Coupling Facilitates Relative Rotary Displacement Between Coupled Members Patents (Class 464/160)
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Patent number: 6669567Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the hydraulic adjustment of the angular position of a shaft (1) relative to a drive pinion (14), said device comprising a plate (2) fixed to the shaft to cooperate with the drive pinion (14) or with a component fixed to the drive pinion. The device comprises at least one ring-segment shaped section (2a) in the plate (2) and a means (4a) arranged on the drive pinion (14) or on said component to cooperate with the shaped section (2a) so as to divide the shaped section into two separate chambers (10, 11). The device further comprises a means for a selective hydraulic pressurization of the chambers (10, 11) for adjusting the relative angular position of the drive pinion (14) and the shaft (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KGInventors: Martin Scheidt, Jens Schafer, Dieter Neller
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Patent number: 6651600Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary piston adjuster for adjusting the angular position of the camshaft of an internal combustion engine, said adjuster comprising an outer rotor having at least one hydraulic chamber and an inner rotor having at least one pivoting vane that can pivot hydraulically between a retard stop position and an advance stop position, said adjuster further comprising a locking device suitable for detachably connecting the outer and inner rotors. Operational reliability and wear resistance as well as less constructional work are achieved according to the invention by the fact that the locking device (8) and the stops (27, 28) are arranged in an attachment (4) that is connected to the rotary piston adjuster and whose components are wear-resistant.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald
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Patent number: 6648619Abstract: A vacuum pump, in particular for brake booster systems in motor vehicles, with a drivable rotor via which a blade in a housing can be set in rotation is proposed. The vacuum pump is distinguished by the fact that the rotor consists of plastic and is formed as one piece.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Luk, Automobiletechnik, GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Dieter Otto
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Patent number: 6647936Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser having a tortuous path from the supply of pressurized oil to the tapered recess into which the locking pin fits, that introduces a delay between when the engine starts and when the locking pin moves to an unlocked position. The tortuous path restricts fluid flow, preventing the locking pin from unlocking during engine start-up with the initial oil pressurization, prior to the variable cam timing phaser having sufficient oil to operate. The delay ensures that the chambers of the variable cam timing phaser have time to fill with operating fluid before the phaser is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Jeff Lewis
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Patent number: 6644258Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine that varies rotation phase including a housing, a rotor, a locking pin, and a piston. The locking pin is moveable in a first direction, which urges a tapered end of the locking pin to engage a tapered recess in the rotor, and a second direction, opposite the first direction, to disengage the rotor. The is driven by an engine output in synchronism with the engine revolutions, the rotor is connected to the camshaft and has a fluid passage connecting a source of engine oil to the tapered recess in the rotor. The piston is located within the fluid passage and has a piston surface contacting the locking pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Franklin R. Smith
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Patent number: 6637390Abstract: A vane-type cam phaser wherein a realtime method of measuring the axial position of the phaser's locking pin is provided. A magnet is fixed to the nose portion of the locking pin. A Hall-effect sensor is attached to the stator of the phaser in proximity to the magnet. As the locking pin moves through its range of travel, the magnet moves either toward or away from the sensor resulting in a proportional increase or decrease in sensor output voltage. By reading the voltage output, the axial position of the locking pin can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Dauer, David J. Trapasso
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Patent number: 6626136Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine has a lock pin that is movably provided in an accommodation hole of one of vanes of a rotor. A screw portion is formed along part of the outer circumference of the lock pin, which is fixed to a shaft of a motor. When hydraulic pressure control is performed to maintain a housing and the rotor in a predetermined intermediate phase, the lock pin moves in the axial direction of a cam shaft in response to rotation of the motor independently of the hydraulic pressure control, and engages a lock recess portion formed in a sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhisa Mikame, Yoshikazu Ishii
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Patent number: 6622677Abstract: A phaser for adjusting the timing between a camshaft and a crankshaft. The phaser consists of an outer housing having internal and external teeth and an inner housing connected to the camshaft. The outer teeth couple to the cam drive—the timing chain, timing belt or timing gears. A worm mounted on the inner housing is meshed with the internal teeth of the outer housing. The worm gear is connected to one or two drive wheels, which are rotated by contact with stationary plates. The plates are moved by electromagnetic coils to contact the drive wheel or wheels, and turn them in one direction or the other. The actuators are activated by an engine control unit. The plates can be mounted concentrically on one side of the phaser, or on opposite sides.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Roger Simpson, Franklin R. Smith
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Patent number: 6619248Abstract: A device (1) for hydraulic rotational angle adjustment of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine including a drive unit (4) connected with the crankshaft and an output unit (5) non-rotatably connected with the camshaft. The drive unit (4) stands in power transmitting connection with the output unit (5) through at least two pressure chambers (6, 7) formed inside the device (1) which bring about, under action by pressure under continuous compensation for external pressure leakages, a relative rotation or a hydraulic clamping of the output unit (5) in relation to the drive unit (4). In addition, the device (1) has a coil spring (8) arranged outside the device which is provided for adaptation of its adjustment speeds in both adjustment directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KGInventors: Thomas Bertelshofer, Gerd Wiessner, Jurgen Schwab, Thomas Kleiber
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Patent number: 6615778Abstract: In a variable valve timing apparatus for variably controlling the valve timing by changing a rotation phase of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft, an abnormality diagnosis of the apparatus is performed on a condition that a change amount per unit time in a control target value of the rotation phase has been kept equal to or less than a predetermined limit value for a predetermined period or more.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Haruhiro Iwaki, Hajime Hosoya
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Patent number: 6571757Abstract: The cam phaser of the present invention includes a variable force solenoid (201) with spool position feedback to control the position of a center mounted spool valve (192) and control the phase angle of the cam mounted phaser. A position sensor (300) is mounted to the spool valve position such that a control loop (30) controls the position of the spool valve (192). A second, outer loop controls the phaser angle. An offset is preferably added to the spool valve position to move the spool valve to its steady state or null position. This null position is required so that the spool (200) can move in to move the phaser in one direction and outward to move the phaser in the other direction. This type of system reduces any frictional or magnetic hysteresis in the spool (200) and solenoid control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Borgwarner Inc.Inventor: Roger Simpson
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Patent number: 6547689Abstract: The angular motion translator is a device with direct mechanical coupling which allows a user to reliably and durably change the angular relationship between two elements in a rotating frame (i.e. two output shafts) by changing the angular relationship between two elements in a static reference frame, whereby the change in the angular relationship of the elements in the rotating frame is proportional to the change in the angular relationship of the elements in the static reference frame. Essentially, the angular motion translator is comprised of two linked identical planetary gear sets facing one another as mirror images. Matching elements in the two planetary gear sets are held static, although one of the static elements may be rotated with respect to the other, matching elements are rigidly attached together so that they rotate as a single unit, and the remaining matching elements are attached to either the input shaft and the inner output shaft or the outer output shaft respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Inventor: George Paul Baker, Jr.
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Patent number: 6532921Abstract: It is an object to provide a continuously variable valve timing adjusting device to improve valve timing advance response for an internal combustion engine. The device, capable of continuously and variably controlling the intake valve timing phase, includes: an advance chamber which hydraulically rotates a vane rotor and a camshaft on the advance side relative to the timing rotor; a retard chamber for rotating the camshaft on the retard side relative to the timing rotor; an advance-retard oil pressure control valve; an oil communicating passage for fluid communication between the advance chamber and the retard chamber; a hydraulic piston, flow control valve which controls the oil in the communicating passage according to the retard chamber pressure when the engine is running at a low speed and a high oil temperature; and a ball valve check valve which checks the oil flow from the advance chamber to the retard chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Osamu Sato, Taei Sugiura, Kenji Kanehara, Jun Yamada
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Patent number: 6526929Abstract: A device for relative angular adjustment between two drive-connected elements rotating at the same rotational speed, in particular between a chain wheel and a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, includes, as an actuating drive, an electrically commutated electric motor with, as coil part, a stator arranged fixedly relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChryslerInventor: Kai Lehmann
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Patent number: 6527643Abstract: In order to facilitate angular phase-alignment during assembly of a telescopic cardan shaft, comprising an outer splined shaft (1)—equipped with longitudinal inner splines (11)—and an inner splined shaft (3)—equipped with longitudinal outer projections (13, 13A)—the inner splines (11) of the outer shaft (1) have a width greater than the width of the outer projections (13,13A) of the inner splined shaft (3), in order to obtain a mutual angular play of at least 60°.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventor: Bondioli Edi
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Patent number: 6526930Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine for preventing dispersion of a control amount and unexpected release of a lock pin is provided. The valve timing control system is provided with actuators 15 and 16 connected to cam shafts 15C and 16C, hydraulic pressure supply units 19 and 20 for driving the actuators, and a controller 21A for controlling a hydraulic pressure for the actuators in dependence on engine operation states while changing a relative phase of the cam shafts relative to crank shafts. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for setting the relative phase to a lock-up position, and an unlocking mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism in response to a predetermined hydraulic pressure. The controller makes a limit of control range small when the controller drives the locking mechanism to control the relative phase within a predetermined range of the lock-up position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuhiko Takahashi, Morio Fujiwara
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Patent number: 6523512Abstract: An angle of rotation of a camshaft relative to an angle of rotation of a crankshaft in internal combustion engines is adjusted for influencing the control times of a valve operation sequence. A wobble plate mechanism including a wobble drive realizes the adjustment. The wobble plate mechanism is arranged between camshaft and crankshaft, preferably between camshaft and a camshaft wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: AFT Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbHInventors: Detlef Axmacher, Dirk Neubauer
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Patent number: 6516763Abstract: A method of actuating a device for varying the valve timing of an internal combustion engine without jamming of the locking element during starting of the internal combustion engine, the solenoid of the hydraulic valve is at first energized through a number of high frequency cycles of high and low energization that are broken off after a defined period of time or after a defined number of cycles, followed by a renewed energization of the solenoid with a high energization with a simultaneous check by the microprocessor to determine whether the element fixed to the camshaft has been angularly displaced relative to the element fixed to the crankshaft out of its basic position whereby if the microprocessor determines that the element fixed to the crankshaft is still in the basic position, the first two phases of energization are repeated and the microprocessor has determined an angular displacement of the element fixed to the camshaft, the solenoid is energized with a current defined by the microprocessor which iType: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler oHGInventor: Andreas Strauss
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Patent number: 6497208Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising a housing member rotated in synchronism with one of a first shaft and a second shaft, the housing member comprising a circular space provided therein and at least one fan-shaped space radially extending from an outer circumferential surface of the circular space, a vane rotor rotated in synchronism with the other of the first shaft and the second shaft, the vane rotor is accommodated in the housing member in order to relatively rotate with respect to the housing member, the vane rotor comprising at least one vane radially extending so as to divide each the fan-shaped space into a first chamber and a second chamber, a locking member provided in one of the housing member and the vane, the locking member comprising a main body portion provided with a cylindrical shape and a leading head portion provided with a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward an end face of the leading head portion, an engaging bore provided inType: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventor: Hideyuki Miyasaka
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Patent number: 6484859Abstract: A shaft coupling having two attachment elements that are rotatable relative to one another and that are connected to one another by a rotationally resilient assembly, and further having a dampening device which is active between the attachment elements for the purpose of suppressing torsional vibrations of the rotationally resilient assembly is disclosed. The rotationally resilient assembly comprises two ramp discs that are rotatable relative to one another and that support one another at least indirectly. One disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and rigid manner on one of the attachment elements and the other disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and axially resilient manner on the other one of the attachment elements by a spring. The dampening device is a viscous coupling having a hub connected to one of the attachment elements and a housing connected to the other one of the attachment elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: GKN Viscodrive GmbHInventor: Adrian Chludek
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Patent number: 6484676Abstract: The reference valve timing of an intake valve and an exhaust valve is set based on an engine load detected and an engine rotation speed detected. An engine start and an engine idling condition are detected. The valve timing of the intake valve and the exhaust valve is controlled, while maintaining valve overlap amounts to be substantially the same, so that a valve overlap center becomes at an advance side from an exhaust top dead center, with respect to the reference valve timing, at the engine start and in the idling condition during a predetermined period of time after the engine start.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Hirokazu Shimizu, Isamu Iizuka
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Patent number: 6477996Abstract: A variable valve timing system is provided with a relative rotation controlling mechanism allowing relative rotation of the housing member and the rotor member by an unlock operation through the supply of operation fluid, and restricting the relative rotation of the housing member and the rotor member at an intermediate angle phase between a most retarded angle phase and a most advanced angle phase by a lock operation through the discharge of the operation fluid. A hydraulic pressure circuit controls the supply and discharge of the operation fluid to the relative rotation controlling mechanism and also controls the supply and discharge of the operation fluid to the advanced angle chamber and the retarded angle chamber. The hydraulic pressure circuit is adapted to discharge the operation fluid from the advanced angle chamber, the retarded angle chamber and the relative rotation controlling mechanism when the combustion engine is started.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazumi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6449798Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Evgeny I. Rivin, Victor R. Fey
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Patent number: 6422188Abstract: An actuator includes a cylinder having a central axis and a side wall. The side wall has an inner surface. A clutch is disposed within the cylinder, and includes a hub and at least one clutch arm. Each clutch arm includes a negative opposing finger, a positive opposing finger, a negative opposing spring and a positive opposing spring. The negative opposing finger has a first end attached to the hub and a fingertip end engaging the inner surface of the side wall. The positive opposing finger has a first end attached to the hub and a fingertip end engaging the inner surface of the side wall. The negative opposing spring has a first end attached to the negative opposing finger. The positive opposing spring has a first end attached to the positive opposing finger. A control input is configured for engaging a second end of a selected one of the negative opposing spring and the positive opposing spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Pierik
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Patent number: 6412462Abstract: A cam phaser wherein the stator is integral with either the back plate or the front cover plate. The integral stator may be formed by any desired forming technique, such as, for example, by machining, casting, welding, or injection molding. Preferably, however, the integral stator is formed in a single molding step by powdered metal forming using powdered aluminum. Cap seals are provided for sealing the hydraulic chambers of the cam phaser.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Howard Lichti, Michael James Fox, Gary John Deangelis
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Patent number: 6405694Abstract: Either of intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine is provided with a variable valve timing device. In a low-speed, low-load range, exhaust valve advanced-closing control is performed to close the exhaust valve at an earlier timing than the top dead center on the intake stroke, thereby trapping residual combustion gases in the cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder temperature is raised by setting the intake valve opening timing at around the top dead center on the intake stroke or at a later timing thereof to thereby compress by the piston the residual gases in the cylinder during a period from closing the exhaust valve till the top dead center on the intake stroke. Thus it becomes possible to take in the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder at a higher cylinder temperature than the gas temperature of internal EGR caused by conventional valve overlap.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Osamu Sato
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Patent number: 6390045Abstract: A variable valve timing apparatus has a rotational torque transmission path that changes the relative phases of a camshaft that moves an engine valve and a rotary crank body that is coupled to the crankshaft. The rotational torque transmission path has uses an electromagnetic brake delay rotation of a drum, which is coupled to the rotary crank body by a biasing member and a moving member. When rotation of the drum is delayed, the moving member changes the angular orientation between the drum and the rotary crank body against the biasing force of the biasing member. The electromagnetic brake is coupled to a cover by two protrusions and two concavities. The protrusions are arranged to prevent contact between the electromagnetic brake and the drum due to tension of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yousuke Mae, Fumihiko Imamura
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Patent number: 6390044Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus in an internal combustion engine is feedback controlled by a sliding mode control and an abnormality of the sliding mode control is diagnosed. During a slight abnormality other than a crucial abnormality which makes the feedback control impossible, the system is feedback controlled to converge to a target value using only a non-linear term calculated by the sliding mode control.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Hidekazu Yoshizawa, Norio Moteki
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Patent number: 6386350Abstract: A clutch mechanism of an outboard engine provides improved feel of shifting operation while allowing a detent mechanism and a stopper to fully perform their functions. The clutch mechanism has a shift cam which is remotely operable through a clutch rod and a shift rod, so as to switch the direction of rotation of a propeller shaft within a gear case. The clutch mechanism has an assist device acting between the clutch rod and the shift rod. The assist device has a rotary drive member connected to the clutch rod, a rotary driven member connected to the shift rod and driven by the drive member, and an elastic member disposed to act between the drive member and the driven member.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Takuya Sato
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Patent number: 6374786Abstract: A valve timing controller with the structure of a stopper mechanism and a lock mechanism thereof is so provided as to reduce the cost and the size of the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazumi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6354951Abstract: A drive assembly for an agricultural implement (1) has a first implement portion (2) and a second implement portion (3) pivotable relative to the first implement portion (2) around a pivot axis (x). The first implement portion (2) has a first rotary driving device (4) and the second implement portion (3) has a second rotary driving device (5). The two rotary driving devices (4, 5) are rotationally connected to one another by a shaft assembly (6). The shaft assembly (6) includes a universal joint (7) which adjoins the pivot axis (x). The universal joint (7) includes a cross member with two pairs of arms centered on axes of rotation arranged perpendicularly relative to one another, and two joint yokes. A force-operated setting device (19) transfers the shaft assembly (6) into a rotational position where the axis of rotation of one of the two pairs of arms of the universal joint (7) adjoining the pivot axis (x) at least approaches a parallel line relative to the pivot axis (x).Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbHInventor: Eberhard Wilks
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Patent number: 6336433Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the angle of a camshaft, in particular a camshaft provided for actuating exhaust valves, relative to the crankshaft driving the camshaft. An input element is driven by the crankshaft, an output element is adjusted relative to the input element and drives the camshaft, and a control device adjusts the input element relative to the output element. The output element is arranged at least approximately concentrically relative to the input element. At least one spring element for biasing the output element towards a basic position is arranged between the input element and the output element.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Huber Anton, Speier Wolfgang
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Patent number: 6332439Abstract: The vane type hydraulic actuator according to the present invention comprises a guide locking mechanism (guide stopper pin) (1) for guiding the rotor (44) to a locking position where the rotor (44) can be locked to the case (43), and a retaining locking mechanism (retaining stopper pin) (4) for retaining the rotor (44) to the case (43), after the rotor (44) is guided to the locking position. The actuator having vanes, wherein the length in the peripheral direction of the tip portion of the vane having the locking mechanism is substantially identical to that of the vane which is located symmetrically thereto. The length in the peripheral direction of the tip portion of the other vanes is shorter than that of the vane having the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mutsuo Sekiya, Katsuyuki Fukuhara, Masafumi Sugawara
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Publication number: 20010053718Abstract: An annular disk for flexible shaft couplings is described, whose two coupling halves each exhibiting a connection flange are connected to each other via a packet of such annular disks in a torsionally rigid manner, but in such a way as to enable their axial and angular movement. The annular disk has four attachment holes uniformly distributed on a shared hole circle, wherein the section is tapered between two adjacent attachment holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: ATEC-Weiss GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Kropp, Patrice Millet
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Patent number: 6318196Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure of an automobile center lock driving apparatus, and in particular to an center lock driving apparatus having an inertia gear module. The driving apparatus comprises a driving pull-rod, a transmission gear, an inertia clutching gear, an active gear and a motor. The apparatus provides a solution to wear of the gears, dislocation of the gears, and “dead lock” of the driving pull-rod, and gear damages as a result of shock caused by dislocation of transmission gear modules. At instantaneous driving, the driving pull-rod can be driven more smoothly and stable as a result of the inertia gap between the gear modules.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Chung-I Chang
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Patent number: 6314929Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a sprocket driven by a timing chain in synchronization with the engine rotation and a camshaft for driving intake or exhaust valves. A valve timing control device of the engine comprises a first rotating member on which the sprocket is integrally formed; a second rotating member capable of making a relative rotation to the first rotating member and rotated together with the camshaft; a plurality of working fluid chambers defined between the first and second rotating members; and a charging/discharging means for charging and discharging a working fluid to and from the working fluid chambers to induce the relative rotation between the first and second rotating members. The sprocket and at least a base part of the first rotating member on which the sprocket is integrally formed are constructed of a porous metal member.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Akinobu Maeyama, Hideyuki Miyasaka, Hiroaki Imai
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Patent number: 6311657Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock mechanism for a valve timing regulation device which regulates the timing of the opening and closing of engine valves, the lock mechanism locks or releases a first rotating body and a second rotating body in response to the operational condition of an engine. The lock mechanism includes a radial groove 32 provided in either the first rotating body 21 or the second rotating body 24 and extending in a radial direction of the rotating body. A locking member 35 is slidably inserted into the radial groove 32, and the locking member is urged towards a center of the rotating body by an urging means 36. An oil pressure is applied to the locking member 35 in a direction opposite to the urging direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masafumi Sugawara, Mutsuo Sekiya
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Patent number: 6308588Abstract: A drive (1) for driving, or drives in, agricultural implements, has a drive housing (2) with a first shaft (7) which is rotatably supported around a first axis of rotation (4) in the drive housing (2). A first shaft end (10) of the first shaft (7) projects from the drive housing (2). A first gear (13) is arranged on the first shaft (7). The first gear (13) is axially fixed and rotatable, to a limited extent, relative to the first shaft (7). A second shaft (24) is rotatably supported around a second axis of rotation (20) in the drive housing (2). A first shaft end (27) of the second shaft (24) projects from the drive housing (2). A second gear (29) is firmly connected to the second shaft (24) in the axial direction and in the direction of rotation. The first gear (13) and the second gear (29) engage one another. The selected assembly enables a limited amount of rotation of the first shaft (7), with the second shaft (24) being stationary.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbHInventor: John Zubik
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Patent number: 6308669Abstract: A phase change coupling is disclosed for allowing the angular position of a drive member 10 of a camshaft 12 to be varied in relation to the camshaft. The coupling is additionally provided with a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the drive member relative to the camshaft in only one direction during cranking of the engine, so that, during cranking of the engine, the drive member 10 is rotated in only one sense relative to the camshaft by the camshaft torque reversals until it reaches a predetermined start-up angular position.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Mechadyne PLCInventors: Timothy Mark Lancefield, Ian Methley
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Patent number: 6302072Abstract: The vane type hydraulic actuator according to the present invention includes a guide locking device (guide stopper pin) (1) for guiding the rotor (44) to a locking position where the rotor (44) can be locked to the case (43), and are taining locking device (retaining stopper pin) (4) for retaining the rotor (44) to the case (43), after the rotor (44) is guided to the locking position.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mutsuo Sekiya, Katsuyuki Fukuhara, Masafumi Sugawara
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Patent number: 6289860Abstract: An assembly for controlling the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft of an internal combustion engine with an outer ring member which is connectable to the crankshaft for receiving rotating torque therefrom and a hub which is connectable to the camshaft for transmitting torque from the outer ring member utilizes at least one elongated, centrifugally-responsive lever member which is pivotally connected to the ring member for pivotal movement relative thereto between radially inwardmost positions and radially outwardmost positions. Moreover, each lever member is connected to the hub so that movement of the lever member between the radially inwardmost and outwardmost positions effects a rotational shift of the hub relative to the outer ring member about the axis of rotation which alters the phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft driven thereby.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Frank H. Speckhart, John C. McCracken
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Patent number: 6287203Abstract: A method and structure for coupling to a step motor shaft is characterized by providing a predetermined back-lash distance defined between the step motor shaft and a key, thereby to instantly reach the desired speed for driving a load. Accordingly, a shaft coupling device is provided to connect to a rotatable load. The shaft coupling device has a key which maintains a back-lash distance defined between a step motor shaft and the key. Eventually, when the step motor shaft is not driving the load, they are separated. When the step motor shaft is driven by the step motor, it self-spins in a first direction and travels through a distance so as to form a predetermined back-lash distance between the key. As soon as the back-lash distance is formed, the step motor shaft reverses its rotation direction and then starts to travel through the predetermined back-lash distance to drive the load. The speed of the step motor shaft soon increases as it rotates in a second direction and approaches the load.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Mustek Systems Inc.Inventors: Bill Chen, Emmet Chen, Te-Chih Chang
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Patent number: 6276321Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser wherein a coil spring under torsional compression or extension is disposed coaxially within an annular cavity formed in either the cover plate or back plate. A first end of the spring is connected to the cover plate or back plate, and a second end extends from the cavity and is connected to the phaser rotor. The spring constant is selected such that a biasing torque is exerted on the rotor in the valve-opening-advancing direction which counters the inherent valve-opening-retarding torque bias of the camshaft during operation. The bias spring permits more rapid response to a demand on the cam phaser for advancing valve timing, and is also useful in orienting the camshaft advantageously, especially an exhaust valve camshaft, in a timing-advanced position when the engine is shut off or operating at low engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Howard Lichti, Michael James Fox, Jason M Urckfitz, Wayne Stanley Harris
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Patent number: 6263845Abstract: In a phase change mechanism in which the phase of a driven member (10) relative to a drive member (12) is adjusted by axial displacement of an actuating rod (30) connected to the piston (50) of a hydraulic jack rotatable with the drive and driven members, the cylinder (52) of the hydraulic jack has a double-skinned wall, and the gap (54) between the two skins of the cylinder wall serves as a passage for supplying oil to and from one of the working chambers of the hydraulic jack.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Mechadyne PLCInventors: Timothy Mark Lancefield, Ian Methley
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Patent number: 6253720Abstract: A variable phase coupling for connecting a crankshaft to a camshaft comprises a drive member for connection to the crankshaft having helical grooves of a first pitch, a driven member for connection to the engine camshaft having helical grooves of a different pitch facing towards the grooves in the drive member, an intermediate member disposed between the drive and driven members having helical grooves on its inner and outer surfaces, a first set of balls engaging in the pairs of helical grooves comprising the helical grooves in the driven member and the facing grooves on one surface of the intermediate member, a second set of balls engaging in the pairs of helical grooves that comprise the grooves in the drive member and the facing grooves on the other surface of the intermediate member, and means for axially displacing the intermediate member relative to the drive and driven members.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Mechadyne PLCInventors: Timothy Mark Lancefield, Ian Methley
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Publication number: 20010005694Abstract: A constant-velocity universal joint of a tripod type, includes a housing representing a first rotation part and having three tracks, each track having two flat running surfaces in parallel relationship, a second rotation part configured as a tripod spider and having three arms defined by arm axes arranged in a plane and intersecting in a joint axis. The arms are guided in the running surfaces of the housing, wherein each of the arms is received in a rolling-contact bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring, cylindrical rolling elements, and retainer rings arranged as mirror images of one another for mutual axial securement of all components of the rolling-contact bearing with respect to the arm axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2001Publication date: June 28, 2001Inventor: Piotr Olszewski
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Patent number: 6250267Abstract: A variable phase coupling 10 is disclosed for connecting a crankshaft of an engine to a camshaft 16. The coupling 10 comprises a drive member 14, 18 having a first set of grooves 20, a driven member 26 having a second set of grooves 28 and mounted in a fixed axial position relative to the drive member 18 and an intermediate member 30 movable axially in relation to the drive and driven members. Grooves are arranged on the same side of the intermediate member to face the grooves of both the drive member and the driven member. A first set of balls 36 is engaged in the grooves 20 of the drive member 18 and the intermediate member 30 and a second set of balls 34 is engaged in the grooves 28 of the driven member 26 and the intermediate member 30 so as to transmit torque from the drive member to the driven member through the intermediate member.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Mechadyne PLCInventor: Ian Methley
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Patent number: 6240906Abstract: A rotary input drive member (34) is connected by external splines (44) to internal splines (50) on an intermediate drive member (48). The intermediate drive member (48) is connected by external splines (52) to internal splines (46) on an output drive member (38). The output drive member (38) is connected by gear teeth (186) to a gear bracket (188) that is on a fuel pump shaft (192). The intermediate drive member (48) is connected to a drive plate (100) which is movable axially back and forth along guide pins (106) which are parallel to the axis of the fuel pump shaft (192). The intermediate drive member (48) is restrained against movement axially relative to the drive plate (100) but is free to rotate relative to the drive plate (100). The sides of the drive plate (100) include trunnions (130) which are received in diagonal slots (138, 140) provided in side members (134, 136) of a yoke that in addition to the side members (134, 136) includes a top member (132).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Timing Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Kiliz
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Patent number: 6213882Abstract: A power transmission mechanism having a pulley rotor and a release plate. The pulley rotor is coaxial with the release plate, and power from the pulley rotor is transmitted to the release plate to rotate the pulley rotor and the release plate in the same direction. A spiral spring is located between the pulley rotor and the release plate. The spiral spring is releasably engaged with the pulley rotor. A transmission surface is provided on the pulley rotor to oppose and engage a free end of the spiral spring. The transmission surface transfers power from the pulley rotor to the release plate, and relative rotation between the pulley rotor and the release plate is permitted due to deformation of the spiral spring. A release projection causes the free end of the spiral spring to move and separate from the transmission surface in accordance with relative rotation between the pulley rotor and the release plate when the load applied to the release plate exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Masahiko Okada, Akifumi Uryu, Kazuya Kimura, Kenji Takenaka
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Patent number: 6213071Abstract: A variable phase coupling for connecting a crankshaft to a camshaft (12) comprises a drive member (20) for connection to the crankshaft having grooves (40) of a first pitch, a driven member (14) for connection to the engine camshaft (12) having helical grooves (26) of a different pitch facing towards the grooves (40) in the drive member (20), balls (28) engaged in the two helical grooves (26, 40) and serving to couple the drive and driven members for rotation with one another, an intermediate member (16) disposed between the drive and driven members for rotation with one another, an intermediate member (16) disposed between the drive and driven members in contact with the balls (28, 34), and means (56) for displacing the intermediate member (16) relative to the drive and driven members. The displacement of the intermediate member (16) serves to move the balls relative to the helical grooves in the drive and driven members so as to vary the phase between the drive and driven members.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Mechadyne PLCInventors: Timothy Mark Lancefield, Ian Methley