Automatic Check And Release Patents (Class 192/15)
  • Patent number: 6860374
    Abstract: A ratcheting, locking actuator for selectively positioning ergonomic devices is disclosed. The actuator has an overrunning, locking clutch in a housing, a lever, a hanging ratchet and a pulley for anchoring a traction element. The pulley is driven by a gear which is driven by the one of two ratchet pawls in either of two selectable directions. The drive direction is controlled by a lever to which a ratchet post is attached. Engagement and disengagement of the ratchet pawls with the drive gear is controlled by steps on the housing. The actuator is especially useful for controlling traction elements such as bowden cables for ergonomic devices such as lumbar supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jintao Liu, Alfred Stadlbauer
  • Patent number: 6827188
    Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly including a first housing shell having a braking surface, an input shaft coupled to the first housing shell for rotation relative to the first housing shell, at least two input disks coupled to the input shaft for co-rotation with the shaft, the input disks being movable along the shaft, a braking disk having a first friction surface and a second friction surface, the braking disk being movable along the shaft, a biasing member biasing the braking disk against the braking surface of the first housing shell to resist rotation of the braking disk relative to the first housing shell, a second housing shell coupled to the input shaft for rotation relative to the input shaft and the first housing shell, the second housing shell having a third friction surface, and an actuator assembly operable to disengage the braking disk from the braking surface and operable to drivingly engage the first, second, and third friction surfaces with the input disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur G. Patridge
  • Patent number: 6789855
    Abstract: An automatic application hand brake apparatus is provided for automatically applying at least one brake member secured to a railway vehicle with the hand brake assembly. The apparatus comprises an operating member having at least one ratchet attached to a drive shaft of said hand brake assembly. An application cylinder is connected to a drive arm pivotally attached to the drive shaft and containing and operating pawl engaging the operating ratchet. The reciprocating motion of the drive arm caused by the application cylinder enables reciprocal rotation of the operating arm and furthermore causing application of at least one brake member. A plurality of control valves are connected to the source of the fluid pressure for initiating and regulating the supply of fluid pressure to the application cylinder and for stopping an automatic application of such hand brake in case of the emergency or a reversal of the unintended activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Herron
  • Publication number: 20040154890
    Abstract: An ergonomic device actuation method for a housing, a pulley rotating inside the housing, the pulley being adapted to draw a traction element, and a locking clutch encapsulated by the housing and disposed to control rotation of said pulley. A drive clutch drives the pulley through the locking clutch. A drive shaft that rotates in the housing drives the drive clutch. A traction cable fixed to said pulley communicates with an ergonomic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Patent number: 6749049
    Abstract: A torque limiting coupling defines a longitudinal axis (17) and has a coupling hub (8) with circumferentially distributed through holes. Transfer elements are adjustably held in the holes. A coupling sleeve (6) has first recesses corresponding to the through holes. A switching disk (9) is arranged relative to the coupling hub (8) between a torque transmitting position and a freewheeling position. The switching disk (9) is urged towards the torque transmitting position. This urges the transfer elements in the direction towards the coupling hub (8). The transfer elements engage, for torque transmission, in recesses of the coupling sleeve (6). Coupling sleeve (6), when a predetermined nominal torque is exceeded, is transferable from the torque transmitting position to the freewheeling position. Second recesses, corresponding to the through holes, receive the transfer elements in the freewheeling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kampf, Norbert Fartmann, Karl Coenen
  • Patent number: 6705442
    Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly for use on a riding lawnmower or other powered equipment includes a pair of input disks, a pair of output disks, and a housing. An output pulley is coupled for rotation with the output disks and is coupled to at least one working shaft, such as a blade shaft supporting a cutting blade of the lawnmower. The input and output disks are disengaged from each other when the clutch/brake assembly is in a braking condition. Also, when in the braking condition, at least one of the output disks is biased against a braking surface of the housing to resist rotation of the output pulley and the working shafts. An actuator assembly is also included in the clutch/brake assembly, and is actuable to substantially simultaneously disengage the output disks from the braking surface of the housing and sandwich the input and output disks together. When sandwiched together, the input and output disks are coupled for rotation together by the frictional forces therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur G. Patridge
  • Patent number: 6702089
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment device for producing a rotational movement that comprises an output element (3) that can be adjusted at an angle by actuating a drive element (2). The adjustment device further comprises a load moment lock (1) interposed between the drive and the output element (2, 3) that frictionally blocks a rotational movement initiated at the output element side and that transmits a rotational movement initiated at the drive element side to the output element (3). Said load moment lock (1) further comprises locking elements (4, 4′) that are disposed in a cylindrical adjustment housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteil GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Georg Scheck, Peter Schumann
  • Patent number: 6691851
    Abstract: A ratcheting, locking actuator for selectively positioning ergonomic devices is disclosed. The actuator has an overrunning, locking clutch in a housing, a lever, a hanging ratchet and a pulley for anchoring a traction element. The pulley is driven by a gear which is driven by the one of two ratchet pawls in either of two selectable directions. The drive direction is controlled by a lever to which a ratchet post is attached. Engagement and disengagement of the ratchet pawls with the drive gear is controlled by steps on the housing. The actuator is especially useful for controlling traction elements such as bowden cables for ergonomic devices such as lumbar supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jintao Liu, Alfred Stadlbauer
  • Patent number: 6688443
    Abstract: An ergonomic device actuator including a housing, a pulley rotating inside the housing, the pulley being adapted to draw a traction element, and a locking clutch encapsulated by the housing and disposed to control rotation of said pulley. A drive clutch drives the pulley through the locking clutch. A drive shaft that rotates in the housing drives the drive clutch. A traction cable fixed to said pulley communicates with an ergonomic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Patent number: 6640952
    Abstract: An irreversible adjustment mechanism comprising a casing, a pivotally-mounted lever urged resiliently towards a rest position, a pivotally-mounted intermediate member connected to the lever via a drive stage adapted to move the intermediate member only when the lever moves away from its rest position, a fixed ring, an outlet member co-operating with the ring to define hollow wedge-shaped spaces facing in opposite directions and receiving clamping bodies which are urged apart and which are flanked by two fingers that are part of the intermediate member. The outlet member is secured to a coupling shaft which is guided in rotation by a ring held by catches of the casing that pass through recesses in the inlet member while leaving a central portion of the inlet member visible, on which portion an actuating handle may be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'automobile S.A.
    Inventors: François Baloche, Christophe Denis, Mikaël Garnier, Yann Reubeuze
  • Patent number: 6637575
    Abstract: A ratchet actuator for an ergonomic device has a thin profile due to the combination of multiple functions into single parts. A ratchet drive gear also has drive fingers for operating a clutch. A clutch stator has high and low steps for engaging and disengaging ratchet pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jintao Liu, Alfred Stadlbauer
  • Patent number: 6604619
    Abstract: A two-directional manual drive which produces a rotational movement, starting from the neutral position of a drive lever which can pivot around a drive axis whereby the rotational movement can occur in a selective manner in one of two rotational directions, includes a driven element having a driving surface, on which bearing surfaces of coupling elements are placed in frictional engagement when the drive lever is rotated out of a neutral position, displacing the driven element in the direction of the periphery. When the drive lever is returned to the neutral position the coupling elements are released from a position of frictional engagement with respect to the cylindrical driving surface so that the driven element is no longer displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Scheck, Peter Schumann
  • Patent number: 6575278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive acting on both sides for adjustment devices, including a rotationally mounted drive lever for producing a rotational movement that can be selectively effected in one direction of rotation or in the other direction of rotation, a drive wheel that can only be rotated when the drive lever is moved from a zero point position, at least a one-piece coupling element having two coupling areas for transmitting a torque to the drive wheel, in addition to a sliding block guide with areas for controlling the coupling element. The coupling element can be displaced radially and is tiltably mounted in a guide and coupled by both coupling areas in the zero point position of the drive lever to the drive wheel in an elastic manner so that the non-loaded coupling area is uncoupled from the drive wheel by the sliding block guide when the drive lever moves from the zero point position and remains uncoupled when the drive lever moves in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Peter Schumann, Georg Scheck
  • Publication number: 20030085099
    Abstract: An ergonomic device actuator including a housing, a pulley rotating inside the housing, the pulley being adapted to draw a traction element, and a locking clutch encapsulated by the housing and disposed to control rotation of said pulley. A drive clutch drives the pulley through the locking clutch. A drive shaft that rotates in the housing drives the drive clutch. A traction cable fixed to said pulley communicates with an ergonomic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Patent number: 6543598
    Abstract: The invention relates to continuously variable manual drives for seat adjusters in motor vehicles. In a first design of the invention the drive has a transmission step which is coupled on the drive side or output side to the drive. A second design of the invention provides a continuously variable manual drive for seat adjusters in motor vehicles in which the drive and the output-side gear elements are connected together through a switchable coupling device, which in the non-actuated state maintains the power flow between the drive and the output-side gear elements by means of spring pretension and in the actuated state breaks off the connection between the drive and the output-side gear elements so that a passive seat adjustment is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventor: Peter Schumann
  • Patent number: 6540054
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing the viable wear life of friction materials used on mechanical stamping hydraulic clutch/brake units by controlling the hydraulic clutch pressure to compensate for clutch wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Evers, Michael L. Short
  • Publication number: 20030000796
    Abstract: A reverse-input shutoff clutch according to the invention includes an outer ring as an input-side rotation member, an inner ring as an output-side rotation member, rollers as torque transmission means, a cage for retaining the roller, a centering spring as an elastic member for positioning the cage, a housing as a stationary-side member, and a sliding spring coupled to and co-rotate with the cage while sliding against the housing. With the constitution described above, the clutch applies rotational resistance induced by friction resistance to the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawai, Masahiro Kurita, Seiichi Takada, Atsushi Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20030000791
    Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a rotating body. The body includes a rotatable shaft, and the drive mechanism includes a clutch to selectively transmit torque input to the shaft, a brake to slow down rotation of the shaft upon disengagement of the clutch, and an actuator means to engage and disengage the clutch and brake. The clutch and brake are each mounted on a mounting member which is movable with respect to the shaft in the axial direction thereof. The actuator means includes an actuator member that is slidably mounted on the mounting member and an actuator to move the actuator member from a first position, in which the clutch is engaged and the brake is disengaged, and a second position, in which the clutch is disengaged and the brake is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hans Erik Moeller
  • Patent number: 6481557
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprising a pivoting transmission member which surrounds an inlet member having three outwardly-directed projections. Between the inlet member and the bearing surface there are placed three springs urging wedging bodies towards the projections of the inlet member, and three fixed fingers. One of the fingers is of width sufficient to come into contact with the corresponding wedging bodies to prevent these bodies from wedging against the corresponding projections when the inlet member is in its rest position, while the other two fingers are of width that is small enough for the corresponding wedging bodies to then wedge against the corresponding projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Autmobile S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Denis
  • Patent number: 6397992
    Abstract: A single component inner hub adapted to engage the drive shaft of an engine, support a transaxle pulley and serve as the inner hub of a clutch/brake assembly, the inner hub having a first end, a second end, an exterior surface extending between the first and second ends, the exterior surface including an upper portion adjacent the first end of the inner hub, an intermediate portion which is adjacent the first portion and which has a circumference that is smaller than that of the upper portion, an axially facing shoulder extending between the upper and lower portions of the exterior surface and a lower portion that is externally threaded and that extends between the intermediate portion and the lower end of the inner hub, the inner hub also having extending between the first and second ends a bore having an upper portion adapted to receive the lower end of the drive shaft to rotationally fix the inner hub to the shaft, the bore also including a lower portion of the bore having an internal diameter smaller than
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur G. Patridge
  • Patent number: 6283886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for adjustment devices in motor vehicles, more particularly for vehicle seats, having a stepped switch mechanism acting on both sides for manually producing a rotary movement. The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified and cost-effective device for adjusting the vehicle seat components in two directions. This is achieved by connecting the output side of the stepped switch mechanism to a self-blocking gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventor: Peter Schumann
  • Patent number: 6253894
    Abstract: A drive acting on both sides produces a rotary movement, more particularly a rotary movement for a manual height or incline adjustment of a vehicle seat. The drive lever is coupled to locking means which can be brought into engagement with teeth mounted on the circumference of a drive wheel. The locking means have a one-piece tilt element which tilts to and fro between two end positions in dependence on the relevant drive direction wherein in each end position a locking of the tilt element takes place with the teeth of the drive wheel. The invention provides a drive acting on both sides to produce a rotary movement which has a small number of individual parts, is simple to fit and is characterized by a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Peter Schumann, Michael Forkel
  • Patent number: 6230867
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat adjuster. The seat adjuster includes a brake acting between a stationary part and an adjustable part. By use of the brake, the adjustable part can be blocked in a variety of positions in both adjustment directions on the stationary part and which can be applied by means of a freely switching element. An adjusting device acts on the freely switching element for selectively adjusting the adjustable part in both directions. An additional locking mechanism is provided which when the adjusting device is not in operation, automatically engages and when the adjusting device is not in operation automatically disengages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Jörg Schwarzbich
  • Patent number: 6230863
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement principally for use with the functional mechanisms of a motor vehicle seat. The arrangement including at least one handle member and associated pawl member respectively rotatable about a center and an actuator shaft. Each handle member including a snag aperture which cooperates with the associated pawl member such that upon rotation of the handle member about the center, the pawl member comes into snag abutment with respective portions of the snag aperture to limit the angular range of rotation for that member between a snag position and a lock position. Upon snag abutment, the actuator shaft is rotated in order to facilitate release or operation of a functional mechanism such as that for slide release/backrest fold or seat occupant comfort tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventor: David Peter Ovens
  • Patent number: 6224157
    Abstract: This articulation comprises two coaxial annulus gears with internal sets of teeth (20, 22) of different pitch, one stationary and the other mobile, meshing with at least one planet (S1 to S4) bearing two external sets of teeth (24, 26) capable of mating with the internal sets of teeth (20, 22). The external set of teeth (26) that mates with the mobile internal set of teeth (22) extends over a shorter sector than the other external set of teeth (24), which means that the planet (S1 to S4) can move over a travel in which its two external sets of teeth (24, 26) are in mesh with the two internal sets of teeth (20, 22), between two end-of-travel positions beyond which the stationary internal set of teeth (20) is kept in mesh with the mating external set of teeth (24) while the other external set of teeth (26) is disengaged from the mobile internal set of teeth (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Bertrond Faure Equipement SA
    Inventor: Michel Di Luccio
  • Patent number: 6212965
    Abstract: A shiftable clamping-type locking mechanism, includes two track-defining elements and a plurality of clamping members, e.g. rollers or balls, arranged between the tracks of the elements and so spring-biased as to seek a clamped position. The clamping members are shiftable by a control unit from the clamped position into a release position in which the clamping members are liberated from the tracks so that the two elements can be freely moved relative to one another. A coupling unit positively connects the two elements to one another in order to prevent an undesired slip between the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ina Wälzlager Schaeffler OHG
    Inventor: Harald Hochmuth
  • Patent number: 6164426
    Abstract: At the electromagnetically controlled wrap around spring clutch a braking spring (14) designed as a wrap around spring is foreseen on the driven shaft (4) in addition to the clutch spring (8) acting between the driving shaft (3) and the driven shaft (4), which braking spring (14) is also switched by the control magnet (11), such that if the magnet is excited the driven shaft (4) is released, but at a currentless magnet the driven shaft (4) is immediately braked and blocked in the direction of the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Baumann Federn AG
    Inventor: Peter Iten
  • Patent number: 6148942
    Abstract: A self-propelled motorized infant stroller powered by DC electric motors with safely controlled acceleration and deceleration. As a discrete safety function, the controlled acceleration and deceleration prevents the child occupant from lurching, either forward or backward, upon the starting or stopping of the baby carriage. A single speed control dial establishes the setting of the desired traversing speed. The propulsion system is safely controlled through the use of a set of dual handle switches that both must be simultaneously depressed to start the propulsion system. A safety seat harness is used to protect the infant occupant from sliding or climbing out of the carriage seat. Additional safety is provided by a parking brake system to prevent accidental propulsion or any unforeseen stroller movement, particularly when stopped on an inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: James M. Mackert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5918714
    Abstract: For a ratchet mechanism for driving adjustment devices for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, with a control lever (4) that can be swivelled back and forth and a ratchet (6) movable by this, which cooperates with a gear ring (3) of a driven gear (1), a gear connection is provided between the control lever (4) and the ratchet (6) which engages the ratchet (6) necessarily with the gear ring (3) in an initial area of the swivelling movement of the control lever (4). Only with further swivelling movement of the control lever (4) does the ratchet (6) move on a track about the rotational axis of the driven gear (1) while positively carrying the same. Also the control lever (4) lifts the ratchet (6) from the gear ring (3) necessarily in the starting area of the isle return stroke movement of the control lever (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Keiper Recaro GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Lutz Kadereit
  • Patent number: 5908101
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting power from a motor to a movable member comprises a drum connected to the movable member, a cam member rotated around a center shaft by the motor, a clutch member displaced from a standby position to a full engagement position through an initial engagement position when the cam member is rotated, a return spring for urging the clutch member from the full engagement position toward the standby position, and a brake member for applying a predetermined frictional resistance to the clutch member. The clutch member moves the brake member from a braking position to a non-braking position when the clutch member is moved from the initial engagement position toward the full engagement position. The cam member has a cam face which moves the clutch member from the standby position to the full engagement position and a holding face which disables the clutch member from returning from the full engagement position to the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5881854
    Abstract: The mechanism is to apply drive in both directions of rotation to a ring having an inside set of teeth, the drive being applied by means of a pivoting handle. The ring cooperates with two locking pawls mounted on a stationary cheekplate and with a toothed slug pivotally mounted on a cam and forming two drive pawls, the cam being pivoted by the handle, but with a certain amount of diametral clearance. When the handle is pivoted, the drive pawl corresponding to the pivot direction engages the toothed ring while the other drive pawl is held in a retracted position by a stationary slideway, and the locking pawl corresponding to the pivot direction of the handle is moved into a retracted position by the cam while the other locking pawl engages the toothed ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Equipements S.A.
    Inventor: Olivier Rougnon-Glasson
  • Patent number: 5865285
    Abstract: A manual drive for producing rotary movement in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions includes a drive lever which has a neutral position from which it can move into a first or second rotary direction. Attached to the drive lever are a pair of detent elements, one controlling clockwise rotation of the drive wheel and the other controlling counter-clockwise rotation. The detent elements have teething elements on a free end for engagement with a drive wheel which has counter teething about its circumference. The detent elements engage the drive wheel in the neutral position. The detent elements slide in a slide guide which lifts one of the detent elements out of engagement with the drive wheel when the drive lever moves in the opposite rotary direction. Springs located on either side of the slide guide lift the detent element on the drive side out of engagement with the drive wheel as the drive lever returns to the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Andreas Minkenberg, Peter Schumann, Markus Fischer, Michael Forkel
  • Patent number: 5630490
    Abstract: A torque limiter comprises input and output shafts connected together by a clutch which disengages to prevent excessive torque from being applied to the output shaft and to allow the input shaft to rotate freely. As the clutch disengages, a brake is applied to the output shaft to prevent it from rotating. When the brake is applied, a latch holds the brake on. The clutch comprises balls which are held in clutch plate recesses to transmit torque but which ride out of the recesses and fall into pockets so that the clutch becomes permanently disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited company
    Inventors: Philip Hudson, Stephen H. Davies
  • Patent number: 5570765
    Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly for a machine having a rotating output shaft and a fixed mounting plate which includes an input disc coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith and moveable axially relative thereto, an output disc moveable axially relative to the output shaft and rotatable relative thereto and a brake member fixed to the mounting plate and adjacent the output shaft. A high friction pad is mounted on the output disc for coupling the output disc to the input disc and for arresting the rotation of the output disc upon engagement with the brake member. Springs urge the input disc axially away from the output disc the output disc axially into engagement with the brake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: North American Clutch Corp.
    Inventor: Arthur G. Patridge
  • Patent number: 5415257
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism having a drive shaft operatively connected to a drive section of a working vehicle, and a driven shaft connected to a working implement such as a mower unit. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch mounted on the drive shaft to be operable between an ON state to transmit drive from the drive shaft to the driven shaft, and an OFF state to break drive transmission; a transmission shaft connected to the clutch; and a shift device connected to the clutch to be shiftable between a first position corresponding to the ON state of the clutch and a second position corresponding to the OFF state of the clutch. The shift device has a clutch control device shiftable to control the clutch, and a first helical gear axially movably mounted on the transmission shaft. The clutch mechanism further includes a second helical gear rotatable with the driven shaft and meshed with the first helical gear, and a brake for applying a braking force to the shift device when the shift device is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Teruo Shimamura, Kenji Matsuda, Fujiwara Osami
  • Patent number: 4986155
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for repeatedly cutting extruded rubber and plastic material (M) at preselected locations along a length thereof including, a frame (11), a drive shaft (35) mounted on the frame, a drive member (25) effecting a selected speed of rotation of the drive shaft, feed rolls (110) intermittently driven by the drive shaft for controllably advancing the extruded material, and a cutting element (B) reciprocally driven by the drive shaft for repeatedly cutting the extruded material advanced by the feed rolls at the preselected locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Extrusion Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Hays, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4811614
    Abstract: A power take-off drive unit for use at the front of a tractor, in which a housing supports input and output shafts for rotation with the input shaft above the output shaft and a gear train connecting the two shafts. An oil-cooled clutch is provided within the housing which is mounted concentrically with the higher input shaft. Coolant oil is supplied to cool the clutch and a scavenging pump is driven from the input shaft for scavenging coolant oil from within the housing to ensure an oil level within the housing below the clutch to minimize the power losses due to churning of the clutch within the coolant oil while still immersing at least part of the gear train. A bearing support for a pivot of a front axle of the tractor is also carried by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Massey-Ferguson Services N.V.
    Inventor: Jean J. Lasoen
  • Patent number: 4788874
    Abstract: A differential clutch comprises a driving member having a plurality of inner circumferentially disposed clutch teeth cooperating with a lesser number of sprags resiliently urged outwardly on an intermediate member. A second set of sprags on the intermediate member cooperates with clutch teeth on a fixed member to prevent retrograde movement. Rocking back and forth of the turnable member acts through the clutch teeth and sprags to turn the intermediate member. The intermediate member is connected to a driven member, for example, for adjusting a brake, or for acting as a part of a ratchet wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventors: Bertel S. Nelson, William R. Danforth, deceased
  • Patent number: 4785926
    Abstract: A clutch/brake for alternatively connecting a rotatably driven shaft to a driving member and a stationary member has clutch plates operatively connecting the driven shaft and the driving member and brake plates operatively connecting the driven shaft and the stationary member. A clutch operator for urging the clutch plates together is connected to rotate with the driving member. A brake operator for urging the brake plates together is connected to rotate with the driven shaft. A linkage connects the clutch and brake operators to move axially together and includes a bearing which transmits axial thrust loads statically when the clutch is engaged. An annular pneumatic piston moves the clutch and brake operators in a first axial direction to engage the clutch, is connected to the outer bearing race and rotates with the driving member. Brake springs bias the clutch and brake operators in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction to engage the brake and are connected to the inner bearing race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Industrial Clutch Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Matson
  • Patent number: 4607735
    Abstract: A portable power unit for unloading a silage wagon which unit is adapted to be conveniently mounted on the back of the truck used to tow the wagon. The power unit comprises a gasoline engine and a gear reduction unit that is driven by the engine, the reduction unit having a splined output shaft that is adapted to be connected to the self-unloading wagon to power its conveyor. The engine drives the gear reduction unit through a normally loose belt, and a clutch is provided that takes the slack out of the belt when the clutch is engaged. The belt pulley for the gear reduction unit has a brake disc connected to it which coacts with a caliper brake. The brake is actuated by the clutch when the latter is disengaged and operates to hold the brake disc and its pulley against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Timothy W. Coon
  • Patent number: 4605111
    Abstract: A hoist includes a shaft driven by external force, a driving shaft connected to the shaft, a reduction gear train for transmitting rotation of the driving shaft to a load sheave, a mechanical brake assembly in the reduction gear train, and an overload safety device having a clutch mechanism capable of transmitting torque larger in driving said load sheave in a winding-off direction than that in a winding-up direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kito
    Inventors: Masayuki Ohno, Kazuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 4579203
    Abstract: In a drive unit for a motor vehicle a brake is provided for braking down the r.p.m. of the input shaft interconnecting the clutch with the gear box. The brake is actuated by an actuating ring serving also for disengaging the clutch. The actuating ring is connected to a diaphragm spring of the clutch release bearing and an axially extending sleeve. If the clutch linings are worn, the clutch engagement position of the diaphragm spring and the actuating ring is shifted in axial direction. In view of compensating for this axial shift, the sleeve is composed of two sleeve members, one of them being connected to the diaphragm spring and the other of them being connected to the actuating ring through the clutch release bearing and both of them being interconnected by thread means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Achim Link
  • Patent number: 4449317
    Abstract: This invention provides automatic fishing apparatus for trailing line fishing. The trailing line is supported on a reel which is adapted to be coupled or uncoupled with driving means to enable the line to be reeled in or let out. The selective coupling of the reel with the driving means is in response to variations in the line tension caused by a fish being hooked on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Inventors: Marcus T. Brodribb, Anthony G. Brodribb, David H. Baillie
  • Patent number: 4368648
    Abstract: A hand brake including a lock-up and release clutch mechanism, a ratchet rotatable by a hand wheel connected thereto through a drive shaft, a nut screw-threadedly arranged on the shaft and effective, upon rotation of the wheel and shaft in one direction, for advancing on the nut on the shaft to cause the ratchet to be clamped between respective friction surfaces of the nut and friction plates carried on the shaft. Rotation of the shaft causes rotation of a pinion which, in turn, rotates a gear associated with a chain drum to effect chain take-up and, therefore, application of the brakes. A holding pawl prevents rotation of the ratchet in a release direction. Rotation of the hand wheel in an opposite direction effects release of the clutch mechanism and consequently relaxation of tension on the chain for effecting a gradual release of the brakes. Quick release of the brakes is effected by a lever which, by rotation, causes disengagement of the collar from the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Housman, Wajih Kanjo
  • Patent number: 4253554
    Abstract: There is disclosed a bi-directional clutch which offers improved reliability. The three main elements are (a) a stationary, planar section having an upstanding circumferential wall, (b) a driving member having a rotatable planar section and an upstanding cylindrical wall around a central bore, the wall having radial slots and being positioned within the circumferential wall of the stationary member, and (c) a hexagonal-shaped member which is to be driven by the driving member, positioned in the bore of the driving member. A plurality of hollow cylindrical rollers are positioned within the slots of the driving member; opposite ends of each roller are adjacent to the planar surfaces of the stationary and driving members. A torque applied to the driving member, in either direction, causes the rollers to move and to bear against the hexagonal-shaped member to drive it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: Nisenson Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Jules Nisenson
  • Patent number: 4220058
    Abstract: An upshift gear ratio change is made in an automatic transmission by monitoring the driveline torque and operating a closed loop control system in response to that torque to in turn control the torque to obtain a desired shift. Shift quality is optimized, while torque transients are minimized, by initially closing the loop at the end of the static phase of the upshift when the driveline torque drops to its minimum turnaround point, the torque thereafter being controlled such that it increases from the turnaround point at a specified rate and in accordance with a predetermined first ramp command. As the increasing driveline torque then reaches a prescribed reset level, at an early stage in the dynamic phase, the closed loop control system is released and reset in order to control the torque in accordance with a second ramp command, the second ramp, that the torque is made to follow, thereby starting at a higher level than the first ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Werner P. Petzold