Element Has Plural Convolutions Wound About Rotational Axis Patents (Class 464/57)
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Patent number: 12258877Abstract: A supercharger assembly has a supercharger housing defining an air inlet and an air outlet; an impeller disposed in the supercharger housing; an impeller shaft connected to the impeller for driving the impeller; a driveshaft connected to the impeller shaft for driving the impeller shaft, the driveshaft defining an oil supply passage; and a torsional damper connected to the driveshaft for driving the driveshaft. The torsional damper is configured for being operatively connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The oil supply passage is positioned to supply oil to the torsional damper for lubricating the torsional damper.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2024Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Hubert Loimayr, Markus Wolfsgruber, Paul Allmann, Rudolf Kusel, Rudolf Tscherne
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Patent number: 12196274Abstract: The disclosure relates to a belt pulley decoupler for transmitting torque between the belt of a belt drive and a shaft in driving connection therewith. The belt pulley decoupler includes: a hub fastened to the shaft, a belt pulley rotatably mounted on the hub, a helical torsion spring arranged in a torque flow path between the belt pulley and the hub, a first spring plate extending in the torque flow path on a side of the belt pulley, and a second spring plate rotationally fixed to the hub.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG &Co. KGInventors: Michael Kastner, Andreas Goetz, Eugen Bauer
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Patent number: 12171440Abstract: A surgical bone cutting device, including a handle configured to facilitate operation and control of said device by an operator, and an elongated hollow member extending from the handle, the hollow member having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the hollow member includes an opening at the distal end thereof and a rotatable cutting element extending through the opening, and wherein the hollow member includes a first bend at the proximal end thereof, such that the part of the hollow member distal to the proximal bend is offset a central axis of the hand.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: CAREVATURE MEDICAL LTD.Inventors: Yoseph Weitzman, Eran Miller, Ely Ashkenazi, David Skorohod
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Patent number: 12092180Abstract: A connector includes an outer connector, an inner connector, and a clutch that can collectively limit a torque transmitted through the connector, the outer connector can include a profile disposed on an inner surface thereof, and the inner connector may be disposed within the outer connector and can include an upper threaded portion and a lower threaded portion. The clutch can be disposed around and rotationally coupled to the inner connector and can include a plurality of clutch teeth extending from an outer surface of the clutch, wherein the plurality of clutch teeth are outwardly biased to be releasably engaged with the profile of the outer connector, and the plurality of clutch teeth can be configured to transfer torque from the outer connector to the inner connector when the torque is below a torque limit and prevent transfer of torque when the torque exceeds the torque limit.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: Gilbert Leung
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Patent number: 11850710Abstract: An impact wrench (1) includes: a brushless motor (11); a hammer (17) disposed frontward of, and driven by, the brushless motor; and a hammer case (16), which houses the hammer. An anvil (4) of the impact wrench includes: an arm portion (25) disposed frontward of the hammer and configured to be impacted (struck) in a rotational direction by the hammer; a cylindrical portion (30) connected to the arm portion and supported by the hammer case; a square-column portion (31) disposed frontward of the cylindrical portion; and an enlarged portion (35) disposed between the cylindrical portion and the square-column portion and enlarging in a direction extending rearward from the square-column portion. A recessed portion (37) is continuous in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion and is disposed between the cylindrical portion and the enlarged portion of the anvil.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuya Sano, Yuki Murai, Nobuaki Shikata
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Patent number: 11712251Abstract: Drill assemblies and methods for drilling into bone are provided. In general, a drill assembly can have a flexible distal portion configured to move between a substantially straight configuration, in which a longitudinal axis of the distal portion is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a proximal shaft portion of the drill assembly, and a curved configuration, in which the longitudinal axis of the distal portion is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the plurality of segments located between the proximal shaft and the drill tip. The drill assembly can include a connecting element extending from the proximal shaft, through the segments, and to the drill tip at a distal end of the drill assembly. The drill assembly can include a conformal covering on the distal portion thereof that is configured to curve.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: Justin M. Piccirillo, Thomas Piscatelli
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Patent number: 11707019Abstract: A method of refurbishing a handheld landscape power tool includes separating an original motor of the power tool from a tool head of the power tool. The tool head includes a tool shaft extending proximate to the original motor. A replacement power head and a shaft coupler are provided. The replacement power head includes a motor and a power shaft mechanically coupled to the motor. The shaft coupler includes a power shaft connecter coupled to a shaft-specific connecter. The replacement power head is coupled to the shaft coupler by connecting the power shaft connecter to the power shaft of the replacement power head. The tool head is coupled to the shaft coupler by connecting the shaft-specific connecter to the tool shaft of the tool head.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: TOWA INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATEDInventors: Ron Silorio, Richard K. Ogawa, Sr.
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Patent number: 11521765Abstract: A tube equipped electric wire, which is configured to be used in a catheter equipped with a catheter tube and be installed within the catheter tube, is composed of a tube including an outer surface, and one or more electric wires helically wound around the outer surface of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.Inventors: Kotaro Tanaka, Takanobu Watanabe, Kimika Kudo, Takanori Komuro
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Patent number: 11448142Abstract: Provided is an exhaust valve device 1 for a vehicle in which a valve element 7 is supported in an exhaust passage 4 by a rotating shaft 5 axially supported by a valve body 3, a flexible joint member 16 is secured to an output shaft 13a of a motor unit 13 attached to the valve body 3, and a lower end of the flexible joint member 16 and an upper end of the rotating shaft 5 are coupled via a rigid joint member 15, in which the rigid joint member 15 includes: a sealing element 18 having a sealing surface 18a and arm portions 18c, the sealing surface 18a being coupled to one end of the rotating shaft 5 and sealing an axially supported portion of one end of the rotating shaft to prevent exhaust gas from leaking, the arm portions 18c being formed in a periphery of the sealing surface 18a; and a transmission element 19 having a spring groove 19a and engagement grooves 19b, the spring groove 19a being coupled to the end of the flexible joint member 16, the engagement grooves 19b being engaged with the arm portions 18cType: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: MIKUNI CORPORATIONInventors: Toshiaki Ishii, Makoto Koyama, Daisuke Takayama, Naoki Tanaka
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Patent number: 11273746Abstract: An automotive seat with headrest assembly includes a seatback, a headrest, and a pair of headrest supports adapted to support the headrest on the seatback, each of the headrest supports including a lower rod, an upper rod, and an absorption unit positioned between and interconnecting the lower rod and the upper rod, the absorption unit adapted to allow angular deflection of the upper rod relative to the lower rod when a bending force is applied to the upper and lower rods, and to hold the lower and upper rods in a deflected orientation when the bending force is removed from the upper and lower rods.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan Garcia, Alejandro Hernandez Covarrubias
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Patent number: 11186253Abstract: A steering lock device includes a trigger that is displaced as a frame cover drops from a frame, an auxiliary lock device that holds a lock member in a locked position as the trigger is displaced under condition that the lock member is positioned in the locked position, a housed component that is arranged in a housing chamber defined by the frame cover and the frame or in a guide hole, and a trigger coupling member that couples the housed component and the trigger. When the housed component is displaced, the trigger is displaced via the trigger coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshitaka Takano, Yusuke Watanabe
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Patent number: 11015656Abstract: A driving-side concave-convex portion of a driving-side transmission member is engaged with an elastic member. The driving-side concave-convex portion is engaged with an intermediate concave-convex portion of an intermediate transmission member with a circumferential gap being interposed therebetween. A driven-side concave-convex portion of a driven-side transmission member is engaged with the elastic member. The driven-side concave-convex portion is engaged with the intermediate concave-convex portion with a circumferential gap being interposed therebetween. Both axial side surfaces and a periphery of the intermediate transmission member are covered by a side surface covering portion and a periphery covering portion of the elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Toru Ishii, Toru Segawa, Ryou Oosawa, Nobuyuki Nishimura
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Patent number: 10988185Abstract: A fender support structure includes a base member that rotates in accordance with a steering of a front wheel, a cover member that is relatively rotatable with respect to the base member and that supports a front wheel fender covering the front wheel, a holding mechanism that is accommodated in the base member and the cover member and that generates a holding force to hold a relative rotational position of the cover member relative to the base member at a predetermined initial position, and a regulating mechanism that regulates a rotation of the cover member in accordance with a steering of the front wheel against the holding force when a steering angle of the front wheel becomes a predetermined value or more in a left direction and a right direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Akihiro Asada, Hiroki Isaka, Taichi Muramatsu, Keisuke Shiiba
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Patent number: 10781907Abstract: A filtering pulley having a hub adapted to be fixed to a rotating shaft, a pulley ring mounted coaxial and rotationally free on said hub, and at least one elastic assembly interposed between the hub and the pulley ring and a damper for damping the relative oscillations between the hub and the pulley ring is disclosed. The damper has a first damping level for relative rotations between the hub and the pulley ring which are smaller than a predetermined angle and a second damping level, which is greater than the first level, for relative rotations between the hub and the pulley ring which are larger than the predetermined angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Dayco Europe S.R.L.Inventors: Gianluca Cariccia, Andrea Guala, Ettore Gaude, Gregorio Luciani
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Patent number: 10323876Abstract: A refrigerator including a main body having a storage compartment; a door rotatably coupled to the main body to open or close the storage compartment; and an icemaker and an ice bucket configured to store ice cubes produced by the icemaker. The ice bucket is provided with a feeding device to feed the ice cubes stored therein. The main body includes a driving device configured to drive the feeding device. When the door is closed, the driving device is connected to the feeding device, and when the door is opened, the driving device is disconnected from the feeding device.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jin Jeong, Kyoung Ki Park, Bong Su Son, Do Yun Jang, Jae Koog An, Bu Kil Jeong
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Patent number: 10239516Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: David D. Colavincenzo, Fernando Venegas Diaz
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Patent number: 10151354Abstract: A clutch disc assembly, comprising a friction plate, a damper fixedly secured to the friction plate, comprising an inwardly facing saline and a retainer plate, the retainer plate comprises a first radially inwardly facing surface and a second radially inwardly facing surface radially offset from the first radially inwardly facing surface, and a hub, the hub comprises a first radially outwardly facing surface having a circumferential groove, a second radially outwardly facing surface having an outer saline that meshes with the inwardly facing saline to non-rotatably connect the hub and the damper, and an internal saline surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Daniel Patiño Crespo, Raymundo Juan Lien Chang
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Patent number: 9827949Abstract: The electric steering lock device (1) is provided with a cam (40) which is arranged to allow forward and reverse rotation inside of a frame (10), and a lock member (50) which, while following a cam surface (41) of the rotating cam (40), is arranged to be movable forward and backward between a locked position at the advancing end and an unlocked position at the retreating end. The cam face (41) comprises a locking and unlocking segment (41b) for moving the lock member (50) and a lock release position segment (41c). A change ratio of a cam lift amount to a rotation angle of the cam (40) in the lock release position segment (41c) is constructed to be smaller than the change ratio of the can lift amount to the rotational angle of the cam (40) in the locking and unlocking segment (41b).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignees: ALPHA CORPORATION, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Koichiro Sugimoto, Kenjirou Hayashi
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Patent number: 9808867Abstract: A tool having a flexible shaft, a first end and, a second end and capable of being bent about its axis. The tool transfers rotary motion from a device to tool. The shaft, manufactured from a rigid material, has at least one flexible segment, each flexible segment have at least one sinuous slot ascending in a helical path. With multiple segments, the helical path of the slots can be opposite or the same. With one or more segments having multiple slots, the slots can be parallel or have opposite ascensions, thereby crossing one another. The helical paths can vary within each segment or from segment to segment.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Flex Technology, Inc.Inventors: William R. Krause, Garland Edwards
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Patent number: 9498049Abstract: A holder for the shank of a tool comprising a cylinder having a series of shoulders and grooves in radial formation with the shoulders and grooves allowing for O-rings to penetrate to the interior and exterior of the cylinder to form a means whereby the shank of a tool can be inserted and the tool held in position. As an alternative embodiment the shoulders and grooves can be helical around the cylinder with rubber latex tubing in the grooves and penetrating to the interior and exterior of the cylinder to thereby hold a tool or implement. Also note that a tool can be inserted at either end of the cylinder; and that an oversize cylinder can be inserted over the cylinder and held by the exterior portion of the O-ring or latex tubing. A special embodiment of this invention is the formation of a grommet employing a tubular portion to form a ring into which is cut grooves forming shoulders and into which is inserted an O-ring to form a grommet.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Inventor: Charles F. Besche
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Patent number: 8944924Abstract: A cable adapted to transmit torque in rigging or furling a sail of a boat includes a core having at least one termination end and a bight, and at least one layer of fiber wound around the core, wherein a fiber in a portion of the fiber layer disposed over a center portion of the bight has a first pitch angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the core and wherein a fiber in a portion of the fiber layer disposed over the at least one termination end has a second pitch angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the core. The fiber layer includes a transition zone disposed between the at least one termination end and the center portion, wherein a fiber in the transition zone has an orientation that transitions from the first pitch angle to the second pitch angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: Chris S. Funke, Jr.
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Patent number: 8887542Abstract: An apparatus including a motor that has a rotatable output shaft extending outward from the motor and defining a rotational axis. The apparatus also includes a coupler that is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a coil spring that is coupled to the coupler without external attachment means such that rotation of the coupler is transferred to the coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Schlage Lock CompanyInventors: Victor Bogdanov, Alfred Simon Levesque, John Walsh
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Patent number: 8813932Abstract: An isolator decoupler comprising a pulley, the pulley journalled to a shaft, a torsion spring having an end engaged with the pulley, the torsion spring loadable in an unwinding direction, a one-way clutch carrier, a one-way clutch disposed between the shaft and the one-way clutch carrier, a wrap spring engagable with an inner surface of the one-way clutch carrier, the wrap spring coupled to the torsion spring, and the wrap spring loadable in the unwinding direction such that the wrap spring through friction is able to lockably engage the inner surface in a driving direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Peter Ward, Alexander Serkh, Imtiaz Ali, Dean Schneider
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Patent number: 8747238Abstract: Drive shaft assemblies for a surgical instrument. Various forms include a plurality of movably interlocking joint segments that are interconnected to form a flexible hollow tube. A flexible secondary constraining member is configured in flexible constraining engagement with the plurality of movably interlocking joint segments to retain the interlocking joint segments in movable interlocking engagement while facilitating flexing of the drive shaft assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan, John L. Stammen, Chester O. Baxter, III
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Publication number: 20130217509Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible shaft (1) intended for torque transfer, comprising a plurality of metal wires (5) that are helically wound in a plurality of layers with an opposite winding direction that alternates from layer to layer, wherein each of the metal wires (5) is surrounded by an electrically insulating insulation layer (6), which prevents a metal-on-metal contact between adjacent metal wires (5) and thereby prevents unwanted intermodulation products.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: KATHREIN-WERKE KGInventors: Walter Staniszewski, Stefan Berger, Ralf Häntsch, Hubert Polster
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Patent number: 8506434Abstract: An isolating decoupler comprising a hub, a one-way clutch engaged with the hub, a pulley rotationally engaged with the hub, a spring operationally engaged between the one-way clutch and the pulley, and an inertia member engaged with the hub through an elastomeric member, the inertia member substantially disposed within a width of the pulley, the inertia member moveable independently of the pulley.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventor: John Harvey
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Patent number: 8137204Abstract: A torque limiter includes a driving bushing, a clutch spring wound around an outer circumference of the driving bushing, and a housing receiving a driving force via the clutch spring. The housing includes a first catch portion engaged with a first end portion of the clutch spring, and a second catch portion engaged with a second end portion of the clutch spring. The second catch portion is movable with respect to the first catch portion to change an angle between the first and second end portions of the clutch spring.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyun-soo Kim
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Patent number: 8120715Abstract: This torque limiter includes a first rotating member integrally provided with a plurality of fragment portions in a concentric manner and having a spring storage portion enclosed with the plurality of fragment portions, a second rotating member having a lid portion arranged to cover the spring storage portion of the first rotating member and a fit portion fitted with the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of fragment portions of the first rotating member and a spring member press-fitted into the spring storage portion enclosed with the inner peripheral surfaces of the plurality of fragment portions of the first rotating member thereby bringing the plurality of fragment portions into pressure contact with the fit portion of the second rotating member, for transmitting driving torque in response to pressure contact force applied by the spring member.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daisuke Shimizu
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Patent number: 8042526Abstract: A torsion damping mechanism for a rotary blower is provided that includes an input hub adapted to engage a first end of a torsion spring and an output hub adapted to engage a second end of the torsion spring. An intermediate hub is fixed for rotation with a first drive member. A bearing member includes an inner portion connected for rotation with the intermediate hub and an outer portion connected for rotation with the output hub. The bearing member may be a one-way bearing that permits torque to flow from the output hub into the intermediate hub and the first drive member when the output hub is driven in a first rotational direction, and permits the output hub to rotate relative to the intermediate hub with no substantial torque transfer therebetween when the output hub is driven in a second rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Christopher Suhocki, Mark H. Pratley, Christopher W. Creager, Daniel R. Ouwenga
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Patent number: 8021253Abstract: A one way isolator for high torque devices, such as alternator-starters, driven by a flexible drive means includes a hub and a sheave each of which includes at least one stop member. The hub and sheave are linked by a isolating spring and, via a bearing and/or bushing, can rotate with respect to each other to provide isolation, through the spring, from torque variations when torque is transferred from the flexible drive means to the device. When substantial amounts of torque are transferred from the device to the flexible drive means, the sheave rotates with respect to the hub to bring the stop members into contact such that the isolator then acts like a solid pulley to facilitate the transfer of the torque from the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Litens Automotive Inc.Inventors: James W. Dell, John R. Antchak, Trevor S. Smith
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Patent number: 7972231Abstract: A pulley assembly having first and second members. The first member is capable of cooperating with a power transmission belt to drive/be driven by the belt. The first member is movable guidingly relative to the second member around a first axis. A coil spring has a length and a circumference and a first portion attached to the first member and a second portion attached to the second member so that a force tending to move the first/second member around the first axis is transmitted through the coil spring to the second/first member. At least one of the first and second members has a groove bounded by a surface into which the respective portion of the coil spring is fit. The respective portion of the coil spring is clamp fit within the groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kawamoto, Takeo Shimizu, Tomokazu Ishida
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Patent number: 7681559Abstract: A torsion damping mechanism for a rotary blower is provided that has improved durability and ease of installation into the rotary blower. A rotary blower including a torsion damping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Mark H. Pratley, Michael J. Otto
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Patent number: 7594334Abstract: A vibration-absorbing coupler (30A) which is capable of suppressing the torsional vibration of the transmission shaft (7) and also capable of enhancing the durability thereof is disclosed. This vibration-absorbing coupler (30A) is featured in that the rotation of an output shaft (31) of an internal combustion engine (6) is enabled to transmit to a transmission shaft (7) through a torsion coil spring (40A) and torsional vibration of the transmission shaft (7) is enabled to be absorbed by the torsion coil spring (40A). The vibration-absorbing coupler (30A) further includes a regulator (50, 37A) for regulating the rotation of the torsion coil spring (40A) so as not to allow it to twist more than a predetermined angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventor: Masaharu Kocha
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Publication number: 20090062018Abstract: A torsion damping mechanism for a rotary blower is provided that includes an input hub adapted to engage a first end of a torsion spring and an output hub adapted to engage a second end of the torsion spring. An intermediate hub is fixed for rotation with a first drive member. A bearing member includes an inner portion connected for rotation with the intermediate hub and an outer portion connected for rotation with the output hub. The bearing member may be a one-way bearing that permits torque to flow from the output hub into the intermediate hub and the first drive member when the output hub is driven in a first rotational direction, and permits the output hub to rotate relative to the intermediate hub with no substantial torque transfer therebetween when the output hub is driven in a second rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Christopher Suhocki, Mark H. Pratley, Christopher W. Creager, Daniel R. Ouwenga
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Patent number: 7275630Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly interconnects an output shaft and an input shaft. The flexible coupling assembly includes a first hub operatively coupled to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second hub is operatively coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. A flexible element in the form of a coil spring interconnects the first and second hubs for transferring rotational torque between the first and second hubs while continuously compensating for axial misalignment between the first and second hubs. A retainer is disposed between the flexible element and the first and second hubs for limiting radial deflection of the flexible element during rotation of the flexible coupling. A one-way clutch is operatively coupled between the coil spring and one of the first and second hubs for transferring torque in one rotational direction while allowing the output shaft to decelerate relative to the input shaft in a direction other than the one rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Litens Automotive PartnershipInventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
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Patent number: 6913539Abstract: A flexible, rotating drive transmission assembly having a substantially spiral-shaped liner supporting a center, rotatable, flexible shaft. The liner and its center shaft are carried within an outer down-tube. The spiral-shaped liner contains flexible, continuously tapering, elliptical legs that are self-adjusting and allow the liner to be easily inserted into and firmly retained by the outer down-tube. The self-adjusting legs of the liner conform to the inside diameter of the outer down-tube despite internal variations, thus allowing the liner to maintain its central axis or centerline relative to the central axis of the outer down-tube and end components attached to the assembly. The legs provide vibration isolation and absorption by their inherent spring effect. Moreover, grease skived from the inner wall of the outer down-tube, due to the auger effect of the rotating flexible shaft, is uniformly collected in pockets for distribution along the entire length of the outer down-tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: B.W. Elliott Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: George Scherer
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Patent number: 6880536Abstract: A rotary blower (26) includes a torsion damping mechanism for transmitting torque from an input drive (48) to a first timing gear (62), the mechanism including an input hub (52), an output hub (64), and a torsion spring (70) having an input end (72) and an output end (74). The housing (42) defines a chamber (44) containing fluid rotation of the timing gears resulting in an air-oil mist. The input hub and output hub define an axial gap (82) intermediate the input and output ends of the torsion spring. The output hub (64) defines an angled passage (86) having a radially outer end (84) in communication with the axial gap (82), and a radially inner end, whereby rotation generates a flow of the air-oil mist through the angled passage (86) and between the outer cylindrical surface of the hubs and the inside surface (76) of the torsion spring (70).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Mark H. Pratley, Daniel L. Thelen
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Patent number: 6866588Abstract: A damper includes a housing and a rotor. A portion of the rotor extends outwardly of the housing and has a gear rotatably disposed thereon. A coil spring encircles the portion of the rotor, and has an end segment secured to the gear. Rotation of the gear in one direction tightens the grip of the spring on the rotor, and rotation of the gear in the opposite direction loosens the grip of the spring on the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: David A. Doornbos
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Patent number: 6824470Abstract: A bi-directional torque-limiting interface for rotary operating devices is shown and described. The interface includes a first section receiving torque from a source, a second section delivering the received torque to a rotary operating device and a coupler operably connecting the first and second sections. The coupler is preloaded to a predetermined value and maintains a particular angular relationship between the first and second sections under normal operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Donald G. Gibbons, Jr., Jackie C. Sullivan
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Patent number: 6790144Abstract: An apparatus for preventing disengagement of an axially movable and rotatable flexible core of a flexible shaft attachment, which has a driven end and a handpiece end, and the driven end has a ferrule for attachment to a rotary power tool. The rotary power tool has an exteriorly threaded hollow output shaft with a first predetermined interior depth for receiving the base end of tool bits that can be used with the power tool, and the flexible shaft attachment has a drive cap attached to the output shaft, and the drive cap has an aperture sized and shaped for receiving the core in fixed rotating engagement. The apparatus includes a generally cylindrical stop plug having an open end portion and a closed end portion, and a cylindrical chamber extending from said open end portion to said closed end portion. The open end portion has an outward extension adapted to engage the end of the output shaft and be held in place by the attached drive cap, and the chamber is capable of receiving the core therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Credo Technology CorporationInventor: Mark S. Talesky
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Publication number: 20030228918Abstract: A damper includes a housing and a rotor. A portion of the rotor extends outwardly of the housing and has a gear rotatably disposed thereon. A coil spring encircles the portion of the rotor, and has an end segment secured to the gear. Rotation of the gear in one direction tightens the grip of the spring on the rotor, and rotation of the gear in the opposite direction loosens the grip of the spring on the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: David A. Doornbos
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Publication number: 20030192750Abstract: A damper includes a frame, a main gear mounted to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a spring operably connecting the main gear and the frame such that rotation of the main gear tensions the spring. The main gear has a circumferential recess formed therein that defines a circumferential channel or reel. An elongated flexible member is wrapped around the main gear, disposed within the circumferential channel. A gear damper is mounted to the frame and is operably engaged with the main gear to dampen rotational movement of the main gear. The damper can be configured for one-way and two-way damping.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: David A. Doornbos, Steven L. Bivens
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Publication number: 20020169024Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for rotatably coupling two coaxial shafts while allowing relative movement of the shafts in the X, Y, Z directions. The mechanism includes a female socket and a male fitting. The female socket is attached to one shaft and contains channels. The male fitting is attached to the other shaft and has arms that fit into the channels of the female socket. The mechanism also drives an external visual indicator. The present invention allows an operator to separate the external visual indicator from the mechanism and then reassemble it without losing rotational position readout of the indicator through the action of two axially aligned cams.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Marvin D. Nelson
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Patent number: 6431340Abstract: This invention offers advantages over the prior art by providing a simple, inexpensive mechanism and method for reducing the shock load on the drive of a rotary or linear actuator when the motion of the actuator output shaft is slowed, even to the point of stopping. This is referred to as bringing the actuator to a “soft stop.” This invention uses a single spring wherein the spring may be a torsion, ribbon or compression spring. The mechanism generally includes a spring, a spring cup and a drive cup. When the motion of the output shaft is slowed or reaches its limit of travel, the spring begins to store energy and brings the drive cup to a soft stop.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: David J. Ineson, Howard France
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Patent number: 6296572Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for power-transmittably coupling a rotating unit of a compressor (11) composed of a drive shaft (17), a rotating support (23) and a swash plate (27) with an engine (62), comprising a pulley (56) and an armature (58), both of which constitute a first rotating body provided on a side of the engine, a hub (57), which serve as a second rotating body coupled to the drive shaft of the compressor, and a spring (64), which serves as an elastic means for coupling the first and second rotating bodies. A spring constant of the spring (64) is set such that a resonant frequency (fR) determined by the spring constant and a sum of a moment of inertia of the rotating unit of the compressor and a moment of inertia of the second rotating body as dominant factors is made smaller than a minimum frequency (f1) of torque variation produced on the compressor and more preferably smaller than a minimum frequency (f2) of torque variation produced on the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Kimura, Akifumi Uryu, Masahiko Okada, Tomonari Kato
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Patent number: 6293871Abstract: The description refers to a torsionally flexible coupling with an outer rim (5) flexibly rotatable against a hub (1). To create favorable construction features, it is suggested to provide at least one ring-like compound body (2) between the hub (1) and the outer rim (5), consisting of at least one spiral layer (3) of an elastomer, with the threads of this spiral layer (3) being connected shear-resistant with a tensionally elastic and flexible intermediate layer (4), filling the spaces between the threads. The elasticity of tension and of shearing of this intermediate layer (4) are smaller than that of the elastomer layer (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Ellergon Antriebstechnik GmbHInventor: Matthias Geislinger
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Patent number: 6253633Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsionally compliant sprocket assembly which reduces the transfer of the crankshaft torsional oscillations to other components in the engine such as the balance shaft drives. The assembly comprises a first sprocket, second sprocket and a planar torsion spring located between the two sprockets and the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Philip J. Mott
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Patent number: 6233986Abstract: An actuator portion 8 provided separately from an operating portion includes a lock member 13 for locking a steering shaft 9, a motor 18, and a lock control mechanism 34. The lock control mechanism 34 has a driven body 21 rotated by the motor 18 through a gear mechanism 43, a cam member 20 for moving the lock member 13, and an unlock spring member 27 constituted by a torsion coiled spring and disposed between the driven body 21 and the cam member 20. When the motor 18 is subjected to an unlocking operation in the condition that handle torque acts on the lock member 13, the spring force of the unlock spring member 27 is accumulated while the unlock spring member 27 absorbs the rotational displacement of the driven body 21.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika DenkiInventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Sadato Kita
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Patent number: 6183368Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Randall K. King, Thomas W. Houtman, Russell E. Monahan
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Patent number: 6074301Abstract: An improved apparatus for transmitting a rotational power from a pulley to a drive shaft of a compressor is disclosed. A coil spring is mounted on the drive shaft to absorb a load applied to the drive shaft when power is transmitted. The coil spring is arranged to be deformed upon generation of the load. A structure that transmits the power to the coil spring is securely attached to the pulley and coupled to the coil spring with a predetermined interference.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Masahiko Okada, Takashi Ban, Nobuaki Hoshino, Yukiharu Yusa