that is assisted or started by MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) or a motor through an endless drive member. It comprises a double acting spring system for isolating crankshaft pulley from torsion vibration at the crankshaft, and in extreme conditions, such as during engine startup and accelerations or decelerations of the engine crankshaft relative to the pulley and when isolator operates in an “engine-driven” mode with the engine crankshaft is driven by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete
  • Patent number: 9797499
    Abstract: A method of mounting a motor to a gearbox includes positioning a coupling along an input shaft of the gearbox from a starting position to a first alignment position. In the starting position, the coupling drivingly engages a greater portion of the gearbox input shaft than in the first alignment position. In the first alignment position, the coupling operatively contacts the motor output shaft. Another step includes rotating the coupling so that the coupling aligns with the motor output shaft. Another step includes axially positioning the coupling at a second alignment position such that the coupling drivingly engages both the motor output and the gearbox input shafts. Another step includes positioning the motor to allow mounting of the motor on the gearbox with the coupling at a third alignment position drivingly engaging a greater portion of the motor output and the gearbox input shafts than in the second alignment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Baldor Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Esterle, Michael E. Konruff, Chuong Nguyen, Charles Richard Russell, Jack Dean Asher
  • Patent number: 9797500
    Abstract: Two laminating sheets each formed by laminating a carbon fiber sheet and a film of a thermoplastic resin are set on heating in an area of a mold corresponding to a tubular portion of a rack housing. The mold is clamped, the carbon fiber sheet is impregnated with the thermoplastic resin of the film, each of the two laminating sheets is pressed into a shape with a half tube corresponding to a half circumference of the tubular portion and connection portions at both ends of the half tube in a circumferential direction, and two half tubes are bonded together at the connection portions thereof to form the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Kunishima
  • Patent number: 9797501
    Abstract: A pumping device for pumping oil from a reservoir to a transmission of a motor vehicle includes: an oil pump, selectively drivable either by a mechanical direct drive or an activatable electric drive. The oil pump has: first and second components, the first and second components being movable relative to one another and being configured to deliver the oil, the mechanical direct drive being connected to one of the first and second components, and the activatable electric drive being connected to the other of the first and second components; a pump stage housing, in which the first and second components are arranged, the pump stage housing having two control disks and an interposed ring; and a pot-shaped component in which the pump stage housing is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Böhm
  • Patent number: 9797502
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a lubricant reservoir. A bearing cap may be disposed on first and second legs of a differential carrier. The first leg and the bearing cap may cooperate to define at least a portion of a lubricant reservoir. A lubricant passage may extend through the first leg to provide lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to a first roller bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Hayes, Robert J. Martin
  • Patent number: 9797503
    Abstract: A differential is disclosed for use with a drivetrain of a mobile machine. The differential may have an input gear, a first side gear, a second side gear, and a side pinion disposed between and intermeshed with the first and second side gears. The differential may also have a carrier connected to the input gear and surrounding the first side gear, the second side gear, and the side pinion. The carrier may have a first orifice located in an annular wall at a base end of the side pinion, and a second orifice located in an axial wall. All lubrication passing through the first orifice may flow around an external surface of the side pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Jose Adragna, David Owen Thompson
  • Patent number: 9797504
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a lubrication system for a gearbox that is part of a drivetrain assembly, e.g. of a wind turbine. The lubrication system includes a ring assembly having a first ring and a detached, second ring. The first and second rings are configured to fit within a gap located between a planetary gear system and a gearbox housing of the gearbox, e.g. due to operational and/or system tolerances. When installed, the first and second rings of the ring assembly are arranged together so as to form at least one opening therebetween, thereby being configured to direct a lubricant from the gearbox housing to the planetary gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edwin Hidding, Stefan Rieken
  • Patent number: 9797505
    Abstract: A system for reducing the likelihood of brakes of a vehicle overheating when towing a trailer includes a transmission configured to operate in a plurality of gear ratios and a GPS unit configured to detect location data. The system also includes an input device configured to receive data indicating whether the trailer is connected to the vehicle and an ECU coupled to the transmission, the GPS unit and the input device. The ECU is designed to determine whether the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a downgrade of a road based on the location data, determine a current gear ratio of the transmission and determine whether it is desirable for the transmission to operate in a second gear ratio that is lower than the current gear ratio based on whether the trailer is connected, whether the vehicle is within the predetermined distance, and the current gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Mohammad E. Dufford