With Rectilinear Input Means Patents (Class 116/285)
  • Patent number: 11986589
    Abstract: A dose counting mechanism for an aerosol dispenser is presented where the dose counting mechanism has a first body structure, a second body structure rotatably attached to the first body structure, an annular dose counter provided with a plurality of teeth along its perimeter, the dose counter being arranged coaxially with the first body structure and the second body structure, each of the first body structure and the second body structure being rotatable relative to the dose counter, a rotatable actuator that meshes with the teeth of the dose counter, the actuator being configured to follow the perimeter of the dose counter when the second body structure is rotated relative to the first body structure, and a rotator that rotates concurrently with one of the first body structure and the second body structure and that engages with the actuator when rotation of the first body structure relative to the second body structure is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SHL MEDICAL AG
    Inventor: Daniel Säll
  • Patent number: 11851845
    Abstract: Power machines with implement carriers that can sense the proximity of an implement to the implement carrier with a plurality of sensors. Such sensing is indicative of the likelihood of an implement being positioned adjacent to the implement carrier. In some embodiments, a sensor detects whether a locking mechanism is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Cody Erhardt, Jonathan J. Roehrl
  • Patent number: 11319053
    Abstract: An aircraft having a fixed wing and a wing tip device at the tip thereof is disclosed. The wing tip device is configurable between: (i) a flight configuration for use during flight and (ii) a ground configuration for use during ground-based operations, in which ground configuration the wing tip device is moved away from the flight configuration such that the span of the aircraft wing is reduced. A locking mechanism locks the wing tip device in the flight configuration, and includes a plurality of lugs located on each of the fixed wing and wing tip device. Locking pins are inserted through and lock together corresponding lugs when the wing tip device is in the flight configuration. A secondary locking mechanism of a plurality of blocking members prevents the removal of the locking pins from the corresponding lugs, whereby the plurality of blocking members have a common actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Morrell
  • Patent number: 10479479
    Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft comprising an aircraft wing. The aircraft wing comprises a fixed wing and a wing tip device at the tip thereof, wherein the wing tip device is configurable between: (i) a locked flight configuration for use during flight and (ii) a ground configuration for use during ground-based operations, in which ground configuration the wing tip device is moved away from the flight configuration such that the span of the aircraft wing is reduced. The aircraft wing further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the folding wing tip device in the flight configuration. The locking mechanism comprises a locking hook associated with one of the folding wing tip device and the fixed wing, and a locking pin associated with the other of the folding wing tip device and the fixed wing, and a biasing device, wherein in the locked configuration the locking pin is engaged with the locking hook and the biasing device acts to preload the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Nick Hancock
  • Patent number: 10207058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pen-type drug injection device, comprising a dose scale drum (22) and having a housing (12) with a window (14) covered by an optical filter (50), the dose scale drum being displaceable axially relative to the housing during dose setting such that the dose value set can be read through the window while at least a portion of the dose scale drum protrudes from the housing. The dose values (42) are printed on an information surface (40) of the drum as an illegible pattern (48) together with a coding pattern (44), wherein the dose values (42) and the coding pattern (44) are designed such that light (52) reflected by or emanating from the illegible pattern (48) interacts with the optical filter (50) in such a way that the dose values (42) are exclusively recognizable through the optical filter (50) but not on the part of the dose scale drum protruding from the housing. The optical filter can be a color filter or a polarization filter in order to achieve the desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventor: Stephan Riedel
  • Patent number: 9415178
    Abstract: The present invention provices a counter comprising: a first member disposed in at least a partial helical turn about a longitudinal axis of an entity whose movements and/or contents are to be counted, said first member having an indicium or indicia indicative of a count; a second member extending generally in the direction of said longitudinal axis, said second member being operatively disposed in overlapping relationship under and over one or more portions of said at least partial helical turn of said first member; and means to effect relative movement between said first and second members, said movement comprising a relative incremental rotation about said longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: EURO-CELTIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Raymond Bacon
  • Patent number: 9267562
    Abstract: A brake chamber stroke indicator system for a brake system including a brake air chamber includes an indicator rod or a string pot gauge including a housing with an indicator rotatably positioned within the housing. A string has a first end attached to the indicator of the string pot gauge. A spring urges the indicator to rotate in a first direction whereby the string is retracted into the housing. The second end of the string is attached to a brake push rod or a pressure plate. The indicator rod is mounted by a base onto a pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: TSE Brakes, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Gaufin, Ryan Fechner, Thomas Hewer
  • Patent number: 8973519
    Abstract: A status indicator includes a display disc with a pin located within a central portion if the display disc, a first colored section, and a second colored section. The status indicator also includes a lens unit with an opaque section and a non-opaque section to alternately reveal the first colored section or the second colored section such that either the first or the second colored section is visible from any angle within a hemisphere below the status indicator. The status indicator also includes an indicator cam configured to receive a linear force initiated by an actuator component and to translate the linear force to a rotational force on the pin. The rotational force causes the display disc to rotate from a first position to a second position that aligns the second colored section with the non-opaque section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bindics, William Ayala, III, Geoffrey Reed
  • Patent number: 8847897
    Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohiro Sakai, Yoshitaka Noguchi, Shigeharu Nezu
  • Patent number: 8820576
    Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a piston in which content contained in the container always reaches a content inlet of an airless discharge pump as the piston rises upward along and on an inner wall of the container with operation of the airless discharge pump. More specifically, the content amount remaining in the container is indicated in association with the rising movement of the piston. The cosmetic container includes a container body, an airless discharge pump installed to the container body, a piston installed in the container body so that a topmost level of content contained in the container body reaches a content inlet of the airless discharge pump as the piston moves upward along and on an inner wall of the container body with operation of the airless discharge pump, and an indicator indicating content amount remaining in the container body in association with rising movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Amorepacific Corporation
    Inventors: Hae Won Jeong, Chang Gyu Yoo, Jin Kyoung Kim, Ye jong Chang, Yee Hwa Kim, Rita Chai
  • Patent number: 8701908
    Abstract: Cap with a hollow housing containing a count down mechanism so that when a person pushes down on the cap during the opening process, a rotational force within the housing causes the day and numerical count indices printed on cylinders within the housing to advance one station so that the day and count indices showing in viewing apertures located on the outside wall of the housing reflect the fact that an item such as a pill has been taken by the user. A preferred embodiment includes a ring release slide mechanism that allows the user to disengage the advancing mechanism so that the user can manually rotate the counting mechanism to initially set the indices to the correct location with respect to the viewing apertures and to be able to reset the indices if the user presses on the top cap housing accidentally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Gregg Bond, Steven Wagner, Kenneth A. Tarlow
  • Patent number: 8667922
    Abstract: A closure element is provided for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, in which tank an at least slight excess pressure and/or vacuum may exist. An indication is provided on the closure element, by which indication the operator is informed of the presence of excess pressure and/or vacuum in the tank. The indication takes place mechanically by way of a mechanical pressure sensor, specifically with respect to the presence of essentially ambient pressure or excess pressure by use of different colors. For this purpose, an indicating dial can be provided in the closure element, which indicating dial can be rotated by way of a pin displaceable against a spring force under the influence of the pressure existing in the tank. A jacket segment being recognizable by the operator through a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Demmer
  • Patent number: 8616197
    Abstract: A dose counter system, and a dispensing apparatus having such a dose counter system, for counting activations of a pressurised dispensing container including: a hydraulic system; and a counter; the hydraulic system having a hydraulic cylinder with a primary piston, a secondary piston and a working fluid, wherein the secondary piston is coupled to, or otherwise operates the counter and the primary piston is engaged by, fixed to, coupled to, or otherwise moved by, a pressurised dispensing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Consort Medical PLC
    Inventor: Richard Warby
  • Patent number: 8448596
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a cover having a window; a seat comprising a bottom first opening, a peripheral wall, a recess on the wall, and a bottom channel; a spring biased sliding unit comprising a bottom projection fitted in the first opening, a probe extending from the projection, a hollow cylinder, and two opposite cavities on a periphery; a cylindrical rotational unit comprising a rim extending inward from an inner surface, a second opening on the rim, a display plate on the rim, and two opposite guide protrusions on an inner surface opposing the display plate wherein indications are printed on the display plate, and the rotational unit is rotatably put on the sliding unit with the cylinder passing through the rim, the display plate being rested on the recess, and the guide protrusions being engaged with the cavities; and a biasing member retained on the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Valentine International Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnny J. T. Chiu
  • Patent number: 8181591
    Abstract: An indicating device includes a first housing component adapted to be mounted to a container and a second housing component moveably connected to the first housing component. The second housing component is moveable relative to the first housing component along an axial path. The second housing component includes an exposed actuation surface having a substantially convex domed shape. The exposed actuation surface of the second housing component can include a lubricant. A method of actuating an indicating device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Noel Gulka, Greg Lawrence, Michael Nuttall
  • Patent number: 8082873
    Abstract: An indicating device includes a drive member and a driven member. The driven member is non-rotatably immobilized by the successive engagement of a convex surface on the drive member with a plurality of concave surfaces on the driven member. The driven member further includes a plurality of protrusions that are successively received in a recess of the drive member as an engagement member engages the driven member and rotates the driven member. The driven member has dispensing indicia. In another aspect, an indicating device includes an indicator member having dispensing indicia. A stop member is selectively engaged with successive ones of a plurality of stop surfaces on the indicator member such that the indicator member is non-rotatable. Methods for indicating the amount of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventor: Michael Nuttall
  • Patent number: 7882982
    Abstract: An indicator for a dispenser device, having an actuator element (1) displaceable between a rest position and an actuated position, a rotary counter element (5), and a drive element (6) that transforms an axial displacement of the actuator element into a rotary displacement of the counter element (5). The counter element (5) including a set of teeth (9) that co-operate with a resilient mechanism (7, 8) of the drive element (6). The resilient mechanism (7, 8) having two flexible tabs (7, 8), a first flexible tab (7) co-operating with the teeth (9) causing the counter element (5) to turn in a counting direction while the actuator element (1) is displaced towards its actuated position, and a second flexible tab (8) co-operating with the teeth (9) causing the counter element to turn in the same counting direction while the actuator element (1) returns to its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Giuseppe Stradella, Fabio Stradella
  • Patent number: 7529612
    Abstract: A speedometer includes a function storage device, which has stored therein four conversion functions, a selector, which provides four options corresponding to the four conversion functions in the function storage device, and a microprocessor, which counts pulse signals sent by the sensor device of the motor vehicle to obtain a counted total value, selects the corresponding conversion function from the function storage device corresponding to the option selected through the selector according to the quantity of poles (two, four, eight or sixteen) on the drive shaft of the motor vehicle, and puts the counted total value into the selected conversion function for calculation to obtain a car speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Sin Etke Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Rong Chen, Chun-Chung Lee, Cheng-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 7134449
    Abstract: A valve body is provided with at one end with a threaded shank for hermetic coupling to a gas container. The valve body is further provided with a handwheel incorporating a gas status indicator device. That device includes a spring-loaded plunger having a head and a helical stem that is engaged in a cavity of a rotatable body so that an axial movement of the plunger, in opposition to a spring biasing force, results in a rotation of the rotatable body. A visible portion of the rotatable body is marked so as to provide an indication of the axial position of the plunger relative to the handwheel, to thereby indicate gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cavagna Group Switzerland S.A.
    Inventor: Neils Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 6994053
    Abstract: A assembling structure of an indicating needle for an instrument includes a case body having an upper case and a lower case (13), an indicating needle shaft (19) rotatably pivoted by the upper case and the lower case, and a top portion (19A) of the indicating needle shaft is projected to outside from the upper caser (13), and an indicating needle (32) provided on the projection. A concave portion (34) is provided on a shift supporting portion of the indicating needle shaft (19) in a bottom surface of the lower case, a lower end portion (19B) of the indicating needle shaft (19) is projected into the concave portion (34), and the projection amount is smaller than the depth of the concave portion (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Shotaro Abe, Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6379015
    Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Heinz Günther Wilhelm, Michael Döbler, Benoit Bauer, Heinz Turck, Helmut Wolf, Frank Pöhlmann, Stephan Zech
  • Patent number: 6363879
    Abstract: A ceiling fan speed indicator having a detectable feature by which fan speed may be quickly ascertained by one of the human senses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Prime Home Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Roy Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6334260
    Abstract: A strata movement indicator suspended within a borehole 1 is provided with a drive element 6 and a reference element 12, relative movement between the elements being translated into rotary motion to give a visual indication on an indicator 10, 24 on the respective elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Rock Mechanics Technology Limited
    Inventors: Alan Stuart Bloor, Paul Alan Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6016764
    Abstract: A removably attachable automatic squeeze bottle utilization cycle counting device comprises a squeeze bottle, a nozzle, a removable nozzle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment and a hinged mechanism which attaches onto the squeeze bottle and nozzle in a removable manner. This mechanism locates the nozzle cap relative to the nozzle and indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed or replaced in a given cycle. The mechanism comprises upper and lower clips for removably attaching the mechanism to the bottle and nozzle cap, a rotatable part, a set of symbols, an indicator and mechanical means for indexing the rotatable part. Each time the nozzle cap is removed, or each time it is replaced, the rotatable part is automatically indexed to the next sequential position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel Charles Giveen
  • Patent number: 5983728
    Abstract: A pressure gauge has a base which is provided with a slot, and a sliding block located in the slot such that the sliding block is pushed to displace by a piston rod which is in turn pushed by the air pressure to be measured. The sliding block is provided with a plurality of teeth for actuating a rotary shaft and a hand fastened at one end thereof with the rotary shaft. The hand is actuated to turn to point at an air pressure reading. The base is provided with a threaded hole, an adjusting screw engaged with the threaded hole, and a spring which is engaged at one end thereof with the sliding block and at other end thereof with the adjusting screw. The pressure gauge is calibrated by adjusting the position of the adjusting screw in the threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Hsi-Kuang Weng
  • Patent number: 5902095
    Abstract: A fan speed indicator is provided including a conventional fan with a pull cord adapted to change a speed at which the fan is running upon being pulled. Further provided is mechanical mechanism for mechanically indicating the speed at which the fan is currently running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Anthony B. Cason, Welton Fields, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5890515
    Abstract: The height of the valve with a flow meter shall be as small as possible, enabling it to be mounted in restricted spaces. In order to achieve this, all adjusting and display movements are not executed axial but on the contrary polar. The rotating spindle of the valve is designed as rotary slide valve and the display marker or the graduation of the display unit of the flow rate meter is present on a rotating bush. The total height of the valve with a flow meter is accordingly low and unchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ostaco, AG
    Inventors: Fritz Spiess, Stefan Muntwyler
  • Patent number: 5860387
    Abstract: An automatic squeeze-bottle utilization cycle counting device in the form of a squeeze bottle, a bottle cap having a nozzle attached to the squeeze bottle and a removable nozzle cap hinged to the bottle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment. An indicating mechanism indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed and replaced is provided in the form of a rotatable part rotatably attached to the bottle cap, a set of symbols on the rotatable part, a window in the nozzle cap for sequential indication of the symbols and cooperating ratchet elements on the rotatable part and the nozzle cap for indexing the rotatable part. The device provides positive positioning of the nozzle cap and allows tracking of compliance with a prescribed regimen which includes using the contents of the squeeze-bottle, while decreasing the risk of contamination of the nozzle and the contents of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel Charles Giveen
  • Patent number: 5718355
    Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Senetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gage Garby, Jeffery T. Ballas
  • Patent number: 5707133
    Abstract: An adjuster mechanism having an aiming device carried on the shaft of the ball stud. The adjuster mechanism includes a gear housing having a track for guiding the aiming device and an indicator for reading the position of the aiming device. The adjuster mechanism also includes a gland for sealing the headlamp housing. The gland is fitted over the shaft of the ball stud and is squeezed between the headlamp housing sealing bore and the ball stud shaft. The bearing surfaces of the gear housing and sealing bore are slanted to automatically center the ball stud. The adjuster mechanism further includes an anti-rotation insert seated within a cover. The insert engages a groove in the shaft of the ball stud to prevent rotation of the ball stud within the gear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Burton Technologies
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 5655476
    Abstract: In a load monitoring device of a mechanical type with a deformable basic body (1), the latter has a deformation part (2,3) provided with detent stops (5,6,7) which hold pivoting levers (10,11) in positions corresponding to different load ranges. When predetermined limit values are reached, the detent stops (5,6,7) release the free ends (8,9) of the pivoting levers (10,11), and these are transferred by springs (12) into positions corresponding to the respective degree of loading or of overloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventor: Frank-Dietrich Wolter
  • Patent number: 5649469
    Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a service chamber in tandem with a spring chamber. The service chamber being separated into an upper and lower section by a first elastomeric diaphragm. The spring chamber is separated into upper and lower sections by a second elastomeric diaphragm. A lever type stroke indicator is positioned within either or both the lower sections of the service chamber and the spring chamber.The stroke indicator in the service chamber pivots about a pin when contacted by a plate associated with the service push rod when the brakes are applied, resulting in a portion of the stroke indicator to extend beyond the periphery of the service chamber housing and provide a visual indication of the need to inspect the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: NAI Anchorlok, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5611444
    Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Senetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gage L. Garby, Jeffrey T. Ballas
  • Patent number: 5601338
    Abstract: A seat particularly suitable for industrial applications having a hinged bottom supported upon springs for adjustably resiliently supporting the occupant to absorb vibrations and impact. The springs impose a resilient biasing force upon the seat bottom structure and a conveniently located adjusting knob selectively positions the location of the application of the biasing force with respect to the seat bottom hinge. Accordingly, by adjusting the location of application of the biasing force, the suspension characteristics of the seat bottom may be controlled and preselected with minimum manual exertion and no spring pre-tensioning or pre-compression is required to vary the suspension characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Michigan Seat Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Wahls
  • Patent number: 5488860
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of a piston in a hydraulically or pneumatically operated actuator including a fixed position, rotatable shaft having a pair of attached pins, each pin off-set from the center of the shaft. The pins are positioned on either side of a drive ring located about the circumference of the piston. When the piston moves in either direction, one of the pair of pins will remain in contact with the drive ring and cause uni-directional rotation of the shaft. In order to detect piston position, a sensor is mounted to detect shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin J. Speck, Paul G. Masters
  • Patent number: 5479820
    Abstract: A gauge for measuring fluid level, especially cryogenic fluids, having a head assembly with a passageway to receive the upper portion of a lift rod assembly. The lift rod assembly includes a spring attached at the upper end to the head and at the lower end attached to a spring guide. A lift rod is mounted adjustably on the spring guide, and the upper end of the lift rod has attached a magnet and the lower end of the lift rod a displacement member. The upper end of the lift rod is received in the passageway of the head. Attached to the head adjacent to the passageway is a dial assembly adjustably mounted in relation to the passageway of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas M. G. Fekete
  • Patent number: 5452680
    Abstract: An indicator for a gauge, such as a floor scale. The indicator includes a semi-circular dial and a two-pronged needle indicator that is free to rotate 360.degree. within the gauge with only one of the two prongs being used at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Sunbeam Corporation
    Inventor: Donald R. Ivy
  • Patent number: 5421482
    Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Senetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gage Garby, Jeffery Ballas
  • Patent number: 5388961
    Abstract: Mechanical assembly for transmitting forces along an axis driven by a substantially axial movement in translation under the effect of a thrust load. This mechanical assembly comprises a transmitting part of the thrust load input movement and a receiving part of the thrust load output movement, said mechanical assembly comprising a detector for detecting the passing of a force threshold represented by a predetermined value of the thrust load, and including an elastic element and an indicator part arranged in such a way that when the thrust load exceeds the threshold value, the thrust load acts on the elastic element and modifies its axial dimension allowing the indicator part to move to the warning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Eurocopter France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Leman, Philippe Legendre, Etienne Rampal
  • Patent number: 5117739
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing rotary and linear motions, either simultaneously or separately. The apparatus (10) includes a rotary table assembly (14) that interconnects a rotary actuator assembly (12) and a power cylinder (18) or a comparable device. The rotary table assembly (14) includes a rotatable hub (16) to which the power cylinder (18) is mounted. Rotation of the hub (16) causes rotary motion of the entire power cylinder (18). Because of the interconnection between the rotary actuator assembly (12) and the power cylinder (18) using a rotary table assembly (14), a modular construction is provided whereby the power cylinder (18) can be positioned both vertically and laterally, depending upon the application or intended use of the apparatus (10). In one preferred embodiment, the rotary actuator assembly (12) converts linear movement to rotary motion using hydraulic oil to provide a smooth, adjustable control of the rotary shaft (32) of the rotary actuator assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: C & C Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick F. Maher, David A. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4877931
    Abstract: A switch mechanism for visually indicating whether the switch is turned on or off includes a button having a hole and being depressable to turn the switch on or off. A rotatable indicator includes a first color portion that is positioned in the opening when the switch is turned on and a second color portion that is positioned in the opening when the switch is turned off. An indicator controller is coupled to the button and the indicator and carries the contacts for the switch. The indicating controller moves the indicator to position the proper colored portion in the opening in response to the opening and closing of the switch contacts by the depression of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kawase, Sachiya Sano
  • Patent number: 4800991
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for ensuring periodic adjustment of vehicle braking systems to maintain brake mechanism motion within prescribed bounds are disclosed and include an arrangement for monitoring motion of a selected brake mechanism component each time the vehicle brakes are applied and triggering a visible indicator only when the application of the vehicle brakes results in movement of the monitored component beyond a predetermined distance. Once triggered, the indicator remains triggered or "on" until manually reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Miller
  • Patent number: 4725011
    Abstract: A supply magazine for insertion in an arrangement for removing individual sheet films, for example X-ray sheet films, arranged in a stack in a light-tight wrapping, comprises a cover, a box which is at least partially open and is closable by the cover, and being formed for accommodating a stack located in a wrapping, a winding device provided with a winding shaft which is driven from outside and formed for suspending and winding a winding flap of the wrapping together with the latter after closing of the box, and an indicating device including a movable sensing member which abuts with spring biasing against the winding shaft in the region of the winding flap, an observation opening formed in a part of the box which supports the winding shaft and arranged so that the sensing member is visible through the observation window, and a light sealing provided between the winding shaft and the observation window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventors: Johann Zanner, Karl Neudecker
  • Patent number: 4635901
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus forming a part of an actuator for providing a constant visual display of the position of a valve. Such apparatus comprises an indicator shaft rotatably disposed in a bore which is oriented perpendicularly of and offset from an actuator stem, a rack means on the actuator stem, a pinion means on the indicator shaft, and an indicating means engraved on the end face of the indicator shaft and visible from the exterior of the actuator. The apparatus is sealingly enclosed and immersed in a fluid medium. Linear motion of the actuator stem generates angular motion of the indicator shaft, causing the indicating means to provide a visual display of valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Pond
  • Patent number: 4539928
    Abstract: A tire equalizer comprises a housing having upper and lower chambers divided by a flexible diaphragm opposing a seat in the upper chamber connected to one of the tires. The diaphragm is urged toward the seat by a spring-pressed inverted cup larger in diameter than the diaphragm and having an arm extended longitudinally from the cup away from the spring. The arm is curved in horizontal cross-section and its upper end is formed with a slot receiving an off-center pin on the back of an indicator disc. Also connected to the upper chamber is a fill conduit, and a conduit to the other tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Scovill Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Todhunter, James W. Grim
  • Patent number: 4536130
    Abstract: The shaft coupling a reciprocating piston of a fluid motor to a slide valve shiftable longitudinally along a screw compressor housing and varying the amount of compressor suction gas returned to the suction port for varying compressor capacity constitutes an outer hollow tube having a smaller diameter indicator shaft mounted axially therein. The shaft carriers a helical V-groove on its exterior surface and a spring biased pin projecting radially inwardly from the outer tube rides in the helical groove such that, as the slide valve reciprocates, driven by the fluid motor piston, the indicator shaft is rotatably driven about its axis. Multiple cams fixed to the indicator shaft and rotatable therewith actuate juxtapositioned microswitches to indicate full load position, full unload position, and two intermediate load positions for the slide valve. The indicator shaft is directly axially connected to a potentiometer to provide an electrical analog output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Orlando, David R. Martin
  • Patent number: 4323028
    Abstract: The visual indicating system comprises, in one embodiment, a number of pivoting sub-assemblies borne by the carrier so constructed that they are impelled axially upon making contact with the top of the pole, they pivot. Attached to a horizontal portion of each pivoting sub-assembly below the carrier is a shield that normally covers a brightly colored area on the undersurface of the carrier. However, when the subassembly pivots, the horizontal portion moves aside so that the area is visible from the ground. In another embodiment, the pivoting assembly includes a brightly colored flag between the carrier and the masthead which is normally unseen from the ground until the carrier approaches a predetermined position toward the top of the pole whereupon the flag is caused to pivot outwardly of the carrier into view from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: Union Metal Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John S. Garchinsky
  • Patent number: 4323316
    Abstract: A paper gauge for use with a shorthand machine to determine the quantity of paper remaining in the shorthand machine. A scale arm weighs the paper tape in the machine and the gauge is calibrated by weight to give the shorthand machine operator a reading in terms of the number of folds left in the paper strip. The displacement of the scale arm is proportional to the weight of the paper tape and movement of the paper gauge indicating means is proportional to displacement of the scale arm. Accurate readings are facilitated by the use of a hinged tray plate to hold the paper tape in correct position on the scale arm. An "L"-shaped end portion of the tray plate in hinged engagement with the base portion of the tray plate successfully prevents the used portion of the paper tape from urging against the remaining supply and thereby causing an inaccurate reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: Stenograph Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Fowler, Ralph E. Zum Bahlen
  • Patent number: 4240372
    Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure responsive device incorporating a snap action disc spring having arms for actuating an indicator plate with indicia thereon. In one arrangement the arms extend from the inner peripheral edge of the disc spring, and in other arrangements the arms extend from the outer peripheral edge of the spring. The indicator plate is adapted for rotational movement with lateral movements of the arms when the spring snaps, as by direct connection to the ends of the arms or by means of gearing or other provision of converting linear motion to rotary motion of a pin or shaft of the indicator plate. The plate is below a cover that has openings in which the indicia are aligned upon its rotation to the position caused by the snap action of the disc spring in response to predetermined level of pressure of fluid applied to the pressure responsive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Inventor: Allen V. C. Davis
  • Patent number: 4198921
    Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator such as an hydraulic top link has an external indicator device for marking the position of the piston within the actuator cylinder. The indicator has a collar which clamps on to the piston rod and a finger which extends longitudinally along the outside of the actuator cylinder to provide a direct reading of the piston position. An indirect indication may be provided by linking the longitudinally extending finger to a spring loaded tape indicator, or to an indicator arm which moves angularly across a scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: Sparex Ltd. of Exeter Airport
    Inventor: Roy Horton