Power- Or Motion-transmitting Mechanism Patents (Class 318/9)
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Patent number: 6262548Abstract: This invention relates to a pivot-hung door drive system with an electro-mechanical device that supplies the closing moment required for the opening and closing of the door, comprising a transmission which varies its translation ratio over the angle of rotation of the door, a guide that is connected with an output shaft and a driver roller that can execute a translation movement relative to the guide and in the guide, which driver roller is connected with a pinion that is engaged with a toothed rack that is connected with the spring system, whereby the axis of rotation of the output shaft is at a defined distance from the axis of rotation of the pinion, and the axis of rotation of the driver roller is at a defined distance from the axis of rotation of the pinion, such that when the output shaft and pinion are rotated, the translation ratio changes as a result of the changing axial distance between the output shaft and the driver roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Jan Scholten, Peter Kisters, Guido Schneider
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Patent number: 6246849Abstract: A bearing member for a cartridge frame of a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means actable on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the bearing member includes a bearing portion for rotatably supporting a shaft provided at an end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a protection portion formed along a circumference of a driving force receptor portion projected outwardly at an end of the shaft, wherein the driving force receptor portion being in the form of a male coupling projection engageable with a female coupling recess provided in a main assembly of the apparatus to receive driving force from the main assembly when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; a locking portion for mounting the bearing member to the cartridge frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsunori Yokoyama, Kazushi Watanabe, Atsushi Numagami
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Patent number: 6218799Abstract: The invention provides a control apparatus for an engine driving motor having a function of driving a crankshaft of an engine and another function of generating electric power from power from the crankshaft by which an engine can be started up efficiently in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Toshio Hori
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Patent number: 6177770Abstract: An incremental positioner is disclosed. In one embodiment, the incremental positioner includes a motor, a drive shaft, a motion converter and a rack. The motion converter engages the rack and, impelled by the motor and drive shaft, causes the rack to move. The motion converter transmits and converts the continuous rotary motion of the motor to a linear intermittent motion of the rack. To generate such intermittent motion, the motion converter is physically configured so that even though the motion converter is in constant motion, it urges the rack to move on a periodic basis. In other words, during each revolution of the motion converter, the rack “dwells” (i.e., does not move) during a first portion of the cycle, and advances during a second portion of the cycle. Each time the rack advances, it does so by a characteristic incremental distance.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Pharmacopeia, Inc.Inventor: Ilya Feygin
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Patent number: 6157147Abstract: A power transmission apparatus manipulates the transmission of power of the mechanical and/or electrical form. The power transmission apparatus is constructed integrating together a power-transmitting device and a transmission interaction redistributing mechanism. The interaction redistributing mechanism redistributes, or remaps, an optimized section of the operating speed range of the power-transmitting device onto the full operating speed range, including the stall speed, of the power transmission apparatus. Full operating speed range, including low speeds, is optimized. In a mechanical implementation of the apparatus, an epicyclic gear train is utilized as the redistributing mechanism. In an electromagnetic implementation of the apparatus, a rotary commutator is utilized as the redistributing mechanism and the power-transmitting device is an electromagnetic device. The mechanical implementation is capable of handling mechanical-to-mechanical mode of power transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Pan-Chien LinInventor: Pan-Chien Lin
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Patent number: 6104154Abstract: A tricycle with an electric motor in which two rear wheels 4 and 4 are driven by not only an electric motor 5, but also pedals 6 with manpower. A rotational force of the pedals 6 is transmitted to drive shaft 9 via first bevel gears 8a and 8b and then transmitted to a one-way clutch 7 via second bevel gears 10a and 10b from the drive shaft 9. The output of the one-way clutch 7 is then transmitted to the two rear wheels 4 and 4. The electric current to the electric motor is a pulse current and its pulse width is controlled to be shorted in relation to a braking operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Daiwa Sangyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomitaro Harada, Ryoji Iwakiri, Ichiro Kagawa
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Patent number: 6043616Abstract: A geared motor actuator having a simplified mechanical structure for driving a closing part, such as a vehicle window, moved as far as at least one end position by an electric motor (MO) via a gear (G), preferably a worm gear. Shortly before the end position is reached, switch-off of the electric motor (MO) is performed in accordance with a control device (ST). The gear (G) is drive-connected to an output driver of the closing part without any damping means. The worm wheel (4) of the worm gear, being a solid, integral component that is preferably injection-molded from plastic, is preferably designed to include the output driver as part of the integral component, and provided with a drive pinion (4.1).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Harald Redelberger
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Patent number: 6021368Abstract: A compact-sized position detecting switch-combined electronic control unit disposed on the main body of an automatic transmission and used for detecting range positions chosen by a driver during a shifting operation. The control unit has a base board on which a plurality of elements are arranged, including a microcomputer containing an automatic transmission control program, and a position detecting switch whose detecting portion is connected to the microcomputer. The base board and the position detecting switch are disposed in a single case. The position detecting switch has a rotor and a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed on the base board. The microcomputer contains a learning control program for calculating and correcting any positional deviation in the rotational angle of the rotor with respect to each sensor on the basis of signals from the sensors corresponding to rotation of the rotor. Some of the elements on the base board are arranged outside the range of rotation of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Nobuaki Miki, Ken Kiyama, Naotaka Murakami, Naoto Ogasawara, Toshiya Morishita, Takenori Kano
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Patent number: 6005297Abstract: A power output apparatus 110 includes a planetary gear 120 having a planetary carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, an engine 150 having a crankshaft 156 linked with the planetary carrier, a first motor MG1 attached to the sun gear, and a second motor MG2 attached to the ring gear. Part of the torque generated by the engine 150 is output to a power feed gear 128 via the ring gear, while the first motor MG1 receives the residual torque. The second motor MG2 outputs a torque having a greater magnitude than and an opposite direction to this torque, so as to rotate the ring gear reversely. The electric power consumed by the second motor MG2 is supplied by the electric power regenerated by the first motor MG1. This structure enables the power output from the engine 150 to be converted to a power of reverse direction and output to the ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shoichi Sasaki, Tetsuya Abe
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Patent number: 6002217Abstract: The present invention relates to a door operating system for controlling the movement of a door, the system having a motor with a motor shaft for providing rotational energy to the system and a gear chain assembly for receiving the rotational energy from the motor shaft and applying the received rotational energy to the door to move the door, comprising a sprocket rotatably mounted on the gear chain assembly for rotation around an axis of the gear chain assembly and fixedly coupled to the motor shaft for receiving and transmitting the rotational energy from the motor shaft; a drive pin fixedly disposed on the sprocket for rotational movement around the axis of the gear chain assembly as the sprocket rotates around the axis; a rotational energy receiving extension rotatably mounted on the gear chain assembly and drivingly coupled to the door for moving the door; a drive dog fixedly disposed on the energy receiving extension for rotational movement around the axis of the gear chain assembly as the energy receivType: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Dorma Door Controls, Inc.Inventors: James C. Stevens, Robert Utterback, James D. Rhoads
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Patent number: 5990586Abstract: Feedback potentiometer-type servoactuator uses the ring gear of a planetary gear system to drive the wiper across a resistive arc of less than 360.degree. where the actuator has a travel of multiple turns. The ring gear is supported by spaced struts in the actuator housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Seitz CorporationInventor: Arthur J. Milano, Jr.
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Patent number: 5949206Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventors: Raghu Oruganty, Daniel D. Kilker, William Carl Zimmer, James Wayne Gibson
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Patent number: 5942862Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), an engine (50), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). Auxiliary machinery driven by the rotation of a crankshaft (56), such as a cooling pump (104) and a P/S pump (106), are connected directly or via a belt (102) to a crankshaft (56B) of the engine (50). When the assist motor (40) rotates a drive shaft (22) only with electric power stored in a battery (94) under the non-operating condition of the engine (50), the clutch motor (30) applies a torque of rotational motion TST to the crankshaft (56) to rotate the crankshaft (56) at a predetermined revolving speed. This structure allows the crankshaft (56) to be rotated even when the engine (50) is at a stop, thereby supplying the required power to drive the auxiliary machinery.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata
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Patent number: 5936312Abstract: The object of the present invention is to carry out control and enable an engine to output a desired power, thereby preventing unexpected charge or discharge of storage battery means. A power output apparatus of the present invention sets energy Pe to be output from an engine, in order to cancel a deviation .DELTA.Pb of a charge-discharge electric power Pb of a battery from its target value Pb* , and controls operation of the engine to output the energy Pe. The energy Pe output from the engine is subjected to torque conversion by means of a clutch motor and an assist motor and output to a drive shaft as a required power. In case that the converted energy is not equal to the required power, the battery is charged with the surplus electric power or is discharged to supplement the shortage of electric power. Namely regulation of the energy Pe results in controlling the charge-discharge electric power Pb of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Koide, Yasutomo Kawabata, Eiji Yamada, Akihiko Kanamori, Masatoshi Uchida, Tetsuya Abe, Akihiro Yamanaka, Takeshi Kotani
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Patent number: 5932982Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Inventor: Edward Pezzelli, Jr.
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Patent number: 5929588Abstract: An electric motor control system for a motor vehicle rear wiper assembly that provides OEM custom wiper features such as programmable wiper angle, speed and parking capabilities. The system includes a single Hall effect sensor, in combination with a gear mechanism that is magnetized in a geometrically sequenced pattern, to provide high resolution and rotational direction and/or speed information to the encoder for motor control purposes.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventor: Kyi-Shin Shiah
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Patent number: 5920159Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment of a multi-functional apparatus employing a flexible drive element for selectively actuating multiple output includes an electromagnetic device and a flexible drive element with a plurality of members thereon. In another aspect of the present invention, a flexible closed loop drive element in response to selective energization of an electric motor, and at least one rotatable member is coupled to one accessory such as a window wiper. The member attached to the drive element are arranged in a loop motion or discontinuous manner and selectively engage the rotatable member and thus actuate the attached accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, Daniel D Kilker, Monte L. Falcoff
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Patent number: 5920158Abstract: A multi-functional automotive vehicle apparatus comprising: a rotatable member; an electromagnetic device operable to selectively rotate said rotatable member; a first motion transmitting member selectively moved in response to rotation of said rotatable member; and a second motion transmitting member selectively moved in response to rotation of said rotatable member.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, Daniel D. Kilker, Monte L. Falcoff, H. Winston Maue, Eric J. Krupp, William C. Zimmer, James W. Gibson
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Patent number: 5920160Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes an engine (50), a clutch motor (30) connecting with a crankshaft (56) of the engine (50), an assist motor (40) connecting with a drive shaft (22), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). In order to attain stable driving of the engine (50) at a target engine torque and a target engine speed, the engine (50) is feedback controlled with the torque of the clutch motor (30). In the feedback control, a range of scatter of the revolving speed of the crankshaft (56) (that is, a variation in rotation or pulsating torque) due to the pulsating power output from the engine (50) is set as a dead zone. The torque of the clutch motor (30) is accordingly not varied with the variation in rotation of the crankshaft 56 (pulsating torque). This structure effectively prevents the variation in rotation (pulsating torque) from being transmitted to the drive shaft (22).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata
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Patent number: 5905345Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventors: William Carl Zimmer, James Wayne Gibson
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Patent number: 5905346Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). A control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to make the clutch motor (30) carry out power operation, so that the drive shaft (22) is rotated at a revolving speed higher than that of the crankshaft (56). The control CPU (90) also controls a second driving circuit (92) to make the assist motor (40) carry out regenerative operation. The electric power regenerated by the assist motor (40) is supplied to the clutch motor (30) to cover the electric power consumed by the clutch motor (30).Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata, Ryouji Mizutani, Ryuji Toh
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Patent number: 5894208Abstract: A control method/system for controlling the operation of an electric motor (32, 42) actuated shifting mechanism (28) is provided, which includes a procedure for periodically relieving trapped frictional forces in the shifting mechanism and associated linkages (30, 38, 40). At initiation of a shifting operation (60), or periodically (66) during a shifting operation, the level of energization of the electric motor is reduced from the full target energization level thereof (68) to a minimal level (70) for a relatively short period of time (72) and then returned to the target energization level thereof. Preferably, the level of energization is returned in a 2-step process comprising stepping the level of energization to an intermediate level (76) and then ramping the level of energization from the intermediate value to the level of full target energization thereof in a ramped fashion.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Alan R. Davis, Leo A. Kominek, Daniel P. Janecke, Donald J. Rozsi
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Patent number: 5866995Abstract: An auxiliary system for a motor vehicle including at least two intermittently driven auxiliary devices, a single electric motor for driving the at least two auxiliary devices, a free wheel arrangement for operatively connecting the at least two auxiliary devices with the electric motor in such a way that one of the at least two auxiliary devices is, from time to time, not operatively connected with the electric motor, and a priority circuit for determining the priority order of actuation of the at least two auxiliary devices, when both devices need be actuated.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Norbert Indlekofer
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Patent number: 5812391Abstract: Electronic circuits capable of operating in a supervised capacity for controlling a mechanical release mechanism that releases a door. The circuits include a digital logic circuit for processing signals which are indicative of a condition in an outside environment and for providing a trigger that will actuate the mechanical release mechanism in response to a condition. The circuits further comprise a sensor input interface connected to the digital logic circuit for receiving a signal produced by a sensor in the environment that monitors the environment to determine the condition. Additional circuitry is provided interfaced with the digital logic circuit for controlling the motion of the door during occurrence of the condition in the environment. The electronic circuits and release mechanism described herein provide a full capability control system for rolling fire door and other emergency-type applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1994Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Solid State Securities, Inc.Inventor: George M. Mehalshick
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Patent number: 5804934Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). An electric current flowing through three-phase coils (36) in the clutch motor (30) enables the outer rotor (32) to be coupled with the inner rotor (34) with a certain slip. Electrical energy corresponding to the certain slip is recovered as an electric power via a first driving circuit (91). The assist motor (40) is controlled with the electric power via a second driving circuit (92) so as to apply a torque to the drive shaft (22).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata, Ryouji Mizutani, Yoshiaki Taga
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Patent number: 5789877Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus (20) attached to a crankshaft (56) of an engine (50) includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). When detecting an ignition switch in a starter position, the controller (80) makes a constant current flow through three-phase coils (44) of the assist motor (40) to fix a drive shaft (22) and makes a current flow through three-phase coils (36) of the clutch motor (30) to enable the clutch motor (30) to apply a starter torque TST to the crankshaft (56). This results in cranking the crankshaft (56). Concurrently with the cranking process, fuel injection into the engine (50) and spark ignition are controlled to start the engine (50).Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Yamada, Takao Miyatani, Yasutomo Kawabata, Ryouji Mizutani, Akihiko Kanamori
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Patent number: 5600220Abstract: A servo-control system for actuating an aircraft flight control member, the system including at least one hydraulic actuator together with actuation means for actuating said actuator, said hydraulic actuator being duplicated, said actuation means including first and second actuation assemblies each comprising two hydraulic circuits each controlled by a respective mechanically-controlled distributor valve, the two distributor valves of the same actuation assembly being actuated by common mechanical elements caused to move by motor means, the actuation means including control means controlling said motor means as a function of the position of the flight control member and of piloting orders received by the control means, detection means for detecting failures, and a selector valve which controls switching of the actuation assemblies between an active state and a reserve state.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1994Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Lucas FranceInventors: Bruno Thoraval, Jean-Luc Bertrand
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Patent number: 5583403Abstract: An exercise machine which can independently vary the force and the speed at the user end is developed. The exercise machine includes a constant torque, variable speed reversible motor, a temperature controlled magnetic particle clutch, a gear reducer, a controller, and a suitable lever mechanism. The motor, clutch and gear reducer are chosen in a combination in order to achieve a predetermined output so that any combination of isotonic, isokinetic, isometric, isotonic/isokinetic, constant, variable, active, passive, uni-directional or bi-directional exercise routines can be performed with the exercise machine. With suitable lever modifications, the resistance providing unit can be successfully modified to emulate a shoulder press, bench press, leg exercise machine, arm exercise machine, etc. The output parameters, user force and user speed, are controlled in real time to maintain accuracy. This is made possible by the use of a PC-based controller interfaced to off-the-shelf motor and clutch control boards.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: University of Maryland Baltimore CampusInventors: Muniswamappa Anjanappa, Warren G. Miller
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Patent number: 5495151Abstract: A modular apparatus is provided for imparting movement and selected sound to an ornament. The apparatus includes a mechanical movement module and a melody/voice module. The mechanical movement module includes a drive motor, gear assembly and cooperating power transmission rod all operatively connected together and a sound generating element in the form of a piezoelectric buzzer. The melody/voice module includes an electronic controller for controlling the generation of sound. The apparatus also includes a battery compartment for receiving and engaging a battery, a circuit for operatively electrically connecting the battery, drive motor and electronic controller and a connector for selectively connecting/disconnecting the two modules.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Inventor: Clive S. Lu
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Patent number: 5367232Abstract: A portable motorized system of pulleys and cable which moves a three dimensional, or conventional target around a predetermined path. The purpose of this system is to simulate, through movement, the actions of an animal during hunting conditions. This system allows the user, to shoot at a target which moves and changes directions, while standing in one place. The system is suspended by attaching screwhooks into fixed objects such as trees, poles, buildings etc. A motor assembly which is attached to one of the supports turns a drive pulley. The cable and target are moved through a series of idler pulleys, by the drive pulley, around a closed circuit. A hand operated ratchet is utilized at another support location to apply tension to the system. The tension causes the system to be fully suspended from the supports. The motor is powered by a twelve volt battery, a switch and fuse are also incorporated.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Inventors: Ronald R. Netherton, James E. Majka
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Patent number: 5321341Abstract: A drive module of a machine having a turret adjacent the upper end and a motor adjacent the lower end. The turret is driven by the motor to move between different stations of the machine by the controlled rotation of the turret about an axis of rotation. The motor includes an upwardly directed output shaft which is in generally axial alignment with the axis of rotation of the turret. An outer housing is disposed between the turret and motor, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to an inner housing disposed for rotation within the outer housing. An elongate shaft extends axially through the inner housing and is connected with the turret to transmit movement of the shaft to the turret. A force transmitting member is connected to the inner housing and to the elongate shaft for transmitting rotational movement of the inner housing to the elongate shaft, and for permitting axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the force transmitting member and the inner housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Captive Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Wim Kamp, Leonard Buys
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Patent number: 5015926Abstract: A force development system for the application of controlled variable speeds and torque forces in exercise machines utilized to strengthen and develop body muscles of an exercising person. The system includes a constant speed high torque electric drive motor mechanically coupled to a dynamic clutch device in which the controlled coupling of the rotary force input assembly of the clutch to the rotary force output assembly of the clutch is accomplished via electromagnetic coil activation of metallic powder particles forming coupling particle chains between the input and output assemblies of the clutch. Alternatively, the dynamic clutch of the system may be a fluid clutch containing electrorheological fluid.The force development system of the invention also includes a speed reduction device between the dynamic clutch and the exercise machine to which the system is applied. An electronic sensor, interconnected to a microprocessor, senses the speed, motion and torque force of the system's output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: John A. Casler
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Patent number: 4881018Abstract: A manually assistable electric driving device for a lid of an automobile luggage compartment has a clutch mechanism disposed between an electric motor and an output member drivingly connected to the lid. The clutch mechanism is so constructed that, when the lid is being driven by the motor in either direction, the lid can be manually moved in the same direction and at a speed higher than the speed caused by the motor drive.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1988Date of Patent: November 14, 1989Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoji Kato, Osamu Minai, Hirosi Tukamoto, Takashi Hagiwara, Katsuji Kosaka
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Patent number: 4847541Abstract: A door actuating system has an electric drive motor and a chain drive connected to the door. An electromagnetic clutch connects the motor drive to the chain drive when the clutch is activated. The system includes a controller for controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the clutch to allow the movement of the door to build up over a finite time to a steady-state speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1987Date of Patent: July 11, 1989Inventor: Steve Krieger
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Patent number: 4797600Abstract: A multiple cooling fan installation in which a master fan is driven by a brushless electric drive motor, and at least one slave fan having blades positioned adjacent the blades of the master fan is driven by magnetic coupling between such adjacent blades. Synchronism of rotation between the master and slave fans is ensured by generating a speed command N.sub.cmd for the master fan drive motor in relation to position feedback from the slave fan(s) so that the speed of the master fan is increased in relation to the ability of the slave fan(s) to follow in step with the master fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1987Date of Patent: January 10, 1989Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Jack W. Savage, John R. Savage
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Patent number: 4794309Abstract: An electric actuator for a control valve for fluids utilizes an induction motor to control the degree of opening of the valve and is provided with a control system which determines the deviation of the actual opening degree from the demand opening degree, generates a valve opening or closing speed command in accordance with the opening deviation, determines the deviation of the actual opening or closing speed from the command speed, generates a torque command in accordance with the speed deviation, and computes by means of the vector computing method the primary current to be supplied to the induction motor to enable the induction motor to output the required torque. When the valve is in the fully closed position, the control system stops the supply current to the induction motor and activates a braking device which locks the motor shaft to prevent reverse rotation of the motor shaft due to load reaction.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1987Date of Patent: December 27, 1988Assignees: Bailey Japan Co., Ltd., Nippon Gear Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Saito, Takeshi Suguro, Toshio Endo, Yutaka Utsumi
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Patent number: 4677355Abstract: Electric-powered actuating device usable for the positioning control of valves and the like, featuring a motor, mechanical and spring means capable of driving said valve or other attached devices into a predetermined safety position in case of electrical signal or power failure; said actuating device having electrical amplifying means capable of providing pulsed current to drive said motor in one direction in response to an input signal, a constant current to hold said motor in a selected position, or no power, to allow the mechanical and spring means to reverse the motor direction; additional means are provided to limit the travel to a selected position despite further increases in input signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1986Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Inventor: Peter H. Baumann
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Patent number: 4649329Abstract: An electric actuator having an electric motor operable to determine the output force generated on an output member by a spring; a drive shaft arranged to be driven by the electric motor and having first and second drive means, a non-rotational but axially movable intermediate member which is threadedly engaged with first driven means arranged to be driven by the first drive means; the spring being located between the intermediate member and the output member and arranged so that axial movement of the intermediate member is transmitted to the output member so long as the latter is free to move and, when the output member is restrained from movement, generates the output force on the output member upon continued operation of the electric motor; a stop carried by the intermediate member and positionally adjustable with respect thereto in the direction in which the intermediate member is axially movable, and second driven means with the second drive means, the first driven means being engageable with the stop toType: GrantFiled: April 18, 1985Date of Patent: March 10, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co.Inventor: David J. Wickham
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Patent number: 4636700Abstract: A servo system 10 (FIG. 1) for positioning a sighting mirror 11 connected to a pulley 16 comprises a drive motor 13 rigidly connected to a drive pulley 15 in turn coupled by a tensioned drive belt to the pulley 16. Angular position of the motor or pulley 15 is measured by sensor 18 and passed by way of phase advance network 19 and amplifier 21 to produce an error signal for the drive motor. The pulley 16 is outside of the servo loop and any oscillations induced in the tensioned belt at its resonant frequency, possibly originating from electrical noise in the servo loop, will be uncontrollable.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1984Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Ferranti, plcInventors: Peter G. Moore, John D. Davidson
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Patent number: 4613798Abstract: Electric-powered actuating device usable for the positioning control of valves and the like, featuring a motor, mechanical and spring means capable of driving said valve or other attached devices into a predetermined safety position in case of electrical signal or power failure; said actuating device having electrical amplifying means capable of providing pulsed current to drive said motor in one direction, a direct current to hold the motor in a selected position or, no power, to allow the mechanical and spring means to reverse the motor direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1985Date of Patent: September 23, 1986Inventor: Peter H. Baumann
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Patent number: 4604558Abstract: A motor drive assembly includes a stationary housing, a shaft rotatably carried by the housing for driving a load, a gear box rotatably carried by the shaft, and an electric motor in the gear box having a rotor coupled by a gear train to the shaft. A switch in the housing near the gear box is operated when the gear box rotates against a spring bias in response to the rotor's exerting an increased predetermined torque. The motor may have an auxiliary winding in circuit with the switch to reduce power consumed by the motor when the switch is operated. Alternatively, a solenoid may be connected to the switch to hold the rotor stationary when the motor stops. The motor may have a main drive winding which is de-energized by the switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1985Date of Patent: August 5, 1986Assignee: Vernitron CorporationInventor: George Hirsch
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Patent number: 4533859Abstract: A motorized nut for use in conjunction with a fixedly secured lead screw for displacing a movable member along a fixed member into which the lead screw is journaled parallel to the desired path of member movement, includes an induction motor whose case is rigidly secured to the movable member. The motor rotor is made hollow so as to allow the lead screw to extend coaxially therethrough. A pair of nuts are each secured in a separate one of the ends of the tubular motor rotor for threadedly engaging the lead screw so that as the motor rotor rotates in response to motor excitation, the motor stator and hence, the movable member, are displaced on the movable member along the axis of the ball screw.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1982Date of Patent: August 6, 1985Assignee: Kearney & Trecker CorporationInventor: Richard Johnstone
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Patent number: 4482847Abstract: A motor-driven rotary actuator includes an electric drive motor adapted to be configured for providing one of a plurality of output torques and power transmission means including a rotatable output shaft. The transmission means is coupled to the drive motor and includes drive elements adapted to be formed of disparate materials selected for transmitting one of the output torques. An electric controller is coupled to the motor for providing rotation positioning control of the actuator output shaft in response to analog command signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1983Date of Patent: November 13, 1984Assignee: Johnson Service CompanyInventors: George Rudich, Jr., Charles F. Beeson, Gary L. Bartley
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Patent number: 4475072Abstract: An X-ray table having an elevator mounted on a base for vertical movement, an intermediate support mounted on the elevator for moving longitudinally, and a carriage with a patient cradle on it for moving longitudinally on the support. A pair of gas springs mounted at the forward end of the table provides a constant upward force to compensate for weight of the elevator and the cantilevered load which is exerted as the patient cradle is extended in the longitudinal direction. There are individual servomotors for driving the support and the cradle. The intermediate support drive includes a drive bar and switch assemblies for sensing any force of more than 25 lbs., for example, exerted on the patient or patient cradle and for disengaging the servodrives in response thereto. The cradle drive incorporates a zero-backlash longitudinal friction drive which includes a harmonic drive unit to achieve accurate positioning of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1982Date of Patent: October 2, 1984Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory D. Schwehr, Richard T. Brandt, James J. Kandler
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Patent number: 4465162Abstract: A drive apparatus for elevators and the like utilizes a traction-type speed change gear to transmit power with little noise and vibrations from an electric drive motor to the drive sheave of an elevator. An abnormality detection device is provided to detect when slippage occurs in the speed change gear, and a control device activated by the abnormality detection device is provided to bring the elevator to a safe emergency stop when such slippage occurs.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1982Date of Patent: August 14, 1984Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoru Yokota
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Patent number: 4455511Abstract: A windshield wiper mechanism includes a motor driven gear and a drive plate positioned relative thereto but selectively rotatable to enable easy change of the effective wiper parts position. A park switch to automatically stops the arm and blade at a selected position on the windshield is located on the drive gear (driving rotatable member). Removal, rotation and reengagement of the drive plate relative to the motor driven gear then easily changes the wiper park position. The drive plate is provided with at least one opening located at a radial distance from the center rotating axis of the drive plate for receiving a pin of a connecting link that will provide oscillating motion to a shaft upon which a windshield wiper arm and blade is secured.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1983Date of Patent: June 19, 1984Assignee: AMBAC Industries, IncorporatedInventor: Kenneth W. Stewart, Sr.
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Patent number: 4449598Abstract: To control the turning direction of a vehicle having wheels with fixed axles or tracks at the respective sides of the vehicle, a steering wheel (1) is coupled to a wheel position transducer (11); a direction control lever (2) is coupled to a position transducer (12), providing forward and reverse (F-REV) driving direction signals. The signals are so arranged that, for turning in respectively opposite directions, signals of positive or negative polarity, with a level varying with the turning radius, are provided; for forward or reverse, respectively, signals of varying polarity are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1982Date of Patent: May 22, 1984Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Helmut Hones, Hubert Mohaupt
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Patent number: 4442390Abstract: A feedback system is disclosed for use in a remote control linear actuator device including a pair of actuator members that are relatively linearly displaceable by a motor, which feedback system includes a mounting bracket connected with one of the actuator members, a slide bar connected with the mounting bracket for linear movement by the other actuator member in a direction parallel with the direction of relative movement of said actuator members, and a rotary member operable by the slide bar to supply a feedback signal to the motor that is a function of the relative positions of the actuator members.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1982Date of Patent: April 10, 1984Inventor: Kenneth W. Davis
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Patent number: 4433273Abstract: A stepper drive system including a pair of linear belt flights trained between interior surfaces of a fixed frame and a reciprocable armature carriage with the belts alternately clamped to the carriage so as to successively advance the belt flights in opposite directions. The armature carriage is powered by a linear motor defined by a pair of permanent magnets fixed to the carriage and at least one, preferably two, electrically conductive coils fixed in the frame such that when energized the armature carriage will be driven in one of two directions along a given path between fixed stops established by the frame. To clamp the belt flights to the carriage, an energizeable belt gripping device is mounted on the carriage and includes a reciprocable armature fitted with belt deforming nipples, aperture engaging pins, or a planar surface for friction engagement. Alternately, the belt flights may be also coated with a magnetically permeable material so as to be electromagnetically drawn against the belt clamp.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1982Date of Patent: February 21, 1984Assignee: Polaroid CorporationInventor: Christian C. Petersen
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Patent number: 4423359Abstract: An electric motor for a magnetic tape recorder comprises an electrically insulating disk-shaped stator with a plurality of flatwise coils, a rotary shaft rotatably extending through the stator, and a first disk-shaped rotor of soft iron with a multi-pole annular magnet and a second disk-shaped rotor of soft iron rotatably extending through the shaft on both sides of the stator. A pulley is fixed on the shaft below the first rotor to drive capstans, and a reel disc or a pinion is coaxially connected to the second rotor to drive a take-up reel for forward play. In a fast forward feed mode, the first and second rotors can be mechanically interlinked. Alternatively, an electromagnetic solenoid may be used to take out a torque from the first rotor by engaging an idle roller with a roller fixed to the rotary a shaft above the pinion or to apply a pressure to the second rotor to increase the friction between the second rotor and an adjacent shoulder on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1981Date of Patent: December 27, 1983Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koosuke Hashimoto