Geared Patents (Class 254/103)
  • Patent number: 11261948
    Abstract: An electromotive furniture drive includes a drive motor including an output shaft, a lift spindle arranged in a common plane with the output shaft, and a gear assembly configured to couple the output shaft of the drive motor to the lift spindle. The gear assembly includes an intermediate shaft which intersects the common plane between the lift spindle and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: DEWERTOKIN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD
    Inventor: Sven Müller
  • Patent number: 11223125
    Abstract: A portable radar system comprising: a base; a mount connected to the base; a radar antenna pivotally attached to the mount; and a linear actuator pivotally connected between a portion of the base and the radar antenna, the linear actuator comprising a base containing an extendable column, which when deployed is substantially cylindrical, having a corrugated outer wall, and which is configured to raise and lower the radar antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Hall, Stanley M. Granat
  • Patent number: 11021137
    Abstract: A jack (1), which is extensible, comprising: a first tubular body (5), a second tubular body (30) slidably associated with the first tubular body (5) and movable along a predetermined longitudinal direction (A), a third tubular body (95) slidably associated with the second tubular body (30) and movable along the longitudinal direction (A), a base (115) for support associated with an end (105) of the third tubular body (95) distal from the second tubular body (30), characterized in that it comprises an automatic safety device (145) provided with a lockbolt (150) movable between a first position, wherein it allows relative sliding between the third tubular body (95) and the second tubular body (30), and a second position wherein it prevents the third tubular body (95) from sliding relative to the second tubular body (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SIMOL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Valter Righetti
  • Patent number: 10829009
    Abstract: A vehicle seat height adjuster is configured to allow for a vertically oriented motor and spindle system. A ring-shaped lift plate allows the motor and spindles to pass through the lift plate, thereby allowing the lift plate to travel closer to the vehicle floor while eliminating the need for levered mechanical armature systems and complex transmission systems that convert motor rotation about a horizontal axis to vertical seat movement. The vehicle seat adjuster also offers pure vertical movement in the direction of the motor axis and has a relatively small footprint due in part to most of the components being located within a perimeter of the lift plate when retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Mateusz Antoniuk, Jacek Miszczak, Andreas Rohlfing
  • Patent number: 10709482
    Abstract: A distractor device is disclosed that distracts and holds open an intralaminar space. The distractor device has a housing that includes a kickstand, an actuating bar that includes a foot, and an actuator that engages and drives the actuating bar, wherein the kickstand is configured to engage a first portion of a lamina on one side of the intralaminar space and the foot is configured to engage a second portion of the lamina on another side of the intralaminar space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Wright, Thomas Shinn, Michael Evangelist, Jon Suh
  • Patent number: 10710852
    Abstract: A portable auto lift includes a plurality of vehicle engaging arms configured to selectively engage and support a vehicle, a frame coupled to and supporting the plurality of vehicle engaging arms a moveable carriage coupled to and supporting the frame and the plurality of vehicle engaging arms; a vertical support post configured to receive the movable carriage that supports frame and the vehicle engaging arms, the vertical support post further including a vertically adjustable portion for selectively vertically adjusting the height of the vertical support post; and a hydraulic system for selectively moving the moveable carriage along a length of the vertical post, including selectively moving the carriage along a length of the vertically adjustable portion. The vertically adjustable portion maybe pivoted, removable, or telescoping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Rock A. Ferrone
  • Patent number: 10625892
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 10589886
    Abstract: A packaging machine is for forming a product cavity in a web including a forming die box defining a recess into which the product cavity is formed. An insert is axially movable in the recess to thereby vary a depth of the recess. A variable depth mechanism selectively moves the insert to vary the depth of the recess. The packaging machine includes a latching mechanism that moves the forming die box into and between a first position in which the forming die box is spaced apart from the die box base and a second position in which the forming die box is supported by the die box base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Bonneville, Matthew John Doll
  • Patent number: 10527142
    Abstract: A rotary hydraulic actuator may be configured to output rotary motion to control a hinged surface of an aircraft. The actuator includes a nested ballscrew, ballnut, and output assembly that form concentric ball races for converting the linear motion and force of the linear actuator to rotary motion and torque of the output assembly that is connected to the hinged surface. One of the ball races is helically inclined and the other of the ball races is linear. The rotary hydraulic actuator may include a ball return structure that returns the balls from a loaded path of a ball race to an unloaded path of the ball race. The ball return structure may define a ball return path that is located at the same radial distance from the actuator centerline as the loaded path for minimizing the overall diameter of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Dan T. Nguyen, Ted A. McKay
  • Patent number: 10493867
    Abstract: An adjusting device (3), for a vehicle seat (1), includes at least one first adjusting element (5), at least one second adjusting element (7) that moves relative to the first adjusting element (5), a spindle (11) associated with the first adjusting element (5) and having an outer thread (13) for cooperating with an inner thread (64) of a spindle nut (60) associated with the second adjusting element (7). A base body (62) of the spindle nut (60) is made of metal, in particular steel, and at least sections of the inner thread (64) of the spindle nut (60) is made of a plastic or is covered with a plastic layer. A vehicle seat (1) is also provided having an adjusting device (3) of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Hoffmann, David Balzar
  • Patent number: 10295012
    Abstract: A spindle drive for motor-actuated adjustment of an adjusting element includes a tubular spindle drive housing for a drive unit with a downstream spindle-spindle nut gear unit for generating a linear driving motion. A connection part inserted into one end of the drive housing is connected to an exterior socket via a damping arrangement comprising an elastic damping material. The connection part includes first and second flange-like end portions having confrontingly opposed, spaced apart front sides sandwiching the damping arrangement 4 which is connected to the end portion front sides by vulcanization and/or gluing. The socket is carried on the second end portion remote from the damping arrangement 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Christof Theis, Kathrin Kronz, Jan Bochen
  • Patent number: 10278500
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a height adjustable leg for supporting a cabinet, appliance or structure is described. The apparatus includes a coupling (10) comprising a driven member or feature (13). The coupling forms part of a height adjustable leg. The apparatus also includes a tool (50) comprising a driving member (51) and a torque input (52) for applying torque to the driving member. The tool and the coupling are complementarily adapted to releasably maintain engagement between the driving member and the driven member or feature to allow the driving member to drive the driven member or feature to rotate the coupling about a longitudinal axis of the leg for height adjustment of the leg. The driving member and the driven member are gears that releasably mesh together when the tool is engaged with the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Designerscope Limited
    Inventor: Wim Jan De Bruin
  • Patent number: 10173872
    Abstract: A lift system includes a cylinder having an end surface, a threaded member supported for movement with a piston, and a nut threadedly engaging the threaded member and selectively engageable with the end surface. Engagement of the nut and the end surface limits axial movement of the piston relative to the cylinder in at least one direction. A drive mechanism rotates the nut relative to the threaded member, and a control valve controls movement of the piston relative to the cylinder. A drive control mechanism controls operation of the drive mechanism and rotation of the nut. A nut sensor senses a portion of the nut. The nut sensor is in communication with at least one of the control valve and the drive control mechanism. When the nut sensor detects a portion of the nut, the control valve stops movement of the piston or the drive control mechanism stops rotation of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold Decker
  • Patent number: 10125851
    Abstract: A spindle drive unit, in particular for an actuator having a planetary screw drive (PWG) for actuating a clutch of a motor vehicle by an actuating element is provided, where the drive unit has an e-motor with a rotor and a stator and where a spindle provided with a pitch is connected non-rotatingly to the rotor and is drivable by the rotor around an axis of rotation. The spindle is designed as a threaded rod and a rotor carrier that holds the rotor is screwed onto the threaded rod, and the rotor carrier is rotationally secured and axially fixed on the spindle by a lock nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Schumann, Lazlo Man, Peter Greb, Alexander Dreher
  • Patent number: 10088024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear electro-mechanical actuator for transferring a rotational motion to a linear motion. The actuator provides a piston being at least partly arranged inside a housing. The actuator further provides a transmission module including a rotating portion having a load-carrying surface and a non-rotating portion being operatively engageable to each other. The transmission module is adapted to transfer a rotational motion of the rotating portion to a linear motion of the piston via the non-rotating portion. The actuator further provides a lubricating member having a porous polymeric matrix and a lubricating material, the load-carrying member being arranged adjacent to the transmission module. Thereby, the actuator allows for lubrication of at least a portion of the load-carrying surface of the rotating portion upon movement of the rotating portion. The linear electro-mechanical actuator may not require, or may at least minimize, the need of relubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Pär Högberg, Mikael Brage
  • Patent number: 10022781
    Abstract: A manufacturing method employing a robotic assembly system includes first and second fastener system components that are positioned by a robotic assembly on opposite sides of at least two structural pieces that are to be fastened together. The first system component includes a particular tool of a plurality of different types of tools, where the particular tool installs a particular fastener of a plurality of different types of fasteners. Each tool includes a block or base of magnetic material with a passageway opening for the fastener associated with the tool passing through the base. The robotic assembly positions the tool against one side of the structural pieces to be fastened, and positions an electromagnet assembly on the opposite side of the structural pieces. Activating the electromagnet assembly clamps the structural pieces together. With the fastener positioned in a hole through the structural pieces, the tool is activated to install the fastener between the structural pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, Harinder S. Oberoi, Rodney S. Wright, Jeffrey L. Miller
  • Patent number: 9994206
    Abstract: A screw drive for an electromechanical brake booster of a braking system of a motor vehicle includes: a threaded nut; and a threaded spindle engaged with the threaded nut. The threaded nut includes an outer section which is connectable to a drive unit for driving the threaded nut, and an inner section having a thread for accommodating the threaded spindle. The inner section and the outer section of the threaded nut are connected by a damping unit for damping the torsion of the threaded nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Ignaz Hatt, Harald Guggenmos, Ben Ferguson, Remy Garnier
  • Patent number: 9964198
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear electro-mechanical actuator for transferring a rotational motion to a linear motion. The actuator provides a piston having an outer load-carrying surface and being at least partly arranged inside a housing. The actuator further provides a transmission module adapted to transfer a rotational motion generated by a motor to a linear motion of the piston. The actuator includes a separating member and a lubricating member having a porous polymeric matrix and a lubricating material, the separating member and the load-carrying member being arranged adjacent to each other. Thereby, the actuator allows for lubrication of at least a portion of the outer load-carrying surface of the piston by the lubricating material upon movement of the piston. For instance, the linear electro-mechanical actuator may not require, or may at least minimize, the need of relubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Mikael Brage, Par Hogberg
  • Patent number: 9790067
    Abstract: A support device, preferably for commercial vehicles such as semi-trailers, includes an inner support tube and an outer support tube moveable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis in a retraction and extension direction; a spindle rotated via a gear section and is arranged such that the spindle is stationary relative to the outer support tube; and a spindle nut which is mounted on the spindle, wherein the spindle nut is fixed on a mounting region of the inner support tube, and the mounting region is configured as a support edge facing the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Riedl
  • Patent number: 9745705
    Abstract: A runner segment for an edge guard includes an insertion projection that can be inserted into an insertion receptacle of the edge guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Ley, Philip Verhaelen, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 9574613
    Abstract: A machine leveling pedestal incorporating a cylinder and piston defining an interior space, having a helically threaded outer surface, and having an upwardly facing land; a hydraulic fluid port opening the interior expansion space; a nut having a downwardly facing land and gear teeth, the nut being threadedly mounted over the helically threaded outer surface; a drive gear connected to the cylinder and piston for vertically slidably engaging the drive gear with the gear teeth, and, upon alternate rotations of the drive gear, rotating the nut about the cylinder and piston so that the nut vertically moves between a mechanical support position and a hydraulic support position, the upwardly and downwardly facing lands contacting each other upon movement to the mechanical support position, and the downwardly facing land displacing upwardly upon movement toward the hydraulic support position; and a motor connected to the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen A. Youngers, Neil J. Youngers, James J. Youngers, Patrick L. Emerson, Stephen P. Dooley
  • Patent number: 9487381
    Abstract: An electric car jack includes a spindle, a second middle gear, an elastic ring, an upper lining, a third middle gear, a lower lining, an adjusting and positioning ring and a positioning screw ring that jointly form a torque limiting mechanism with a torque limitation effect and a positioning plate, a power gear, a brake disc, a disc tray, an output shaft and a latching member that jointly form a powerless brake mechanism with a ratcheted braking effect. Both torque limiting mechanism and powerless brake mechanism are compatibly installed in a reduction gear of the machinery part f the electric car jack to maximize their effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Comeup Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Shih Jyi Huang
  • Patent number: 9388545
    Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a structure comprises a support, an adjustment mechanism, and a sensor mechanism. The support includes a first portion and a second portion configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the first portion. The structure is operatively connected to the second portion. The adjustment mechanism interconnects the first portion and the second portion and is configured and arranged to move the second portion relative to the first portion thereby moving the structure relative to the first portion. The sensor mechanism is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism and is configured and arranged to activate the adjustment mechanism under predetermined conditions. The sensor mechanism activates the adjustment mechanism to raise the second portion under a first predetermined condition and lower the second portion under a second predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 9279483
    Abstract: A high-load linear actuator includes a driving mechanism, a worm shaft, a worm wheel assembly, a lead screw, a telescopic pipe and an outer pipe. The driving mechanism includes a base and a motor. The base has a supporting portion and an accommodating portion. The motor is fixed to the supporting portion. The worm shaft extends from the motor into the supporting portion. The worm wheel assembly includes a worm wheel and two bearings for supporting the worm wheel in the accommodating portion. The worm wheel is engaged with the worm shaft. The lead screw is disposed through the worm wheel and driven by the motor for rotation. The telescopic pipe slips on the lead screw to be threadedly connected therewith. The outer pipe slips on the telescopic pipe. The rotation of the lead screw drives the telescopic pipe to linearly extend or retract relative to the outer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TIMOTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsin Wu
  • Patent number: 9237954
    Abstract: Dimensionally adjustable spinal prostheses are adjustable in an axial or superior to inferior dimension such that spinal prostheses may assume variations in height. The height adjustable spinal prostheses are characterized by first and second portions that are configured for adjustable coupling with one another. Spatial adjustment between the first and second portions is provided by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment mechanism preferably, but not necessarily, provides infinite adjustment over a minimum prosthesis height to a maximum prosthesis height. In one form, first and second ends of the height adjustable spinal prostheses are configured to receive an endplate. The endplates aid in attachment and/or anchoring of the spinal prosthesis within the spine. The endplates may be fashioned in various configurations such as circular or anatomical. In one form, the adjustment assembly utilizes rotational motion for varying the axial position of one prosthetic portion relative to the other prosthetic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Butler
  • Patent number: 9144225
    Abstract: The elevating and adjustable pet feeding and water bowl is a feeding and watering station for pets. The elevating and adjustable pet feeding and water bowl is a system for raising and lowering bowls from ground level to counter level, which is helpful for pet owners with physical limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventors: Barbara Gaccione, Karen Oberst
  • Patent number: 9139110
    Abstract: A spindle drive for longitudinally adjusting a motor vehicle seat is provided. The spindle drive comprising an adjustment rail that can be longitudinally adjusted relative to a body mounted rail and an adjusting mechanism that includes a driving worm connected to a driving device as well as a spindle nut, the external teeth of which mesh with the external teeth of the driving worm, and the internal teeth of which mesh with the external thread of a spindle. The spindle nut is formed by a hybrid spindle nut that has a functional part, which is located in the force flux between the driving worm and the spindle, and at least one strengthening part, deflecting crash forces from the adjustment rail into the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Stefan Bosecker, Wolfgang Suck, Florian Lipp, Andrea Bauersachs, Sebastian Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 9114581
    Abstract: A method for applying a sheet of flexible material to a cylindrical body is described. The sheet of material may be ply or a tire building component such as a liner. The method includes the steps of receiving the sheet of flexible material onto a conveyor belt of a conveyor table, wherein the conveyor belt can translate in the X direction, wherein the conveyor belt has a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the conveyor belt so they can rotate about an axis aligned with the X direction. The method further includes aligning a lateral edge of the sheet with an edge guide of the conveyor table by tilting the conveyor table and then tilting the conveyor table back to a level position. The method further includes moving a front edge of the conveyor table adjacent the cylindrical body; and applying the sheet onto the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: George Michael Stoila, Dale Eugene Wells, Thomas Alan Sells, Thierry Royer
  • Patent number: 9109676
    Abstract: An adjusting drive for adjusting a first structural component part relative to a second structural component part has a linear drive and a piston-cylinder unit connected in parallel with the linear drive for drive purposes. A control is provided for controlling the adjusting speed of the adjusting drive depending upon the adjusting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Gerd Mülhöfer
  • Patent number: 9091334
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a drive unit housing (10) with a drive unit (7, 8) arranged therein, a driveshaft (1), hollow on the inside, driven by the drive unit (7, 8), and a profile tube (2) non-rotatably and longitudinally movably connected on the outside to the driveshaft (1). A threaded hollow spindle (3) with an outside thread is arranged between the driveshaft (1) and the profile tube (2) and fixedly connected to the drive unit housing (10). A hollow-spindle nut (4) is fixedly connected to the profile tube (2) at a first end of the profile tube (2) and cooperates with the outside thread of the threaded hollow spindle (3). A spindle nut (6) is fixedly connected to the profile tube (2) at a second end thereof. A threaded spindle (5) is arranged in the interior of the driveshaft (1) and cooperates with a thread of the spindle nut (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: LOGICDATA ELECTRONIC & SOFTWARE ENTWICKLUNGS GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Kollreider, Lukas Leonhartsberger
  • Patent number: 9073737
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for lifting a workpiece. An upright frame operably supports a lead screw for selective rotation. A carrier threadingly engages the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw in one rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lifting direction and rotation of the lead screw in the opposite rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lowering direction. A mechanical power inlet is adapted for receiving an input torque from a user. A mechanical power transmission assembly has a first gear fixed in rotation with the mechanical power inlet and a different second gear fixed in rotation with the lead screw, the first and second gears sized so that the input torque imparted on the first gear is less than an output torque imparted by the second gear to the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Doyle Elder
  • Patent number: 8857794
    Abstract: A device for trimming the thickness of a mechanical body is disclosed. The trimming is performed by screwing a screw through a threaded hole and having the end of the screw pressing against the center of a disk element, which, by deformation, acts as a lever against an adjacent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Mindray Medical Sweden AB
    Inventor: Göran Cewers
  • Publication number: 20140246637
    Abstract: An improved jack assembly includes multiple handle attachment positions. The jack assembly includes an outer tube and an inner tube moveable with respect to the outer tube. The outer tube includes a first handle attachment position to engage inner gearing and a second handle attachment position to engage inner gearing. A handle may be removably connected to the first attachment position or second attachment position. The outer tube may be connected to a mounting fixture and adjustable with respect to the mounting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Derek Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140110646
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for lifting a workpiece. An upright frame operably supports a lead screw for selective rotation. A carrier threadingly engages the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw in one rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lifting direction and rotation of the lead screw in the opposite rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lowering direction. A mechanical power inlet is adapted for receiving an input torque from a user. A mechanical power transmission assembly has a first gear fixed in rotation with the mechanical power inlet and a different second gear fixed in rotation with the lead screw, the first and second gears sized so that the input torque imparted on the first gear is less than an output torque imparted by the second gear to the lead screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Doyle Elder
  • Patent number: 8695941
    Abstract: An electromagnetic jack assembly. The jack has a first inner jack member having vertical walls, configured to slide within the base, the first inner jack member being nested within the base and having at least two walls connected to respective inside faces of the vertical walls of the base; a first linear magnetic drive assembly, comprising: a magnetic coil; and a magnet track, mounted on the base and the magnetic coil mounted on the first inner jack member or vice versa. The magnetic drive assembly forms the connection between the base and the first inner track. A second inner jack member nested within the first inner jack member and has a second linear magnetic drive assembly. The magnetic drive assembly forms the connection between the first and second inner track members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Oliver James Groves
  • Patent number: 8690127
    Abstract: An accessory that assists in operating vehicle lift systems, particularly an accessory that assists in the operation of a crank wheel of a vehicle lift system. The accessory is portable and quickly and easily assembled to the vehicle lift system. The accessory is activated using a power source, for example a cordless power source such as a cordless power drill. The crank wheel is engaged by the accessory and operated to raise and lower the platform component of the vehicle lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: James C. Patterman, Jr., Habib Jubran
  • Patent number: 8602391
    Abstract: A scissor car jack includes a spindle, a base, a support head, a cross-member, and a spindle support with a threaded bore for holding the spindle. The base and support head are rotatably connected to the crossmember and the spindle support by way of a respective support arm, and wherein the support arms are connected with one another in the area of the base and the support head and/or in the area of the crossmember and the spindle support, and the spindle is coupled to the crossmember and the spindle support so that when the spindle is rotated, the distance between the spindle support and the crossmember can be changed. The length of the support arms can be changed telescopically and can be locked in the extended state by way of locking pins so that the scissor jack can be collapsed into a smaller volume, in particular for purposes of stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Dragan Milicic
  • Publication number: 20130277628
    Abstract: A portable and self-contained prime mover arrangement. A base is positioned on a generally horizontal surface and is so stabilized and so balanced so as to be readily insertable under a vehicle requiring lifting off the generally horizontal surface while remaining in full contact with the generally horizontal surface during positioning under, and lifting or lowering, the vehicle. An electric motor is positioned on the base. A gear box is positioned on the base, and is operatively connected to the electric motor. A coupler is positioned on the base, is operatively connected to the gear box, receives, and thereby motorizes, either a conventional and pre-existing mechanical bottle jack or a conventional and pre-existing scissor jack. A handle is replaceably attached to the base, and readily inserts the portable and self-contained prime mover arrangement under the vehicle or removes the portable and self-contained prime mover arrangement from under the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Giese
  • Patent number: 8485508
    Abstract: A mechanical hand held door opener device, light in weight and operable in any orientation including being inverted, for generating substantial door-opening force with a minimum effort from a user. When the user rotates the handle, he or she activates the unit by moving the shaft that interlocks with the first and second bevel gears. Since the second gear is fastened to the central lead screw, its rotation causes the rotation of the screw. The rotation of the screw then advances or retracts, depending on the clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation; and the inner platform and the four columns attached to the inner platform moves inwardly or outwardly of the outer platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Philip Newman, Richard Thaw
  • Patent number: 8413962
    Abstract: In a method and a device for moving a working means in the ground, a coupling means rotatable about an axis of rotation for establishing a drive connection between a push-pull unit and a rod assembly having at least one projection and/or at least one recess is engaged with the projection and/or the recess of the rod assembly such that via a first contact area of the coupling means a first feed force is transmitted from the push-pull unit to the rod assembly. By the counter force opposite to the first feed force a torque acting on the coupling means is generated, which torque presses a second contact area of the coupling means against the rod assembly with a contact force. By the contact force, a non-positive connection is established between the push-pull unit and the rod assembly. Via this non-positive connection, a second feed force is transmitted to the rod assembly. By at least a part of the first and second feed force acting on the rod assembly a linear movement of the rod assembly is caused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Dietmar Jenne, Manfred Neumann
  • Patent number: 8377140
    Abstract: An expandable spinal implant device for supporting vertebral bodies can include first and second body members and first and second expansion mechanisms. The body members can each have a first end positionable toward one of the vertebral bodies and can each define a hollow interior. The expansion mechanisms can be spaced apart from each other and can include a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft, respectively. The first and second drive shafts can each have a gear member fixedly coupled thereto. Each drive shaft can be threadably engaged at a first side to the first body member and at a second side to the second body member. The expansion mechanisms can be operable to effect axial displacement of the first body member relative to the second body member by rotationally driving the gear members of the first and second drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony C. DeFalco, Rawley Stanhope
  • Patent number: 8365331
    Abstract: The auto powered jack apparatus provides for selective telescopic extension of the jack shaft. The telescopic jack is especially useful for lifting an auto. The jack is in removable communication with either the air compressor or the electrical inverter, both powered by a cigar lighter plug removably fitted into a cigar lighter. The apparatus also provides for wrenching any given object with the powered handgun shaped wrench. The jack is omni directionally operated so that objects may be separated as chosen and other functions performed with the jack. The inverter converts 12 volt auto power to 120 volt electrical power so that the wrench and jack are able to operate with sufficient power to lift a car and to remove and replace highly torqued auto items such as wheel lug nuts, as compared to 12 volt wrench and jack operations that are typically woefully inadequate when faced with laborious tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: John D. Young
  • Patent number: 8360397
    Abstract: In a ball screw device, a ball screw linear-movement member is screwed with a ball screw rotary member and configured to linearly move in accordance with a relative rotation with the ball screw rotary member. A housing is holding the ball screw rotary member. A motor is disposed in a motor chamber of the housing, and configured to rotate the ball screw rotary member with a rotor coupled to the ball screw rotary member. A stopper is configured to collide with a brake when an amount of a relative linear movement between the ball screw rotary member and the ball screw linear-movement member becomes no less than a prescribed amount. The brake is configured to decelerate rotation of the rotor by the collision of the stopper with respect to the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8308151
    Abstract: An elevator assembly includes a carrier, a first arm, and a second arm. Each arm has a primary portion pivotally connected to the carrier and a secondary portion pivotally connected to the primary portion. A first gear system interconnects the first arm and the second arm for synchronous rotation with respect to the carrier in opposite directions. A pair of second gear systems establish a geared relationship between the secondary portions of the arms and the carrier. A support member is connected to the secondary portions of the arms, wherein rotation of the primary portions of the arms with respect to the carrier drives the support member between a neutral position and at least a first extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Comau Inc.
    Inventor: John Graham
  • Patent number: 8292040
    Abstract: A double screw elevator consists of two screws whose helical threads extend in opposite helical directions, and each of the screws is provided with a nut, so that a suspension unit and a carrying unit on the nuts can be driven to move close to or away from each other, thus achieving the function of lifting or lowering the elevator car. The double screw elevator is simply structured, easy to assemble, and the length of a single screw of the elevator is shortened, making it easier to manufacture the screw. Furthermore, the screw driving elevator reduces the occurrence of accident whiling improving the rate of utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Wu-Teng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8162289
    Abstract: An apparatus which is positionable between a structure to be lifted and an underlying support surface for lifting the structure utilizes a bottom plate and a cap between which a spacer member, such as a piece of tubing, is positionable and a threaded rod which is threadably received by an internally-threaded opening in the cap. By rotating the threaded rod within the cap, the threaded rod moves lengthwise relative to the cap. Therefore, by positioning the apparatus between a structure to be lifted and an underlying support surface and then rotating the threaded rod within the cap, the bottom plate and the threaded rod act between the structure to be lifted and the underlying support surface to lift the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Howard L. McCaleb
  • Publication number: 20120037862
    Abstract: An in-line jack includes a body, an extendable shaft, drive mechanics, and a motor. The body has first and second distal ends. The extendable shaft is movably disposed within the body and has a distal end extending out of the second distal end of the body. The drive mechanics are disposed within the body and are adapted to move the extendable shaft with respect to the body. The motor is mounted at the first distal end of the body and is adapted to selectively drive the drive mechanics. A coupling mechanism can be provided to selectively alternately couple: (i) a planetary gear system associated with the motor to a drive shaft of a jack screw assembly and (ii) a manual crankshaft to the drive shaft to operate the jack manually. The body and the motor each has a generally cylindrical outer surface with an outer diameter equal to or less than about three inches. The body, the jack screw assembly, the coupling mechanism, the planetary gear system, and the motor are substantially axially aligned with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Rieco-Titan Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. McCarthy, John L. Verre, Douglas A. Bakker
  • Patent number: 8052125
    Abstract: A motor drive for camper jacks or screw jacks that rapidly operates the screw jack between a retracted position and an extended no load position. A manual operator then operates the screw jack between the extended no load position and an extended loaded position. The motor drive and manual operator share a right angle gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Patent number: 7997846
    Abstract: A drywall panel lifter having two stanchions into which jacks are vertically set, wherein each jack has an extending portion capable of rising past the tops of the first and second stanchion respectively; a set of bars hinged to the jacks; a cross-piece assembly connecting the bars, having a crank is operatively connected to the screw gear that operates the jacks; and panel holding grippers mounted on the extending portion of the jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Brunson
  • Publication number: 20110101289
    Abstract: A floor tile pusher includes a base, on which a bar is provided for reciprocation and a driving gear is provided for rotation. The bar and the driving gear have teeth to be meshed with each other. An exerting member is connected to an end of the bar, and a handle is connected to the driving member for turning. User may turn the handle to move the exerting member toward or backward. The base has an end bent downward to form a reverse exerting portion, and a support member is provided on the base to be moved between an extended position and a folded position. When the support member is moved to the extended position, a distal end of the support member is even to a distal end of the reverse exerting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ROMP ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei-Sheng Lee