Parallel Shafts Patents (Class 74/397)
  • Patent number: 12140218
    Abstract: Systems are described for integrating a gearbox and an electric motor in a same housing. In one example, a system may include enclosing a gearbox containing an idler gear configured to drive an accessory gear coupled to a differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Thibault Devreese
  • Patent number: 11852220
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a speed reducer including a supporting block, an input gear rotatably supported on the supporting block, an intermediate gear meshing with the input gear, an output gear meshing with the intermediate gear, and a gear position changing mechanism configured to change a position of the intermediate gear relative to the input and output gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Nakamura, Yuta Nagaya, Mitsuru Shimamoto, Takayuki Okimura
  • Patent number: 11754166
    Abstract: A power transmission device according to one aspect of the disclosure includes a first gear, a base member, a second gear, a support block, a position adjusting unit, and a fixing unit. The base member rotatably supports the first gear. The second gear engages with the first gear so as to be able to transmit power. The support block rotatably supports the second gear. The position adjusting unit adjusts relative positions of the support block and the base member in a direction in which an engagement depth between the second gear and the first gear varies. The fixing unit fixes the relative positions of the support block and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kito, Masato Uchihara
  • Patent number: 10274059
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a transmission device, the transmission device including a ring gear, an input member, a gear shifting slider, and an output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Yoon Gu Kwon
  • Patent number: 10046917
    Abstract: An assembly includes first and second shafts and first and second sprockets. The first shaft has a first and second ends and a first longitudinal axis of rotation. The first sprocket is attached to the first shaft proximate the first end of the first shaft. The first sprocket rotates with the first shaft. The second shaft is spaced from the first shaft by a distance, the second shaft having a first end spaced from the first end of the first shaft by the distance, a second end spaced from the second end of the first shaft by the distance, and a second longitudinal axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis of rotation. The second sprocket is attached to the second shaft proximate the second end of the second shaft. The second sprocket rotates with the second shaft. The distance is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Jon Drenth, Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8739893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-gear transmission device, particularly a two-gear transmission device, for transferring a drive torque from an input side to an output side, which transmission device has at least two selectable gear ratios. The multi-gear transmission device further has a multi-stage clutch device, particularly a two-stage clutch device, with at least two different, selectable limit torques. According to the invention, the multi-stage transmission device has at least two preferably switchable translating gear pairs, and the multi-stage clutch device is included in the translating gear pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Willy Braun
  • Publication number: 20140144268
    Abstract: A gear assembly includes a first gear having a first pitch diameter and a second gear having a second pitch diameter different than the first pitch diameter. The first and second gears are located in a housing bore having a cusp line between first and second sections of the housing bore corresponding to the first and second gears. A first gear bearing is located in the first section of the housing bore and has a first flat side. A second gear bearing is located in the second section of the housing bore and has a second flat side. The second flat side is configured to press against the first flat side along the cusp line of the gear housing based on a pressurized fluid being provided to the housing bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Lyle Ward
  • Patent number: 8683886
    Abstract: A sliding auxiliary device includes an assembly of a rotating wheel, a gate linked to the rotating wheel, and a toggle mechanism. The toggle mechanism includes a first arm pivoted to the rotating wheel, a second arm pivoted to the first arm, and an elastic member disposed between the first arm and the second arm. The rotating wheel substantially drives the first arm and the second arm of the toggle mechanism to relatively move to store energy in the elastic member, and the elastic member releases the stored energy to generate an acting force to assist the rotation of the rotating wheel after the first arm of the toggle mechanism crosses over a reference axial line, to obtain an improved operation smoothness better than the conventional skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventor: An Szu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8671792
    Abstract: A multimode actuator for a document scanning apparatus is used to manipulate a book cradle along two degrees of freedom. The apparatus includes a drive shaft that is moveable along an axis to actuate the drive shaft in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the drive shaft engages with a spacing gear and disengages with a translation gear, wherein a rotation of the drive shaft while in the first position causes spacing between cradle halves to change. In the second position, the drive shaft engages the translation gear and disengages the spacing gear, wherein a rotation of the drive shaft while in the second position causes the lateral position of the document cradle to change while maintaining the spacing between the cradle halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander T. Starns
  • Patent number: 8515308
    Abstract: A gear center-distance maintaining mechanism includes a first support body that rotatably supports a first gear to be rotated by driving force from a driving unit, a second support body that rotatably supports a second gear to be meshed with the first gear so as to transmit rotational force from the first gear to a rotating body, the second support body being movable relative to the first support body in a direction such that the second gear moves away from the first gear, an arc-shaped face provided in the second support body and centered on an axis of the second gear, and a restricting portion provided in the first support body and shaped like an arc centered on an axis of the first gear, the restricting portion restricting the movement of the second support body relative to the first support body by contact with the arc-shaped face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toyohiko Awano
  • Publication number: 20130125695
    Abstract: A gear transmission device includes a transmission mechanism, and a gear backlash adjusting mechanism engaged with the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a first adjusting gear and a second adjusting gear meshing together. The adjusting mechanism includes a fixing plate and an adjusting member sleeved on the first adjusting gear. The fixing plate defines a limiting hole. The adjusting member comprises a flange received in the limiting hole. A maximum distance from an edge of the flange near the second adjusting gear to the rotation shaft of the first adjusting gear is greater than a minimum distance from an end of the flange away from the second adjusting gear to the rotation shaft of the first adjusting gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20120222513
    Abstract: A variable valve timing device, with a simplified structure and reduced cost, reliably and continuously changes a rotational phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft, and can change not only valve opening and closing timing but also valve opening and closing times. A first motion gear to which a rotary power is transmitted from a crankshaft and a second motion gear which transmits rotary power to a camshaft are independently rotatably arranged on a first shaft. A first variable gear meshed with the first motion gear and a second variable gear meshed with the second motion gear are integrally rotatably arranged on a second shaft spaced apart from and in parallel with the first shaft. An adjuster holds the second shaft and rotates the second shaft around the first shaft. The first and second variable gears have different numbers of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Masao Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8225689
    Abstract: A compliant gear assembly for a gear train of an internal combustion engine includes a hub subassembly having a first hub component and a second hub component. The first hub component defines a first axis, and the compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring rotatable relative to the hub subassembly and defining a gear ring axis of rotation. The second hub component is movable relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis between a first stop position at which the gear ring axis of rotation is co-linear with the first axis and a second stop position at which the gear ring axis of rotation is parallel to but not co-linear with the first axis. A compliance mechanism is coupled between the first hub component and the second hub component and biases the second hub component toward the first stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Brosowske, Aaron J. Weber, Scott A. Snoble, Thomas L. Atwell, Joseph R. Derk
  • Patent number: 8006581
    Abstract: A drive gear assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a drive shaft (11) and a drive gear (9) mounted on or integral with a drive shaft and rotatable therewith and being adapted to mesh with a driven gear (7). The assembly also includes a self-aligning assembly that supports the drive shaft for rotation about an axis of the drive shaft and so that the drive gear can self-align with respect to the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Engineering Science & Technology Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Edmund Joseph Baker, Robert John Davey
  • Patent number: 7900545
    Abstract: A crank drive system (10) of a shaft (11) of a microtome (1) encompasses a first and a second shaft (11, 12). The first shaft (11) is rotatable with a crank (13) and comprises a first transfer gear (14). The second shaft (12) comprises a second transfer gear (15). A rotation of the first shaft (11) is transferable from the first transfer gear (14) to the second transfer gear (15) to cause the second shaft (12) to rotate. To make possible, with a microtome (1), an advance or a lowering of the specimen (2) in two respective oppositely directed rotation directions with the same crank drive system (10), the crank drive system (10) is characterized in that a third transfer gear (16) is provided. The first transfer gear (14) is selectably engageable with the second transfer gear (15) or with the third transfer gear (16) so that as a result, while the rotation direction of the second shaft (12) is maintained, the rotation direction of the first shaft (11) is reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Schneider
  • Patent number: 7866367
    Abstract: A control device for blinds includes a transmission unit, a scrolling unit and a tilting unit, the transmission unit includes a case in which a coil spring and a gear unit are received. The coil spring is connected between the gear unit and the case. The scrolling unit includes two scrolling rods which are rotated with a transmission rod. Each scrolling rod has a lift cord wrapped thereon and extending through slats of the blinds. The tilting unit includes two tilt members connected to two respective end sections of the two scrolling rods. Two tilt cords have two respective positioning members which are clamped in two clamp grooves of the two tilt members and the tilt cords extend through the slats. The gears in the gear unit can be adjusted so as to cooperate with slats of different weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ching Feng Home Fashions Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wen Ying Liang, Sheng Ying Hsu, Wu Chung Nien, Chien Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 7811059
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for desired angle of an oscillating electric fan is disclosed. The adjusting knob is conveniently located about the top rear portion of the fan motor, adjacent the clutch knob. Adjusting the oscillating angle may be made when the fan is at rest, when it is running and oscillating at the same time, or when it is running at a fixed direction. Adjusting is fast and simple, only one hand is needed and no tools and mechanical know-how is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Esteban Nacapuy Sagucio
  • Patent number: 7665378
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting an output from an electric motor for steering assist to a steering mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a driving gear, an intermediate gear and a driven gear. An eccentric mechanism for eccentrically locating the intermediate gear is provided in order that a center axis of the intermediate gear is moved toward at least one of the axes of the driving gear and the driven gear while maintaining a parallel relation. The eccentric mechanism includes an intermediate-gear support shaft having a center axis. The intermediate-gear support shaft is supported by first and second circle holes in a manner to be rotatable about the center axis thereof for adjustment of a rotational position thereof, the first and second circle holes have their center axes aligned coaxially with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kensaku Nakamura, Nicolas Plataret, Hiroki Yamahana
  • Patent number: 7469851
    Abstract: Described is an adjustable roll drive including a fixed drive cylinder having a fixed drive gear, a fixed intermediate gear rotated by the fixed drive gear, a movable intermediate gear rotated by the fixed intermediate gear, and a movable driven cylinder having a movable driven gear wherein the movable driven gear is rotated by the movable intermediate gear. A linkage system is employed to maintain a substantially constant distance between axes of successive gears and an adjustment mechanism to vary a distance between the fixed drive cylinder and the movable driven cylinder. The continuously adjustable roll drive may be adapted further for use in grain grinding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Georg Bartosch
  • Patent number: 7234369
    Abstract: Described is an adjustable roll drive including a fixed drive cylinder having a fixed drive gear, a fixed intermediate gear rotated by the fixed drive gear, a movable intermediate gear rotated by the fixed intermediate gear, and a movable driven cylinder having a movable driven gear wherein the movable driven gear is rotated by the movable intermediate gear. A linkage system is employed to maintain a substantially constant distance between axes of successive gears and an adjustment mechanism to vary a distance between the fixed drive cylinder and the movable driven cylinder. The continuously adjustable roll drive may be adapted further for use in grain grinding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Georg Bartosch
  • Patent number: 7185558
    Abstract: A variable gear ratio device featuring geared segments with variable gear ratio adapted for inclusion into mechanical machines, motors and pumps where there is a constant requirement for a variable transfer ratio for the variability and optimization of the load of torque that are formed by a driving shaft and driven shaft. The device features a plurality of engaged gears capable of eccentric rotation where the axis of rotation of the driven shaft is moved outside of the center axis of the driving eccentric geared segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Murin
  • Patent number: 6988722
    Abstract: A paper pickup mechanism located on one side of a feeding paper tray consists of a pickup roller, a plurality of gears and a plurality of linkage bars to form a highly free mechanism that drives the pickup roller rotating in the paper feeding direction and generating a torque to enable the pickup roller exerting a force on the top paper of the paper tray and provide an automatic compensating paper pickup force. By rearranging the structural locations of the elements, fewer gears are required to transmit the driving power, and energy loss and noise generation are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Jen Su
  • Patent number: 6962097
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a mechanical steering transmission unit comprising an input drive shaft and two output driven shafts that can revolve in the same or opposite direction at the same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Sante Cippitelli
  • Patent number: 6810760
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mating a first gear and a second gear, such as those utilized in drive mechanisms of mailing machine modules. A gear frame can mount a first gear on a first annular gear mount. A first end of a link can be pivotally mounted on a fulcrum and a second end can have a second gear mounted on a second annular gear mount. A normal force can be provided on the link in a direction opposing pivotal movement of the link. When the first gear and the second gear are brought together for mating, the link can pivot to allow the first gear and the second gear to mesh. The second annular gear mount can be guided into a channel in the gear frame to secure the second gear in a meshed position with the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Chiping Sye, David Privin, Steven A. Supron
  • Publication number: 20040089088
    Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for use in mounting an ancillary unit in an engine block which has at one end a lateral flange (10) formed with an aperture for mounting of the ancillary unit. The adapter comprises a casing (112) for mounting on the end face of the engine to overlie the aperture, which casing is provided with an O-ring (130) for effecting a seal between the casing (112) and the aperture in the lateral flange of the engine. The casing has a larger diameter portion separated by a shoulder (131) from a portion of reduced diameter, a retaining sleeve (132) axially slidable over the reduced diameter portion of the casing (112) and a O-ring (130) held captive between the axial end of the retaining sleeve (132) and the shoulder (131).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Sergio Callini, Aldo Banchio
  • Patent number: 6564664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering boost for motor vehicles with a drive unit that is coaxially arranged in relation to the steering shaft axis and that consists of a combination of a disc-shaped electromotor and a spur gear which enables particularly high reduction ratios and a good, steering behavior which is free from play and has good compact and cost-effective construction. A rotor disc of the electromotor is rotationally arranged around the steering shaft and drives a pinion hollow shaft which is arranged coaxially in relation to the shaft. The pinion hollow shaft acts upon a spur gear that is arranged eccentrically in relation to the shaft. Power transmission from the spur gear is coupled back to the shaft. The motor and the gearbox are mounted on a carrier plate which is fixedly mounted at the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 6543314
    Abstract: A torque wrench assembly system comprising a housing, a transfer shaft positioned in the housing, a first drive gear arrangement coupled to the transfer shaft; at least a second drive gear arrangement slidably coupled to the transfer shaft; a first drive shaft coupled to the first drive gear arrangement and having an end extending from the housing; a second drive shaft coupled to the second drive gear arrangement and having an end extending from the housing; a torque generating device that is coupleable to the transfer shaft, to the first drive gear arrangement and/or the first drive shaft; wherein the distance between the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft is slidably adjustable by the slidability of the at least second drive gear arrangement along the transfer shaft; and wherein the coupling of the first drive gear arrangement and the at least second drive gear arrangement via the transfer shaft provides that the first and second drive shafts can provide an at least essentially equal torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Padahoyt Tools
    Inventor: David A. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6513401
    Abstract: A transmission unit for axles for vehicles with electric drive comprises a drive gear, a driven gear, and an intermediate idler gear, meshing with the drive gear and with the driven gear. The unit is housed in half-shells. The intermediate idler gear is mounted on a pin, the central portion of which is eccentric by a predetermined amount with respect to the axis extending through the end portions of the pin, which are engaged in the half-shells. Angularly spaced radial holes are formed in one end portion of the pin and are selectively enagagable by a resilient split pin which extends through a radial hole formed in one of the half-shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Graziano Trasmissioni S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Bologna
  • Publication number: 20010023624
    Abstract: A device (1), particularly a facsimile apparatus, has a reversible motor (26), an intermediate transmission gear (29) which is drivable by the motor (26), and three drive wheels (44, 48, 51) which are drivable with the aid of the intermediate transmission gear (29), the intermediate transmission gear (29) including a basic member (30) which is drivable by the motor (26), a control member (36), and a drive member (37), as well as a first unidirectional coupling means (38) between the basic member (30) and the control member (36), and a second unidirectional coupling means (40) between the basic member (30) and the drive member (37), both coupling means being constructed to transmit power opposite directions of rotation (31, 32), the control member (36) being adapted to selectively establish a drive transmission between the motor (26) and at least one drive wheel (44, 48, 51), and the drive member (37) is adapted to drive the drive wheels (44, 48, 51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Christoph Potakowskyj
  • Patent number: 6293166
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting a gear in a gear train assembly. A first gear with a first rotational center and a second gear with a second rotational center are coupled to an engine. A third gear with a third rotational center is provided to form a first mesh with the first gear. The first mesh has a predetermined minimum backlash. The third gear also forms a second mesh with the second gear. The third gear includes an adjustable positioning mechanism which allows the rotational center of the third gear to be adjusted along a predetermined adjustment path that is substantially tangent to the first mesh. The adjustment mechanism of the third gear allows the minimum backlash of the first mesh to be maintained while the second mesh is adjusted to likewise achieve a generally minimized backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Genter, Eudell L. Kelly, Mark A. Voils, Thomas R. Stover, Robert W. Kolhouse
  • Publication number: 20010010177
    Abstract: A transmission unit for axles for vehicles with electric drive comprises a drive gear, a driven gear, and an intermediate idler gear, meshing with the drive gear and with the driven gear. The unit is housed in half-shells. The intermediate idler gear is mounted on a pin the central portion of which is eccentric by a predetermined amount with respect to the axis extending through the end portions of the pin, which are engaged in the half-shells. Angularly spaced radial holes formed in one end portion of the pin are selectively engageable by a resilient split pin which extends through a radial hole formed in one of the half-shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Graziano Transmissioni S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Bologna
  • Patent number: 6247377
    Abstract: An engine system with a gear train to provide engine timing. A technique to minimize backlash and noise caused by the gear train is included. An anti-backlash gear assembly useful to reduce backlash in the gear train is also disclosed. One disclosed gear assembly has at least two gear wheels with the circular thickness of the teeth of one gear wheel being less than the circular thickness of the other gear wheel. A gear assembly is also disclosed that has a bias torque of at least about 100 foot-pounds. A device carried on an anti-lash gear assembly to generally align teeth of the assembly for installation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Long, Ilya L. Piraner, Dennis R. Tibbetts
  • Patent number: 6192769
    Abstract: A gearhead assembly between a drive shaft and an output shaft of a trimmer arranged parallel but staggered to one another, includes a bearing shaft extending perpendicularly between the drive shaft and the output shaft. The bearing shaft has a first end supported in the first housing part and a second end supported in the second housing. A central gear is mounted on the bearing shaft. A clamping device has a clamping shaft that has a first and a second opposed ends engaging the first and second housing parts. The second housing part together with the output shaft is pivotable about the bearing shaft relative to the first housing part in a plane parallel to the axial direction of the drive shaft. The bearing shaft is a hub, and the clamping shaft penetrates the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Stark, Stephan Ostendorf
  • Patent number: 6183175
    Abstract: A tool holder for a tool drive with an outer and an inner concentric drive shaft. A first adapter is detachably held by a conventional clamping system in a receptacle of the outside drive shaft. A second adapter is concentrically mounted in the first tool receptacle of the first adapter so as to rotate with respect to the first adapter. The second adapter has a tool receptacle which can be inclined by a pivoting element. Thus, a tool can be eccentrically inserted and concentrically driven. This makes possible certain machining modes, for example the machining of a hollow shaft, since inner threads can now be turned rather than cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Rudolf Gafner
  • Patent number: 6129171
    Abstract: In an electric power steering device, a rotating member is screwed onto a rack, which meshes with a pinion rotated by steering manipulation, via a screw mechanism. The rotation of a motor for generating steering assistance force is transmitted to the rotating member via a gear mechanism. The vehicle is turned by longitudinal movement of the rack caused by rotation of the pinion. The steering assistance force is applied in the longitudinal direction of the rack by driving the rotating member by means of the motor. The gear ratio of the gear mechanism is set such that the speed of rotation of the rotating member is equal to or greater than the speed of rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Takaoka
  • Patent number: 6109129
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting a gear in a gear train assembly. A first gear with a first rotational center and a second gear with a second rotational center are coupled to an engine. A third gear with a third rotational center is provided to form a first mesh with the first gear. The first mesh has a predetermined minimum backlash. The third gear also forms a second mesh with the second gear. The third gear includes an adjustable positioning mechanism which allows the rotational center of the third gear to be adjusted along a predetermined adjustment path that is substantially tangent to the first mesh. The adjustment mechanism of the third gear allows the minimum backlash of the first mesh to be maintained while the second mesh is adjusted to likewise achieve a generally minimized backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Genter, Eudell L. Kelly, Mark A. Voils, Thomas R. Stover, Robert W. Kolhouse
  • Patent number: 6035736
    Abstract: A pinion gear rotatively connected to a drive motor is radially movable relative to a swing gear of a work machine by an eccentric member to adjust the backlash between the pinion and swing gears. A supporting bracket is supportingly connected to a second end portion of the pinion gear and maintains the second end of the pinion gear from radial movement. An adjustable stop engages the supporting bracket and further prevents radial movement of the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sven Bertil Rud Gyllner, Dan Erik Norman
  • Patent number: 6013002
    Abstract: A rotary power transmission apparatus for transmitting a rotary power from an input rotary member to an output rotary member eccentric from the input rotary member. The rotary power transmission apparatus comprises: a ring member arranged around the outer circumferences of the input rotary member and the output rotary member and made rotatable on an axis eccentric from those input rotary member and output rotary member; a first intermediate rotary member for transmitting a torque between the input rotary member and the ring member; a second intermediate rotary member for transmitting the torque between the ring member and the output rotary member; and a relative phase changing mechanism for changing the relative phases in the direction of revolution between the first intermediate rotary member and the second intermediate rotary member along the inner circumference of the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 5988977
    Abstract: A backlash adjustment mechanism for use in a variable pipe diffuser having inner and outer rings and a casing. The backlash adjustment mechanism includes a drive shaft and a pinion gear attached thereto, a rack gear fixedly attached to the inner ring. The backlash adjustment mechanism is comprised of a housing having a cylindrical body positioned concentrically about a first centerline and having a bore disposed axially though the body positioned about a second centerline. The drive shaft is rotatably disposed concentric with the second centerline within the bore. The inner ring is positioned such that it meshes with the pinion gear. The housing is disposed within the casing and rotatably operable to effect an adjustment of the backlash between the pinion gear and the rack gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Edward G. Gallagher, Vishnu M. Sishtla
  • Patent number: 5979259
    Abstract: An engine system with a gear train to provide engine timing is disclosed. A technique to minimize backlash and noise caused by the gear train is included. An anti-backlash gear assembly useful to reduce backlash in the gear train is also disclosed. One disclosed gear assembly has at least two gear wheels with the circular thickness of the teeth of one gear wheel being less than the circular thickness of the other gear wheel. A gear assembly is also disclosed that has a bias torque of at least about 100 foot-pounds. A device carried on an anti-lash gear assembly to generally align teeth of the assembly for installation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Shook, David P. Genter, Kevin L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5960671
    Abstract: A gear reducer, especially for a mixer, has a housing supporting a pinion shaft with a pinion gear rotatably driven by a motor, mechanically coupled with a rotatable driven shaft having a driven gear meshing with the pinion gear. The driven gear can be coupled, for example, to the impeller of a mixer via a vertical impeller shaft. The pinion shaft is carried in a cartridge that is adjustably mounted to the housing for moving the pinion shaft toward and away from the driven gear and for accommodating pinion gears of different diameters to change the gear reduction ratio without the need to change the driven gear on the impeller shaft. The cartridge is pivotally mounted to the housing at a point spaced from the axis of the driven shaft such that the cartridge and the pinion gear can be rotated toward and away from the driven gear. This also permits intermediate reduction gears that may extend below the driven gear to be moved clear of the driven gear such that the cartridge can be lifted free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Philadelphia Gear Corp.
    Inventor: Chuong H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5829294
    Abstract: A roll former line for forming different shapes including a first roll stand attached to a bed which provides vertical adjustable movement. The roll stand includes three spindles in vertical alignment with each other, the forming rolls on the top and bottom spindles working against opposite sides of the middle forming roll, so as to provide reverse shapes between the top and middle forming roll and the middle and bottom forming roll. Linear actuators are connected to the bed of the first roll stand for moving the first roll stand vertically on the bed. Opposite the first roll stand on the line is a second roll stand attached to a second bed including two spindles in vertical alignment and corresponding forming rolls thereon. The first roll stand can be raised or lowered by the linear actuators so as to use reverse forming rolls on the first roll stand in conjunction with the forming rolls on the second roll stand to form a reverse shape on one edge of the sheet being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Bradbury Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Bradbury, Karl E. Voth
  • Patent number: 5740696
    Abstract: A transmission unit mounted on the machine base of an office automation machine and covered with a cover and controlled to turn a first roller and a second roller, including a gear transmission mechanism, a first roller transmission mechanism driven and a second roller transmission mechanism respectively driven by the gear transmission mechanism to turn the rollers, wherein the gear transmission mechanism includes a motor, a rounded seat raised from the machine base, a drive gear mounted on the rounded seat and coupled to the motor, an annular gear holder revolvably mounted around the rounded seat and having an upright gear shaft, an upright axle raised from the machine base adjacent to the rounded seat, a crank having a pivot hole at one end coupled to the upright axle and a gear shaft at an opposite end, a first planet gear revolvably mounted around the gear shaft of the crank and driven by the drive gear to turn the first roller transmission mechanism, a second planet gear revolvably mounted around the gea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sampo Corporation
    Inventors: Jaw-kuen Jean, Chuan-Sheng Li, Bor-Harn Lin
  • Patent number: 5685197
    Abstract: Adjustment capabilities are useful in gearing mechanisms so that backlash settings between gears may be changed to accommodate for normal operation, wear, or maintenance disturbances. The subject backlash adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of center distances between an adjustable idler gear (23) and a camshaft gear (24), while providing a geometric alignment (47,82) relationship to maintain a substantially fixed center distance between the adjustable idler gear (23) and another mating gear (22). The subject backlash adjustment mechanism (26) has the adjustable idler gear (23) rotatably mounted on an idler gear mounting (31,58) having a slotted hole (33,62), with the idler gear mounting (31,58) being releasably connected to a cylinder block (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Baker, Michael J. Smith, Benny Ballheimer
  • Patent number: 5679088
    Abstract: A change gear system comprises a driven case, a driving shaft and shifting means for shifting the drive shaft, and three sliding frames are provided in alignment in the driven case. Each sliding frame is provided with a pair of rack gears with teeth facing each other and cam surfaces facing each other in parallel with a pitch line of the rack gears. The sliding frames are provided for movement at an angle of 120 (deg.) in different directions perpendicular to the pitch, respectively. The driving shaft is provided with pinions and cam plates. The cam plates are in contact with the cam surfaces, and serve for positioning the sliding frames. The cam plates are configured such that arcs C1 are linked alternatingly with arcs C2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Keiichi Akashi
  • Patent number: 5611233
    Abstract: Transmission unit for driving two parallel shafts, at least one shaft being movable at right angles to its lengthwise direction, for example for a rolling mill (1). In this case each shaft (8, 11) is provided with a crown wheel (14, 15) which meshes with a cylindrical pinion (16), each pinion having a shaft (17) of which the axis intersects or crosses the axis of the shaft belonging to the crown wheel at right angles, and the rotations of the pinions being interconnected with a fixed transmission ratio. The cylindrical pinions can be fitted on one common shaft which can lie in the plane through the axes of the two shafts or at a fixed distance parallel to said plane, independent of the movement of one of the shafts or both shafts. Two pinions can be combined to form one pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Crown Gear, B.V.
    Inventor: Augustinus F. H. Basstein
  • Patent number: 5540112
    Abstract: Adjustment capabilities are useful in gearing mechanisms so that backlash settings between gears may be changed to accommodate for normal operation, wear, or maintenance disturbances. The subject backlash adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of center distances between an adjustable idler gear (23) and a camshaft gear (24), while providing a geometric alignment (47,82) relationship to maintain a substantially fixed center distance between the adjustable idler gear (23) and another mating gear (22). The subject backlash adjustment mechanism (26) has the adjustable idler gear (23) rotatably mounted on an idler gear mounting (31,58) having a slotted hole (33,62), with the idler gear mounting (31,58) being releasably connected to a cylinder block (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Baker, Michael J. Smith, Benny Ballheimer
  • Patent number: 5386879
    Abstract: In a steering angle ratio varying device for a vehicle adapted to be connected in series with a steering input shaft, a first shaft on an input end and a second shaft on an output end are supported in a mutually parallel and laterally moveable relationship, and a crank pin extending from the second shaft is engaged in a diagonal slot provided in an associated axial end of the first shaft. Because the radial distances of the point of engagement between the first and second shafts as measured from the axial center lines of the first and second shafts generally differ from each other, there is a nonlinear relationship between the angular displacements of the first and second shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5343774
    Abstract: An improved transmission gear box for miniature motor is equipped with a motor-mounted round plate having a number of equally spaced protrusions or recesses disposed on the periphery thereof. The round plate secured to the case of a motor is provided with a round through hole at the center thereof and a pair of symmetric oval-shaped through holes are disposed at each of the opposite sides of the round hole, and a transmission gear set is operationally associated with and supported by the round plate. The shaft of the miniature motor disposed through the central round hole of the round plate is provided with a gear at the top end thereof so as to permit the engagement of the same to the transmission gear set. A cap having a number of corresponding recesses or protrusions disposed at the periphery of the bottom end thereof can be tightly engaged with the round plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Shuh Y. Jang
  • Patent number: 5159848
    Abstract: This invention is a self-adjusting motor mount for holding a driving gear mounted on the shaft of a motor in engagement with a driven gear carried by a back plate disposed in a vertical plane and is particularly useful in a pen plotter. There is a mounting plate carrying the motor and the driving gear. A pivotal mounting carried by the back plate attaches the mounting plate to the back plate at a point above the motor for pivotal movement so as to have the motor pivotally hang from the point. There is a bias spring for resiliently urging the mounting plate to carry the driving gear into engagement with the driven gear. Finally, there is a shock absorber carried by the back plate for absorbing pivotal gear disengaging movement of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Calcomp Inc.
    Inventor: James Lawrence