Yieldability In Gear Trains Patents (Class 74/411)
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Patent number: 6073506Abstract: A multiple countershaft transmission including a housing containing at least two countershafts having parallel axes of rotation and being fixed against all movement except rotative with respect to the housing. The housing mounts an input shaft and a mainshaft having a common axis of rotation. The input shaft is free to rotate relative to the mainshaft. The input shaft and mainshaft are fixed against all movement except rotative with respect to the housing. The input shaft mounts an input gear for rotative movement therewith. The mainshaft extends through and mounts a plurality of mainshaft gears which are free to rotate with respect to the mainshaft. The rotational axes of the countershafts are parallel to, equidistant from, and preferably symmetrically spaced about the common input shaft, mainshaft rotational axis. Each mainshaft gear and the input gear meshes with an axially aligned gear on each countershaft. The gear tooth count within each set of axially aligned countershaft gears is identical.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventor: Roy L. Wireman
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Patent number: 6053061Abstract: An improved sliding feed mechanism having a worm gear is disclosed can prevent a locking state from occurring between the worm and the worm wheel. The sliding feed mechanism includes a motor having a rotational shaft with an output end, a worm fixedly mounted to the rotational shaft and formed with a left-hand thread, a worm wheel which meshes with the worm, a driven member which is adapted to slidably move according to the rotation of the worm wheel. In this connection, the lead angle of the worm wheel is set so as to be larger than the lead angle of the worm, and the motor is mounted so that the output end of the rotational shaft is upwardly tilted so as to provide a proper engagement between the worm and the worm wheel having said lead angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventors: Ken'ichi Furukawa, Kouji Teranishi, Satoru Manabe
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Patent number: 6044723Abstract: An electric power assisting steering apparatus comprises a housing, a motor mounted on the housing to generate auxiliary steering power in a rotating shaft, an output shaft to transmit the steering power for steering the wheels, a bearing for supporting the output shaft to be freely rotatable, and a worm gear mechanism having a worm connected to the rotating shaft and a worm wheel connected to the output shaft, to transmit the auxiliary steering power of the motor to the output shaft. An elastic body is provided between at least one of the rotating shaft and the housing and the bearing, so that when a tooth surface of the worm and that of the worm wheel are brought into contact with each other, the rotating shaft is moved in at least one of the axial direction and the radial direction relative to the housing by deforming the elastic body.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Eda, Yuji Kawaike, Masuji Machida
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Patent number: 6026696Abstract: A device for converting a rotary motion into an axial motion comprises an outer tube (10) with internal contours (10a), an inner shaft (11) with head (11a) with external contours (11b), an inner chamber (R) formed between tube (10) and shaft (11) and a plurality of roller elements (12) arranged in the inner chamber (R) and around the head (11a), which are in active engagement with at least one contour with the internal contour (10a) of the tube (10) and the external contour (11b) of the head (11a), whose position can be adjusted essentially by rotation relative to the roller elements (12). The shaft (11) is surrounded by a tubular element (14) arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis (a--a) of the shaft, which moves translationally relative to the tube (10) when the device is actuated. By this the device is protected in a most simple way from exterior influences: (FIG. 2).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Karl Hehl
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Patent number: 6003193Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventors: Evgeny I. Rivin, Victor R. Fey
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Patent number: 6003397Abstract: A slidable washer (30) has a cylindrical part and a plane part joined thereto. The cylindrical part is placed between an inner circumferential face of a gear wheel (24) and an outer circumferential face of a boss part (23) of a gear housing (22) in order to reduce the frictional force caused during sliding movement therebetween. Further, the plane part joined to the cylindrical part is placed between a side (24b) of the gear wheel (24) and a base (22a) of the gear housing (22) so that the sliding frictional force therebetween is reduced and the cylindrical part of the slidable washer (30) is prevented from inclining toward the axial direction of the boss part (23).Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Yasuhira
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Patent number: 5974911Abstract: A gear transmission assembly for transferring a drive torque from at least one power input to a primary user has at least one drive pinion carried by a respective power input shaft and meshing with a pair of facing coaxial counter-rotating ring gears having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the drive pinion and engaging between facing face teeth at least one transmission pinion having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the ring gears. The at least one drive pinion floats in the direction of the axis of the ring gears, while the at least one transmission pinion is supported by elements flexible in a circumferential direction with respect to the ring gears.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Fiatavio S.p.A.Inventors: Roberto Pias, Sergio Turro
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Patent number: 5956998Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, anti-buckling plates generally spanning between a hub and rim define a hollow cavity. In another embodiment of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a specifically configured sets of nodules moving the hub and rim. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate attachment constructions. In still another embodiment of the present invention, a uniquely sized and packaged gear, gear housing and/or motor are employed in order to maximize output force per pound of material efficiencies. Another embodiment employs a stress dissipation member in a door lock mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 5943913Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes an elastomeric material and a web which radially extend outward from the hub. In another aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotationally flexible spoke-like structures radially extending between the rim and the hub. In a further aspect of the present invention, corrugated spokes are used. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate configurations. In still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotatably deformable formations. Furthermore, the present invention provides a compressible washer stress reduction structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 5934144Abstract: An assembly suitable for preventing and/or effectively dampening the presence of backlash within a worm gear type drive is described. The assembly includes a drive gear adapted to be mounted on a shaft. The drive gear has an annular body with a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes an offsetable secondary gear mounted to the drive gear. The secondary gear has a complementary annular body with a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly therefrom. The teeth on the drive gear are equal in number and pitch to the teeth on the secondary gear. The teeth on the drive gear and the secondary gear, together form an array of expandable teeth having a variable thickness. Operatively connected to the drive gear and to the secondary gear is a biasing means for expanding the variable thickness of each expandable tooth.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Active Automation, Inc.Inventor: Sinisa V. Marinkovic
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Patent number: 5913937Abstract: A worm gear reducer includes a worm fixedly mounted on a drive shaft rotatably mounted in a housing, a driven shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and including a first end portion formed with an outer thread, a mediate portion with a worm wheel mounted thereon meshing with the worm, and a second end portion. A torsion damping device includes two friction washers each mounted on the driven shaft and each urged on one side of the worm wheel, two abutting rings each securely mounted on the driven shaft and each urged on a corresponding one of the two friction washers, a biasing member mounted on the first end portion of the driven shaft and urged on one of the abutting rings, a sleeve mounted on the first end portion of the driven shaft and urged on the biasing member, and a compression nut engaged on the outer thread of the driven shaft and urged on the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Inventor: Yu-Hsing Lin
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Patent number: 5911788Abstract: A radially compliant gear is provided to reduce transmitted shock loads and/or resist jamming as a result of debris entering its mesh with another gear. The radially compliant gear includes a hub adapted to rotate about an axis, and a compliant rim. The hub includes a first surface that faces radially inwardly. The rim includes external gear teeth and a second surface that faces radially outwardly. The rim is mounted to the hub through the first and second surfaces to allow localized radial deflections of the rim relative to the hub. The first and second surfaces are configured to provide a predetermined minimum radial preload between the rim and the hub.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Sundstrand CorporationInventors: David E. Russ, David C. Quick, Douglas J. Esposito
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Patent number: 5890393Abstract: An electric actuator reciprocates an output shaft driven by an electric motor in a linear manner. The actuator has a main body case. A rotating body supported by the case includes a pin rotating body, a gear wheel, and a coil spring. The gear wheel is meshed with a pinion that is fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor. The rotation of the gear wheel is transmitted to the pin rotating body by the coil spring. The pin rotating body includes a rotary shaft. The rotary shaft has a pair of guide pins provided on its outer surface. A cylindrical cam is fixed to the output shaft, which is supported by the case. The cylindrical cam includes a spiral guided portion defined on its inner surface. The guided portion slides against both guide pins of the rotary shaft. The drive force of the electric motor rotates the rotary shaft by means of the gear wheel and the coil spring. As the rotary shaft is rotated, the output shaft is reciprocated along the rotary shaft with the guided portion guided by both guide pins.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Ohta
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Patent number: 5878830Abstract: An improved mount for an electric motor and drive gear includes mounting both of the motor and drive gear within a gear housing for a vehicle wheel. The motor is mounted on one side of the drive axis of the wheel, and the drive gear is mounted in bearings on an opposed side of the drive axis. In this way, the overall longitudinal distance required for mounting both the motor and the drive gear is reduced when compared to the envelope of the vehicle wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC.Inventors: Malcolm F. Ruppert, Dean Mark House, William Carl Sullivan, Silvio Masaaki Yamada
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Patent number: 5862706Abstract: A shaft deflection controller includes an input driveshaft adapted for inputting power from an engine. The input driveshaft includes an axis of rotation and a spur pinion at an end of the input driveshaft. The axis of rotation of the input driveshaft changes, relative to a frame, with deflections of the input driveshaft. Two face gears are adapted for meshing with the spur pinion of the input driveshaft. A flexible shaft stabilizing mount includes an inner sleeve portion and a mounting flange. The inner sleeve portion includes a base portion connecting the inner sleeve portion to the mounting flange and a plurality of cage spring members. The mounting flange is connected to and concentric with the inner sleeve portion. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount controls the deflection of the input driveshaft by applying forces onto the input driveshaft, which tend to resist changes in the alignment of the axis of rotation of the input driveshaft. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount is connected to a rigid frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Helicopter CompanyInventors: Yih-Jen D. Chen, Gregory F. Heath, Vijay J. Sheth, Murugappan Meyyappa
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Patent number: 5857380Abstract: To reduce the size of a starter for installing it in a smaller engine compartment, the rotational speed of the starter motor has to be high and it is reduced to a certain speed through a reduction device to obtain a higher torque. To realize a high reduction ratio in a small planetary gear reduction device, an impact force imposed on the device at an instant a starter pinion engages with a engine ring gear and repeating impacts during a cranking period must be reduced. As a coupling between an internal gear and a housing of the reduction device, a flexible or a resilient coupling is disclosed herein. The flexible or resilient coupling relieves an excessive impact force at the engagement by permitting rotation of the internal gear relative to the housing, and reduces noise caused by the cranking impacts by permitting a small vibrating move of the internal gear. The flexible coupling is realized by a combination of a bumpy surface and projections coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Sadayoshi Kajino, Tsutomu Shiga, Keiichi Matsushima, Akifumi Hosoya, Masanori Ohmi
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Patent number: 5834662Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for the rotary actuation of an apparatus, for example of a crane, on a chassis or a foundation wherein a worm gear (1) and a housing (2) are secured on the foundation, a worm (3) is rotationally displaceable manually, or by a drive motor, and a worm wheel (4) is rotationally mounted to the housing (2). The worm wheel (4) is provided at both sides (6a, 6b) of its gearing (6) with a separate rolling bearing (10, 11, 12). Advantageously, housing (2) is formed with a base part (2a) and a cover part (2b) which can be flatly fixed on top of the base part (2a), and at least one end side of the worm wheel comprises a connection attachment which intersperses the base and/or the cover part.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: IMO-Industrie-Momentenlager Stoll & Russ GmbHInventors: Klaus Stoll, Erich Russ
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Patent number: 5829306Abstract: The object of the present invention relates to reduction of noise during no-load running of a gear device and is to provide a gear shock absorbing mechanism, by which it is possible to damp collision force of tooth against tooth by simplified structure and to reduce gear noise. A driven gear is connected to a driven shaft via a radial gap, and a key connects the driven gear with the driven shaft in rotating direction via a peripheral gap, and an elastic member is compressed in axial direction and is placed between a stop washer connected with the driven shaft and the driven gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiichi Komazaki, Mitsuyuki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5810668Abstract: A fuel pump drive gear assembly is provided which includes torsional absorption elements positioned between a drive gear and a fuel pump hub. The drive gear includes a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of projections formed on the fuel pump hub. The torsional absorption elements are positioned in the apertures between the projections and the drive gear so as to frictionally engage a surface of both the projection and the drive gear, thus creating a mechanical driving connection between the rotating drive gear and the fuel pump hub. The torsional absorption elements have adequate stiffness to provide the necessary torque to drive the fuel pump, while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit relative rotational movement between the driving gear and the fuel pump hub for absorbing the vibratory loads imposed upon the gear assembly by the fuel pump without compromising the timing between the fuel pump and engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Simpson International (UK) Ltd.Inventors: Karl T. Graham, Gordon E. Rado
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Patent number: 5791190Abstract: A counter gear mechanism having a large gear coaxially engaged to a small gear. The large gear comprises a disk-like portion and a circumferentially extending portion continuously extending on a peripheral portion of the disk-like portion. The circumferentially extending portion has a circumferential outer surface on which first gear teeth are provided. The small gear comprises a disk-like plate and a body being cylindrically shaped to have a circumferential outer surface on which second gear teeth are provided. A tubular member, provided at a center of the disk-like portion, defines a hole and extends along a rotational axis around which the large gear rotates. At least one recessed portion, formed in the disk-like portion, extends in a circumferential direction relative to the rotational axis. At least one projection is fixed to the disk-like plate of the small gear on an opposite side to the side on which the body is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Nikko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Konno
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Patent number: 5787755Abstract: This motorized reduction gear includes a toothed wheel (1) for driving an output member mounted on its hub (4), and one or more damping springs (6) interposed between the wheel (1) and the output member; the damping spring(s) (6) is(are) flat and metal and formed of two flexible branches (7) which are symmetrical with one another with respect to a median plane; each branch includes a convolution, a first section (8) of which extends around the hub (4), is extended by a fold (11), and a second section (9) terminated by a radial segment (12), a flat (13) for bearing on a rib (17) of the wheel (1), and a claw (14) for holding the spring in the wheel (1), around the hub (4). When the window pane comes to rest in abutment at the end of its path, one of the branches (7) is compressed and moves closer to the other, damping out the halting in the rotation of the toothed wheel (1). This(these) spring(s) has(have) a small overall size and high operational stability.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-FranceInventors: Pierre Periou, Enrico Fin
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Patent number: 5771744Abstract: The device has springs arranged diametrically opposite with respect to a shaft that is coupled to a generator of torsional vibrations. The springs are rigidly coupled between first supporting elements that rotate with the shaft and second supporting elements that are rigidly coupled to a gear system that is freely mounted on the shaft. The gear system is coupled to a motor for actuating rotation of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Holmac S.a.s. di Gastaldi Christian E C.Inventors: Enrico Canova, Tiziano Salviato
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Patent number: 5761964Abstract: A slidable washer (30) has a cylindrical part and a plane part joined thereto. The cylindrical part is placed between an inner circumferential face of a wheel gear (24) and an outer circumferential face of a boss part (23) of a gear housing (22) in order to reduce the frictional force caused during sliding movement therebetween. Further, the plane part joined to the cylindrical part is placed between a side (24b) of the wheel gear (24) and a base (22a) of the gear housing (22) so that the sliding frictional force therebetween is reduced and the cylindrical part of the slidable washer (30) is prevented from inclining toward the axial direction of the boss part (23).Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Yamada, Nobuyuki Yasuhira
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Patent number: 5692410Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes an elastomeric material and a web which radially extend outward from the hub. In another aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotationally flexible spoke-like structures radially extending between the rim and the hub. In a further aspect of the present invention, corrugated spokes are used. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate configurations. In still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotatably deformable formations. Furthermore, the present invention provides a compressible washer stress reduction structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 5679089Abstract: A compact bicoupled contrarotating epicyclic gear is provided. The gear iudes a rotatable input shaft for providing an input-torque, a first-stage epicyclic gear, a second-stage epicyclic gear mutually drivably coupled to and in axial alignment with the first epicyclic gear, an outer-output shaft for conveying an outer-output-torque in response to the input-torque, and an inner-output shaft coaxial with the outer-output shaft for conveying an inner-output-torque in response to the input-torque. The bicoupled contrarotating epicyclic gear further includes at least one interstage torque carrier rotatably connecting the first and second epicyclic gears in series such that the first and second sun gears, the first and second planet carriers, and the first and second ring gears rotate and convey useful torque in response to the input-torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: William J. Levedahl
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Patent number: 5653144Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, antibuckling plates generally spanning between a hub and rim define a hollow cavity. In another embodiment of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a specifically configured sets of nodules moving the hub and rim. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate attachment constructions. In still another embodiment of the present invention, a uniquely sized and packaged gear, gear housing and/or motor are employed in order to maximize output force per pound of material efficiencies.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 5606890Abstract: A drive-end gear wheel is engaged by a drive disc through an intermediate cushion that accepts slave bars of the driving disc and reinforcement ribs of the drive-end gear wheel. The reinforcement ribs couple an inner hub with an outer ring gear flange of the drive-end gear wheel. The reinforcement ribs are formed with transition curves that uniformly transmit tangential and radial deformation stresses to the outer ring gear flange, ensuring reliable and durable operation of the drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Luckas
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Patent number: 5607023Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impact absorption mechanism and a power tool including an impact absorption mechanism. When a tool bit binds a high energy impulse of short duration is generated that may damage components of the power tool. The impact absorption mechanism absorbs this high energy impulse and prevents damage to other components of the power tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.Inventor: Bernhard Palm
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Patent number: 5595251Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a displaceable gear to limit torque transfer to a fastener at a precisely controlled torque limit. A biasing assembly biases a first gear into engagement with a second gear for torque transfer between the first and second gear. The biasing assembly includes a pressurized cylinder controlled at a constant pressure that corresponds to a torque limit. A calibrated gage and valve is used to set the desired torque limit. One or more coiled output linkages connect the first gear with the fastener adaptor which may be a socket for a nut. A gear tooth profile provides a separation force that overcomes the bias to limit torque at the desired torque limit. Multiple fasteners may be rotated simultaneously to a desired torque limit if additional output spur gears are provided. The torque limit is adjustable and may be different for fasteners within the same fastener configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1994Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Joseph S. Cook, Jr.
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Patent number: 5582070Abstract: A device for mechanically limiting the travel of a moving object along a path parallel to a travel rack bar. The ends of the travel rack bar include narrow extensions that come within a pair of elongated members of a moving rack member that are kept at a cooperative spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The travel is accomplished through a pinion gear that is meshed with the travel rack and when it reaches the end of the narrow extension it pulls in the spring loaded moving members thereby maintaining the meshed engagement of the pinion gear at all times with either the rack member extension or the moving member.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Armando Dominguez
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Patent number: 5572905Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a laterally displaceable gear support member to carry an output spur gear. A biasing assembly biases the output spur gear into engagement with a pinion to which is applied an input torque greater than a desired output torque limit for a threaded fastener such as a nut or screw. A coiled output linkage connects the output spur gear with a fastener adaptor which may be a socket for a nut. A gear tooth profile provides a separation force that overcomes the bias to limit torque at the desired torque limit. Multiple fasteners may be rotated simultaneously to a desired torque limit if additional output spur gears are provided. A gauged selector mechanism is provided to laterally displace multiple driver members for fasteners arranged in differing configurations. The torque limit is selectably adjustable and may be different for fasteners within the same fastener configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Joseph S. Cook, Jr.
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Patent number: 5570488Abstract: A vehicle window wiper system has wipers with a range of motion between an in-wipe position I and an out-wipe position O when the wiper system is in a run mode, and a variable park range for the wipers between the in-wipe position I and a depressed park position P when the system is in a park mode. The wiper system has a reversible motor 40 for rotating a shaft 42 in a first direction when in the run mode and through a first predetermined arc in a counter direction when in the park mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1995Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Xiaoming Deng
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Patent number: 5542890Abstract: In a toroidal stepless transmission having a forward-backward drive change over mechanism between an input shaft and an input disk, an actuator which controls the inclination angles of power roller is controlled by separate controllers according to the drive direction of the vehicle. In order to change over between these two controllers, a spool is provided which displaces in an axial direction between a forward drive position and a backward drive position according to the rotation direction of an output disk. A transfer shaft which rotates in synchronism with the output disk and transfers the output torque to drive shaft of the vehicle, is also used for displacing the spool. A drive gear is fixed to this transfer shaft, and a driven gear to which a rotation force due to engagement with the drive gear and a sliding frictional force in an axial direction are transmitted, is fitted over the spool.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Nakano, Toshikazu Oshidari
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Patent number: 5452622Abstract: A gear is comprised of a central radial hub, a radial gear-toothed rim and a stress dissipating structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Magi, L.P.Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 5372215Abstract: A driving arrangement for driving a snowmobile having an improved power transmission system that is comprised of a split engine having two cylinder blocks each containing at least a pair of cylinders with their output shafts connected to each other. A belt drive shaft is journaled by the engine assembly and is driven off the output shafts at the point where they are joined together. The belt drive shaft drives the drive belt of the snowmobile through a variable pulley transmission. Several embodiments of driving connections between the output shafts and the belt drive shaft that accommodate angular motion while transmitting large driving forces are disclosed. These include both splined connections and/or connections including flexible couplings.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutaka Fukuda
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Patent number: 5358460Abstract: A plurality of flexible cylindrical members, termed flex-gears and having gear tooth type perimeters are located in an annular space between two concentric rotating gear members, one an inner gear member and the other an outer ring gear member, both of which have mutually facing toothed surfaces which engage the flex-gears. The flex-gears rotate and orbit around the annular space as planetary gears when the inner and outer gear members rotate with respect to one another. Pairs of these elements located in two mutually parallel planes and separated by insulators provide two electrical conductor paths across which an electrical signal source, AC or DC, can be connected and coupled to an electrical device. Alternatively, one set of elements including outer gears segmented into mutually insulated semicircles and inner gears segmented into mutually insulated quadrants can be used.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: John M. Vranish
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Patent number: 5307704Abstract: To simplify the design and assembly of an adjustment drive with a gear wheel mounted to rotate in a gear housing with a gear housing lid and with a driver provided with a power take-off element (e.g., a pinion) being in a drive connection with it on the output side, directly or indirectly, present invention provides that the driver is simultaneously structured as a power take-off shaft and is mounted to rotate with at least one bearing region in the gear housing or in the gear housing lid, respectively. In a further embodiment, the gear wheel is a one-piece component of the driver and is preferably placed into a drive connection with it via spring web type spokes in the form of tangential stop damping.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Karlheinz Muller, Peter Michel
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Patent number: 5307705Abstract: A gear is comprised of a central radial hub with a web radially extending therefrom and an independent radial gear-toothed rim, both of which are radially coupled by a stress dissipating resilient member attached thereto and being located in a plane parallel to that of said web. The resilient member is laterally supported by the adjacent web and the resilient member side walls are proximately parallel to the web side walls such that the resilient member is not located between the outer peripheral edge of the web and the inner peripheral edge of the rim. Furthermore, the present invention comprises a process by which such a stress dissipating gear is manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 5301073Abstract: A take-up pulley is provided with a power input member and a power output member which are radially divided, both of the members being engaged with each other over their peripheral surfaces. An elastic force of an annular elastic member acts on the engagement portion between both the power output member and the power input member in the peripheral direction in order to obtain a predetermined frictional engagement force between the power input member and the power output member.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1992Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Noboru Katohno, Masaki Yono, Yasuhiro Hashiguchi
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Patent number: 5233886Abstract: A gear arrangement for transmitting torque through an angle and through a plurality of power extraction paths. The arrangement includes a driving shaft, a floating spur gear pinion concentrically mounted on the drive shaft, a pair of concentric and opposed face gears that are in meshing engagement with the pinion, a primary driven shaft mounted to one of the face gears and at least one non-floating spur gear also in meshing engagement with both face gears. The driving shaft is located by a bearing or a flexible coupling at the shaft end remote from the gear box to allow the pinion to float freely. Useful power may be extracted from both face gears and the non-floating spur gear as well as additional spur gears that are placed in meshing engagement with the face gears.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Lucas Western, Inc.Inventor: Robert B. Bossler, Jr.
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Patent number: 5224391Abstract: Device for connecting two drive elements 2 and 3 whose engagement flanks 20, 30 opposite one another are rollable positively on one another, with one drive element 3 being connected with at least one support surface 4 with a base 1 whose total length is less than the length of the drive element 3. Drive element 3 forms a curved spring path which passes through the (at least one) support surface 4 and directs engagement flank 30 of one drive element 3 toward engagement flank 20 of the other drive element 2.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Horst Schlechta
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Patent number: 5222407Abstract: A slip clutch mechanism is provided with a clutch shaft rotated by a driving power source, a pair of slip pinions supported on the clutch shaft in such a manner as to be rotatable around the clutch shaft, and a pair of slip washers supported on the clutch shaft, in such a manner as to be rotatable as unified with the clutch shaft and movable in the axial direction of the clutch shaft and as to get into frictional contact with the individual sliding pinions at the inner sides thereof. A compression coil spring member is interposed between the slip washers and brings the slip washers into frictional contact with the slip pinions. An output shaft is rotated by one of the pair of slip pinions.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1992Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuo Sekiguchi
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Patent number: 5214975Abstract: A torsional vibration elastomeric damper coupling arrangement for a manual transmission countershaft. The coupling includes a first driven gear journalled on the countershaft and in constant mesh with the input shaft gear. A second driven gear is fixed on the countershaft and is in constant mesh with a speed gear journalled on the main shaft. The first and second driven gears each have a set of longitudinally extending axial teeth interposed to define predetermined clearances therebetween. An elastomeric damper sleeve surrounds the interposed teeth to isolate the driven gears. The elastomeric material inhibits the transfer of torsional vibration from the input shaft to the countershaft. Thus, the coupling isolates all the drive shaft speed gears, in mesh with the countershaft drive gears, from any input shaft torsional vibration.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1990Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.Inventor: John D. Zalewski
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Patent number: 5205482Abstract: A sanitary mixing unit, especially in the form of a single thermostat, has a cold and hot water inlet and a mixed water outlet. Valves for shutting off and controlling the water flow are arranged before the thermostat control and thus before the mixing chamber in the direction of flow. The valves are simultaneously activatable by a spindle. The movable valve closing members are fine adjustable independent from one another relative to the respective valve seats for a secure shut-off. An automatic fine adjustment of the movable valve closing members during shut-off of the mixing unit is provided by employing a central spindle with a fixedly arranged toothed wheel at its end section facing the valves. The toothed wheel engages two spur gears which are cooperating via a slip coupling with two single spindles of the valves.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1992Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbHInventor: Josef Ems
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Patent number: 5178026Abstract: A damper device for a motor includes a worm wheel meshingly engaged with a worm on a motor shaft. The worm wheel has a tubular flange in which a plurality of recesses are formed. A rotatable torque transmission disk is connected to an output shaft for rotation therewith. The torque transmission disk has a plurality of radial protrusions formed on an outer periphery thereof. A resilient damper/coupling member is interposed between the worm wheel and the torque transmission disk so as to transmit a torque of the motor to the output shaft. The protrusions of the torque transmission disk are loosely fitted respectively in the recesses in the flange of the worm wheel. With this construction, when a large load is applied to the output shaft, the protrusions are abutted respectively against the edges of the recesses, thereby preventing an undue deformation or twisting of the damper/coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Matsumoto
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Patent number: 5170676Abstract: A torque limiter suitable for use in a gear train is provided having at least one gear connected with a first driven member and another gear being connected with a motive source for transmitting torque from the motive source to the first driven member. One of the gears has an inner hub and an outer ring with spring means preventing relative motion between the hub and the ring unless a predetermined torque value is exceeded whereby the hub has angular rotation with respect to the ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Michael F. Matouka, Robert J. Hammersmith
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Patent number: 5146804Abstract: A vibration damper having cooperating groups of fins is mounted within the double inverter pinion in a gearbox of the fluid lubricated kind, the double inverter pinion being mounted rotatably on an axle and being arranged to be driven in rotation on a gearbox shaft and to mesh with a gearbox pinion. The double inverter pinion is divided into two separate pinions, namely a first pinion carrying one group of fins extending axially from it, and a second pinion carrying the other group of fins, the first pinion being mounted on the second pinion.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1990Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: ValeoInventor: Roger F. Carmillet
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Patent number: 5137257Abstract: A feedback, motor-operated valve, including a valve casing having an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat operably positioned therebetween, and further including a valve element movably mounted in the casing to control flow between the inlet and the outlet, the valve element adapted for screw-like movement into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat by a valve stem rotatably mounted in the valve casing and extending through the casing exterior thereof, a reversible motor for actuating the valve including a reversible drive motor having an output shaft and drive gear which can be driven together in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction for turning the valve element, a driven shaft interposed the motor drive shaft and the valve stem and connected to the valve stem, including a driven gear for engagement with the drive gear to effect turning of the valve element from turning the motor drive shaft, an electro-mechanical feedback operably connected to the driven shaft for providing an electric siType: GrantFiled: June 17, 1991Date of Patent: August 11, 1992Assignee: ETI SystemsInventor: Bill Tice
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Patent number: 5127279Abstract: The starting device for an internal combustion engine includes a housing, an electrical drive motor (10) with a drive shaft (16), a starting pinion (12) for engagement with a rim gear of the engine and an intermediate gear (11) making an operative connection between the drive shaft and the starting pinion. For damping or absorption of the shocks and preventing fractures arising from the compression stroke of the starting engine the starting pinion (12) is connected directly or indirectly nonrotatably with the gear shaft (24) of the intermediate gear (11) and the gear shaft (24) is coupled with a hollow wheel (21) via an elastic damping ring (34). The drive shaft (16) meshes with its outer toothing (19) in the internal toothing (20) of the hollow wheel. The hollow wheel (21) is received in a bearing (25) in the housing and the damping ring (34) is made of rubber or plastic, is inserted in the hollow wheel (21) and, surrounds the gear shaft (24 ).Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Otto Barthruff
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Patent number: 5117704Abstract: An elastomeric torsional isolator comprises one or more elastomer layers disposed between a spur gear, having a pair of sloped surfaces, and a pair of rims having corresponding surfaces. The rims are attached to a flange extending from a shaft which has pinions for engaging a driven gear. By preloading the elastomer layers, the spur gear is frictionally connected to the flange and shaft, rather than mechanically engaged. The preloaded elastomer layers act as an elastomeric torsional isolator which accommodates variations in mechanical tolerances to balance the torque loading in a split torque drive system. Using elastomer layers for balancing the torque loading between a pair of torque splitting gear assemblies reduces the number of bearings required, increasing reliability and reducing part complexity.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1990Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Assignee: United Technologies, CorporationInventors: Jules G. Kish, Lionel G. Webb