Warning, Indicating, And Signal Devices Patents (Class 192/30W)
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Patent number: 5080207Abstract: Servo-assisted gear selection for a vehicle gearbox and gear change controlled by the driver by actuating the clutch, wherein the driver is informed of the selection having been performed in the gearbox by a haptic or tactile signal at the clutch pedal. The signal is transmitted mechanically from an electromagnet to the clutch pedal, or the electromagnet is arranged in the pedal plate of the clutch pedal. The signal generator may also consist of an electromagnet in conjunction with a pressure piston, which acts on the pressure line of the clutch actuating mechanism, or of an electropneumatic valve in conjunction with a differential piston signal generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1990Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Franz Horneffer
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Patent number: 5058718Abstract: A pressure plate for pressing the friction facing of a clutch disc to the flywheel is connected to an operating part through a mechanical link mechanism. A part to be detected which moves by the extent corresponding to the shift of the pressure plate in the clutch axial direction is disposed in the link mechanism. A contact-free sensor for detecting the part to be detected is disposed in the stationary part of the clutch, and when the clutch is connected with the abrasing facing worn to a specific limit, the sensor is designed to detect the part to be detected. There is a control part for receiving the detection signal from the sensor, and a display part is provided to tell that the control part has received the detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin SeisakushoInventors: Hiromi Tojima, Masaaki Asada
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Patent number: 5048645Abstract: A re-usable wear indicator (14) detachably secured to the pad carrier plate (2), especially intended for a disc-type brake shoe (1), which is located at the same point as is a spring (8) precluding rattling from occurring. This measure enables a recess (4) in the brake pad (3), required for fixing the spring, to be used, at the same time, to accommodate the wear indicator (14). The fixation is with the aid of a snap or O-ring (20) secured in an annular groove (19) on an extension (17) of the wear indicator (14), which ring (20) undergrips the constricted first end (21) of a hollow clip (22).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbHInventors: Rudolf Thiel, Ulrich Klimt, Reiner Mueller, Christoph Veith
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Patent number: 5048362Abstract: In a sheet-fed rotary printing press, a device for tensionally connecting a fixed gearwheel and a gearwheel coaxial with and adjustable in rotational position thereof relative to the fixed gearwheel on a cylinder of a turning device in the printing press, comprising an actuatable clamping element and a clamping body for clamping the fixed gearwheel and the adjustable gearwheel together, the clamping body being braced against one of the gearwheels, and being held with the clamping element on the other of the gearwheels, friction elements carried by the gearwheels so as to be mutually overlappingly interengaging in the manner of a multidrive clutch, the clamping body having an annular bearing by which the clamping body is braced against an outer one of the friction elements in an overlap region of the friction elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1989Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Willi Becker, Hans-Peter Hiltwein
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Patent number: 5029678Abstract: An automatic clutch control apparatus controls a clutch on a motor vehicle based on a learned position to fully engage the clutch and a learned position to start engaging the clutch. The automatic clutch control apparatus includes means for determining a basic amount of engagement of the clutch based on operating conditions of the motor vehicle, and means for determining an adjusting amount corresponding to the difference between the position to start engaging the clutch and the position to fully engage the clutch. The basic amount of engagement of the clutch is corrected by the adjusting amount to determine an amount of engagement of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1988Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Toshifumi Koshizawa
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Patent number: 5025686Abstract: An automatic transmission apparatus for vehicles include a continuously variable transmission of belt type, and a control unit supplied with a plurality of data relating to a vehicle. The control unit computes output data on the basis of the input data, and generates control signals for changing a pulley width of the continuously variable transmission of belt type, for changing an effective diameter of the pulley and for substantially continuously controlling the transmission ratio on the basis of the output data. The control unit comprises a control signal generator for deciding whether the vehicle is started or not and for generating a control signal to temporarily narrow the pulley width when it is decided that the vehicle is started.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1988Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Automotive Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Sato, Shizuhisa Watanabe
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Patent number: 5014832Abstract: A clutch control unit which includes a clutch (6); a first detector (9) for detecting a first rate of rotation of an input of the clutch; a second detector (5a) for detecting a second rate of rotation of an output of the clutch; a clutch learning unit (4b) for determining a clutch position at which both of the first and second rates of rotation meet predetermined conditions when said clutch is moved toward engagement from a preset learning starting point and storing a clutch characteristic; a signal generator (4c) for generating a learning underway signal indicating that the clutch learning unit is learning the clutch characteristic; and warning unit (16a) responsive to the learning underway signal to provide a warning display or sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Zexel CorporationInventors: Yuji Satoh, Hiromi Kono, Hiroyuki Soda, Masuhiro Otsuka
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Patent number: 4991701Abstract: A tripping torque setting mechanism of an overload clutch having an adjusting nut threadedly engageable with a thread provided on a cylindrical part of a clutch hub, the adjusting nut being tightened against a spring to produce an urging force corresponding to a predetermined tripping torque. A helical line having a pitch coinciding with the pitch of said thread and indicia for indicating the angular positions is provided on one of the adjusting nut or a member which does not rotate relative to the nut, and an indicator is provided on the other. The axially adjacent portions of the helical line are indicated by different colors and the indicia for indicating the angular positions are indicated by the same color as the portion of the helical line to which the indicia correspond.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1990Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Tsubakimoto Emerson Co.Inventors: Isamu Nakano, Shunji Fujii
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Patent number: 4934501Abstract: In a power transmission comprising a driving shaft and a driven shaft coupled through a clutch unit, the rotational velocities of the shafts are measured by two sensors mounted on the declutching member which slides on the driven shaft to actuate the clutch diaphragm. The sensors may for example be of the variable reluctance type, and are positioned so as to face a portion of the driven shaft and another part of the driving shaft which comprise at least one element or structural feature to which the sensors are responsive, such as ribs or grooves constituting a kind of "pinion" of the driven shaft and a finger which is fixed with respect to the cover plate of the clutch, the latter being itself rotatable with the driving shaft. This "pinion" may be modified so as to allow the degree of wear of the clutch friction pads to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1989Date of Patent: June 19, 1990Assignee: ValeoInventors: Christian Gay, Philippe Lazziaz
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Patent number: 4915200Abstract: In a jet aircraft having a drive which rotatably drives an airframe mounted accessory drive (12), a system for controlling the connection of the drive to the airframe mounted accessory drive is disclosed which permits the manual connection and disconnection of a rotatable shaft (18) from a driven shaft (22) with high reliability by a manually movable handle (30) which is connected to a fork (88) which is rotatable between first and second positions which translates a movable carrier (20) which carries the driven shaft between first and second positions. The system has minimal backlash which insures high integrity in sensed positions of the system which is necessary for safe operation of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1988Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Sundstrand CorporationInventors: David L. Jacques, Neil L. Brown
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Patent number: 4909364Abstract: A latching failure detection mechanism for a rotary drive system is disclosed. A pair of mating clutch jaws are provided, with each jaw torsionally connected to a respective one of a pair of input members, such as the ends of a closed loop drive line. The jaws are relatively axially and rotatably movable. The jaws are movable from a first, inoperative position wherein the jaws simply rotate with the input members and a second, latching position wherein the jaws relatively rotatably move to a latched condition in response to relative failure rotation of the input members, thereby providing a torque path through the jaws in the latching position. An indicator is provided operatively associated with a movable one of the clutch jaws for providing a positive indication that the jaws have moved to the latching position.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1988Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignee: Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Duane H. Grimm
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Patent number: 4909096Abstract: An automatic transmission shift control device is provided with a control unit for automatically putting a selector lever in a locked condition when the selector lever is in its parking position and unless a brake pedal is fully depressed, and a manual actuating unit for manually actuating said control unit and releasing same from the locked condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1989Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 4881623Abstract: A disk brake assembly includes a rotary brake disk rotatable with a wheel and a mounting member fixed to a stationary member of a vehicle. A guide member is fixed at one end portion to the mounting member. A caliper member having a tubular portion slidably supported on the guide member is movable in an axial direction with the caliper member straddling a portion of the brake disk and having a fluid actuator provided with a piston on one side thereof to press an inner brake pad against one face of the brake disk and a reaction portion on the opposite side thereof to press an outer brake pad against the other face of the brake disk. The outer brake pad has a projection portion projected outwardly of the brake disk at the center of its backing plate and a spring member is disposed between the outer brake pad and the reaction portion and rigidly supported the outer brake pad on the caliper member.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1989Date of Patent: November 21, 1989Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshio Kondo
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Patent number: 4848531Abstract: An electronic system for monitoring the operation of a vehicle friction clutch assembly and for generating an indication when the clutch brake of the assembly is frictionally engaged is disclosed. The system generates an electrical signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the clutch brake. To accomplish this, a plurality of magnets or a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth are secured to the clutch brake. A sensor is disposed near the clutch brake which is responsive to the passage of the magnets and teeth rotating thereby. The sensor generates an electrical pulse train signal having a frequency which is proportional to the rotational speed of the clutch brake. An electronic control circuit is provided for generating an indication when the value of the clutch brake rotational speed signal approaches zero, indicating that the clutch brake is frictionally engaged. A similar sensor be provided for determining the rotational speed of the flywheel of the friction clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1987Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Larry O. Gray, Wendell C. Lane, Jr.
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Patent number: 4844221Abstract: A control system for a selector mechanism for a vehicle provided with a clutch and a continuously variable transmission having operational ranges such as a driving range and a reverse range. A synchronizer is provided for selecting either of forward and reverse gears. A hydraulic actuator is provided to respond to the operation of a selector lever for operating the synchronizer for the selection of the ranges. A shift switch is provided to produce a shift signal when the synchronizer engages with a selected gear. A control unit is provided to respond to the shift signal to engage the clutch after the engagement of the synchronizer.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1987Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhito Sakai, Yoichi Iijima
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Patent number: 4785689Abstract: A failsafe system in an automatic transmission includes: a device for detecting rotary speed of an output shaft of the automatic transmission; a device for detecting either rotary speed of a rotary member other than the output shaft of the automatic transmission or engine rotary speed. When a correlation between the output shaft rotary speed and either the rotary speed of the rotary member or the engine rotary speed is abnormal, control oil pressure in a hydraulic control device of the automatic transmission is increased, whereby slippage in frictionally engaging devices in the hydraulic control device of the automatic transmission during non-shift are effectively eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1986Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Yoshio Shindo
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Mechanical cable control with an automatic adjustment device and an electrical detector of operation
Patent number: 4756397Abstract: The mechanical cable control, including an automatic adjustment device (4, 5, 9/7) between a first portion (2) of the shielding conduit of the cable and an outer ferrule structure (6) comprises at least one electrical path mechanism (I; II) incorporating a pair of cooperating electrical contacts (12, 11; 12', 11'), attached to the outer ferrule structure (6) and, via a disengageable connection, to an extension of the first conduit portion (2). The cable control typically incorporates a pair of contacts (11, 12) for detecting the operation of the control and a pair of contacts (11'; 12') for indicating the wear of the component to be actuated (C) by the cable control.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1986Date of Patent: July 12, 1988Assignee: Societe des Cables du MansInventor: Jean Deligny -
Patent number: 4753123Abstract: An automatic self-adjusting cable control device comprising an outer member, an inner member having longitudinally spaced serrations, a spring yieldingly urging the inner member in one direction relative to the outer member, a clutch mechanism between the outer member and the inner member operable to adjust the position of the inner member depending upon the forces applied to the inner and outer members, respectively, and a mechanism for locking the inner member relative to the outer member comprising a first member fixed on the outer member and having an opening through which the inner member extends, a second member rotatably mounted on the first member about an axis spaced radially from the axis of the first member and having an opening through which the inner member extends. The opening through the second member is positioned so that in one rotatable position of the second member relative to the first member, the opening of the second member is aligned with the opening in the first member.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1987Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Assignee: Babcock Industries Inc.Inventor: James D. Stormont
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Patent number: 4745390Abstract: In a four wheel drive vehicle wherein unintended engagement of the first driving axle during vehicle use will result in damage to the vehicle drive train, an apparatus for sensing and indicating the status of the front driving axle without requiring the vehicle occupants to stop the vehicle and perform a visual inspection of the vehicle drive train including, in combination, a drive train shaft that rotates whenever the front driving axle of the vehicle is engaged in four wheel drive and a permanent magnet fixedly secured to the drive train shaft. Magnetically activated relay means, such as a reed switch, are operatively connected to a battery in the vehicle and to an illumination means for switching the illumination means on and off.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1987Date of Patent: May 17, 1988Inventors: Michael A. Oden, Darrell B. Oden
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Patent number: 4722426Abstract: A clutch protection system to guard against overheating due to excessive slippage in a friction clutch (12). The system which is particularly suitable for use with a tractor power take-off clutch includes sensors (18, 19) to provide signals indicative of the input and output speeds of the clutch and an indicating device (56) which receives a first signal (I) indicative of the clutch input speed and a second signal (X) indicative of either the clutch output speed when the clutch engagement pressure is applied or the clutch input speed when the clutch engagement pressure is not applied. The indicating device has a signal level indicative of the difference between the first and second signals minus a signal indicative of the cooling effect on the clutch due to its own rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1986Date of Patent: February 2, 1988Assignee: Massey-Ferguson Services N.V.Inventor: Regis Bellanger
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Patent number: 4705151Abstract: An interlocking proximity switching device operated by the reciprocating member assembly of a hydraulic slave cylinder controlling the operation of the release mechanism of a motor vehicle mechanical clutch, the slave cylinder being hydraulically connected to a master cylinder having an input member operable by the motor vehicle clutch pedal. The switching device is adapted to close the motor vehicle starter relay circuit for a position of the slave cylinder output member, piston and/or push-rod, corresponding to full release of the clutch, such that the clutch must be fully released in order to allow starting the motor vehicle engine. Preferably, the switching device takes the form of a proximity transducer and of an appropriate circuitry for detecting full release of the clutch mechanism, irrespective of the amount of wear of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1985Date of Patent: November 10, 1987Assignee: Automotive Product plcInventors: Keith V. Leigh-Monstevens, Richard A. Nix, Claude A. Patalidis, deceased
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Patent number: 4702336Abstract: For traction control, the wheel slip is determined by comparing the rotational velocity of the driven wheels with the rotational velocity of the non-driven wheels or with a reference quantity. In a wheel tending to spin up, the driving slip is reduced by a braking action. By logically combining the signals reflecting the rotational velocity of the wheel and taking into account the control process already initiated, the desired accelerator value or the deviation therefrom is determined and signaled to the vehicle operator. By observing the indicating instrument (26, 31), the vehicle operator is in a position to actuate the accelerator pedal in such a manner that a mere braking action will produce an optimum driving and starting slip and thus an optimum traction of the vehicle, without the risk of a brake overload condition occurring.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1986Date of Patent: October 27, 1987Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbHInventors: Wolfram Seibert, Klaus-Dieter Blum
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Patent number: 4664239Abstract: A hydraulic master-slave system for clutch actuation includes a clutch sensor system to continuously detect and measure clutch position and wear. One alternate preferred embodiment comprises a resistive strip and wiper assembly coupled to an electrical control circuit to control vehicle functions dependent upon clutch position and wear. A second alternate preferred embodiment employs an optical fence and optical interrupter designed to generate quadrature output to the electrical control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1985Date of Patent: May 12, 1987Assignee: Applied Power Inc.Inventors: Randall A. Symes, Richard J. Zablocki
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Patent number: 4661083Abstract: A multiple disc torque limiting clutch is presented. A stack of friction discs are splined to an output hub with a stack of separator discs interposed therebetween and keyed to a housing. Spring cup assemblies are positioned through openings in the separator discs to urge the separator discs into forceful contacting engagement with the friction discs. The spring cup assemblies include a compressed helical spring maintained within a cylindrical member and transmitting the spring force through the cylindrical member against the stack of separator and friction discs. The housing elements are of substantially unitary construction, with no relative movement capable therebetween. A wear indicator passes through the housing and indicates the degree of wear of the disc elements, while clearances between the interior of the clutch and the exterior are maintained at a minimum to provide a substantially explosion proof unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.Inventors: David C. Heidenreich, Keith A. Nichols
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Patent number: 4660247Abstract: A temperature responsive fuse is provided for use in a vacuum cleaner brush dowel drive clutch mechanism to prevent overheating of the clutch mechanism upon a continued rotation of the drive belt after the brush dowel has stalled due to jamming or similar occurances. The friction clutch is provided to prevent damage to the cog drive belt if the brush dowel becomes stalled and the fuse, which is a meltable spacer positioned between a loading spring and the engaging friction drive surfaces, is provided to prevent excessive heat build-up in the clutch mechanism in case a safety circuit, which normally detects stoppage of the brush dowel and deenergizes the dowel drive motor, should fail. The fuse spacer will melt at a temperature in the range of 300.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. to unload the spring thereby reducing friction between the engaging surfaces of the clutch mechanism and thus lowering the amount of heat generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Edwin H. Frohbieter, William J. Linstromberg
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Patent number: 4660702Abstract: A friction clutch system includes a constant running release bearing member designed to accommodate axial misalignment. In a preferred form, a wave washer is interposed between a flange of a bearing carrier and the outer race of the release bearing member to provide for axial flexibility. In addition, a mechanical stop is provided to limit axial travel of a thrust ring affixed to the axially moveable bearing member in a direction of clutch disengagement. In a preferred form the stop is formed of an elongated shaft having a radially extending projection for arresting the carrier movement beyond a predetermined limit. A sleeve positioned over the shaft includes markings to permit visual indication of amount of clutch wear to aid in the servicing of the clutch system. Also in a preferred form, the carrier is formed of two resilient non-metallic parts and incorporates a snap fit flange-detent connection system which preloads the wave washer upon assembly of the two carrier parts.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1985Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Richard A. Flotow
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Patent number: 4651142Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the protection of a clutch against overheating, specifically a clutch which is located between a combustion motor and a transmission. To ensure protection of the clutch against overheating for most operating conditions, there is an apparatus to determine the drive torque for the determination of the clutch torque or the drive torque transmitted by the clutch, an apparatus for the determination of the slip between the clutch input speed and the clutch output speed, a computer apparatus to determine the product of the clutch or drive torque to be transmitted and the slip, and a monitoring apparatus which combines the value of the product of the clutch torque to be transmitted and the slip with alarm delay times and compares the current slip time with the alarm delay times, and when the alarm delay times are exceeded by the slip times, gives an alarm signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1984Date of Patent: March 17, 1987Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbHInventor: Alfred Klatt
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Patent number: 4645472Abstract: A torque limiting clutch having one or more friction surfaces placed under pressure by pre-compressed helical springs employed for eliminating adjustment and compensating for wear of the clutch during use. In one embodiment of the invention, the springs are pre-compressed on pins for ease of assembly. An embodiment of the invention also provides for axial locking of input shafts centrally of the input hub, while including an indicator of friction surface wear.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1982Date of Patent: February 24, 1987Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.Inventor: David C. Heidenreich
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Patent number: 4635768Abstract: A fail-safe device for preventing undesired rotation of the output as the result of bearing failure and seizure is shown according to the teachings of the present invention in its most preferred form for use with a clutch engagable in a single driving position. In its most preferred form, the output includes a hub portion which is rotatably mounted to the input of the clutch by a bearing. The output of the clutch further includes a collar portion for receipt upon the hub portion and forming a break away connection therebetween. The driven portion of selectively rotationally interrelating members of the clutch, i.e., teeth in the preferred embodiment shown, is located on the collar portion of the output. Under normal operation and without bearing failure, the collar and hub portions of the output have the same relative rotational position and rotate as a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1985Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Horton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: James V. Hanks
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Patent number: 4633984Abstract: The braking arrangement has an input shaft for connection to a drive shaft of the system. A brake device for the input shaft is urged towards operation by a spring released by an electric actuator. The input shaft is coupled to a flywheel by step-up gearing so that the moment of inertia applied by the flywheel to the input shaft is more than 17 times that of the remainder of the arrangement. Acceleration of the drive shaft under an external force is thereby reduced, as is its rotational travel during application of the brake.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1984Date of Patent: January 6, 1987Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited companyInventor: Philip Hudson
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Patent number: 4625841Abstract: A power-assisted transmission with a gear shift suppressing arrangement in which the transmission is controlled so that the gears can only be changed when the clutch is completely disengaged. An electrical sensor senses and measures the movement of the clutch. The sensor is connected to an electronic evaluating circuit which controls the selection and the engagement of the gears. The evaluating circuit causes the disengagement of an old gear and initiates a serch for a newly selected gear when the clutch is depressed approximately two-thirds (2/3) of its full stroke. When the full clutch stroke has been reached, the newly selected gear is completely engaged. If the clutch is reengaged before the engagement of the newly selected gear, the transmission is shifted to the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1983Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbHInventor: Alfred Klatt
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Patent number: 4625843Abstract: A device for limiting the torque transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft comprises a spring-loaded clutch interconnecting said shafts. Relative movement between parts of the clutch when a predetermined output torque is exceeded results in application of a brake which arrests the output shaft. A subsequent increase in torque load results in application of an increased braking force by a second spring whose deformation results in operation of a latched indicator. The indicator is not therefore responsive to low-level transient torque overloads.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1985Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited companyInventors: Peter J. Maltby, Ray Parker
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Patent number: 4611698Abstract: In a double clutch transmission, especially for a motor vehicle, it is necessary for the completely satisfactory shifting sequence to engage and disengage the clutches alternately; in order that such a sequence is assured, differential pressure switches are provided which include a signalling device that indicates end positions of the clutches to an electronic control installation for evaluation purposes.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1983Date of Patent: September 16, 1986Assignee: Dr.Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ulrich Lehmann
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Patent number: 4597480Abstract: A redundant drive having primary and secondary load paths may have a torque sensor to indicate a failure of the primary load path and make a drive connection for transmitting torque through the secondary load path.The positive engagement torque sensor has a pair of adjacent facing plates connected to coaxial shafts of the secondary load path, with one plate having a series of circularly-arrayed pairs of spaced-apart openings and the other plate having a series of circularly-arrayed movable pins engageable with the first plate and movable within a dead zone between openings of a pair of openings. When there is a failure in the primary load path, the movable pins move into the openings to lock the plates together and provide for torque transmission through the secondary load path.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1984Date of Patent: July 1, 1986Assignee: Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Robert A. Schwarz
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Patent number: 4593800Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a clutch or connector mechanism that is capable of having the individual bias changed so that it is independent of the torque applied to the clutch. The driving and driven elements may be interchanged and either the driving or driven elements may have indentations formed at different radii to control the torque at one setting in a first rotational direction and reach a different torque at another setting in an opposite rotational direction. The two rotatable members, one driving and the other being driven, form two bearings that provide loading support within the clutch or connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1983Date of Patent: June 10, 1986Assignee: Helland Research & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Ness, Lyle J. Gerads
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Patent number: 4592249Abstract: A shift rod position indicator system for an automotive vehicle transmission includes a plurality of position sensors fixed to the housing of the transmission and actuating means moved by shift rods in proximity to the sensors which generate an electrical signal according to the displacement of the shift rod during the shifting operation, the electrical signal corresponding with initial and full engagement of the gear, the signal being maintained over the extent of gear engagement to provide an electronic control circuit with information so as to permit the synchronized operation of clutches to effect a semi-automatic gear change.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1984Date of Patent: June 3, 1986Assignee: Dr. Ing.-H.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ulrich Lehmann, Hans Weigele
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Patent number: 4591035Abstract: A disconnected situation of a clutch is detected by a clutch sensor and an actuator performing selection of gear ratio in a secondary transmission is controlled by a control circuit in response to detected signals of the clutch sensor, whereby the selection of the gear ratio is conducted only when the clutch is put in its disconnected situation.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1984Date of Patent: May 27, 1986Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Ueda, Shigeo Shigeyama
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Patent number: 4567972Abstract: A clutch system providing a simplified clutch adjustment which also gives an indication of how much clutch facing remains so that it is known when a clutch face needs replacement. The system mounts the motor armature and flywheel in a bearing structure which is axially shiftable toward the clutch face by utilization of a rotatable element threadedly engaged with the main frame of the motor and which presents against one end of the bearing structure so that it may shift the bearing structure and the entire armature and flywheel by rotation of the threaded element. This threaded element is coupled to the fan cowl of the motor which is in turn held in fixed position by a latching member. With the latching member released, the fan cowl is rotatable to adjust the flywheel, with the fan cowl then being again latched into position to prevent further movement of the flywheel in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1984Date of Patent: February 4, 1986Assignee: Teledyne Mid-America CorporationInventors: Yadu M. Buch, Earl C. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 4556137Abstract: This invention relates to the clutch clearance uniforming device having the piston 21 fitted freely slidingly in the slave cylinder 1, the annular holder plate 22 contacting with the open end surface of said slave cylinder 1, the sleeve 23 fitted in the central hole of said holder plate 22 and slidable relatively to the slave cylinder 1 by the fixed distance in the axial direction, the first release rod 27 fitted into said sleeve 23 and one end thereof pressing on said piston 21, the second release rod 28 fitted likewise into said sleeve 23 and slidable relatively to said first release rod 27 by the fixed distance, the compression spring 30 interposed between the pair of said release rods 27, 28, and the lock ball 29 integrating the sleeve 23 and the pair of release rods 27, 28 by means of elastic force of said spring 30 at the time when said compression spring 30 stretches; characterized by that the stopper (31) for preventing the lock ball 29 from slipping out of the sleeve 23 is provided on said first releType: GrantFiled: November 15, 1983Date of Patent: December 3, 1985Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin SeisakushoInventor: Minoru Abe
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Patent number: 4550815Abstract: A wear indicator for an automative driveline clutch comprises a base 20 fixed to the clutch housing 10, and a microswitch 16 mounted on a carrier 30. The carrier 30 is set in position by the first full disengagement movement of the clutch lever 12. The length of the aperture 32 is such that the lever 12 engages the microswitch 16 when the clutch linings are worn.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1983Date of Patent: November 5, 1985Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Ronald J. Gale
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Patent number: 4506590Abstract: A hydraulic rotary actuator which comprises a harmonic drive and a hydraulic motor completely enclosed in the casing of the harmonic drive so that the rotation of the motor is taken out through an output shaft fixed to the drive at a reduced speed. In the casing of the harmonic drive there are provided an electromagnetic brake which acts on the motor, means for increasing the performance of the magnetic brake, means for magnetically shielding the supporting shaft of the hydraulic motor, and means for detecting the angular position of the motor and that of the output shaft relative to the supporting shaft of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1983Date of Patent: March 26, 1985Assignee: Shimadzu CoporationInventors: Masayuki Miki, Tetsuya Tanigaki
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Patent number: 4493409Abstract: An ignition-operated combustion power unit wherein the flywheel on the crankshaft of the power unit can transmit torque to the pressure plate of a friction clutch whose cover carries an ignition point indicator. The cover can be connected to the flywheel in a single predetermined angular position of the cover and flywheel relative to each other so that the indicator is invariably maintained in one and the same angular position with reference to the crankshaft when the cover receives torque from the flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1982Date of Patent: January 15, 1985Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbHInventor: Klaus Steeg
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Patent number: 4491204Abstract: A disk brake comprises a caliper housing adapted to fit over the edge of a brake disk rotatable about an axis, a pair of brakeshoes in the housing axially flanking the disk and each having a brake pad turned toward the respective face of the disk and a backing plate turned away therefrom, and an actuator in the housing and engaging the backing plates for urging the brakeshoes together against the disk. The backing plates are formed with respective axially throughgoing brakeshoe passages and the housing is formed with respective housing passages in line with the brakeshoe passages. The brake further has a spring compressed axially between the brakeshoes and having respective legs extending toward the shoes, respective pusher portions extending from the legs and lying flatly against the backing plates, and respective guide portions extending from the pusher portions and extending axially through the respective brakeshoe passage and housing passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1982Date of Patent: January 1, 1985Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer Georg Schafer & Co.Inventors: Otmar Dirauf, Norbert Spielmann
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Patent number: 4488140Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, includes an engine and a hydraulic assist-type transmission coupled together by a clutch. A monitor includes sensors for sensing engine speed, clutch temperature and transmission temperature. Warning signals are generated if the clutch temperature is continuously and at least a certain amount hotter than the transmission temperature for a certain time period. The warning signals are disabled if the engine speed is less than a threshold and for a certain time interval after the engine speed exceeds the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1982Date of Patent: December 11, 1984Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Stephen P. Lang, Yolanda E. Martin, Patrick E. Pinkston
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Patent number: 4474274Abstract: A clutch disk of a motor vehicle clutch is provided with a contact element. This contact element is part of a sensing circuit rotating with the clutch disk. This sensing circuit is open as long as the friction pads on the clutch disk are relatively new. Only when the friction pads have been worn to a predetermined degree, the contact element comes into contact with a friction face of the fly wheel disk of the pressure plate of the clutch, so that the sensing circuit is closed. The sensing circuit is connected through a pair of induction coils to a stationary electronic circuitry. This circuitry is influenced by the opening and closing of the sensing circuit and controls indicating means for indicating the degree of wear of the friction pads.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1981Date of Patent: October 2, 1984Assignee: Sachs-Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Dieter Lutz, Wolfgang Thieler, Albert Katzenberger
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Patent number: 4473141Abstract: A shift lever control device for an automotive transmission by which a shift lever can be shifted from a Park position to a Reverse position or vice versa only when the park brake is in opertion and the engine has been started. The control device comprises a shift lever control means having a plunger and an electromagnetic actuation mechanism, an ignition key switch and a park brake switch, in addition to a conventional shift lever device having a shift lever, a position plate, a pin, and so forth. The ignition key switch, the park brake switch, and the electromagnetic mechanism are connected in series between a power supply and ground, so that if the park brake is released or the engine turned off, the electromagnetic mechanism is operated to actuate the plunger to drive the pin of the gear shift level into engagement with a Park position slot. The control device is also intended to prevent the dangerous situation when the shift lever is accidentally set to the park position while the engine is running.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1982Date of Patent: September 25, 1984Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, LimitedInventor: Haruo Mochida
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Patent number: 4452349Abstract: A device for measuring wear of linings of a clutch, especially a motor vehicle clutch, with the clutch including a clutch-actuating device which has a push rod displaceable as a function of a position of, for example, a clutch pedal. A push rod includes a larger diameter portion which can be measured in a vicinity of a measurement point by means of a gauge, whereby the push rod acts upon a throwout fork which is adapted to be displaced as lining wear increases from a basic position in a direction of the push rod and indicate a need for replacement as a result of a predetermined change in diameter indicated by the group. The increased diameter portion of the push rod is formed by a frustoconical sleeve displaceable on the push rod. The sleeve is displaceable by a stop provided on a portion of a housing of the clutch when the clutch is thrown out for the first time into a fixed position corresponding to a maximum lining thickness.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1981Date of Patent: June 5, 1984Assignee: Daimler-Benz AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ernst Tscheplak
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Patent number: 4449416Abstract: A four speed, constant mesh transmission includes an input and an output shaft with four pairs of driver and driven gears respectively spaced on the two shafts. A pair of gear couplings are slidably disposed on the output shaft and splined for rotation therewith. Each gear coupling is selectively moved along the shaft for engagement with one of the driven gears by means of a pair of shift forks respectively engaged with the gear couplings. The two shift forks are slidably disposed on a guide rail which extends parallel to the input and output shafts of the transmission. Each shift fork includes a solenoid lock which may be selectively engaged with the guide rail for preventing sliding movement of the shift fork with respect thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1981Date of Patent: May 22, 1984Assignee: J. I. Case CompanyInventor: Thomas W. Huitema
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Patent number: 4440279Abstract: A clutch or brake control system and method generates an electrical signal upon maximum torque transmission between the relatively displaceable parts of the friction device. This signal can be used as a reference point, changing with each application of the clutch or brake and with wear of the friction members thereof, which is utilized to trigger a controlled clutch or brake application process and may also be used to signal the end of a rapid-closure operation. Electronic circuitry is provided to store and process this signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1981Date of Patent: April 3, 1984Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Friedrich Schreiner
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Patent number: 4428249Abstract: In a processor of photosensitive material, a torque sensor actuates an alarm when a helical gear is subjected to torque in excess of a first predetermined value. The torque sensor includes a helical gear positioned on a shaft and biased against a stop. The gear is slidably attached to the shaft along the axis of the shaft and is fixedly attached to the shaft in an angular direction by a key. A shoulder of a flexible rubber boot movable with the gear along the shaft axis moves with the gear when the torque exceeds the first predetermined value and actuates a switch to warn the operator. In addition, as the torque increases, the gear slidably moves along the shaft past the key, thereby allowing the shaft to freely rotate in an angular direction within the gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1981Date of Patent: January 31, 1984Assignee: Pako CorporationInventor: Keith L. Henk