Worm And Worm Wheel Patents (Class 254/343)
  • Patent number: 10815102
    Abstract: A sleeve block includes a frame that is connectable to an object, such as a truss, that is to be moved relative to a stationary support. An axle defining a longitudinal axis and a motor are to the frame. The sleeve block includes a line that has a first end connected to the motor. The line extends downward from the motor around at least a portion of the axle and then extends outwardly of the frame so that at least a portion of the line is operatively connected to the stationary support. The portion of the line between the axle and the stationary support creates a line axis, and the motor is spaced apart from the line axis. Activation of the rotatable output of said motor causes the frame and the object to move relative to the stationary support by retracting or extending the line from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Mark C. Dodd
  • Patent number: 10464787
    Abstract: A hoist security arrangement for avoiding dropping of the load when the chain or cable breaks includes a longer redundant auxiliary chain or cable disposed alongside the main chain or cable and which is raised and lowered synchronously with the slightly shorter main chain or cable so that the main chain or cable normally supports the entire weight of the load. If the main chain or cable breaks, the load drops slightly until the slack in the redundant auxiliary chain or cable is eliminated to hold the load solely by tensioning the auxiliary chain or cable. The extent of slack is set to insure that slight lengthening of the main chain as caused by wear does not result in loading of the auxiliary chain or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: James Zaguroli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10252896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting gear having a flexible drive and a traction drive movable by the flexible drive. The flexible drive can be actuated by a lever arm arranged to pivot, and in the region of the free end of the lever arm, a handle is connected to the lever arm by an articulated joint. The handle can be pivoted from a starting position into an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: COLUMBUS MCKINNON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfram Schneebeck, Detlef Struck
  • Patent number: 9719632
    Abstract: A mount for attaching a winch to a vehicle. The mount allows the winch to be rotated to face the cable anchor during use, thereby preventing improper spooling of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Jamey Weidner
  • Publication number: 20140284108
    Abstract: An example drawworks may include an electrical drive motor and an output shaft driven by the electrical drive motor. A worm gear may be coupled to the output shaft and a bull gear may be engaged with the worm gear. A wireline drum may be coupled to the bull gear and receive rotation from the electrical drive motor through the bull gear. The electrical drive motor, worm gear, and bull gear may comprise a drive unit that is removably coupled to the wireline drum. The wireline drum may form a drum unit with at least one spigot coupled to the drum, which may be removable coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: AXON EP, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Pendleton, Gary Stratulate
  • Patent number: 8196899
    Abstract: A boat lift motor, comprised of a motor, such motor driving worm gear reducer which, in turn, rotates a tubular drive shaft, such shaft having radial splines running its full length, both outside and inside; wherein the opposite end of the splined tubular drive shaft overlays a spline shaft mounted on the center axle/bolt of a boat winch; wherein the winch is rotated to wind and unwind a cable, rope, cord or chain; and wherein the engagement or disengagement of the power supply to the boat lift is initiated by an electronic controller, which opens and closes a relay upon the user's command, communicated via a handheld remote control or otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: FFI Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Hager
  • Patent number: 8128068
    Abstract: A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Prism Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Mak Chepurny, Gordon J. Molnar, Michael F. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110049450
    Abstract: A boat lift motor, comprised of a motor, such motor driving worm gear reducer which, in turn, rotates a tubular drive shaft, such shaft having radial splines running its full length, both outside and inside; wherein the opposite end of the splined tubular drive shaft overlays a spline shaft mounted on the center axle/bolt of a boat winch; wherein the winch is rotated to wind and unwind a cable, rope, cord or chain; and wherein the engagement or disengagement of the power supply to the boat lift is initiated by an electronic controller, which opens and closes a relay upon the user's command, communicated via a handheld remote control or otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Hager
  • Patent number: 7850147
    Abstract: This boat lift drive is used for raising and lowering a wide range of boat size. The boat drive is a two stage worm system and uses a drive motor having a motor shaft driving a first worm and a first worm wheel as a first stage, and driving a second worm and a second worm wheel, as second stage. At least one of said worm shafts has a copper alloy intermediate worm portion. A third stage is provided having a spool driven by the second worm wheels, the spool having a cable disposed thereabout for lifting the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Superior Gearbox Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Fox
  • Patent number: 7784767
    Abstract: A boat lift drive for connection to a winch having a winch shaft. The boat lift drive includes a power unit, a drive train engaged to and being driven by the power unit, and a drive shaft engaged to and being driven by the drive train. The drive shaft in turn is engaged to and drives the winch shaft. The drive shaft includes an interior threaded opening that engages a threaded end of the winch shaft to directly connect the drive shaft to the winch shaft. The drive shaft is further engaged to the winch shaft via a pin that extends through the drive shaft and is threaded into the winch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Gargaro, III, David M Wendinger
  • Patent number: 7484714
    Abstract: A chargeable electric winch for driving a to-be-controlled object to rotate. The electric winch includes a housing, a driving device, a driven shaft, a first switch and a battery. The driving device is disposed in the housing. The driven shaft penetrates through the housing and is driven by the driving device to rotate. The first switch is disposed on the housing and has a controller. The controller has an opposite connector and is electrically connected to the driving device. The battery has an inner battery body and an outer connector electrically connected to the inner battery body. The battery for providing power is electrically connected to the opposite connector of the first switch through the outer connector of the battery, and the battery is separatably assembled with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Chizong Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Jung Tsai
  • Patent number: 7458113
    Abstract: A winch for moving a patient laying on a pad is disclosed. The winch includes an enclosure that has a winching mechanism fixed within the enclosure, a power means, a motor, a gearing means, a power switching means, and a spool means. Preferably the winch further includes a bedrail hook attached to the front wall, the hook comprising at least one rigid U-shaped member. As such, the enclosure may be fixed to a bedrail of a bed to move the patient laying on the pad on the bed. A winching strap is connected at one end thereof to the spool means. The winching strap traverses an aperture in the at least one side wall of the enclosure, and a distal end of the winching strap terminates in a pad clamping means. The pad clamping means is preferably a clamping bar having at least two clamps, such that when the winching mechanism pulls the clamps towards the enclosure the clamps are further tightened upon the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Angela Milam
  • Patent number: 7216849
    Abstract: A winch (1), a vehicle including the same and a method of operating associated thereto. The winch (1) is used with a strap (15) for fastening a load onto a transportation vehicle, and comprises a tightening assembly (3) and a gear assembly (5). The tightening assembly (3) comprises a support structure having first and second support flanges (7, 9) and a cross member (11) extending between the flanges (7, 9). The cross member (11) is devised for mounting onto a corresponding side track of the vehicle. The tightening assembly (3) also comprises a tightening reel (13) for receiving a portion of the strap (15) to be tightened about said reel (13), the tightening reel (13) being pivotally mounted onto the first and second support flanges (7,9). The gear assembly (5) is operatively connected to the tightening assembly (3), and comprises a gear (17), a worm (19), and a casing (21). The gear (17) is securely mounted about the tightening reel (13) so as to rotate with said reel (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Groupe 2T2 Inc.
    Inventor: Raynald Tremblay
  • Patent number: 6767004
    Abstract: A drive motor arrangement for replacing manual drives on an existing boat lift winch shaft comprises a worm gear box with a worm driven by an integrally mounted motor on the worm gear box. A worm gear is mounted on a tubular cross shaft extending outwardly on opposite ends of the gear box. The bore of the cross shaft is of size to slide over an existing winch drive shaft. The tubular shaft has a drive connection that mates with the existing drive connection on the winch box shaft. As shown a disc that effects drives to a mating disc on the winch box shaft. After removing the manual ratchet and wheel on an existing winch shaft, the tubular shaft of the worm gear box can be put into place and a suitable fastener is used to hold the drive connection on the tubular shaft in engagement with the drive member on the winch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Commander Products LLC
    Inventor: Bill Davis
  • Publication number: 20040099853
    Abstract: A winch for use in a folding camper for raising and lowering the camper, includes a reversible electric motor mounted on a chassis with a threaded rod being rotationally coupled through the electric motor. A winch spool is also rotatably coupled with the electric motor and is adapted to receive a cable used in raising and lowering the camper. A trigger mechanism is threadably engaged with a threaded rod and adapted for linear movement along the threaded rod upon rotation of the threaded rod and at least one limit switch is positioned adjacent to the threaded rod which is electrically coupled to the electric motor such that upon activation of the limit switch by the trigger mechanism, the electric motor is deactivated to stop rotation of the threaded rod and the winch spool. In the preferred embodiment, there are two limits switches to deactivate the motor in either of its reversible directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Campbell Hausfeld/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: David C. Verakis
  • Patent number: 6422538
    Abstract: A lifting device comprising a hoist with a flexible tension member extending from the hoist and a component for attaching the hoist to a stationary structure so that a lower end of the flexible tension member can be connected to a load to lift and lower the load when an impact tool engages with the hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Rumfield
  • Patent number: 6241215
    Abstract: A winch including a casing for accommodating an electric motor, a gearbox and a roller for winding and unwinding a traction member. In order to provide a cost-effective flat winch which can be transported by a single person and used universally, in particular for the domestic sector, the casing has a box-like configuration to exhibit a shape and size of a suitcase or attaché case, with the casing having opposite flat outer sides, with one outer side having attached thereon a suspension member, and the other outer side being formed with an opening for passage of the traction member. The electric motor, the gearbox and the roller are arranged in the casing and extend in a common plane, with the casing including a handle to allow transport of the winch by a person. The electric motor may be designed as a universal motor, and connected via a belt drive to the gearbox which is designed as a self-locking worm drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Udo Gersemsky, Uwe Lichtenvort, Giuliano Persico, Heinz Flaig, Jürgen Heun, Ralf Eising
  • Patent number: 6230844
    Abstract: An elevator drive for a rope traction elevator, which is intended for installation in an elevator hoistway, includes of a gear with a traction sheave, a motor in an upright position on top of the gear, a brake and suspension elements which are slung over the traction sheave and provide vertical motion for an elevator car with a counterweight. The motor and the gear are inclined at an angle to the vertical. With this slightly tilted arrangement no part of the motor extends beyond the horizontal boundary of the gear. Furthermore, the brake is a part of the gear and non-detachably fastened to it, which makes it possible to mount the motor on the gear, and to dismount it therefrom, without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Carlos Latorre
  • Patent number: 6036174
    Abstract: For some powered drum winches, e.g. in sailing boats, it is desirable that the drum can be driven with two different speeds. Basically, this is no technical problem, but it has been difficult to achieve both a high efficiency and a simple construction. It has been proposed that with the use of a plural shaft gear an advantageous result is obtainable in making the gear drive the drum with two different speeds based on a reversible driving motor being driven in one or the opposite direction. This control principle is also used in the present connection in which, however, it is disclosed how the relevant gear can be designed in a compact and inexpensive manner about only a single gear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Fr. Andersens Maskinfabrik A/S
    Inventor: Frode Andersen
  • Patent number: 5970813
    Abstract: A flat plate drive system for controlling the axial rotational motion of a drive shaft for raising and lowering a load, that optimizes frictional engagement while maximizing heat dissipation away from the moving parts of the drive system. The drive system can be generally used for raising and lowering many types of heavy loads, and is particularly suited for loads that are supported by a cable attached to one end of the drive shaft, with the cable extending through a cradle beam which supports a heavy object, such as a boat. The drive system comprises a worm connected to a source of rotational power. The worm frictionally engages a worm gear wheel that axially rotates a drive shaft. The worm and worm gear wheel are connected to a backplate support. The system maximizes the friction between the worm and worm gear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: ABL Boat Lifts
    Inventors: David G. Parkins, John D. Meehan
  • Patent number: 5927690
    Abstract: A push-pull chain garage door operator system includes a drive module and an elongated guide rail for a push-pull chain connected to a carriage assembly mounted on the guide rail. The chain is engaged with a sprocket mounted on a generally rectangular plate-like molded plastic support member which includes a serpentine idle chain storage slot formed therein. The support member is releasably connected to a stamped metal frame plate for covering the storage slot and supporting the drive module. The bottomwall of the support member supports a right angle speed reduction drive unit connected to a drive motor retained in a cradle formed by an integral boss on the support member. The motor and a starting capacitor therefor are retained in respective cradle portions of the boss by a removable retaining strap. A control circuit board is mounted on the underside of the support member and a two-part shroud for the operator mechanism is releasably secured to the frame plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: James A. White, Nicholas Dragomir, James Stottsberry
  • Patent number: 5863028
    Abstract: A powered winch driver is disclosed for operating a winch having a rotatable, typically ratcheted capstan including a socket for receiving a star stub. The driver comprises: a water proof housing having an upper plate including a socket for receiving a manual winch handle and a lower body having an opening therethrough; a battery powered motor connected by an on/off switch to a rechargeable battery contained by the water proof housing; a rotatable shaft mounted for rotation relative to the water proof housing and having a star stub extending through the opening in the lower body of the water proof housing; a water tight seal for sealing the opening in the lower body through which the rotatable shaft extends; and a drive unit connecting the battery powered motor to the rotatable shaft for rotatably driving the shaft when the motor is operated and for locking the shaft against rotation when the motor is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Richard F. Dunsmore
  • Patent number: 5803437
    Abstract: A chainless drive winch is provided having a cable cylinder meshing with an orthogonal, cylindrical reduction gearing member. The reduction gearing member may be driven by, for example, an electric motor. A brake is provided operable only when the reduction gearing member is rotated is a direction to lower a load. Limit switches may be provided which are adjustable to alter the distance between them. A trigger finger moving between the limit switches is driven from the cable cylinder. The cable cylinder may be provided with a generally parallel roller to hold turns of cable on the cylinder. The roller may be independently biased at each end so that, when cable is partially unwound from the cylinder, the bias of the roller is enhanced on the remaining turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Richard Paterson, Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 5794919
    Abstract: A compact, motorized hoist including a U-shaped member, the open end of which is rigidly fastened to a first leg of an L-shaped member. The support panel leg of the L-shaped member extends across the open side of the U-shaped member. An electric motor is rigidly fastened to the support panel leg of the L-shaped member and is drivingly linked to a worm gear shaft extending through a gap between the support panel leg of the L-shaped member and the open side of the U-shaped member. The worm gear shaft is journalled to the L-shaped member. The worm gear drives a first gear having an axle mounted perpendicular to the first leg of the L-shaped member, and the closed end of the U-shaped member. A cable is wound around a reel rigidly mounted to the axle. The L-shaped member is removably fastened to the U-shaped member, and one leg of the U-shaped member is removably fastened to a pier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Aqua Marine Supply
    Inventor: Chester J. Hauck
  • Patent number: 5660373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus with a carrying part (16, 18) which is connected via a cable (22) or the like with an actuating part for adjustment of the vertical position of the carrying part, in particular by means of interconnection of a pantograph (10), the actuating part comprising an actuating device with a gear transmission of which one transmission part, under the influence of the load of the carrying part (16, 18) or a load hanging from this, exerts a force on the other transmission part which couples this transmission part with an actuating element against a restoring force, wherein, upon actuation for the lifting of the carrying part (16, 18) out of the position in which the one transmission part does not exert any force on the other transmission part, the latter is moveable again into coupling engagement by means of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Sachtler-Aktiengesellschaft-Kommunikationstechnik-Unterschlessheim
    Inventors: Karl Maslo, Dieter Hein, Leonhard Jaumann
  • Patent number: 5615723
    Abstract: An extension spring overhead door system in which the spring may be quickly and easily placed in tension with the door in a closed position. A spring tensioning device is provided which eliminates the need for multiple installers to lift the full weight of the door and then clamp or otherwise prop the door in an open position. An extension spring containment tube is also provided which surrounds the entire periphery of the spring to fully contain the entire length of the extension spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Clopay Building Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Carper
  • Patent number: 5370366
    Abstract: A backwind feature is provided on a line-receiving winch and is particularly suitable for use on high capacity sailboat winches. The winch includes a main drive train to drive the drum of the winch in a winding direction and to prevent rotation in the opposite direction. A planetary gear assembly is provided on the output shaft of the winch, which permits independent rotation of the drum by a separate worm drive, without the need to disconnect any portion of the main drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Harken, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Ottemann
  • Patent number: 4958805
    Abstract: A windlass for offshore structures comprises power mechanism (18) for rotation of a chain wheel (13) about a horizontal axis (24a) during maneuvering of an anchor chain (14) extending between an anchor and a chain box (15). The chain wheel (13) is rotatably supported in a wheel housing (24) which is pivotable about a vertical shaft (22) below the operating water line (OD) of the structure and on the outside of its planking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Robert Willamsson
  • Patent number: 4884783
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight, electrically powered hoist with a drum used for hoisting or lowering a payload. A vertically oriented reversible motor is controlled by a control pendant with a momentary switch to drive a helical gear reduction and a worm gear reduction. A worm shaft and a drum shaft wind wire rope on a drum. A one-way clutch and a brake on a driven shaft free-wheel during hoisting operations. A clutch and brake hold the payload in a hoisted position. Lowering of the hoisted payload is accomplished by reversal of the motor, and driving a shaft and clutch against the torque of the engaged brake. A wire rope with a swaged fitting is anchored to the drum by engagement in a keyhole. The hoist may be mounted horizontally, vertically or on a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Thorn, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Bruce McIntosh, Royal G. Thern
  • Patent number: 4625946
    Abstract: A hoist having a worm safety device in which the worm is continuously meshed with a worm wheel coupled to the drum. The worm is accelerated to a speed greater than that of the worm wheel and at a torque sufficient to overcome the frictional contact between the worm and worm wheel when the hoist direction is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Ederer Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles W. Clark, Jr., Harold H. West
  • Patent number: 4613273
    Abstract: An apparatus to aid in loading, holding and unloading a spare tire assembly mounted beneath a vehicle such as a truck. The apparatus includes a winch, an electric motor, coupling structure for operatively coupling the winch and motor, and an electric circuit which allows the motor and winch to be operated only by authorized personnel whereby the spare tire assembly can be safely secured underneath the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventor: John H. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4353526
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrical drive apparatus for a vertically displaceable blackboard. In order to obtain synchronous operation of such drive apparatus either one motor, one shaft, or two motors connected by means of an electrical shaft were employed. The apparatus according to the invention operates with an electric motor which is combined with a worm drive, a drive sheave, and a slip coupling to a unit which is mounted at the top inside the guide beams of the blackboard, with the motor arranged vertically and having a hollow shaft through which the drive cable is guided. One such drive apparatus is mounted in each guide beam at its top, with simultaneous switching on and switching off without an electrical shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Ulrich Weidmann
  • Patent number: 4343442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing reel having a hand crank, a transmission connected to the hand crank for retrieval of the fishing line, and a sliding clutch adjustable by means of a control mechanism for a line spool which is rotatable by means of the line at a pull in the line sufficient to overcome the brake force of the sliding clutch. The invention is characterized by a power transmission mechanism between a transmission element and the sliding clutch, which power transmission mechanism is operable by a torque from the hand crank on line retrieval and adapted, when operated by such torque, to transmit a force corresponding to said torque to the sliding clutch as an addition to the brake force set by means of the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Abu Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jan-Ake Andersson