Crank, Pitman, And Lever Patents (Class 74/42)
  • Patent number: 12128573
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically driven device, for example an electric hair removal device, such as a wet or dry shaver, an electric toothbrush or an electric skin treatment device. The electrically driven device comprises a housing having a chassis, wherein the chassis comprises an electric motor having a first drive shaft, a battery unit, and an oscillating body having a second drive shaft. A first longitudinal axis is defined arranged along the second drive shaft, a second longitudinal axis is defined arranged along the first drive shaft, and a third longitudinal axis is defined arranged through the center of the body of the battery unit, wherein the second longitudinal axis and/or the third longitudinal axis are parallel offset to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Braun GMBH
    Inventors: Tiandong Guo, Xinwu Lai, Kejin Li, Detlef Gleich, Uwe Fischer, Bernd Stassen
  • Patent number: 11959531
    Abstract: A spinning arm that converts a rotational motion of a shaft to a linear movement of an object that includes a revolving piece and a rod. The lower end of the rod is connected to the shaft and the upper end is axially connected to the revolving piece in a state of tilting aside in relation to the rod so that the revolving axis line of the revolving piece crosses the rotation axis line of the rod. The revolving piece can move outwards and roll over the object when its tilt is from right to left. When the revolving piece rolls over the object in a first direction it exerts an upward force that moves the object upward, and when it rolls in a second direction it exerts a downward force that moves the object downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Haronian
  • Patent number: 11897435
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure provide an apparatus comprising: a wiper assembly and a sensor assembly. The wiper assembly may include: a linkage assembly; a wiper blade removably attached to the linkage assembly; and a actuator coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to enable rotation of the linkage assembly around a shaft. The sensor assembly may include: a plurality of optical sensors arranged along a linear axis; and a window between the plurality of optical sensors and the wiper assembly. The wiper blade is longitudinally oriented parallel to the linear axis, and the wiper blade is configured to translate in a direction perpendicular to the linear axis while maintaining contact with the window during translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel Herse
  • Patent number: 11878430
    Abstract: A handling appliance, in particular a robot, includes at least one handling device that is movable in at least one direction of movement, a collision protection device configured for limiting contact forces due to collisions of the handling device with objects, and an acquisition device. The collision protection device includes a kinematic system that mechanically enables a relative movement of the handling device relative to the carrier of the handling device and that can be inhibited by at least one actuator device. The acquisition device determines forces acting on the actuator device and/or the handling device and on components of the collision protection device decoupled by the actuator device, and the collision protection device accounts for the forces and, via the actuator device, in the absence of a collision prevents, and in the case of a collision triggers and/or enables, relative movement of the handling device relative to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Rueb, Simon Bock
  • Patent number: 11865060
    Abstract: A treatment unit includes a treatment part including a treatment element, a first drive unit including a swash plate eccentric cam and a second drive unit including an eccentric cam. One of the first drive unit and the second drive unit is connected to the treatment part, and the other one of the first drive unit and the second drive unit is connected to the one of the first drive unit and the second drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: FAMILY INADA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nichimu Inada
  • Patent number: 11401189
    Abstract: A gob distributor for a glassware forming machine includes: a housing; an arcuate or straight scoop located above the housing, having an upper end aligned at all times with an orifice of a feeder, and which radially moves so that its lower end coincides with the upper ends of straight fixed channels of a forming machine; an independent support structure connected by each scoop; at least one first shaft vertically placed within the housing to rotate on its own axis, including a first gear section; at least one second shaft horizontally or vertically placed within the housing to rotate on its own axis, including a second gear section, each first gear section and each second gear section are coupled together to form a housing gear; and at least one motor coupled at each end of each second shaft to simultaneously move the supporting structures and scoops, radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V.
    Inventor: Victor Tijerina Ramos
  • Patent number: 9939011
    Abstract: A working end of a rotary shaft extends through a bearing supported at a distal end of a cantilever housing, the shaft's working end being subjected to transverse loading. The bending stiffness of the system is matched so that the angular deflection of the shaft and supporting cantilever housing are coordinated to minimize angular misalignment at the bearing. A cantilever system provides for apparatus and methodology demonstrating arrangements characterized by an operational ease for submersion of the working end in a fluid and ease of access to the bearing. Mitigation of misalignment enables the use of radial bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Advantage Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Tessier, Nicholas Joseph Schock
  • Patent number: 9712018
    Abstract: A wiper motor includes a reduction mechanism (26) contained in a reduction mechanism containing chamber (27) of a gear frame (21) and configured to reduce and transmit a rotation to a worm wheel (35); and a motion conversion mechanism (29) contained in a motion conversion mechanism containing chamber (30) of the gear frame (21) and configured to convert and output a rocking motion to an output shaft (28). A support surface (37) set up flush with the other end surface (35b) of the worm wheel (35) in the axial direction rotatably contained in the reduction mechanism containing chamber (27) is formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall (30a) of the motion conversion mechanism containing chamber (30). The support surface (37) is formed over the entire area facing a pinion gear (40) and the motion conversion member (41) on the bottom wall (30a) of the motion conversion mechanism containing chamber (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Teppei Tokizaki
  • Patent number: 9688349
    Abstract: A chainless drive mechanism for a bicycle using pedal arms, one on each side of the bicycle, each pedal arm carrying a pedal engageable with a rider's foot. Each pedal arm is mounted to a crank by a rotating joint and connected to the frame of the bicycle by a link, each link having rotating joints at each end. The cranks are connected by a shaft passing through the hub of to the driven wheel of the bicycle. The cranks may be connected to the driven wheel by a multi ratio free wheeling gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Robert William Thompson
  • Patent number: 9276450
    Abstract: A wiper motor (10) comprises: a motor body (11) comprising a motor case (13) rotatably supporting an end of the motor shaft (17) in the axial direction thereof; a reduction mechanism (26) reducting the speed of rotation of the motor shaft (17) and transmitting the rotation having the reduced speed to a worm wheel (35); and a motion conversion mechanism (29) converting the rotational motion of the worm wheel (35) into a rocking motion and transmitting the rocking motion to an output shaft (28). The position of the output shaft (28) is set up that the axis (C1) of the output shaft (28) is closer to the motor case (13) than the axis (C2) of the worm wheel (35) and farther from the axis (C2) of the worm wheel (35) than the axis (C) of the motor shaft (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Teppei Tokizaki, Shigeki Ota, Kenji Yasumoto
  • Patent number: 9186770
    Abstract: A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool can include a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the first accessory from the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly can further comprise a second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members. An attachment plate can carry the clamp assembly. The attachment plate can have a first mating detail formed thereon that is configured to selectively and removably mate with a complementary second mating detail on the power tool in an assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Sarah J. Montplaisir, David B. Lee, Rachel A. Lombardo, Mark D. Miller, Kevin W. Covell
  • Patent number: 9054561
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a concentrator photovoltaic array including a gearbox case, a motor body housed within the gearbox case and a motor shaft coupled to and extending though a motor bearing of the motor body and having an axis of rotation. A front shaft mount bearing is coupled to one distal end of the motor shaft and a rear shaft mount bearing coupled to the other distal end of the motor shaft, and the front and rear shaft mount bearings are constrained by the gearbox case. A driver gear can be coupled to the motor shaft to drive the photovoltaic array. The front and rear shaft mount bearings transfer loads from the motor bearing to the gearbox case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Suncore Photovoltaics Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Villegas
  • Publication number: 20150097743
    Abstract: System for positioning a reflector includes a base (112), yoke (104) and a reflector in the form of a lens mirror assembly (10). A motor (120) is mounted and remains substantially stationary with respect to rotation about a first axis while the yoke rotates about the first axis. A connecting rod (152) actuated for movement by the motor is mechanically coupled to the reflector so that movement of the connecting rod in relation to the yoke imparts rotation to the reflector about the second axis when the reflector is supported by the yoke. A mechanical drive system couples an output shaft of the motor to the connecting rod. The mechanical drive system is arranged so that it varies an angular position of the reflector at a rate which is linearly related to the rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: MARK EVANS
  • Publication number: 20140345399
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a linked crank mounting device for use with a switch rail, comprising: an input terminal or series of input terminals; an actuator; an output connector; and attachment means for rigidly attaching the linked crank mounting device relative to the railway; wherein the input terminal or terminals are for receiving input power, the output connector is directly or indirectly mechanically linked to at least one of a switch rail or an output connector of a further linked crank mounting device, and the actuator applies the input power to the output connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Iqbal Singh CHADDA, Todd Christopher Pink, James Ervin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20140326828
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator for a movable flight control surface of an aircraft, the actuator comprising an electric motor having an outlet shaft with first and second directions of rotation, a movement transmission arranged to connect the outlet shaft of the motor to the movable flight control surface, and a control unit for controlling the motor. The transmission incorporates a pawl device arranged to oppose the transmission of movement in the first direction of rotation, and the control unit is connected to a pawl declutching member for declutching the pawl and enabling movement to be transmitted in the first direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: David Senegas, Jerome Mehez, Maxime Jestin, Bertrand Sevagen
  • Publication number: 20140294445
    Abstract: A driving force transmission device includes a first driving member, a second driving member, a moving member and a connection drive section. The connection drive section separates, in conjunction with movement of the moving member in the first direction, the first driving member and the second driving member respectively from a first rotating member and a second rotating member in such a manner as to cause a time difference between a separating operation for separating the first driving member from the first rotating member and a separating operation for separating the second driving member from the second rotating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS
    Inventor: Daijiro UENO
  • Patent number: 8839687
    Abstract: The reciprocating piston mechanism with an extended piston offset is provided. The mechanism is of the type that contains at least one cylinder having a longitudinal axis, at least one piston that has a pivot pin and is slidingly installed in the cylinder, a crankshaft, which is offset at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, a rocker arm/lever assembly pivotally mounted on a crankpin of the crankshaft. The mechanism is also provided with a connecting rod that connects the piston to one arm of the rocker arm/lever assembly. The other arm of the rocker arm/lever assembly has a roller that is guided in a confined pathway and works as a fulcrum of the lever and a stabilizer/rudder at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Inden
  • Publication number: 20140260720
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a drive mechanism for translating rotational output from a moveable member of a rotary tool to an interchangeable attachment having a movable member. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable drive shaft sized and shaped for insertion into the rotary member of the rotary tool, a connector adapted to selectively secure the drive mechanism to the interchangeable attachment, a reciprocating drive member adapted to contact the movable member of the interchangeable attachment and to cause the movable member to move, when the interchangeable attachment is secured to the drive mechanism, and a transmission configured to translate rotation of the drive shaft into reciprocating motion of the drive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Hartranft, Raymond R. Ferriss, Michael Weiby, Ian Rittof
  • Publication number: 20140060221
    Abstract: In the transmission of mechanical movements, a mechanical angular positioning device is provided, and applies notably to optical instruments necessary to position an element such as a mirror according to three predefined positions. The angular positioning device comprises an assembly of connecting rods and an assembly of pivot connections, the axes of which are parallel to one another. A first input connecting rod, a second output connecting rod and a third connecting rod are in pivot connection with a frame of the device. A fourth and a fifth connecting rod are each connected by two pivot connections to two other connecting rods. The input connecting rod can be rotated by a motor. The angular positioning device is configured such that the output connecting rod can adopt three distinct angular positions, for each of which two connecting rods in pivot connection with one another generate a dead centre in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Stephane VEZAIN, Yannick BAUDASSE, Sebastien GUIONIE
  • Publication number: 20130255408
    Abstract: A wiper motor 10 has a reduction mechanism 29 for reducing the rotational speed of a motor shaft 25 and transmitting the reduced speed, and a motion conversion mechanism 31 for converting the rotational motion of the reduction mechanism 29 into a rotational motion and transmitting the motion to the output shaft 30. A pair of first connection holes 50 and a pair of second connection holes 51 are formed on a worm wheel 35 at a position deviated in a radial direction from an axial center of the worm wheel so that each of the holes is opened at the side of one axial end side. The worm wheel 35 can be used for both cases in which the output shaft 30 is swung within a first swinging region and in which the output shaft 30 is swung within a second swinging region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teppei Tokizaki, Shigeki Ota
  • Publication number: 20130247698
    Abstract: A press drive for a press includes an elbow lever drive. The elbow lever drive comprises a first lever, a second lever and a connecting rod. The lengths of the two levers as well as the connecting rod are fixed. The first lever is pivotally supported on the press frame by a first support bearing. The second lever is supported on the plunger via a second support bearing. The connecting rod and the two levers are supported by an elbow joint so as to be pivotable relative to each other about a common pivot axis. The connecting rod is driven by an eccentric drive. An adjustment arrangement is provided for moving the eccentric drive relative to the press frame or respectively, the first support bearing. In this way, different operating modes can be established depending on the position of the eccentric drive along the adjustment path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Schuler Pressen GmbH
    Inventor: MARCUS KOSSE
  • Publication number: 20130192910
    Abstract: Rotary motion devices (10) are provided. In one embodiment, the rotary motion devices (10) may comprise: a mass (12); a circumferential component (14); a plurality of spokes (16) connecting the mass (12) to the circumferential component (14), at least one of the spokes (16) comprising an electroactive polymer, wherein: the at least one spoke (16) has at least one input electrode and is configured to deflect upon application of an electrical potential across the at least one input electrode, and the rotary motion device (10) is configured such that deflection of the at least one spoke (16) causes the mass (12) to move, thereby causing the rotary motion device (10) to become off balance with respect to gravity, and rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jay Sayre, Mark Stasik, Chuck Plaxico, Megan Moore, Vincent D. McGinniss, James Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20130167672
    Abstract: A movement transformation mechanism which is used in presses characterized by comprising an outer crank spindle which is rotated by the first drive source; an outer crank spindle bearing which rotates together with the outer crank spindle and which has an inner crank spindle bearing formed on the lateral surface as eccentric from the center; and an inner crank spindle which is rotated by the second drive source and whereon the connecting rod is hinged, and characterized in that the inner crank spindle is bedded inside said inner crank spindle bearing in a fixed manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: COSKUNÖZ METAL FORM MAKINA ENDÜSTRI VE TIC. A.S.
    Inventor: COSKUNÖZ METAL FORM MAKINA ENDÜSTRI
  • Patent number: 8375919
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns machines that convert rotating motion to reciprocation, and vice-versa, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to reciprocating piston machines. Some embodiments include a crankshaft defining a crankshaft-drive and at least one radially extending piston-journal spaced from the crankshaft-drive, and a piston configured to pivotally engage the piston-journal. The piston defines a cylindrical head and an elongate body. Some embodiments further include a drive-member defining a central-axis-of-rotation and being rotatably engageable with the crankshaft-drive. Some embodiments also include a block defining one or more cylinders for receiving one or more pistons. The drive-member rotates when the piston reciprocates, and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Efficient-V, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Cook, Scott Cook
  • Publication number: 20120255379
    Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle capable of selectively opening and closing a waste gate valve provided in a turbocharger is disclosed. The actuator includes a driving motor having a motor shaft, a gear assembly comprising a plurality of gears engaging with each other and with the motor shaft, a connecting unit connected with the gear assembly to move along the operation of the gear assembly, wherein the connecting unit is connected with a waste gate valve provided in a turbocharger housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: KAMTEC INC.
    Inventors: Chang Sik Lim, Ki Ho Jung, Yong Soo Jang, In Suk Choi, Dong Wook Choi
  • Publication number: 20120222504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a regulating device for an actuator arranged in a gas passageway of an internal combustion engine, in particular for a bypass flap arranged in an exhaust turbocharger, having an electrical servomotor, a regulating member coupled to the actuator and a multi-gear transmission arranged between the servomotor and regulating member. According to the invention, to achieve a large transmission ratio range with a small number of transmission gears, two transmission wheels interact in at least one of the transmission gears via an evoloid toothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Nau
  • Publication number: 20120216635
    Abstract: The mechanical system includes an interface for moving parts, with the mechanical system including a driving assembly and a driven assembly, wherein the driving assembly mates with the driven assembly at a mechanical joint (41). The driving assembly includes a rotating disc (16) and a drive arm (18) rotatably connected thereto. The driven assembly includes a pivot arm (40) which is driven by the drive arm and also a grounded member (44) fixed to the handle about which the pivot arm moves. A preload assembly, which includes a spring or springs (54, 56) is connected to the drive arm and the pivot arm so as to place a preload at the axis of rotation of the mechanical joint between the drive arm and the pivot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Headstrom
  • Publication number: 20120186372
    Abstract: A simple mechanical device that converts the rotary motion of a drill motor to an oscillating/reciprocating or into a continuous motion. The device is for use in operations with soft, fibrous materials such as surgical needs, carpets, fiber based materials, and soft woods. The device drills a close tolerance hole with drive shafts in line or offset to the driven shaft. A general reciprocating drive system is comprised of a reciprocating drive device; a turning drive device such as a drill; a drive structure member such as a gear, plate or the like; a reciprocation configuration such as the eccentric linkage; a device encasement; a means for connecting the members to an encasement; a control mechanism for reciprocating or continuous rotation; a driven output connector such as a tool chuck; and a drill bit with at least 3 flutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: RONALD D. SMITH, MARK A. NOFFSINGER
  • Patent number: 8136198
    Abstract: A motor bracket to which a wiper motor is fixed, and a DR side pivot holder are coupled together by means of a DR side pipe frame inclined to a plane perpendicular in the axial direction of an output shaft of a wiper motor, and the motor bracket and an AS side pivot holder are coupled together by means of an AS side pipe frame inclined to the plane perpendicular in the axial direction of the output shaft. An output arm is fixed to the output shaft of the wiper motor, and the output arm is disposed between the DR side pipe frame and the AS side pipe frame, and between the connecting rod for coupling a DR side lever and an AS side lever, and the motor bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tajima
  • Patent number: 7874037
    Abstract: A wiper system includes a motor bracket to which a wiper motor is fixed, and the motor bracket is fixed to a body with a rubber pad therebetween. A mounting leg made of a hard material extends from a first pivot holder that supports a first pivot shaft, and is directly fixed to the body. Mounting legs made of a hard material extend from a second pivot holder that supports a second pivot shaft, and are directly fixed to the body. According to the wiper system, it is possible to prevent vibration due to a wiper motor from being transferred to the body and a wiper arm from overrunning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7849552
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper drive comprising a housing, a reversing motor and a gear mechanism connected downstream of the reversing motor, wherein a swaying element for driving at least one wiper arm or a wiper arm rod is provided on the gear mechanism output shaft, and wherein the operating range of the swaying element lies within a pivoting range which is delimited by two mechanical stops, wherein at least one stop is designed such that it can be removed and/or moved in such a way that the swaying element, when the wiper drive is mounted on a support frame, can be moved from a first mounting position, which lies outside the pivoting range, into the pivoting range without being obstructed by the stop. The invention furthermore relates to methods for mounting a wiper drive on a support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Wischersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Walther, Harald Kapitza, Jürgen Tempel, Frank Wondratschek
  • Patent number: 7752704
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crank (14) which is intended for the windscreen wiper mechanism of a motor vehicle. The inventive crank is of the type that comprises a horizontal body (16) having a first end (14a) which is linked in rotation to a wiper arm and a second end (14b) which is articulated to a connecting rod. The aforementioned body (16) comprises: a segment (22) which can be deformed in order to adjust the distance between the ends (14a, 14b) of the crank (14), and a longitudinal oblong hole (24) which divides the aforementioned segment (22) into two deformable longitudinal branches (26) which are symmetrical in relation to a center line of said segment (22). The invention is characterized in that the oblong hole (24) takes the form of a quadrilateral with two essentially-perpendicular diagonals (E1, E2), the larger diagonal (E1) extending along the main axis (C) of symmetry of the segment (22) and intersecting the small diagonal (E2) at the midpoint thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Boissac, Joël Pain, Florent Meurville
  • Publication number: 20100144007
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading soft materials and methods for using the same. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a gearless mechanical loading apparatus which converts a rotational movement of one end of a first element into an arc of a circle movement of the other end of the first element; and converts the arc of a circle movement of the other end of the first element into a precision two-dimensional lateral movement of a second element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Stephanie Bryant, Garret Nicodemus, Idalis Villanueva, Dana S. Hauschulz, Dragan Mejic
  • Patent number: 7685670
    Abstract: An input disk, a clutch disk and wave washers are installed to an output shaft to form an output shaft assembly of a motor apparatus. The input disk is axially non-detachable from the output shaft and is rotatable about an axis of the output shaft. The input disk is driven by a drive force supplied from a motor main body of the motor apparatus. The clutch disk is supported by the output shaft in such a manner that the clutch disk is non-rotatable relative to the output shaft and is axially movable along the output shaft relative to the input disk. The wave washers apply a resistive force against axial movement of the clutch disk from a coupled state, at which the input disk is coupled with the clutch disk to rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Yagi, Takayuki Imamura
  • Patent number: 7669492
    Abstract: A rotational movement generating apparatus having a platform supported by a support assembly. The support assembly connects to a central point of the platform in a manner that allows the platform to rotate at the central point. A central axis is defined with the circular rotation of the platform. The platform defines a first radius line extending from the central point to an outer edge of the platform. An arm connects to the platform at a connection point that is spaced apart from the first radius line of the platform. A first portion of the arm ends at an elbow where it connects to a second portion of the arm. The second portion of the arm is positioned to extend in an upward direction over the first radius line at a predetermined angle towards the central axis. A thrust bearing is positioned above the platform in alignment with the central point. The thrust bearing has an outer disk rotatably encircling a thrust cylinder. The second portion of the arm connects to the outer disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Dug Gum Lee
  • Patent number: 7651423
    Abstract: A front variable speed drive device is configured and arranged to electrically operate driving of a front derailleur by a shift cable. The front variable speed drive device comprises a case member, a motor drive mechanism, and a cable linking portion. The case member is mounted on a hanger portion of a bicycle frame. The motor drive mechanism is mounted on the case member, and has a revolving shaft. The cable linking portion has a retaining portion configured and arranged to retain a first end of the shift cable. The cable linking portion is rotatably mounted on the revolving shaft, and has a hypothetical arm line extending in the direction perpendicular to the shift cable from the center of rotation with a length of the hypothetical arm line changing depending on the rotation phase. Thus, motor torque required for shifting gears is reduced with a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7565728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting a wiping angle (?1, ?2) between a park position and a reversal position (28, 30) of a wiper lever (16, 18) of a windshield wiper system for a motor vehicle with at least one wiper lever (18) whose park position or reversal position (30) runs approximately parallel to an A pillar (14) of a vehicle body, which laterally delimits a windshield (10), wherein the wiping angle (?2) is adjusted by means of an eccentric ball pivot (60), which is arranged on a free end of a driving crank (54) and connects the same to a motor crank (52) in an articulated manner by means of an articulated rod (42), while the other end of the driving crank (54) sits on a drive shaft (56) in a rotationally fixed manner, said drive shaft driving a fastening part (58) of the wiper lever (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Kraus, Gundolf Surkamp
  • Patent number: 7496987
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting the angular travel of a motor vehicle wiper mechanism, comprising a connecting rod and a crank, wherein the crank includes a body which extends longitudinally in a substantially horizontal plane, which is articulated at one first end about a vertical axis (A), and which is articulated at a second end to the connecting rod, comprising a step which consists in adjusting the angular travel by modifying the distance between the first and the second articulated ends of the crank. The invention is characterized in that the adjusting step consists in modifying the length of a longitudinal section of the body of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Boissac
  • Publication number: 20080276737
    Abstract: Crank gear (10) for a reciprocating compressor of the type equipped with at least one module which has two lines with two opposite cylinders. The crank gear is suitable for constraining the two cylinders to a crankshaft (20), so as to align the two cylinders, opposite each other with respect to an axis (21) of the shaft (20). The crank gear (10) is equipped with two rods (35), a series of connecting rods (30) and two cross heads (40) and (50). The series of identical connecting rods (30) is symmetrically positioned with respect to the alignment axis (25) of the two cylinders and furthermore the overall barycentre of the series of connecting rods lies on the axis (25) and on the axis (21) of the shaft (20) so that the whole of the shaft (20) is both statically and dynamically balanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Nicola Campo, Simone Pratesi, Franco Graziani
  • Patent number: 7415904
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electromechanical actuator comprising at least an electric motor (1), as well as coupling (4) and gear reduction (4) means, which drive an output shaft (11). The invention is characterized in that the coupling and gear reduction means mesh with a crank plate (7) designed to be driven in rotation with an angular travel limited by two stops, a small connecting rod (9) being articulated to one end on a crank pin (8) of said crank plate and being articulated at its other end on a long connecting rod (10) which is itself integral with the output shaft, the two ends of said long connecting rod being respectively guided in displacement each along a guide, and the displacement angle between said two stops is more than 180°, the movements of the rod being structurally locked in case of overriding, the crank plate being immediately proximate to one of its travel limit stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sagem SA
    Inventors: Philippe Gouze, Yvon Joncour
  • Publication number: 20080190224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safety unit comprising: a case; a rotary linkage disposed at one end thereof at the outside of the case and rotatably mounted at the other end thereof to the case; a force transfer shaft mounted to one side of the rotary linkage in such a fashion as to be oriented perpendicular to the rotating plane of the rotary linkage; a crank linkage rotatably mounted at one end thereof to the inner side of the case and adapted to abut against the force transfer shaft at the outer circumferential edge thereof so as to be transferred with an external force to be rotatably moved; and a support means rotatably connected to the other end of the crank linkage and adapted to allow for the rotation of the crank linkage when an external force having a value larger than a predetermined threshold value is exerted to the rotary linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: KOREA UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY AND ACADEMY COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jae-Bok Song, Jung-Jun Park, Byeong-Sang Kim
  • Patent number: 7249394
    Abstract: A vehicular wiper device includes a wiper motor secured to a crank arm, a first pivot holder rotatably supporting a wiper arm and a first pivot lever, a second pivot holder rotatably supporting a wiper arm and a second pivot lever, and a link structure connected to the crank arm. Rotation power of the wiper motor is transmitted to the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever via the crank arm and the link structure. The wiper motor is secured to a rear face of a motor bracket portion of the first pivot holder on an opposite side as the wiper arm with respect to the motor bracket portion. The crank arm is arranged on the opposite side as the wiper motor with respect to the motor bracket portion. A dimension between the rear face of the motor bracket portion and the first pivot lever is set to be greater than a dimension between the rear face of the motor bracket portion and the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kengo Iwata
  • Patent number: 7240392
    Abstract: A windshield wiper drive linkage is provided for use in a wiper system. The linkage includes a crank arm connectible to an output shaft of a drive motor. A drive arm is pivotally connected to the crank arm for movement between first and second angular positions about a pivot pin with respect to one another. A flexible composite spring extends between the crank arm and the drive arm. The flexible composite spring is preloaded into an initial arcuate position and is bendable from the initial position to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a load applied to the arms exceeds a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Penrod, Harry C. Buchanan, Jr., Bruce A. Bryson
  • Patent number: 7077023
    Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a roller-and-cage bearing assembly is interleaved between a power-roller outer ring and a trunnion power-roller accommodating portion to permit a parallel translation of a power roller in an axial direction of input and output disks. A cage of the roller-and-cage bearing assembly is formed with an oval slotted hole. A disk-shaped member is attached to the trunnion power-roller accommodating portion. The slotted hole and the disk-shaped member are fitted to each other to define a predetermined clearance that limits a displacement of the roller-and-cage bearing assembly in a direction perpendicular to both a rotation axis of the power roller and a trunnion axis to a set displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Jun Sugihara
  • Patent number: 7059009
    Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield. In one embodiment, the predetermined load is defined as: PCR=KE=1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Allen Bryson, Harry Charles Buchanan, Yaomin Dong, James Preston Penrod
  • Patent number: 7017552
    Abstract: An operating mechanism is provided and has an operating lever, an adjusting lever, and a valve element that is rotatably disposed in a channel, wherein the adjusting lever is connected with the valve element via a shaft. A coupling element is provided for interconnecting the positions of the operating lever and the adjusting lever. The distance of the pivot axis of the adjusting lever from a connection of the coupling element with the adjusting lever is variable as a function of the position of the adjusting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Gerhardy
  • Patent number: 7017224
    Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Charles Buchanan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7007665
    Abstract: An outboard engine has an internal combustion engine as a prime mover, a throttle valve device including a valve element and a valve shaft supporting the valve element, and combined with the internal combustion engine, a driven unit combined with the throttle valve device, and a drive unit for driving the driven unit. The drive unit is capable of smoothly transmitting an external throttle-operating force to the driven unit regardless of its position. A throttle valve operating mechanism connects an operating lever included in the driven unit, and a throttle-operating Bowden cable included in the drive unit. The throttle valve operating mechanism is a linkage including plural links. Joints joining the adjacent joining parts of those links are ball-and-socket joints, respectively. The valve shaft has one end connected to the operating lever and the other end connected to a throttle position sensor. The valve shaft is inclined to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yazaki, Tomonori Ikuma
  • Patent number: 7000283
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper drive having a reversible geared motor, which is secured to a wiper mounting and on whose power takeoff shaft (12) a motor crank (14) is seated that is connected via at least one joint (16) to a lever gear which drives at least one windshield wiper. It is provided that either the motor crank (14) on the power takeoff shaft (12) of the geared motor, or a drive element (28) drivingly connected to the motor crank (14), cooperates with stops (18, 20, 32, 34) that prevent an overswing past the turning points of the windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Rapp
  • Patent number: 6959621
    Abstract: A wiping device for wiping window panes on vehicles includes a wiping motor, a gear mechanism situated on a drive shaft of the wiper motor, a gear housing which surrounds the gear mechanism, a gear housing cover which is situated on the gear housing, a gear output shaft and a crank which is located on the gear output shaft on the side of the gear housing facing away from the gear in a rotationally fixed manner. The connection between the gear output shaft and the crank is a press connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Auto-Electric Wischer und Motoren GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Walther