Spur Patents (Class 74/384)
  • Patent number: 11085525
    Abstract: PTO systems having reduced gear rattle are disclosed. Embodiments include a PTO having an input gear and an intermediate gear engaging the input gear. The intermediate gear rotates about fixed rotational axis. The input gear is attached to the intermediate gear by a support whereby the rotational axis of the input gear is capable of pivoting about the rotational axis of the intermediate gear at a fixed distance, following an arcuate path. The input gear is configured to engage a transmission gear, and biased to pivot toward the transmission gear, thereby reducing or eliminating gear rattle from overly loose engagement between meshing teeth on the intermediate and transmission gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Muncie Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Funk, Roger Merritt, Brian Perry
  • Patent number: 10363649
    Abstract: A multi-functional wrench having an adjustable construction that allows the nut or bolt engaging surfaces of the wrench to be located at different angles or positions relative to a handle in order to allow the wrench to be used in otherwise difficult to reach areas. The wrench optionally includes a secondary handle removably connected to a preferably arcuate, multi-functional wrench body that is, in turn, removably connectable to a desired wrench head which includes a work-engaging fitting. The multi-functional wrench has a body that is archial or curved in shape and includes at least one drive post or ratchet and a plurality of sockets that are useful for many applications. The wrench is particularly useful to manipulate the body of straight stop and angle stop compression valves connectable to plumbing under sinks, behind toilets and inside cabinets, as well as nuts and bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KIRK WRENCH LLC
    Inventors: Kirk W. Hyust, Karl H. Beitzel
  • Patent number: 10099350
    Abstract: A rotary tool is disclosed. The rotary tool can include a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to one another at a joint. Ends of the first and second arms are positionable at a variable distance from one another by pivoting the first and second arms at the joint. The rotary tool can also include a first rotatable driver disposed at the end of the first arm, a second rotatable driver disposed at the end of the second arm, and a third rotatable driver disposed at the joint. In addition, the rotary tool can include a drive train operably coupled to the first, second, and third rotatable drivers to transfer torque, such that an input torque applied to one of the first, second, and third rotatable drivers causes torque output at the other rotatable drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Gates, Rolland Stpierre, Ryan William Carley
  • Patent number: 9874280
    Abstract: A manual transmission includes: a shift selection shaft (20); a shift inner lever (32) including an arm portion (32b) provided on an outer side of a tubular portion (32a) so as to project outwardly in a radial direction; an interlock plate (34) including a projection (34b) provided on an outer side of a boss portion (34a) so as to project outwardly in the radial direction; and a reverse shift arm (41) supported by a transmission case (C) via a bracket (42) in a pivoting manner. The bracket is provided with a regulation portion (46) for regulating inclination of the interlock plate at the time of a shift operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki Koga, Akihisa Ohmizu
  • Publication number: 20150053029
    Abstract: A turning device includes: a pinion gear having spur teeth that mesh with a wheel gear provided on a rotary shaft; an arm member that rotatably supports the pinion gear; an ON/OFF mechanism that operates the arm member such that the pinion is brought close to the wheel gear, in a meshed position, with respect to the wheel gear and such that the pinion is separated radially outward from the wheel gear, in a retracted position; and a supporting device that supports the pinion in an axial direction of the pinion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yuichi Sasaki, Kyoichi Ikeno, Ken Nishitani
  • Publication number: 20140013883
    Abstract: A gear drive system includes a securing panel, a first slave gear, a drive gear, and an adjusting structure. The securing panel includes a panel body, a rack, and a rotating shaft. An upper part of the first slave gear is adjacent to the rack and aligned with the rack. The drive gear engages the first slave gear. The adjusting structure includes an elastic element, a slave element pivotally mounted to the panel body, and a third slave gear. The third slave gear defines a rotating hole. The rotating shaft is received in the rotating hole. The second slave gear is movable related to the panel body to enable the rotating shaft to be located in different positions of the rotating hole. The third slave gear is driven to move and rotate. The slave element is driven to rotate to press the elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: PING-YI CHEN, YAO-SHENG WU
  • Patent number: 7740207
    Abstract: An aircraft flight control system advantageously is provided with a control rod which is spline-connected to a bearing assembly so as to permit simultaneous independent longitudinal and rotational movements of the control rod while isolating such movements from one another (e.g., so as to allow operative interconnection to an aircraft's aileron and elevator control surfaces). Thus, the control rod is moveable in longitudinal and rotational directions relative to a longitudinal axis of the control rod in response to pitch and roll command inputs, respectively. The control rod is splined operatively to the bearing assembly so as to allow for independent simultaneous longitudinal and rotational movements of the control rod relative to the longitudinal axis thereof to thereby allow the command inputs to be transferred to the aircraft's respective flight control surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Embraer - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventor: Celso Dias Ferraz
  • Publication number: 20080190462
    Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a modular belt having a plurality of belt modules with intercalated link ends connected by transverse pivot members to form hinges. The belt modules may have transverse ribs. The drive sprocket is driven by a shaft. The drive sprocket has a central opening for receiving the shaft. The body has a plurality of teeth disposed in pairs along a periphery of the body. The body has a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth and extending toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the hinge area, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: HABASIT AG
    Inventors: Dieter Guldenfels, Marco Lucchi
  • Patent number: 6338401
    Abstract: A movement control device has a DC motor by which a recording medium is moved by one frame of image, and a stepping motor by which a recording medium is moved by a small predetermined amount. A driven gear fixed on the output shaft of the DC motor is meshed with a gear of a moving mechanism on which the recording medium is mounted. A clutch has a transmitting gear which is rotatably supported by an rotatable arm and can be meshed with the driven gear. The rotatable arm is rotated by the stepping motor. When the stepping motor is rotated in the forward direction, the rotatable arm is rotated in a first direction, and thus the transmitting gear is meshed with the driven gear at a first point. When the stepping motor is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotatable arm is rotated in a second direction reverse to the first direction, and thus the transmitting gear is meshed with the driven gear at a second point different from the first point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Tahei Morisawa
  • Patent number: 6289758
    Abstract: There is disclosed a gear module comprising an output gear pivotally fitted to a base, a transmission gear rotated by a driving force from a driving motor to transmit the driving force to the output gear, a power actuating lever having a base end pivotally fitted to the base to be rotated around the base end; an actuated lever having a top end pivotally fitted to the transmission lever and a base end pivotally fitted to the base; and a connection bar connecting the top end of the power actuating lever and the top end of the actuated lever, the connection bar allowing the actuated lever to rotate in accordance with a rotation of the power actuating lever and allowing the transmission gear and the output gear to be engaged with each other, wherein the link axises of the power actuating lever and the connection bar form approximately straight line when the transmission lever is engaged with the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyasu Kugio, Takashi Kasahara, Toshinori Iiijiya, Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6186018
    Abstract: A binocular includes first and second swingable bodies respectively accommodating telescope systems. The binocular further includes two drive rings respectively provided to the swingable bodies and an operation knob. A transmission unit is provided to transmit the rotation of the operation knob to the drive rings. The transmission unit includes two pairs of a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear engage with the other so that a contact point of pitch circles thereof is located on each of the swing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6070482
    Abstract: There is disclosed a gear module comprising an output gear pivotally fitted to a base, a transmission gear rotated by a driving force from a driving motor to transmit the driving force to the output gear, a power actuating lever having a base end pivotally fitted to the base to be rotated around the base end; an actuated lever having a top end pivotally fitted to the transmission lever and a base end pivotally fitted to the base; and a connection bar connecting the top end of the power actuating lever and the top end of the actuated lever, the connection bar allowing the actuated lever to rotate in accordance with a rotation of the power actuating lever and allowing the transmission gear and the output gear to be engaged with each other, wherein the link axises of the power actuating lever and the connection bar form approximately a straight line when the transmission lever is engaged with the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyasu Kugio, Takashi Kasahara, Toshinori Hijiya, Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 5743544
    Abstract: An improved wheelchair wheel and hub assembly is described that interposes reduction gearing between the handring or rotatable hand wheel and the drivewheel of the assembly. This gearing provides some mechanical advantage to users who may lack sufficient strength to propel themselves in a conventional wheelchair, especially in a home environment. A single speed assembly is described which is operated conventionally by rotating handrings either forward or rearward to produce a corresponding rotation of the drive wheel but, unlike conventional wheels, a complete revolution of the handring results in only a partial revolution of the drive wheel. In the hub of the assembly is a wheel locking mechanism which enables the wheel to be easily and positively locked for the safety of the user, preventing rotation of the wheel in either direction. Additionally, a ratcheting mechanism is incorporated into the hub design which can be engaged to allow forward rotation but prevent rearward rotation of the drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Michael J. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5586582
    Abstract: A support shaft for a planetary-type selvage unit on a loom is mounted at its proximal end to a drive shaft for the selvage unit in an arrangement swingable between operative and stand-by positions. A locker unit is attached to the support bracket in order to selectively register the same at the operative position during weaving operation. Simple swing motion of the support bracket about the drive shaft produces an enlarged free space above the selvage unit during the looming operation, thereby allowing free transportation of heald frames necessary for the looming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Tsudakoma Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Nakada
  • Patent number: 5497844
    Abstract: A child's riding vehicle employing a unique and novel gear assembly and engagement structure includes a frame having plural wheels, and a gear assembly fixed on the frame which includes an output gear non-rotatably connected to at least one of the vehicle's wheels. A motor on the frame is mounted on an arm which is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a segment gear mounted on the frame adjacent the gear assembly engages the motor's pinion and defines a path between the engaged and disengaged position. Unique and novel gear tooth profiles are employed in both the gear assembly and the engagement structure to prevent the same from jamming during transition between the engaged and disengaged positions and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 5417370
    Abstract: A transmission device having an input shaft and oscillating output gear with an oscillating connection therebetween. The oscillating connection comprising a pivoted gear cage with oppositely rotatable driving gears, the gear cage having a mechanism to pivot it to connect the input shaft and output gear alternately with the driving gears. The oscillating output gear having an adjustment to control the angle of oscillation. A liquid can be directed through the transmission to an oscillating nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5304088
    Abstract: When an electric motor is rotated normally, a left-hand driving wheel is rotated normally by a drive gear through a large gear, a left-hand small gear, and a left-hand driven gear, and a right-hand driving wheel is also rotated normally through a right-hand small gear, a swing gear, an intermediate gear, and a right-hand driven gear, thereby causing the vehicle toy to run straight. When the electric motor is switched to a reverse rotation, the left-hand driving wheel is rotated reversely, and the swing gear is brought into engagement directly with the right-hand driven gear to rotate the right-hand driving wheel normally. As a result, the vehicle toy makes a continuous turn at a small radius of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hanzawa Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Suimon
  • Patent number: 5201088
    Abstract: A patient examination table, of the type used in an x-ray examination apparatus, has one end secured to a ceiling or floor stand via a tilt mechanism which permits the longitudinal axis of the table to be tilted upwardly or downwardly. The table can be tilted around an imaginary axis, the imaginary axis being movable roughly in the middle of the examination table. The tilt mechanism includes a driven element, which may be a part of the housing for the tilt mechanism, a first gear which is rigidly attached to the stand, a second gear which is rigidly attached to the examination table and a transmission linkage between the first and second gears which permits the second gear to be movable around the drive shaft of the first gear as the driven element is rotated. The second gear is rotated in an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the driven element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sten Larsson
  • Patent number: 5155400
    Abstract: A displacement control motor provided with a continuously rotary shaft and a reel capable of changing deflection angle according to the rotary speed of the motor whereby other articles can be carried, driven, or controlled via the reel; the motor including a concealed motor, a driving gear, a driven gear, a reel shaft seat and a load device, wherein the rotary shaft is connecded with the driving gear while the driven gear meshes with the driving gear, the driving and driven gears being both pivoted to the shaft seat and the driven gear being linked with the load device, whereby the rotary shafts of the driving and driven gears are located on the same shaft seat and the driven gear is additionally loaded by the load device and a balance spring is used to restrict the displacement of the driven gear so that by means of the change of rotary speed of the rotary shaft, the deflection magnitude of the reel can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Lee Ming-Ji
  • Patent number: 5150630
    Abstract: A power switching apparatus in accordance with present disclosure includes a sun gear which can be driven to rotate in a first and second direction, an arm which can swing freely relative to the rotating axis of the sun gear. A transfer gear is pivotally provided at the arm for engaging with the sun gear. There is a pair of driven gears disposed a prescribed distance apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the sun gear so that each of said driven gears can engage independently with the transfer gear. A control device controls the position of the transfer gear so that the transfer gear can engage with one of the driven gears before initiation of rotation of the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Kida, Katsuyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 5150627
    Abstract: A control device for a tiltable mounting head, such as the mounting head for a camera, includes a pantographic-type linkage. The angular position of an arm (24) supporting the mounting head (26) is controlled relative to a locating arm (12), whose remote end is pivoted to fixed structure (16) by three meshing gears, of which one (10) is connected to the locating arm (12) and another gear (20) is connected to the arm (24). The gears are rotatably mounted on a rigid arm (22) of the linkage of which an intermediate point (28) is constrained to move along a horizontal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Vinten Group PLC
    Inventor: Richard A. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5140379
    Abstract: In an electrostatographic printer and/or copier, toner images are transferred from the outer surface of a rotating image process drum to a receiver sheet carried on the outer surface of a rotating transfer drum as the respective drum surfaces pass through a transfer zone defined by a nip between the drums. To assure precise registration of the transferred toner image with a desired portion of the receiver sheet a planetary positional control apparatus is provided for adjusting the angular position of the transfer drum relative to that of the process drum as the transfer drum rotates to present the receiver sheet to the image transfer zone. Such apparatus responds to a control signal representing variations, from nominal, in the position of the toner image on the process drum and/or in the position of the receiver sheet on the transfer drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Kevin M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5098210
    Abstract: The present invention, whose auto sheet feeder is demountably mounted on a printing machine, which includes a sequential arrangement of a reversible motor, a transmission mechanism, and a rotatable platen, is provided with an input gear, an arm whose one end is supported by the input gear for rotation around its axis of rotation and is urged to move toward a gear of the transmission mechanism, and as planetary gear rotatably provided at the end of the arm to be constantly in mesh with the input gear and opposite to the periphery of the gear of the transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Tokyo Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Fujisawa, Yoshihiro Hamamichi, Yoshiaki Tanaka, Kozo Hara, Tsuyoshi Sanada, Masayoshi Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 5031471
    Abstract: A sequence control mechanism having a drive gear driven by a motor, a pivot arm mounted on a same shaft as that of the drive gear, a transmitting gear which is supported by a shaft mounted on the pivot arm and is cooperated with the drive gear, partly-toothless gears which are provided with toothed portions capable of stopping the idling operation of the transmitting gear and engaging with the transmitting gear and toothless portions permitting the idling operation, a first actuating mechanism which cooperates to engage with the partly-toothless gears as well as giving the partly-toothless gears the return force for positioning the toothed portions thereof on the idling track of the transmitting gear, and a second actuating mechanism which, when the transmitting gear passes the toothless portions of the partly-toothless gears, engages with the transmitting gear so that it is driven by the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5020386
    Abstract: The reversing mechanism (10, 200) for the motor drive comprises an electric motor (39) which drives a shaft (41) having mounted thereon a first gear (44) and a shifting mechanism in the form of a flywheel (100). The first gear (44) engages a second gear (37) which engages a third gear (38), the second (37) and third (38) gears being mounted upon a carrier mechanism (12) and each engageable with a driven gear (31). The carrier mechanism (12) is engaged by a cam mechanism (60). The shifting mechanism (100) engages an axial mechanism (70) which when displaced by the shifting mechanism (100) causes the cam mechanism (60) to rotate. Rotation of the cam mechanism (60) causes displacement of the carrier mechanism (12) so that one of said second (37) and third (38) gears disengages the driven gear (31) and the other of the second (37) and third (38) gears engages the driven gear (31) in order to effect a reverse direction of rotation of the driven gear (31) when the motor (39) recommences operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Alistair G. Taig
  • Patent number: 5016493
    Abstract: A mechanical transmission device to provide selective gear speed output from a constant input. A variation gear affixed to an adjustable crank determines output speed of a free floating following gear and connecting rod assembly dependent on the relative orbit size of the variation gear as determined by the crank. The orbit size is adjusted by the angular inclination of the adjustable crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Kyung S. Han
  • Patent number: 4960006
    Abstract: A turning gear apparatus mounted adjacent the bull gear of a large turbomachine rotor has a carriage pivotably mounted to the frame, a first pinion rotatably mounted on the carriage, and a second pinion continuously engaging the first pinion and rotatably mounted to the frame coaxial with the carriage pivoting axis. The improvement comprises locating the carriage on the side of the bull gear where it rotates in an upward direction, with the axis of the second pinion located such that when the carriage is pivoted and the first pinion engages the bull gear, the axis of rotation of the first pinion is located on a selected angle below the horizintal substantially equal to the pressure angle of the bull gear tooth, resulting in substantially vertical reaction forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James H. Moore
  • Patent number: 4927094
    Abstract: An open-face fishing reel of the fixed-spool type has a housing and a spindle rotatably and axially displaceably mounted therein. A line spool is non-rotatably connected to the spindle and axially fixed to one end thereof. A drive shaft is mounted in the housing and extends at right angles to the spindle. A handle is arranged for rotating the drive shaft and a driving gear non-rotatably mounted thereon. A driver element is axially fixed on the spindle. An oscillating gear meshes with the driving gear and has an eccentric pin engaging the driver element in order, upon rotation of the drive shaft, to move the spindle back and forth in its longitudinal direction and, thus, oscillate the line spool about a center of oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: ABU Garcia Produktion AB
    Inventor: Bengt-Ake Henriksson
  • Patent number: 4865569
    Abstract: A marine propulsion mechanism is provided with a variable height mechanism for varying the height of the propeller relative to a boat. The variable height mechanism includes an input gear connected to the engine drive shaft and an output gear connected to an output shaft which is adapted to drive the propeller. An idler gear is disposed between the input and output gears, and is movable about the input gear. A link is provided between the idler gear and the output gear for fixing the center-to-center relation of the idler and output gears, so that rotation of the idler gear about the input gear is translated into upward and downward movement of a movable housing portion to which the output gear is connected, and thereby the height of the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Neil A. Newman
  • Patent number: 4862766
    Abstract: A device for driving a rotatable can plate of a spinning preparation machine. The device includes a drive gear, a driven gear engaged by and driven by the drive gear for rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive gear, an intermediate gear mounted on a lever pivotable about an axis spaced from the axis of the intermediate gear for pivotal movement of the intermediate gear between selective alternate positions for engagement with the drive gear or the driven gear for selective driving of the intermediate gear in opposite directions of rotation, a pair of spaced pulleys driven by a belt trained around a drive pulley fixed upon the intermediate gear for transmitting the rotation of the intermediate gear to the pair of spaced pulleys, and can plate pulleys each driven by a belt trained around one of the pulleys of the pair of spaced pulleys for transmitting the rotation of the pair of pulleys to the can plate pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Zinser Textilemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Molders
  • Patent number: 4709865
    Abstract: A condiment mill has a pair of separate compartments each for containing a different condiment, such as peppercorns and salt crystals. At the bottom of each compartment, a grinder is installed for grinding the condiment. A shaft is provided for rotatably driving each of the grinders, each such shaft extending upwardly through its associated compartment and having a spur gear fixedly attached to the upper end thereof. A pivotally supported gear drive mechanism is provided at the top of the compartments which engages the gear of one of the grinders when rotated in one direction and the gear of the other of the grinders when rotated in an opposite direction to enable the alternative grinding and dispensing of one or the other of the condiments. A cover is provided for the top of the compartments, this cover being spring-urged into its closed position over the compartments. This cover can be manually raised against the spring action and rotated to permit the filling of the compartment with condiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: William E. Bounds
  • Patent number: 4669333
    Abstract: A gear mechanism includes a pair of drive transmission gears laterally movably disposed between a base plate and a housing provided on the base plate, and a control structure for restricting the lateral movement of the drive transmission gears. Turning force from a single driving gear is transmitted to the drive transmission gears, movements of which are controlled by the control structure. In the different embodiments, the controlled turning forces of the drive transmission gears can be transmitted to either or both of the driven gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Matsuda, Minoru Mizutani
  • Patent number: 4643038
    Abstract: A pair of coupling elements connected between an electric stepper motor and an engine throttle are selectively engaged and disengaged by a lever mechanism which effects a relative movement between the coupling elements in response to a mechanical input from a solenoid actuator. The lever mechanism includes integral elements for calibrating the relative movement between the coupling elements for a given mechanical input from the solenoid actuator so as to compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Byram
  • Patent number: 4638957
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for engaging a first gear with a second gear that is used to connect and disconnect a brake mechanism and a roll shaft within the unwind station of a web press. The first gear is mounted for rotation to a first shaft secured to a frame, while the second gear is carried for rotation on a member movable with respect to the frame. The member may be moved in a manner that will move the second gear along a path from a first disengaged position to a second engaged position. The mechanism includes a rigid support member pivotally mounted to the first shaft for pivotal movement about the shaft toward and away from the path along which the second gear is moved. A third gear is rotatably mounted on the support member and engages the first gear. A fourth gear is also rotatably mounted on the support member, the fourth gear being engaged with the third gear and adjacent to but not engaged with the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Harris Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Gene E. Graves
  • Patent number: 4621535
    Abstract: A drive roll 14 carries a gear (60) that engages a reversing gear (58) driven by a planetary gear (56) on a pivot arm (50). The planetary gear (56) is driven by a sun gear (48) that rotates about the pivot axis of the pivot arm (50) and in turn is driven ultimately by a motor (30). A unidirectioal roller clutch (52) is connected between the pivot arm (50) and the sun gear (48) so as to permit relative rotation between the sun gear and the pivot arm in one direction but prevent it in the other direction. As a result, when the sun gear (48) is driven in one direction, it permits the pivot arm to remain in the position in which the planetary gear (56) engages the reversing gear (58). When the sun gear (48) is driven in the other direction, on the other hand, the pivot arm (50) is caused to pivot with rotation at the sun gear (48) to bring the planetary gear (56) out of engagement with the reversing gear (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Sanders Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Bronson, Brian C. Preston
  • Patent number: 4577528
    Abstract: A driving/turnaround device in use with a remote controlled toy vehicle comprises a reversible motor operable by an external command, an intermediate gear being in mesh with a gear rotated by the motor, a pair of axles being independently provided for right and left driving wheels, the intermediate gear being in mesh with a gear for transmitting a drive force to one of the axles, a rectilinear movement gear and a turnaround reduction gear being in mesh with a gear for transmitting a drive force to the other of the axles, a swing member rotatably mounted to the car body being provided with a pair of switch gears meshing with each other, the swing member being swung so that one of the pair of the switch gears meshes with the intermediate gear, while the other is in mesh with the rectilinear movement gear in the forward rotation, and is meshed with the reduction gear in the reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: K. K. Hanzawa Corporation
    Inventor: Tuneo Hanzawa
  • Patent number: 4532485
    Abstract: An improved fine adjusting mechanism for a preset type tuner, which is so arranged that, with a ring having cam portions being fitted under pressure onto a fine adjusting shaft of a tuner for simultaneous rotation with it and also for slippage with respect to the fine adjusting shaft against a torque larger than a predetermined extent, a lever having a transmission gear rotatably mounted on it is urged by a spring force so that its actuating projections are held in pressure contact with the cam surface of the ring with the cam portions, so that rotation of the fine adjusting shaft is converted into a pivotal movement of the lever through the ring so as to positively engage the transmission gear with each of gears having threaded portions for an efficient local oscillation frequency adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuo Ito, Kazunori Yoshimura, Kazuhiro Tsuji, Kazuo Kontani
  • Patent number: 4466305
    Abstract: A reverse idler gear is mounted for rotation but against axial movement on a swingable reverse idler shaft and adapted to be moved into mesh with other gears to reverse the drive line or disengaged from same in response to the ocillatory motion of the reverse idler shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa, Yoshiyuki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4430575
    Abstract: A turning gear arrangement for a turbomachine such as a large steam driven turbine-generator is disclosed. The turning gear arrangement includes a prime mover system which generates high starting torque for rolling the rotor of the turbine-generator over a narrow low speed range and which provides a lower, substantially constant torque over a wider high speed range. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a drive gear mounted on the turbine motor shaft; a fixed gearing system through which drive torque is transmitted to the rotor shaft; and a prime mover having an electrical motor to provide high initial torque to start and maintain rotation of the turbine over a low speed range, and a hydraulic turbine providing lower, substantially constant torque to maintain rotation over a higher speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Allen B. Quigg
  • Patent number: 4422263
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed including a gear changing mechanism for use in conjunction with a flywheel driving device. The mechanism comprises a gear changing lever pivotally mounted to a frame by means of a pin. The lever is biased in one direction by means of a first spring member to hold the axle of an idle gear in engagement with one end of an elongated opening formed in the frame. The gear changing lever is adapted to pivot by a depressing action against the force of the first spring member to disengage the idle gear axle from the one end of the elongated opening so as to allow a second spring member to urge the idle gear axle against the other end of the elongated opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Tonka Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Masubuchi
  • Patent number: 4382683
    Abstract: In a rotary drum mixing machine of the kind in which the drum is rotated in opposite directions to mix and eject its contents respectively by a prime-mover operating through driving and driven means on a prime-mover driven shaft and the closed end of the drum respectively, reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum can be effected without reversing the prime-mover by a pivotally mounted pair of gear wheels which are continuously driven in opposite directions by the prime-mover and are alternately movable into operative engagement with the driving means for the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas J. Teagle
  • Patent number: 4347009
    Abstract: A support for an idler gear is pivotally mounted about the driving gear axis in a gear driven platen drive for a typewriter. A constraining member mounted with the interchangeable platen engages and constrains the support in a position to insure engagement of the idler with the platen gear and may be sized or shaped to insure proper positioning of the support and idler for a number of different platen gears of varying diameters, allowing platens and platen gears to be readily changed to vary the line feed increment as desired by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford G. Brown
  • Patent number: 4338853
    Abstract: A precision power gear train assembly particularly adaptable for use with vehicles having a 360.degree. rotatable turret mounted thereon. The assembly embodies novel spring and stop means to minimize backlash and to limit gear tooth disengagement of the enmeshed output pinion and ring gears of such an assembly. More specifically a pinion-ring gear assembly mounts a gear box to oscillate about an axis parallel to the pinion axis of rotation such that the tooth pressure between pinion and ring gear biases the teeth apart, increasing backlash. A preloaded spring biases the gear teeth into tight mesh to eliminate backlash until the tooth pressure force exceeds a predetermined maximum. Thereafter, further increases in the tooth pressure force separates the teeth by compression of the spring beyond its preloaded compression. A stop limits tooth separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Martin J. Neumeyer
  • Patent number: 4328713
    Abstract: A completely mechanically operated microscope bridge includes rapid rough positioning, fine positioning, coarse focusing and fine focusing with an automatic locking system locking the microscope at the position set by the operator whether power is on or off. In the focusing mechanism the drive slips when the microscope hits the viewing platen or if the microscope rhomboid is caught under the cross beam or overhanging arm on the light table while being raised. A brake prevents the microscope from being manually pushed into the viewing platen. In the x and y plane movement mechanisms torque limiting clutches prevent damage to the drive mechanisms, and a slip clutch allows turning of a positioning knob without driving when the bridge reaches the end of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Eikonix Corporation
    Inventor: Harold Lund
  • Patent number: 4316569
    Abstract: An input shaft of a press feed is rotated at a preselected speed and is drivingly connected to a cam that rotates with the input shaft. Continuous rotation of the cam is converted to oscillating rotational movement of a cam follower through a preselected angle of rotation. The cam follower is nonrotatably connected to an output shaft that is connected by an adjustable linkage mechanism through a pair of meshing gears to a driven feed roll. The oscillating rotational movement of the output shaft is transmitted to the driven feed roll to advance the driven feed roll in contact with stock material through a preselected degree of rotation corresponding to a preselected feed length of the stock material to the press. The feed length is adjustable by changing the length of travel of the linkage mechanism with respect to the degree of rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: Vamco Machine and Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Gentile
  • Patent number: 4313349
    Abstract: A control device has a fixedly mountable frame which has recesses and a fixed shaft extending across the recesses. Flat sided spherical elements having manual levers extending from them are rotatable on the shaft and each element has a sector gear fastened to one of its flat sides. Flat springs extend from the frame and press on the spherical elements to develop friction. Potentiometer support brackets are pivotally mounted to shoulders on the flat springs. Each potentiometer shaft has a spur gear which meshes with a sector gear. The spur gears and sector gears are biased into meshing relation with coil springs that span between brackets. A lip seal is provided between the spherical elements and their housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Heitman, Joseph A. Becker
  • Patent number: 4311056
    Abstract: The present television fine tuning is so constructed that an initial rotation establishes the fine tuning state and that a continued rotation of the fine tuning shaft performs the fine tuning. For this purpose the present tuner comprises a fine tuning driving member, a rotation transmitting idler member, a plate spring for supporting the idler member and a fine tuning driven member. The driving member includes a fine tuning shaft, a slide gear and a slip clutch mounted in front of a chassis concentrically around a channel selector shaft supported in the chassis. The spring member has freely slidable end portions disposed between the chassis and the slide gear for biasing the slide gear in the forward direction. The idler member is movably arranged on the spring member for transmitting the fine tuning movement. The slide gear has a gear back of a flange and a driven cam surface in the front of the flange and is operatively mounted around the slip clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: New Nippon Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeyoshi Tanida
  • Patent number: 4308759
    Abstract: A worm gear mount of a type used in slide projectors includes a shaft, a pair of bearings supporting the shaft, a drive wheel on an end overhang of the shaft extending beyond one of the bearings, a worm gear on the shaft betweeen the bearings, and a gear wheel rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the shaft and meshing with the worm gear. The bearings are formed with generally U-shaped openings that face toward the gear wheel, and the openings allow the shaft to be moved into the bearings from the region occupied by the gear wheel. The gear wheel serves to prevent movement of the shaft out of the openings, and the openings are preferably shaped so that the shaft has a snap fit in the bearings. The shaft is also preferably formed with reduced diameter journal portions fitting in the bearings to prevent axial movement of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke
    Inventor: Reinhard Sobotta
  • Patent number: 4253394
    Abstract: Disclosed are a printing method for obtaining an outline design for child's painting and other simple printing materials, which comprises placing an embossed pattern plate, carbon paper and a sheet of paper to be printed on a printing frame in this sequence; and allowing the printing frame holding thereon the embossed pattern plate, carbon paper, and sheet of paper to pass through a spacing between a pair of rollers consisting of upper and lower rollers which are disposed in parallel and spaced from each other at a space substantially equal to the thickness of said printing frame, to transferring onto the sheet of paper the pattern of the outline design on the embossed plate under the pressure of said rollers, and an apparatus for carrying out such method, which comprises a main body including a main mechanical unit equipped with upper and lower rollers disposed in parallel, spaced from each other and adapted to be rotated by a driving means; and a printing frame which is adapted to receive thereon an embosse
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tada Seisakusho
    Inventor: Eiji Tada
  • Patent number: 4253074
    Abstract: The present fine tuning device comprises a fine tuning shaft mounted concentrically around a main channel selecting shaft supported in a chassis base. A plate spring member is disposed on the chassis for thrust biasing the fine tuning shaft. A gear member is arranged for transmitting the fine tuning movement from the fine tuning shaft to a fine tuning screw. The fine tuning shaft is provided with a radially extending flange and a peripheral gear, and the transmitting gear member is provided with a first gear engageable with the peripheral gear of the fine tuning shaft and a second gear engageable with the fine tuning screw. The plate spring member supports the rotating transmitting gear member whereby the axial direction of movement may be changed or shifted by deformation of the plate spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Assignee: New Nippon Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeyoshi Tanida