Screw Patents (Class 192/94)
  • Patent number: 4549640
    Abstract: An operation system for a hoisting device having a hydraulic motor for driving the hoisting device, a clutch mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the motor and the hoisting device cylinder, a foot pedal for applying a brake to the hoisting device by the control of an operator, and an automatic brake mechanism for applying an automatic brake to the hoisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Syoichi Sekino
  • Patent number: 4538717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a step drive assembly which includes a rotatable operating unit for operating a tool or knife or the like. The assembly has a change-over clutch for selectively connecting the operating unit to a continuously running motor or a brake. Control apparatus for the assembly includes a disk rotatable with the operating unit having teeth and spaces therebetween forming zones and a sensor unit for scanning the zones and outputting a pulse train. An evaluating circuit responsive to the pulse train outputs a positioned stop signal and an overload stop signal to effect a braking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Knud Blohm, Egon Krogh
  • Patent number: 4538713
    Abstract: A friction clutch in a rear axle assembly to provide differential operation. The friction clutch has variable capacity responsive to the torque loading on the axle. A helical spline coupling is positioned between the clutch and one of the axle shafts to cause compression of the clutch under high torque running. The spline coupling is located between the driving axle shaft and the clutch housing. A clutch spring extends between the clutch housing and the clutch plates and disks such that advancement of the clutch housing further compresses the plates and disks for increased torque capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichi Wasada
  • Patent number: 4531624
    Abstract: A vacuum system used with an automotive vehicle such that an appropriate negative pressure is maintained within the vacuum system in order to assure the function of the vacuum brake booster even when the vacuum clutch booster is defective with respect to airtightness. A vacuum system according to the present invention comprises a novel second check valve having an orifice formed in the poppet valve or in the valve body, being connected between the intake manifold and the vacuum clutch booster. The second check valve operates as an ordinary check valve in a normal condition but as an orifice in an abnormal condition to prevent the vacuum pressure in the system from being decreased quickly, without use of any conventional vacuum tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Yasufumi Ideta
  • Patent number: 4519486
    Abstract: An arrangement for rapidly halting an internal combustion engine powered implement upon release of a deadman control by the implement operator where a spring actuated braking member engages an annular friction surface on the engine flywheel and the engine ignition system is also disabled is disclosed employing a spring biased toggle moveable between folded and extended positions as the deadman lever moves respectively between actuated and released positions so as to provide a relatively constant force opposing operator actuation of the deadman lever. An additional operator actuated control lever may move the toggle beyond the extent possible due to deadman lever operation for engaging a starter mechanism when the deadman lever is actuated by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: William O. Hermanson
  • Patent number: 4512555
    Abstract: An idling device is able to bring into an idling condition a lever hoist including a change gear provided on driving member threadedly engaged on a driving shaft for driving a sheave winding-up thereabout a chain or rope for a load, an operating lever rockably driven by a hand, winding-up and winding-off driving pawls engageable with teeth of the change gear and changeable in response to the purpose of hoisting or lowering the load, and a braking assembly for preventing the change gear from being driven by a gravity of the load and adapted to be clamped and released by rotative movement of the driving member relative to said driving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kito
    Inventor: Takayoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4509628
    Abstract: In a free-wheeling vehicle drive system in which the free-wheeling function is cut in and cut out entirely in response to normal driving operation of acceleration and deceleration, at least the signal corresponding to engine acceleration, which may be provided by the accelerator pedal, is subjected to delay before it may set a flipflop establishing the free-wheeling function. The braking signal, which may conveniently be derived from the brake-light switch, can likewise be advantageously delayed in its resetting of the flipflop in order that brief touching of the brakes should not disable free-wheeling. A more refined system which cuts in free-wheeling only after acceleration of the engine followed by the establishment of an idling condition of the engine can be used without the necessity of providing an overrunning clutch, since the control of a normal clutch connecting or separating engine and drive train can provide free-wheeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Junginger, Norbert Rittsmannsberger, Eberhard Schnaibel
  • Patent number: 4506771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a switching device such as a clutch or brake for a moveable element such as a shaft which is driveable by a prime mover such as a rack and pinion device. The clutch selectively connects the shaft to the prime mover and the brake alternately and selectively connects the shaft to the housing. A motor sinusoidally reciprocates the rack by way of an eccentric drive and the rack drives a pinion on the input side of a pneumatic clutch and brake unit. The clutch is always operated in only one direction of movement and the moveable shaft can thereby be intermittently driven in one direction. A continuously rotating motor shaft carries a signal generator disc having a signal generating track in the form of recesses which are scanned photoelectrically. An operating signal which holds the clutch engaged during one half period is received by the signal generator and delivered by a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Egon Krogh, Knud Blohm
  • Patent number: 4497395
    Abstract: An anti creep braking system for a vehicle. A force transmission member is drivingly coupled to a part of the brake pedal and transmits braking force to a braking force generation system. A braked member is selectively braked by a braking device, and is driven by the brake pedal with a one direction force transmission device being interposed on the path of transmission of force between the brake pedal and the braked member. The sense of force transmission of the one direction force transmission device is such that, when the movement of the braked member with respect to the vehicle is prevented by the braking device, the brake pedal may be further depressed to increase vehicle braking action without transmitting substantial force to the braked member, but may not be moved backwards to reduce vehicle braking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Nogami, Shigetaka Akahori, Harumi Oohori, Nobuyasu Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 4489816
    Abstract: A drive shaft is connected with one coupling half of a synchronizing tooth clutch and with a primary part of a fluid coupling. A driven shaft is connected with another clutch half of the tooth clutch and with a secondary part of the fluid coupling. The tooth clutch has a clutch star which is axially displaceably guided by a first straight tooth system at the one clutch half by continuous tooth mesh and can be engageable with a second straight tooth system provided at the second clutch half. Threadably connected with the second clutch half a is also connected by a ratchet with the clutch star and is conjointly axially displaceable therewith. The ratchet engages and causes a screw-like relative movement of the screw socket in relation to the second clutch half causing of the clutch star to engage, when the rotational speed of the first clutch half, in normal forward rotation, is about to fall below the rotational speed of the second clutch half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: MAAG Gear-Wheel & Maschine Company Limited
    Inventor: Hans Sigg
  • Patent number: 4487295
    Abstract: A pressure actuated disc brake has a mechanical arrangement for actuating the disc brake for parking. It has a coil spring clutch mechanism, or a sprag clutch mechanism, acting on a sleeve nut, which is threaded on a piston shaft. A drive arrangement causes the clutch mechanism to grip the sleeve nut and rotate the nut to move the shaft and piston to mechanically actuate the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Clarence I. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4485904
    Abstract: A vacuum system used with an automotive vehicle such that an appropriate negative pressure is maintained within the vacuum system in order to assure the function of the vacuum brake booster even when the vacuum clutch booster is defective in airtightness. A vacuum system according to the present invention comprises a novel second check valve having an orifice therewithin, being connected between the intake manifold and the vacuum clutch booster. The second check valve operates as an ordinary check valve in a normal condition but as an orifice in an abnormal condition to prevent the vacuum pressure in the system from being decreased quickly, without use of any conventional vacuum tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Udono, Yasufumi Ideta
  • Patent number: 4483519
    Abstract: An idling device is able to bring into an idling condition a lever hoist including a change gear provided on driving member threadedly engaged on a driving shaft for driving a sheave winding-up thereabout a chain or rope for a load, an operating lever rockably driven by a hand, winding-up and winding-off driving pawls engageable with teeth of the change gear and changeable in response to the purpose of hoisting or lowering the load, and a braking assembly for preventing the change gear from being driven by a gravity of the load and adapted to be clamped and released by rotative movement of the driving member relative to said driving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kito
    Inventor: Takayoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4478322
    Abstract: An electronic control system for a lockup clutch includes a control system for receiving a vehicle speed signal and, as a function of adjustable engagement and release threshold signals, controlling a solenoid valve to engage and release a lockup clutch. The point of lockup is set by a potentiometer to represent a first vehicle speed, and the point of release is set by a variable resistor at a second speed, lower than the first. The variable resistor is switched into the circuit only after the first threshold level is passed and the clutch is locked up. A signal from the brake pedal overrides the threshold established in the control system to provide clutch disengagement as soon as the brake pedal is depressed. Various circuit components protect the control system from inadvertent damage by the driver and/or vehicle maintenance personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Carlson, William G. Burnia, William J. Haley
  • Patent number: 4469324
    Abstract: A motorized reel is mounted at a fixed location and constructed and arranged to reel-in a lead rope having a runner-connector at its free end. A set of controls including a throttle and a brake is provided at the fixed location for reeling-in the runner at a controllable speed which, typically, is at least slightly faster than the runner is used to running when unaided. Just ahead of the runner-connector on the lead rope is a kill-switch actuator for closing a kill switch and thus terminating the reeling-in action as the runner nears the fixed location. The runner connector is a ring and pulley with a short length of secondary rope looped around the pulley sheave and provided with hand grips at its opposite ends so that normal alternating pumping action of the runner's arms is accommodated by left-right oscillation of the secondary rope along the pulley sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: John O. Dolan
  • Patent number: 4463841
    Abstract: An oil shear clutch-brake unit includes a housing rotatably supporting an input shaft and an output shaft in axial alignment, and the housing encloses a set of interfitting clutch plates and discs for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft and a set of interfitting brake plates and discs for braking the output shaft. A non-rotating piston is also enclosed within the housing and is fluid actuated in both directions from a spring biased neutral position for either clamping the clutch plates and discs or clamping the brake plates and discs. A cooling and lubricating oil is circulated within the housing and between the plates and discs, and the pressure of the fluid for actuating the piston is adjustable for selecting the torque transmitted through the clutch and brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Force Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Reginald D. Kelley
  • Patent number: 4458799
    Abstract: An improved control system is disclosed for air actuated ahead and astern clutches, an engine speed governor, and a propeller shaft brake of a marine propulsion system. The control is actuated by a throttle lever which is moved from a neutral position to select a direction of travel. The degree of movement of the throttle lever from neutral is representative of the desired speed in the selected direction. The improved control engages the brake when the throttle lever is moved from an ahead to an astern direction at medium or high forward speeds. When such a change is commanded, a pair of serially connected brake valves are piloted to connect the brake to a source of air under pressure. One of the brake valves is piloted by an accumulated speed pressure signal indicating an ahead speed greater than a predetermined minimum and the other valve is piloted by the throttle signal commanding astern direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: The Falk Corporation
    Inventor: Niel Schueller
  • Patent number: 4455811
    Abstract: A compact, unitary attachment for the control handle of a power lawnmower is provided that couples a hand-graspable bail to the clutch control cable of the lawnmower. The attachment body is preferably molded from a synthetic resin material and includes a bail-receiving channel coupling the attachment to the bail for pivotal motion therewith, a slot for engageably receiving the end fitting of the cable, and a control handle-engaging arm extending from the attachment. The attachment body readily accommodates a spring for biasing the bail to a released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Conchemco, Incorporated
    Inventor: Anthony F. Beugelsdyk
  • Patent number: 4456106
    Abstract: In a vehicle having an engine, wheels and brake, an overrunning device, preferably in the form of a clutch and associated mechanism, separates the engine and wheels in response to a torque reversal condition where the speed on the engine side of the overrunning device is less than the speed on the wheel side of the overrunning device. An overrunning suspension device causes reengagement of the clutch in response to a high brake temperature and a brake actuation, which indicates a need for an additional braking effect to be performed by the engine, such as during extended downhill driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Arthur Schneider
  • Patent number: 4455490
    Abstract: An apparatus combination for improving the starting mode of a starter for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The combination comprises a supporting means effective to support the starting motor armature, both for rotary movement about an axis within the field winding and for axial movement in response to the axially directed magnetic forces of the winding. Friction means are employed to sequentially engage each of two conical surfaces carried by the member to be driven by the starter motor, such sequential engagement being in response to the axial movement of the armature. Means are also disclosed to assist the frictional engagement between the conical surfaces of the driven member by use of a resilient ring which allows full metal-to-metal contact between the friction means and driven member, but also provides extended interengagement with the friction means by distortion of the ring along a tangent to the friction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dante S. Giardini, Lawrence R. Foote
  • Patent number: 4451238
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system for a water craft comprises a relatively large engine or power plant and a power transmission including an output shaft for driving the propeller. The power transmission includes forward and reverse shafts, gear trains between these shafts and the output shaft, and clutches for the forward and reverse shafts. A shaft brake is provided to stop rotation of the output shaft for the propeller which minimizes damaging shocks to the propulsion system which sometimes occur during maneuvering operations. The brake is located concentrically with the forward shaft of the power transmission and is effective to brake the propeller shaft through interconnecting gears when both clutches are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Twin Disc, Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce C. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4449416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Huitema
  • Patent number: 4445603
    Abstract: A safety circuit for an electronic throttle control for internal combustion engines, especially for a so-called electronic accelerator system in motor vehicles which include a brake pedal, a set value transmitter coupled to an accelerator, an electronic circuit that acts on a stepping motor, and a clutch interposed between the stepping motor and a throttle actuated by the stepping motor, with the throttle being coupled to an idle return device. The clutch is adapted to be engaged when the accelerator and brake pedal are not simultaneously actuated and when the gas pedal is actuated alone or together with the brake pedal. The clutch is adapted to be disengaged when the brake pedal alone is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reinhard Filsinger
  • Patent number: 4444299
    Abstract: An automatic control system for operating the clutch of a car and capable of being attached to cars of manual shift transmission type comprising a servomotor mechanism forwardly and reversely rotated depending upon increase and decrease of supplied voltage to drive a clutch pedal in direction in which a clutch is connected and disconnected; a circuit for converting the rotation number of engine to a pulse output to detect the rotation number of engine; a frequency-voltage converter circuit for supplying to a servomotor an output voltage responsive to said pulse output; and a switching means connected on the way of a voltage supply line extending from the frequency-voltage converter circuit to the servomotor mechanism and changing voltage supplied to the servomotor mechanism by manual or foot operation to forwardly and reversely rotate the servomotor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Inventor: Suehiro Mizukawa
  • Patent number: 4422600
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fishing reel which has free spooling, variable drag, and lock up action controlled by an exterior lever. The lever is cammed to a draw rod, which, in turn, through a floating contact, pins journalled through the reel housing, and a thrust bearing, urges a brake disk against a brake lining fixed to the spool. The floating contact is adjustable for presetting the maximum drag and provides smooth operation even under conditions of a warped brake disk or uneven brake lining. And use of approximately a dozen pressure pins, depending on reel size, avoids pressure warpage of the thrust bearing race and consequent binding during maximum drag operation. The brake disk, floating contact, journalled pins, and thrust bearing are located in a housing opposite that containing the lever, winding handle, and a second thrust bearing for the spool and thereby permit easy access for repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Inventor: Robert Preston
  • Patent number: 4412605
    Abstract: A fan clutch for a vehicle engine connects the engine cooling fan with the engine when the cooling effect of the engine fan is necessary and disconnects the fan when its cooling effect is not necessary. The clutch includes a driven member and a driving member and a belt carried by the driving member and rotatable therewith which is adapted to engage the driven member when the clutch is to be engaged. The driven member comprises a pair of relatively rotatable, axially extensible portions, so that when the belt is in driving engagement with the driven member, relative rotation between the portionsextends the same so that engagement surfaces on one of the portions and on the driving member are brought into engagement, thus connecting the driven and driving members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventors: Brian C. Deem, Richard J. Reitz
  • Patent number: 4406352
    Abstract: A fluid motor moves a lever to turn a power screw mounted for rotation by a pair of axially spaced bushings. External threads on the power screw engage internal threads on an actuator and slide or translate the actuator and a piston in a brake-applying direction. A spring moves the piston in the opposite direction to a rest position. A cap fits over a medial flange of the power screw and has a spline connection with the actuator to prevent rotation of the actuator. Four bolts connect the fluid motor mounting bracket and the cap to a caliper which slides on parallel pins fixed to a torque plate secured to a vehicle axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Scott, Charles H. Lantz, David D. Sheill
  • Patent number: 4391357
    Abstract: A coupling is provided in which a coupling member and coupling sleeve of a rotary coupling for coupling a drive transmission to a rolling mill stand input shaft have mating taper threads which provide torsional rigidity and facilitate quick engagement and release. Engagement and release are effected by slowly turning the coupling half by means of the drive transmission while a brake device engages dogs on the coupling half to prevent the latter rotating. The coupling sleeve is flexibly attached to the flange by sheet metal laminate compensating elements but mobility of the sleeve is restricted by a support element on a shaft extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Company
    Inventors: Ali Bindernagel, Helmut Holthoff, Hartmut Diel
  • Patent number: 4384639
    Abstract: A reversing/reduction gear connecting a marine gas turbine to a propulsion shaft is of the epicyclic type, and includes two sun wheels, two sets of planetary gear wheels, two planetary gear wheel carriers and two external ring wheels, means being provided for selectively braking a first combination of one planetary gear wheel carrier and one of the external gear wheels, as well as the combination of the other external ring wheel and one of the sun wheels, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Lars Collin Consult AB
    Inventor: Lars T. Collin
  • Patent number: 4384626
    Abstract: A clamp-on stabilizer fixes the lateral position of a drill string in a borehole. The stabilizer includes a gripping sleeve with slotted and tapered ends, a stabilizer body receiving the sleeve, and a tubular locknut threaded into the body. The lower end of the stabilizer body is internally tapered to engage one tapered end of the gripping sleeve, while a ring abutting the locknut engages the other tapered end. In a preferred embodiment the tapers are different at each end of the sleeve to produce a sequential locking effect. A full-length longitudinal slot in the sleeve increases the tolerance range for objects to be clamped by the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas L. Derouin
  • Patent number: 4381049
    Abstract: Apparatus for electrically controlling the application and release of aircraft brakes. In one embodiment, the invention includes a slurry clutch controlling a reciprocating member which is operatively connected to the pressure plate. In another embodiment of the invention, a torque motor is adapted to have an armature which comprises a ball screw, the ball screw being in engagement with a longitudinal drive rod interconnected with the pressure plate. Rotation of the armature causes the drive rod to move the pressure plate into forceful engagement with the brake disk stack or to retract the same. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of torque motors are interconnected with a bull gear which is operative for driving the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Assignee: Goodyear Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Crossman
  • 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: 4365696
    Abstract: An improvement to a clutch housing, including a clutch mechanism manually operable to lock and unlock the vehicle axle to the vehicle wheel hub, is disclosed. The improvement comprises the clutch housing attachable to the vehicle wheel hub by a lock ring disposed around the clutch housing. The lock ring engages an annular groove within the vehicle wheel hub allowing the clutch housing to be secured to the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Telford
  • Patent number: 4363389
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a clutch mechanism interconnecting the driving connection between the vehicle engine and the vehicle driving wheels. The control system operates to automatically disengage the clutch when the braking system is actuated and the vehicle speed is reduced to a predetermined level with the accelerator in idle position. The clutch automatically engages when any of the three parameters have changed from predetermined levels. The automatic control system serves to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions at vehicle idling by reducing transmission drag, yet provides smooth shifting and permits the engine and transmission to assist in vehicle braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Zahnraderfabrik Renk A.G.
    Inventors: Franz X. Zaunberger, Artur Kugler
  • Patent number: 4362228
    Abstract: A mounting (12) for the throttle lever (13) and the dead-man control lever (22) to the handle (11) of an appliance such as a lawn mower, and including a locking bolt (30) carried by a leaf spring (27) to interfere with the movement of the dead-man control lever (22) so as to insure against accidental or unintentional movement of the dead-man control from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard R. Plamper, Hartmut Kaesgen, Robert W. Rush, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4350234
    Abstract: An electronically or hydraulically controlled automatic transmission system comprises three means for detecting the release of an accelerator pedal, for detecting the depression of a brake pedal and for detecting an excess of acceleration over a predetermined amount, and only in response to the simultaneous detections in all of those means, which are caused in running down a slope, an automatic engine braking can be effected by the electronically controlled down-shift of the speed range of the vehicle, and further on account of an appropriate delay of the detection of the released accelerator pedal, an unnecessary engine braking can be prevented in the ordinary running which is accompanied by frequent slight variations in acceleration on a flat road or a gradual up or down slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Suga, Hideo Hamada
  • Patent number: 4342371
    Abstract: A rotatable flywheel is selectively operatively connectable to the power drive train of a related vehicle and is effective to absorb energy from the vehicular ground-engaging drive wheels during vehicle decleration thereby also providing for at least a degree of vehicular braking; a clutch is provided to enable the vehicular ground-engaging drive wheels to accelerate the flywheel while preventing the flywheel from driving such wheels through such clutch; an additional clutch is shown as being provided to enable selectively variable degrees of operative connection between the wheels and flywheel; and a related control is provided for affecting such selectively variable degrees of operative connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Assignee: Colt Industries Operating Corp
    Inventor: Marion L. Smitley
  • Patent number: 4309862
    Abstract: A lawn mower having a housing mounted on wheels, an engine, a centrifugal clutch connected to the engine drive shaft, a cutting blade connected to the clutch, a brake connected to stop the cutting blade's rotation, a brake actuating arm connected to the brake, a spring biasing the brake arm to the set or braking position, a U-shaped handle connected to the housing and extending upward and rearward with a cross portion at its outer end, a throttle actuating arm on the engine, a control plate secured to the side of the handle, a spring biasing the throttle actuating arm toward idle and shut-off position, a throttle control line connected to a throttle actuating arm extending through a sheath to a throttle control lever on the control plate, a brake control line connected to the brake actuating arm, extending through a sheath and connecting to a brake control lever, the brake control lever and the throttle control levers being interconnected so that the brake control lever retains the throttle control lever in r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: Capro, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4310083
    Abstract: Device for connecting a driving element to a driven element so as to be locked against mutual rotation, and for separating the same, including a friction disc having two friction surfaces, the disc being fixed against radial movement and shiftable in axial direction, a device for stopping the axial shift of the disc in direction away from the driving element, the driven element being in the form of axially shiftable friction parts being coaxial and engageable with the friction disc and rotatable relative thereto, each of the friction parts having a counter-friction surface disposed thereon, a connecting device for transmitting torque between the friction parts, the connecting device being elastic in axial direction and stiff in direction of rotation of the friction parts, and a device for disengaging one of the friction parts from the friction disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventor: Edmund Maucher
  • Patent number: 4306640
    Abstract: A multi-speed hydrostatic drive is disclosed. The drive comprises the combination of a drive unit having at least one output connectable to a motive member and at least first and second inputs. A clutch unit is connected to the first drive unit input, and a first fixed displacement hydraulic motor is connected to the clutch unit so as to drive the drive unit first input through the clutch when the clutch is engaged. A brake unit is connected to the second drive unit input. A second fixed displacement hydraulic motor is connected to the brake unit so as to drive the drive unit second input when the brake is disengaged. A variable displacement hydraulic pump is also provided. A hydraulic circuit delivers the pressurized fluid to the first and to the second hydraulic motors to provide a relatively low speed, high torque drive. Alternatively, the hydraulic circuit can be set to deliver pressurized fluid to the second motor only to provide a relatively high speed, low torque drive to the motive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Lambert Brake Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4305489
    Abstract: Disclosed is a regenerative braking device (10) for an automotive vehicle. The device includes an energy storage assembly (12) having a plurality of rubber rollers (26, 28) mounted for rotation between an input shaft (36) and an output shaft (42), clutches (38, 46) and brakes (40, 48) associated with each shaft, and a continuously variable transmission (22) connectable to a vehicle drivetrain and to the input and output shafts by the respective clutches. The rubber rollers are torsionally stressed to accumulate energy from the vehicle when the input shaft is clutched to the transmission while the brake on the output shaft is applied, and are torsionally relaxed to deliver energy to the vehicle when the output shaft is clutched to the transmission while the brake on the input shaft is applied. The transmission ratio is varied to control the rate of energy accumulation and delivery for a given rotational speed of the vehicle drivetrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Lyle O. Hoppie
  • Patent number: 4302988
    Abstract: A planetary-roller transmission for transmitting power from one rotating shaft to another by means of a plurality of planet rollers pivotally supported, in contact with the outer periphery of a sun roller fixedly mounted on one rotating shaft and also with the inner periphery of an internal contact ring secured to a stationary member and made unmovable circumferentially of the rotating shaft, by a carrier connected to the other rotating shaft, characterized in that either the internal contact ring or the sun roller or both are in the form of an elastic element or elements adapted to receive, on one side thereof, a compressive force axially of the rotating shafts to change the radius of the element surface in pressure contact with the mating rollers, and a presser device is provided which applies the compressive force to one side of each elastic element and brings the element into or out of engagement with the mating rollers by increasing or decreasing the compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Takahashi, Shoichi Oda, Hiroshi Satoh, Itsuro Sakai
  • Patent number: 4299316
    Abstract: The adjustable seat having a plurality of position adjusters, such as a backrest adjuster, a front vertical adjuster, a rear vertical adjuster, and a longitudinal-horizontal adjuster includes a common driving motor which is coupled to individual adjusters by means of a power distributing gear unit including a plurality of driving shafts supporting for free rotation meshing gears which are in permanent engagement with a driving pinion of the driving motor. Each of the driving shafts also supports for joint rotation axially movable coupling discs which are normally disengaged from the assigned gears. The gear unit includes a control unit assembled of a plurality of mechanical control devices, each including cam surfaces linked to the coupling discs and being conservatively activated by a sliding member driven by an additional adjustment motor. The sliding member also controls an indication circuit which indicates the individual operative position of respective driving shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: Keiper Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Adolf Reinmoeller
  • Patent number: 4298113
    Abstract: A grinding mill having heavy duty transmission including a hydraulic clutch is provided with an inching capability, a slow running capability, a braking capability and overload prevention, as well as synchronization capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering Works Limited
    Inventors: Marvin B. Shaver, Robert M. Vadas, Norman A. Stock
  • Patent number: 4296849
    Abstract: An automatic torque regulator couples a motor to a load and automatically and continuously varies the torque delivered to the load to avoid large and sudden loading of the motor as can occur during start-up and shutdown. This regulator solves the problems associated with prior art regulators by being operable over a range of rotational speeds and by being adjustable in said range of rotational speeds without having to stop said regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Luigi Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 4282957
    Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a main transmission and, in series with it, a sub-transmission which has two speed stages, wherein the sub-transmission is automatically controlled by a main control system of a sub-transmission control system according to various operating parameters of the vehicle and the engine of the vehicle, it is proposed further to provide a sub-control system which is fed with a signal which indicates operation of the braking system of the vehicle, and which generates, when the braking system of the vehicle has been operating for longer than a first predetermined time, a shiftdown signal, which is fed to the main control system so as to override it, and so as to shift the sub-transmission positively into its lower speed stage, so as to provide good engine braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sugimoto, Jiro Nakano
  • Patent number: 4282959
    Abstract: A clutch for automatically engaging a driving member with a driven member upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either the forward or reverse mode of operation, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Julian Schachner
  • Patent number: 4274620
    Abstract: An anchor windlass has a shaft on which an anchor-line sprocket is freely rotatable between an abutment fixed axially on the shaft and an entrainment emenet fixed rotationally but axially shiftable on this shaft. A nut threaded on the shaft bears via a stack of spring washers on this entrainment element and can be screwed axially forwardly on the shaft to wedge the sprocket between the entrainment element and the abutment to rotationally couple the sprocket to the shaft, and can be screwed axially backwardly on the shaft to allow free rotation of this sprocket on the shaft. A pawl and cam mechanism serves to automatically rotationally temporarily arrest the nut to screw it in the desired direction for coupling the sprocket to the shaft or uncoupling it therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: Dieter Delwing
    Inventor: Edmond Uher
  • Patent number: 4271940
    Abstract: A reversing/reduction gear connecting a marine gas turbine to a propulsion shaft is of the epicyclic type, and includes two sun wheels, two sets of planetary gear wheels, two planetary gear wheel carriers and two external ring wheels, means being provided for selectively braking a first combination of one planetary gear wheel carrier and one of the external gear wheels, as well as the combination of the other external ring wheel and one of the sun wheels, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Lars Collin Consult AB
    Inventor: Lars T. Collin
  • Patent number: 4269293
    Abstract: A disconnect for disengaging an accessory rotor from a driving engine and quickly decelerating the accessory rotor to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventor: William B. Martin