Differential Movement Patents (Class 188/134)
  • Patent number: 11906006
    Abstract: A self-activated no-back device includes a housing, an input shaft, an output shaft, a reactor hub, first grooves, a brake hub, second grooves, a plurality of balls, a reactor plate, a brake pack, a reactor spring, and a load spring. The first grooves are formed on an interior side of the reactor hub interior side, and the second grooves are formed in an interior side of the brake hub. Each second groove is aligned with a different first groove to define a plurality of groove pairs. Each ball is positioned in a different one of the groove pairs. One side of the reactor plate contacts the reactor hub. The brake pack is selectively contacted by the brake hub. The reactor spring supplies a spring force to the reactor plate, and the load spring supplies a spring force to the brake pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jakub Chmelar, Jiri Berjak, Ronald Vaughan, Tomas Ripel
  • Patent number: 11753145
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing back-drive in a braking system for a rotary actuator. The braking system comprises a housing and split cam design. A driving cam located within the housing is associated with an upstream side of the braking system. The driving cam is configured to rotate when a torque is applied to the upstream side. The braking system has a wedging cam and a plurality of cylindrical rollers. The wedging cam located within the housing and is associated with a downstream side of the braking system. The wedging cam is configured to react and prevent back-drive motion when torque is applied to the downstream side. The plurality of cylindrical rollers is positioned between the wedging cam and the housing. The plurality of cylindrical rollers is configured to wedge between a surface of the wedging cam and the housing when the torque is applied to the downstream side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Maria Nicole Clouser
  • Patent number: 11648915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear motor (1) for a motor vehicle wiper system including an electric motor (2) including a rotor (20) and a rotation shaft (22) fixed to the rotor, a reduction gear mechanism (3) including a worm/worm wheel system, a device for generating an axial load configured to offset axial play of the rotation shaft (22), including a retaining wedge (6) mounted in a sliding manner in a radial direction of said rotation shaft (22), said retaining wedge (6) exerting an axial load on the outer race of a ball bearing (5) configured to guide the rotation shaft. According to the invention, said retaining wedge (6) is arranged in an intermediate position between the seat (40) of the bearing support (4) and the worm (30) directly adjacent to the worm wheel (31), said axial load (Fa) exerted by the retaining wedge (6) on the outer race (51) of the ball bearing (5) being in the direction away from the worm (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jose-Luis Herrada
  • Patent number: 11629780
    Abstract: An actuator and a transmission structure thereof. The transmission structure (3) includes a screw nut (31) and a ratchet guiding sleeve (32). The screw nut (31) includes one or a plurality of pawls (311). The ratchet guiding sleeve (32) is mounted on the screw nut (31), and the screw nut (31) is able to rotate relative to the ratchet guiding sleeve (32). The ratchet guiding sleeve (32) includes a ring ratchet (321) disposed on an inner circumference thereof and a plurality of track slots (322) disposed on an outer circumference thereof. One or a plurality of pawls (311) abut against the ring ratchet (321), thereby achieving the effect of smooth movements of the actuator (10) and the transmission structure (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TIMOTION TECHNOLOGY., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 11623739
    Abstract: A compact, efficient, and reliable electromechanical actuator that is capable of driving heavy loads at a high rate of speed and also capable of resisting large back driving forces. The actuator resists tension and compression back driving forces in a static state as well as when the actuator extends and retracts. The back driving forces are resisted even if the electronics (e.g., motor) fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Nikhil Mahesh Kulkarni, Tyler Quincey Curtis
  • Patent number: 11618450
    Abstract: Methods and systems are for securing a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle includes a body, a drive system, a braking system, and a processor. The drive system is configured to generate movement of the body, and includes a motor. The braking system includes friction brakes that provide friction braking. The processor is disposed onboard the vehicle, coupled to the motor, and is configured to at least facilitate: determining that a loss in friction braking has occurred while the vehicle is being stopped; and providing instructions to the motor for providing propulsion torque, thereby securing the vehicle at a stop, when it is determined that the loss in friction braking has occurred; wherein the motor is further configured to execute the instructions provided by the processor for providing the propulsion torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Knueven, Jason C Jousma, Helen M Rieland, Alexandre O. Korobkine
  • Patent number: 11603079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical non-return mechanism for an aircraft application, wherein the aircraft application can be part of a flight control. The non-return mechanism comprises at least one drag brake, at least one main brake, and at least one ball ramp mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Gaile
  • Patent number: 11440640
    Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more examples are provided for reducing chatter in a no-back brake during aiding load operations. In one example, an apparatus comprises a no-back brake, disposed within an actuator coupled to an aircraft, including a shaft, and a ball ramp plate, coupled to the shaft, to receive a force comprising an air loading force and is displaced responsive to the force. The apparatus further comprises a brake, coupled to the shaft and coupled to the ball ramp plate, and displaced by the ball ramp plate corresponding to a distance the ball ramp plate is displaced. The apparatus further comprises a modulating spring, coupled to the shaft and coupled to the brake, configured to compress in response to the brake being displaced, and the modulating spring is configured to apply a selective compressive force at the brake corresponding to a distance the brake is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kwan-Ho Bae, Mark J. Gardner, Jen-Shen Liu
  • Patent number: 11415206
    Abstract: Linear actuator comprising an electric motor (2) which through a transmission (3) drives a spindle unit, where the spindle unit comprises at least one spindle (4) with a spindle nut (5), where the spindle (4) is equipped with a bearing (8). In connection with the spindle unit there is an adjustment element (6), typically tubular. In order to retain the adjustment element (6) in a given position when the power supply for the electric motor (2) is interrupted, a brake (11) comprising a spring (15) and a cylindrical element (12) is provided. The cylindrical element (12) has a threaded pin (12a) on which a nut (13) is arranged, and where the spring (15) is positioned around the cylindrical element (12) between one side of the nut (12) and a stop (14) on the cylindrical element (12) such that the spring (15) presses the nut (13) with its other side against a contact surface (16). The brake power is thus generated by the nut rubbing against the contact surface with its one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Jens Lück
  • Patent number: 11406871
    Abstract: An ergometer according to this invention comprises pedals rotated by an exerciser, a motor connected to the pedals, and a control device connected to the motor in order to control an operation of the motor, wherein a control mode of the control device for controlling the motor can be switched between a concentric contraction exercise mode, in which the motor is caused to function as a load while the pedals are rotated by the exerciser, and an eccentric contraction exercise mode, in which the motor rotates the pedals so that the exerciser is forced to resist the rotation of the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yuichi Kimura, Isao Mizukura, Kazunori Nosaka
  • Patent number: 11097830
    Abstract: A rotary device assembly is provided and includes an input shaft coupled to a torque generating device, an output shaft and a rotary device disposed to transmit first torque from the input shaft to the output shaft and configured with no-back capability to prevent second torque applied to the output shaft from being transmitted to the input shaft in an event the second torque deceeds a torque-limiting threshold and the no-back capability and torsional lock-up capability to prevent an overload of the torque generating device in an event the second torque exceeds the torque-limiting threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Victor Barger
  • Patent number: 11072420
    Abstract: A steering system may include a gear assembly and a collar. The gear assembly may include a planet carrier, a planet gear, an internal ring gear, and a sun gear. The planet gear may be disposed between the internal ring gear and the sun gear. The gear assembly may provide a mechanical advantage to the steering system, which may result in a greater powered steering range, a shorter rack assembly, and/or increased design space relative to typical steering systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: James Acks, Korey Michael Reber
  • Patent number: 10935115
    Abstract: A cone brake no-back includes an input no-back disk, an output no-back disk; and a no-back ball ramp mechanism operably connected to the input no-back disk and the output no back disk. An input no-back cone is operably connected to and supportive of the input no-back disk. The input no-back cone is axially loaded by an input no-back spring. An output no-back cone is operably connected to and supportive of the output no-back disk. The output no-back cone is axially loaded by an output no-back spring. A no-back input shaft is operably connected to the input no-back disk and the output no back disk, and a no-back output shaft is operably connected to the output no back disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor Barger, James M. Regan, Joseph M. Bielefeldt
  • Patent number: 10914111
    Abstract: A spindle drive apparatus includes a spindle, a spindle nut, a drive assembly with a drive unit, which is adapted for driving the spindle or the spindle nut, an output shaft of the drive unit and a drive assembly housing, in which the drive assembly is housed, at least one bearing, a coupling element, which prevents a displacement of elements houses therein from each other, wherein the drive assembly housing is free from forces, which are transmitted from one of the superordinate assemblies through the spindle drive apparatus to the other of the superordinate assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Oster, Andreas Ritter
  • Patent number: 10767724
    Abstract: An isolator for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member is described. The isolator comprises a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device, defining a shaft adapter axis, a rotary drive member that is rotatable relative to the shaft adapter and has an endless drive member engagement surface that is engageable with the endless drive member, and an isolation spring arrangement positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and the rotary drive member. The isolation spring arrangement has at least one isolation spring that is axially offset from the endless drive member engagement surface. The at least one isolation spring has an outer edge that is radially outside the endless drive member engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Hao Tran, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete
  • Patent number: 10760528
    Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement is described for use in driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks, the drive arrangement comprising a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, and a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, wherein at least one of the first and second actuators is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through that actuator in the event that that actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Paul Somerfield, Benjamin Thomas Tucker
  • Patent number: 10718232
    Abstract: A vibration absorber which, in the broadest sense, is based on a pendulum device for dampening undesirable vibrations which occur in a very slender structure, such as a wind turbine. The undesirable vibrations are caused by an acting force, in particular wind force. The invention thereby relates to vibration absorbers in which the pendulum mass can be temporarily stopped or braked, either entirely or partially, by an electromagnetic brake. The power supply or the current regulation of the electromagnetic brake correspondingly controls the braking function of the electromagnetic brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: FM ENERGIE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 10711859
    Abstract: A novel vibration absorber for damping vibrations of a building or a machine installation having an inherent frequency of preferably below 1 Hz, preferably below 0.5 Hz, in particular, <0.25 Hz, as may occur, for example, in wind turbines or also other tall slim buildings or installations. The vibration absorber which, besides a main mass which is fixed per se and is moved along a track analogous or similar to a pendulum mass, has a substantially smaller, variably adjustable rotating flywheel mass, which can be moved with the main mass on the track thereof and with the aid of which the frequency of the absorber can be finely adjusted or adapted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FM Energie GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 10508439
    Abstract: To provide a rotary inertia mass damper, which is capable of reducing an axial reaction force that is generated due to vibration having an excessive acceleration to the extent possible when the vibration is input, and of preventing breakage of the damper itself or a construction, provided is a rotary inertia mass damper, including: a first coupling portion, which is fixed to a first structure; a second coupling portion, which is coupled to a second structure; a screw shaft, which has one axial end connected to the first coupling portion and retained so as to be non-rotatable; a fixed barrel, which has a hollow portion for receiving the screw shaft, and is connected to the second coupling portion; and a rotary body, which is retained so as to be freely rotatable relative to the fixed barrel, is threadedly engaged with the screw shaft, and is configured to reciprocally rotate in accordance with advancing and retreating movement of the screw shaft relative to the fixed barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Watanabe, Ryoji Tomono, Takusho Nakamura, Makoto Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10442293
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline component with an actuator and a rotary coupling. The actuator has an actuator housing, a motor, a transmission, a first cam, a second cam, and a first biasing spring. The motor is coupled to the actuator housing and includes a motor output member. The transmission has a transmission input member, which is driven by the motor output member, and a transmission output member. The first cam is housed in the actuator housing and is coupled to the transmission output member for rotation therewith. The first cam has a first set of cam features that are disposed about a first annular surface. The second cam has a cam body, which is received in the first cam, and a second set of cam features that are disposed about a second annular surface. The second set of cam features abut the first set of cam features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Zink, Brian A. Calomeni, Peyman Moradshahi
  • Patent number: 10428893
    Abstract: One end portion of a rod member is accommodated in a housing which is connected to one bracket BR1, and the other one end portion is connected to the other bracket. Between the one end portion of the rod member and the housing, there is disposed a biasing mechanism which biases against forces that enlarge and shorten an axial distance between the brackets. Furthermore, a friction mechanism, which presses the housing in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the rod member, is accommodated in the housing. The friction mechanism comprises a pressing member which is supported on the rod member to be in contact with an inner surface of the housing, a spring member and an adjusting member, so that a pressing force of the pressing member to the housing by the spring member is adjusted by the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: AISEN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Soichiro Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 10371223
    Abstract: A brake device for a linear actuator is provided having a torque transmission mechanism for forward transfer of driving torque and a spring friction mechanism for blocking backward transfer of load torque. The mechanism provides an input shaft and a first coupled claw connected to the input shaft that rotates synchronously therewith, a driving torque output shaft and a second coupled claw connected to the output shaft and capable rotating synchronously therewith. The first coupled claw and second coupled claw are matched and engaged together, and used to transfer driving torque in a forward direction from the input shaft to the output shaft. The spring friction mechanism provides a brake housing and a friction coil spring disposed elastically in a cylindrical inner hole of the brake housing. The friction coil spring formed with end parts at two axial ends for hooking onto the first and second coupled claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Alberto De Bernardi, Enrico Di Stefano, Ciney Zhang, Leo Shen
  • Patent number: 10369416
    Abstract: An exercise equipment includes a torque generating mechanism, and a resistance adjusting mechanism including a resistance applying unit that includes a fixed seat, a contact member pivotally connected to the fixed seat, a first link pivotally connected to the fixed seat, and a second link pivotally connected between the first link and contact member, a resistance sensing unit that includes a magnetic member mounted to the second link and movable relative to the first link, and a Hall sensing module mounted to the first link, and disposed for outputting a sensing signal generated by magnetic field variation induced by a relative movement between the Hall sensing module and the magnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: FITEK FITNESS PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Wan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 10328358
    Abstract: A lift system comprises a drum that rotates about an axis, an elongate member that winds around the drum when the drum rotates in a first direction and that unwinds from the drum when the drum rotates in a second direction, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum, and a braking mechanism adapted to inhibit rotation of the drum. The braking mechanism includes a brake disk rotatable with the drum, a movable brake pad, and a ramp that guides movement of the movable brake pad. A method of operating the lift system comprises rotating the drum in a first direction to wind the elongate member onto the drum, rotating the drum in a second direction to unwind the elongate member from the drum, and moving the brake shoe along the ramp to thereby cause the movable brake pad to be compressed against the brake disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 10301010
    Abstract: An oscillating pump system includes a pump operable to circulate a fluid. The pump has a first port stage including an inlet port and an outlet port and a second port stage including a first oscillating port and a second oscillating port. An oscillator disk is disposed between the first port stage and the second port stage. The oscillator disk is rotatable relative to the inlet port, the outlet port, the first oscillating port and the second oscillating port. During rotation, the oscillator disk alternatingly routes the fluid to the inlet port from the first and second oscillating ports and alternatingly routes the fluid from the outlet port to the first and second oscillating ports, thereby generating oscillating fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Heverly, II
  • Patent number: 10215246
    Abstract: An integrated torque limiter/no-back device for use in an actuator with an input shaft, an output, and a gear reduction. The device includes an input ramp, an output ramp coupled to the gear reduction, a combined ramp disposed between the input ramp and the output ramp, a first plurality of balls arranged between the input ramp and the combined ramp, a second plurality of balls arranged between the combined ramp and the output ramp, a pin, and a brake. The pin extends from the input ramp to the combined ramp and coupled to the input shaft. The combined ramp, the output ramp, and the second plurality of balls therebetween are configured to operate as a torque limiter by causing the combined ramp and the output ramp to separate and the output ramp to engage the brake when the torque from the input shaft exceeds a torque threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Adam M. Finney
  • Patent number: 10193312
    Abstract: In order to transmit high frequency energy to a coupling circuit, if the high frequency energy is transmitted via a harness provided with a high-voltage cable, the loop in which the high frequency energy is conducted is long, and thus, noise occurring from the loop is increased. Thus, shielding is needed to be provided to the entire apparatus. The present invention has a structure in which: a high frequency energy supply circuit and a coupling circuit are connected by a connection member; and a housing having therein the high frequency energy supply circuit is integrated with a housing having therein the coupling circuit. Accordingly, the entire apparatus can be downsized and noise occurring from the loop can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Shimizu, Takaaki Tanaka, Yusuke Naruse
  • Patent number: 10167912
    Abstract: A plate assembly for a multi-disk brake system is provided. The plate assembly includes at least one of a pressure plate or an end plate and a floating plate wear liner mounted against the at least one of the pressure plate or the end plate. The floating plate wear liner is configured to contact a contact surface of an adjacent rotatable friction disk in response to the multi-disk brake system being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher T. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 10087056
    Abstract: A winch is provided that includes a frame and a winch drum mounted for rotation relative to the frame; a gearing via which the winch drum can be rotated by a drive motor attached to the winch, wherein the gearing includes a gear shaft; a first brake that includes a first brake body and a second brake body which is non-rotationally connected to the gear shaft. The first and second brake bodies can be pressed against each other in order to achieve a braking effect based on frictional engagement. A second brake is also provided that includes a third brake body and a fourth brake body which is non-rotationally connected to the gear shaft and/or the second brake body. The third and fourth brake bodies can be pressed against each other in order to achieve a braking effect based on frictional engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Zollern GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Roland Hartmann, Albert Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10066683
    Abstract: A clutch for driving a winch is provided. The clutch comprises an input shaft for connection to a drive means, operatively connected to at least one input friction plate to rotate therewith and an output shaft for driving a winch operatively connected to at least one output friction plate to rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen H. Davies, Bejan Maghsoodi
  • Patent number: 10035585
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for controlling a flight control surface and a flight control surface actuation assembly including the rotary actuator. The actuator comprises a rotary output shaft for driving a flight control surface, a locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotary output shaft and a torque limiter for allowing the locking mechanism to be bypassed upon the locking mechanism experiencing a torque above a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventor: Laurent Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10001177
    Abstract: This irreversible mechanism (1) includes a rotatable input shaft (3), an output shaft (4) that rotates according to the input shaft, a conversion mechanism (5) that converts back drive torque from an output shaft side to an axial force, a brake portion (6) that includes a first brake surface (61), and a second brake surface (56) provided to rotate integrally with the output shaft and pressed against the first brake surface according to the axial force of the conversion mechanism. The first brake surface and the second brake surface include taper surfaces tapered in the action direction of the axial force of the conversion mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Keitaro Otozai
  • Patent number: 9988030
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical-magnetically integrated braking assistance device, comprising an electrical motor, an oil holder, a braking main cylinder, an assistant force generating portion, and a pedal input rod, an absolute displacement sensor or a relative displacement sensor is connected to the pedal input rod; a lead screw is sleeved over the pedal input rod, and a ball nut is sleeved over the lead screw; a ball nut bushing is fixed to the ball nut by being sleeved over the ball nut; a driven gear is fixed to the ball nut bushing by being sleeved over the ball nut bushing; and the electric motor meshes with the driven gear via a transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: NINGBO TUOPU INTELLIGENT BRAKE SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kaihong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9988837
    Abstract: An operating system for a window covering includes at least one spring motor, at least one variable force brake, and at least one lift spool assembly operatively coupled to a panel for raising and lowering a panel. An effective shaft is operatively coupled to and synchronizes the spring motor, the variable force brake, and the lift spool. The variable force brake comprises a one-way clutch operatively coupled to the shaft. A brake member is operatively engaged with the one-way clutch to apply a brake force to the one-way clutch when the shaft is rotated. The magnitude of the brake force applied to the one-way clutch is determined by the rotational position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Defenbaugh, Tim Hyde, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Joshua Maust, Miguel Morales
  • Patent number: 9951828
    Abstract: A torque coupling comprising a drive body, an output side body which is coaxially arranged, a pressure disk which is coaxially arranged, movable in rotation coaxial direction, and having a first torque transmission surface on its face side, and a torque transmission device. The torque transmission device (5) comprises rigid pressure transfer elements (6) loadable by compressive forces only upon a gripping of the non driven by the driven torque transmission surface which points in drive direction (A), thereby moving in rotation coaxial direction contrary to the pressure disk (3), and pressing the same in direction of the second torque transmission surface (4B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ulrich Fahl
    Inventor: Ulrich Fahl
  • Patent number: 9945460
    Abstract: A torque limiter comprising: a ramp roller, said ramp roller comprising: an input ramp roller element arranged to be driven by an input torque and having a first ramp surface; an output ramp roller element arranged to drive an output torque shaft and having a second ramp surface; ramp roller balls disposed between the first ramp surface and the second ramp surface; wherein said output ramp roller element is axially and resiliently compressible and wherein an overtorque condition causes axial compression of said output ramp roller element. This arrangement removes all axially sliding friction surfaces from the torque limiter so that the torque bandwidth is reduced, allowing manufacturers to design structures more optimally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen H. Davies
  • Patent number: 9925400
    Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a retractable lifeline assembly comprises a brake hub, a pressure plate, a first friction disk, a brake plate, a second friction disk, and a lock nut. The brake hub includes a flange extending outward from an at least partially threaded shaft. The pressure plate is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the flange. The first friction disk is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the pressure plate. The brake plate is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the first friction disk. The second friction disk is positioned on the at least partially threaded shaft proximate the brake plate. The lock nut is threaded onto the at least partially threaded shaft, and the lock nut is set to a desired torque at which the brake plate slips prior to final assembly of the retractable lifeline assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: D B INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 9920803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disc-type brake which can use the energy of a transport machine during its traveling to brake, has a huge self-energizing action and is used for a motorcycle, a car, a truck, a train and an elevator. The brake has a very small control force (power), is simple and reliable and has a small volume. The brake is very easily designed as an electrically controlled disc-type brake system (EMB), the power and volume of an electrically controlled motor of the brake can be several times—more than a dozen of times less than that of an electrically controlled motor in the prior art, after its promotion, the brake can greatly improve the safety of the car and the motorcycle. The brake can reduce many parts, components and mechanisms and save much cost and bring us tremendous social and economic benefits and is a landmark brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Chengdu ShuangChen Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun Chen
  • Patent number: 9914529
    Abstract: A torque limited drive system comprising: an input shaft; at least one gear unit driven by the input shaft; a torque limiter having a torque limit and being driven by the at least one gear unit; and a torque limited output shaft driven by the torque limiter; wherein the torque limiter is adapted such that when it experiences a torque above its torque limit it applies a brake to said input shaft. The fact that the torque limiter is situated downstream of the gear units combined with the fact that the torque limiter brakes the input shaft upstream of the gear unit allows minimization of component weight within the gear units and within equipment driven by the output shaft due to the removal of the effect of efficiency and drag bandwidths associated with the gear units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen H. Davies
  • Patent number: 9891122
    Abstract: An actuator including a pair of load sensors arranged in the load path through the actuator. The load sensors are antagonistically preloaded and their outputs electrically connected to a processor for calculating a load in the actuator from the difference in loads measured by the respective load sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Schwartz, Arnaud de la Chevasnerie
  • Patent number: 9863515
    Abstract: A self-locking actuator for moving a flight control surface of an aircraft and for self-locking in response to an external load applied to the actuator. The actuator includes a motor, a screw, and a drive gear that is rotatably driven by the motor to rotationally couple with the screw. A pawl support is coupled to and rotatable with the screw, and a swivel assembly is coupled to the pawl support for rotational movement with the screw and pivoting movement relative to the screw. The swivel assembly engages a cage that is fixed relative to the rotating screw, drive gear, and swivel assembly. Pivoting of the swivel assembly about a pivot axis engages the swivel assembly with the cage to positively lock with the cage and to prevent rotation of the screw in each of first and second opposite rotational directions of the screw about a rotational axis of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Guy Bernard
  • Patent number: 9845196
    Abstract: A roller assembly comprises a housing having an outer surface attached thereto, and a braking arrangement positioned at least partially within the housing. The braking arrangement is configured to increase resistance to rotation of the housing proportionally to a load applied against the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wally H. Larson
  • Patent number: 9777781
    Abstract: A rotary actuated clutch, comprising an axis of rotation, a housing, an input hub, an intermediate hub, and an output hub. For a first locked mode, the intermediate hub and the output hub are non-rotatably connected to the housing, and for a torque-transmitting mode the input hub is arranged to receive torque in a first circumferential direction, the input hub is arranged to rotate in the first circumferential direction to disengage the intermediate hub from the housing, and the intermediate hub is arranged to rotate the output hub in the first circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Todd J. Sturgin, Philip George
  • Patent number: 9669711
    Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) unit takes-off power from a transmission for driving a first drive wheel of a vehicle and transmits the taken-off power to a second drive wheel of the vehicle. The PTO unit includes a PTO casing, a PTO shaft and a brake for braking the PTO shaft. The PTO casing is mounted on another casing incorporating the transmission. The PTO shaft is journaled by the PTO casing, drivingly connected to the transmission shaft of the transmission and drivingly connected to the second drive wheel. The brake is disposed in the PTO casing. The brake includes an unslidable pawl that is not slidable axially in the axial direction of the PTO shaft, and includes a slidable pawl that is slidable axially in the axial direction of the PTO shaft so as to selectively engage or disengage with and from the unslidable pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuji Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 9651126
    Abstract: A load limiter has a first disk for translating a first torque from an input and a second disk for translating a second torque from an output. Each of the first disk and the second disk has a ramp in which a torque transmitter, such as a ball is disposed. A first conical brake surface and a second conical brake surface disposed on the first disk or the second disk interact if the first torque and/or the second torque cause relative rotation between the first disk and the second disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Lang, James M. Regan
  • Patent number: 9630725
    Abstract: A method for testing a component in a high lift system of an aircraft comprises the steps of activating a brake coupled with at least one hydraulic motor, commanding a rotation of the at least one hydraulic motor for a predetermined period of time, wherein the brake remains activated, acquiring a sensor output of a motion sensor coupled with a central power control unit for moving a high lift surface during the commanded rotation of the at least one hydraulic motor, determining a motion of the power control unit from the acquired sensor output, comparing the determined motion with a predetermined threshold value, and generating a brake indication signal if the determined motion exceeds the predetermined motion threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Fleddermann, Vincent Maire, Jan-Arend Van Bruggen
  • Patent number: 9610884
    Abstract: A ratcheting tie down apparatus and system. Embodiments include a ratchet assembly affixed to a tie down shaft having a longitudinal axis, the ratchet assembly including a ratchet gear, a ratchet head, a ring pawl between the ratchet gear and the ratchet head, and a compression spring between the ring pawl and the ratchet head. A plurality of ramped protrusions of the ring pawl engage a plurality of ramped indentations in a back surface of the ratchet gear, such that when the ratchet head is rotated in a first direction, the ring pawl engages the ratchet gear so that the ratchet head and ratchet gear rotate as a single unit, and when the ratchet head is rotated in a second direction the ring pawl disengages from the ratchet gear such that the ratchet head and ratchet gear rotate independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Cottrell, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Bryan Howes, David Trenbeath, Matthew Rahm
  • Patent number: 9541163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission (1), in particular for an adjustment drive, comprising a housing (2), a worm shaft (3) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (2) and which can be driven, a worm wheel (4) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (2) and which meshes with the worm shaft (3), an encircling first wedge surface (5) which is formed on the worm wheel (4) or fixedly connected to the worm wheel (4), a brake element (6) which is arranged so as to be rotationally conjoint with respect to the worm wheel (4) and which has a second wedge surface (7), wherein the first wedge surface (5) bears areally against the second wedge surface (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Schmidt, Anja Burger, Gerhard Genter
  • Patent number: 9494205
    Abstract: A backstopping clutch is provided having improved torque transmission. The clutch includes a housing, an inner race disposed within the housing and configured for coupling to a driven member for rotation about a rotational axis and an outer race disposed with the housing radially outwardly of the inner race. A plurality of torque transmission members are disposed between the inner and outer races such that the inner race is freely rotatable relative to the outer race in a first rotational direction, but the torque transmission members engage the inner and outer races and inhibit rotation of the inner race relative to the outer race in a second rotational direction. Friction discs are coupled to a radially inner surface of the housing and a radially outer surface of the outer race and configured to engage one another to transmit a braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Stieber GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Kretschmer, Frank Villwock
  • Patent number: 9457994
    Abstract: An exemplary method of assembling an elevator machine frame includes situating at least a portion of a motor in a desired position, placing an elevator frame support plate against the portion of the motor, connecting a plurality of support rods to the support plate and connecting another support plate to the support rods such that the support plates are spaced from each other and in a desired alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Zbigniew Piech, Stephen R. Nichols, Patricia L. Driesch, Pawel Witczak, Benjamin J. Watson