Crank, Pitman, And Lever Patents (Class 74/42)
  • Publication number: 20040163483
    Abstract: A windshield wiper apparatus is proposed, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a drive unit (16) that features an output shaft (22), which is connected to a crank (24) in a torque-proof manner, whereby the connection of the crank (24) to the output shaft (22) is embodied as an integral connection, in particular as a laser weld connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Achim Hawighorst
  • Patent number: 6766554
    Abstract: A windshield wiper drive imparts overlapping butterfly oscillation to a pair of spaced wiper shafts from a rotary drive member having a crank arm. A drive link is provided having first, second, and third connection points. The first connection point is adjacent one end of the drive link and is pivotally connectable to the crank arm of the rotary drive member. The second connection point is adjacent an opposite end of the drive link, and the third connection point is interposed between the first connection point and the second connection point along the drive link. An idler pivot link is pivotable about a fixed axis and has at least three crank arms extending radially from the fixed axis and spaced from one another. A first elongate link is pivotally connected at one end to a first crank arm of the idler pivot link, and is pivotally connected at an opposite end to the second connection point of the drive link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Bruce Moote
  • Patent number: 6763649
    Abstract: In an apparatus for handling sheet-like articles, in particular an envelope-filling station, an overload-prevention means is incorporated in the connection between a drive mechanism and an actuating arrangement for push-in fingers, which are guided over a base plate, in that the drive mechanism has a crankshaft, a crank and a connecting rod, which is routed from said crank to an auxiliary drive lever, in that the auxiliary drive lever is mounted on the same shaft as a drive lever of the actuating arrangement, coaxially with respect to said drive lever and such that it can be pivoted relative to the same, and in that spring means clamp the auxiliary drive lever and the drive lever together on a pivot stop, which is provided between said levers, such that the levers cannot separate during the operating stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Sting, Christian Botschek
  • Patent number: 6732400
    Abstract: A wiper system (1) for vehicles, having at least one wiper lever assembly (7) that has at least one wiper arm (26) and that has a first pivot lever (9) that can be coupled in a manner fixed against relative rotation to a stationary first shaft (19) and a second pivot lever (11) that is freely rotatable about a stationary second shaft (23), is proposed. The first pivot lever (9) is connected via a first joint (15) and the second pivot lever (11) via a second joint (17) to the coupling element (13). The wiper system (1) furthermore has a drive device (29), which has a drive shaft (31) disposed at a distance from the first and second shafts (19, 23); with the aid of the drive shaft, at least one toggle link (37) can be shifted in oscillating fashion, and the toggle link (37) is connected via a joint (43) to a coupling part (45) that is coupled to the first shaft (19) in a manner fixed against relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6708365
    Abstract: The drive apparatus for a wiper system (10) has a reversible wiper motor (18), a lever drive mechanism connected with a wiper (12), which includes a drive lever (36), e.g. a cross guide rod, and a four-bar wiper lever (40) connected with it, and a coupling mechanism (20) for coupling the lever drive mechanism with the wiper motor. The coupling mechanism (20) includes a crank (22) attached to the wiper motor (18), a coupling rod (24) pivotally connected to the crank (22) and in articulated fashion to guide rod (26) pivotally supported on a vehicle body. A joint rod (28) is pivotally connected to the coupling rod (40) and the drive lever (36) to drive the lever drive mechanism and hence the wiper (12) with the drive motor via the coupling mechanism (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20040049875
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper system (10) having a mounting plate (12), on whose mounting plate tube (14) a wiper bearing (20) is disposed on one end and a cast part (16) is disposed on the other, and a first bearing housing (22) for a second drive shaft (26) and a second bearing housing (28) for a control shaft (30) of a four-bar lever linkage are integrated with the cast part, and the second drive shaft (26) is driven by a wiper motor (32) via a motor crank (36), a drive element (44), and a bearing rocker (46). It is proposed that the wiper motor (32) is disposed as a reversing motor on the passenger side, and its motor shaft (34) is disposed on the cast part (16) in the vicinity of the second drive shaft (26), between the second drive shaft (26) and the control shaft (30), and the drive element (44) is embodied as a coupling plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ulrich Metz
  • Patent number: 6692331
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved vibration mechanism for a motion toy, which comprises a seat disposed on a top surface of a frame, two decorative member formed of a flexible bundle of plastic optical fibers and disposed in a pair of rollers being coupled together by gears in the seat, a drive link extended from one roller, a shaft extended from a drive device in the frame having an upper end coupled with one end of a horizontal rod, and a transmission rod having one end pivotably coupled to the other end of the horizontal rod and the other end pivotably coupled to an open end of the drive link so that, in response to a rotation of the drive device, the decorative members in the rollers vibrate rhythmically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 6691366
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper system having a wiper motor, which via a motor crank, seated on a motor shaft, and two connecting rods drives a drive shaft of two windshields wipers, wherein a first connecting rod is pivotably connected directly to the motor crank while a second connecting rod is connected to the first connecting rod, in spaced-apart fashion from the crank joint, via a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6687947
    Abstract: Reducing manufacturing costs and weight of the wiper apparatus for the motor vehicle. A pivot-side bracket having a pivot-side supporting surface is provided in a DR-side pivot holder, and a motor-side bracket having a motor-side supporting surface which forms a pair together with the pivot-side bracket is provided in a wiper motor, and the DR-side pivot holder and the wiper motor are fixed to a pipe by the same bolts and nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Mitsuba Corporation, Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Sato, Tadashi Masuda, Akira Hoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20030213088
    Abstract: A wiper linkage for a car supporting left and right wiper rotation shafts, the wiper linkage including a body having a plate rod shape in which an upper surface is flat and shaft holes are formed at both end portions, and a shaft rotation support portion rotatably supporting using bearings encompassing the rotation shaft so that the wiper rotation shaft freely rotates and fixed by being inserted in the shaft hole of the body. The operational performance of the wiper is improved and the manufacturing work can be automated so that productivity can be improved. Since the body has a plate shape, when the motor is installed, the accommodation surface is flat so that the motor can be firmly fixed without using an additional sub-bracket. Accordingly, the number of parts decreases so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: DONGYANG MECHATRONICS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hun Ju, Jae Chan Park
  • Patent number: 6594853
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle comprising a sleeve secured to a vehicle body side and a pivot shaft which is supported rotatably in the sleeve. The proximal portion of the pivot shaft relative to the interior side of the vehicle is connected to a drive source. The tip portion of the pivot shaft holds a wiper arm on the exterior side of the vehicle. For the pivot shaft to depress toward the vehicle's interior side with respect to the sleeve, a load exceeding a predetermined value works axially on the pivot shaft from the vehicle's exterior side. A depression preventing member is interposed between the pivot shaft and the sleeve and is deformed when receiving the load that depresses the pivot shaft. A deformation space is secured between the pivot shaft and the sleeve enabling the depression preventing member to deform smoothly in response to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6591444
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper apparatus, which can effectively regulate overrun of a wiper arm, wherein the base end portion of the main wiper arm 8 is pivotally supported at the vehicle body side via a pivotal axis 8a so as to rock, the wiper arm 8 and one end of the first link 10 are pivotally supported so as to rock, via the first pivotal axis 8b, at an intermediate position at the tip end side of the corresponding axis 8a, one end of the second link 11 is pivotally supported, via the second pivotal axis 10a, at the other end of the first link 10, and the other end of the second link is connected integral with the main wiper axis 5 corresponding to the third pivotal axis, and wherein the main wiper arm 8 is set so as to be located at the upper reversing position when the first pivotal axis 8b, the second pivotal axis 10a and main wiper axis (third pivotal axis) 5 are positioned in the same straight line in order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6536069
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper system is provided including a cross-vehicle shaft that drives a pair of actuation mechanisms for driving a pair of wiper assemblies. The actuation mechanisms each include a crank, a connecting rod and a lever arm, whereby the connecting rod operably interconnects the crank and lever arm. The lever arm is fixed for rotation with a wiper post, which is in turn fixed to the wiper assembly. The actuation mechanism drives reciprocal rotation of the wiper post, thereby driving reciprocal sweeping motion of the wiper assemblies. The cross-vehicle shaft is driven by a motor that is controlled by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Daniel W Husted, Brian J Rahn, Joseph E Rudelic
  • Publication number: 20020152574
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus that decreases the number of tightening means and can efficiently carry out connecting and fixing work with respect to integration of a wiper motor and pivot axes with a pipe member. A linkage piece at the second pivot axis side is arcuately formed so as to match half the outer circumference of a linkage pipe member, a linkage piece at the wiper motor side is formed so as to be arcuate, on the inner circumferential surface of which, an external fitting portion of a pipe member along the outer circumference of the linkage pipe member and an external fitting portion of the linkage piece along the outer circumference of the linkage piece are formed. The respective linkage pieces, that are disposed on the outer circumference of the linkage pipe member, are connected in a laminated manner at the position of the external fitting portion of the linkage pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ken Machida
  • Patent number: 6438790
    Abstract: A windshield wiper system for motor vehicles includes two wiper blades which rotate in the same direction and are driven by a crank linkage mechanism. The wiper system is arranged to enable independent positioning of the two wipers and which is economical and simple to install. The system uses two drive rods, one rotatably connecting the crank and a first wiper and rigidly connected to a connecting member. The end of the connecting member is rotatably connected to the second drive rod which is connected to a second wiper. The rotatable connections are preferably ball and socket connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Volkswagon AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ostrowski
  • Patent number: 6421873
    Abstract: A wiper bracket (10) with a hollow profile (64, 72, 74) is provided for fastening a wiper motor, via a motor receptable (24), and at least one wiper bearing (12, 14) for fastening a windshield wiper to a vehicle body. A longitudinally elastically resilient region (60, 62) is disposed between the motor receptacle (24) and the wiper bearing (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6393653
    Abstract: A windshield wiper apparatus for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member coupled between the moving drive arm and stationary structure which provides an opposing force to the movement of the wiper arm to absorb a portion of the inertial energy of the wiper arm as the wiper arm approaches one of at least an outwipe end limit and an inwipe end limit of a wipe pattern to reduce the impact forces on the wiper apparatus at the point of reversal of the wiper arm. The energy absorption member is in the form of a spring or compressive member arranged to store energy during movement of the wiper arm toward one or both of the end limits and to release the stored energy back to the wiper apparatus as the wiper arm reverses direction at each end limit. The energy absorption member is actively coupled to the drive arm only during a predetermined angular portion of the angular rotation of the drive arm which coincides with the region of increased mechanical advantage in the drive linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl G. Harris, Robert K. Arao, Thomas A. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6375136
    Abstract: The invention is based on a tube mounting (10) having a motor mounting (14, 46), the latter having an opening (16) for a gear dome (40) as well as screw holes (18) disposed around the dome and an indentation (20, 52) in which a mounting tube (12, 50) is embedded and retained. It is proposed that the motor mounting (14, 46) is a shaped sheet-metal part, and the indentation (20, 52) extends between at least one screw hole (18) and the opening (16) for the gear dome (40), and adjacent to the opening (16) and transversely to the indentation (20, 52), a tab (24, 48) is cut out, which is curved contrary to the indentation (20, 52) and surrounds the mounting tube (12, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Bruemmer, Kurt Muehlpforte, Jan Dietrich, Andreas Wiegert
  • Patent number: 6343403
    Abstract: A wiper device is a frame-integrated type device in which a pair of pivot holders are formed integrally with a hollow frame. The hollow frame can be formed from a pair of split frames or from a single piece tubular component. Each split frame has a mounting portion having a non-hollow, substantially U-shaped cross-section. The mounting portions of the split frames are overlapped with each other and fastened together with a wiper motor so as to be connected to each other. Many types of hollow frames can be formed by changing combinations of two split frames having different sizes, and an optimum hollow frame can be formed for vehicles having different sizes and layouts. The single piece tubular component has a mounting portion at an intermediate position which is non-hollow and has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and gradually changing portions whose cross-sectional configuration gradually changes from non-hollow to hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 6237185
    Abstract: A wiper device for a vehicle disclosed herein is provided with a wiper motor, a wiper pivot connected to the wiper motor, and a load absorption portion for absorbing a load by moving the wiper pivot to an inner side of a vehicle body when a load having a value equal to or more than a predetermined value acts on the wiper pivot. In this case, the wiper pivot can rotate around the pivot axis thereof by using a drive force from the wiper motor, and the wiper pivot extends so as to project toward an outer side of the vehicle body. In accordance with the structure mentioned above, when the load downward due to a collision or the like acts on the rear distal portion of the hood member corresponding to the engine hood, a deformation of the rear distal portion of the hood member toward the lower side is substantially made free by means of the wiper pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Goto, Toshio Kobayashi, Hiroshi Oosaki
  • Patent number: 6138320
    Abstract: In a wiper apparatus of a vehicle, an intermediate support portion 14 of a wiper pivot shaft (10) is inserted into a pivot holder (12) fixed on a vehicle body and is thus supported. One side surface (23) of a flange portion (24), which is located between the support portion (14) and a link-lever-attaching portion (22) which is one end portion of the shaft (10), is opposed to one opening end of the pivot holder (12) to thereby determine the amount of insertion of the shaft (10). One end portion of the link lever (20) is press-fitted to the periphery of the link-lever-attaching portion (22). At this time, the link lever (20) abuts the other side surface (25) of the flange portion (24) to thereby determine the amount of press fit. One end portion of a wiper arm (32) is fitted to the periphery of a wiper-arm-mating portion (22) which is the other end portion of the shaft (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Komo
  • Patent number: 6131474
    Abstract: A windshield wiper drive train adapted for long life. The drive train includes motor assembly that supports and drives a drive shaft. A circular drive plate is attached eccentrically to the drive shaft to rotate through an eccentric orbit about the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates. A connecting member having a body portion defining a round opening that is slidingly fitted about said circular drive plate and an arm portion extending outwardly from the body portion undergoes reciprocating motion in response to rotation of said circular drive plate. A rocker assembly having a rockshaft and a rocker arm attached to the rockshaft is connected by pivot joint to the arm portion of the connecting member. In operation, the rocker assembly is rocked by the reciprocating motion of the arm portion when the drive shaft rotates. The rockshaft is adapted to engage a further attachment such as a windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Albany Magento Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward S. Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6101664
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for at least two windshield wipers of a vehicle, in particular of an automotive vehicle, with a driving motor (1) which includes a gear unit accommodated in a gear casing (2) which is closed by means of a cap and where, on the end of an output shaft (3) protruding from the gear casing (2), a motor crank (4) is fastened in a torsion-resisting manner for driving the wiper shafts (8) of the at least two wiper bearings (5, 11) via rods, is to be improved so that, on the one hand, it is easily adaptable to the space or installation conditions prevailing on the vehicle while, on the other hand, due to a reduced number of components, it can be manufactured at lower cost as compared to known drive mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Egner-Walter, Eckhardt Schmid
  • Patent number: 6032547
    Abstract: A swaying mechanism is provided, which can be used on various kinds of electrical appliances that need to be swayed during use, such as electric fans, dryers, and heaters. The swaying mechanism can protect the motor from being burned out when the swaying motion is abruptly stopped by foreign objects, and also can allow the electric cable to be always fixed in position all the time during the swaying motion such that the cable would not wear out. The swaying mechanism includes a synchronization motor; a first elbow member coupled to the motor shaft; a linkage bar for providing a reciprocating force when the motor rotates; a second elbow member which can be swayed by the reciprocating force from the linkage bar; and a toothed section on which the second elbow member is swayably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Cheng-Ho Chen
  • Patent number: 6000092
    Abstract: A wiper device for a vehicle which, when abnormal load is applied, absorbs the abnormal load so that wiping operation by a wiper blade can be carried out continuously. The wiper device is compact, and dimensional management thereof is easy. One end of a first crank lever forming a portion of a crank arm is attached to an output shaft, whereas a cylindrical portion is fixed by caulking to another end of the first crank lever by a pin. An annular portion is formed at one end of a second crank lever. An elastic rubber bush is interposed between the cylindrical portion and the annular portion. The first crank lever and the second crank lever are supported by the elastic rubber bush so as to be freely rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Irikura
  • Patent number: 5979254
    Abstract: A motorized reduction gear unit having a crank and connecting rod mechanism incorporated in it, but especially for use as a vehicle screen wiper drive unit, comprises a hollow casing having a cover plate, with, within the hollow interior of the casing, a toothed wheel which is rotatable about an axis. The toothed wheel carries a gudgeon pin parallel to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel but eccentric with respect to the latter. The pin drives a crank and connecting rod system in which the crank and connecting rod are articulated together about a pivot pin, so that continuous rotary motion of the toothed wheel is converted into alternating rotary motion of an output shaft. It further includes a peripheral gasket disposed between the upper edge of the casing and the cover plate, together with a friction plate element in the form of a thickened friction portion disposed fixedly on the inner surface of the cover plate facing towards the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Systems D'Essuyage
    Inventors: Pierre Blanchet, Stephane Hommelet
  • Patent number: 5894627
    Abstract: A wiper device for a vehicle which, when abnormal load is applied, absorbs the abnormal load so that wiping operation by a wiper blade can be carried out continuously. The wiper device is compact, and dimensional management thereof is easy. One end of a first crank lever forming a portion of a crank arm is attached to an output shaft, whereas a cylindrical portion is fixed by caulking to another end of the first crank lever by a pin. An annular portion is formed at one end of a second crank lever. An elastic rubber bush is interposed between the cylindrical portion and the annular portion. The first crank lever and the second crank lever are supported by the elastic rubber bush so as to be freely rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Irikura
  • Patent number: 5884524
    Abstract: A multi-directional swinging mechanism is disclosed. Its includes a base board, a support, a rotary member, a driving member, a swinging lever, a middle board, a retaining board and an adjuster. When the driving member drives the rotary member to rotate, the middle board and the retaining board will swing forward, backward, upward and downward. At the same time, in cooperation with the adjuster, the retaining board will also swing left and right. Therefore, an article such as a toy or a decoration positioned on the retaining board can be swung in multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Single-Tree Art Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 5873280
    Abstract: A module wiper device having a sufficient strength even in a small-size structure and having a lightweight and low-cost structure is provided. Even when a plurality of pivot holders are connected by a frame and a small-size bracket is fixed close to one of the pivot holders, by the bracket and the pivot holder close to the bracket being connected by a connecting member, a space portion surrounded by the bracket, the pivot holder close to the bracket and the connecting member forms a virtual bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 5855140
    Abstract: A motor device having a hollow casing in which a mechanism for converting continuous rotational motion of a rotating member which is rotated by a motor into reciprocating oscillatory motion and reversibly rotates the output shaft in the forward rotational direction and in the reverse rotation direction. This motor device includes a gear wheel fixed to the output shaft. Furthermore, it includes a driving force conversion member comprising a meshing portion which is meshed with the gear wheel, which converts continuous rotational motion of the rotating member into oscillatory motion around the output shaft as a center for oscillation, and which reversibly rotates the gear wheel in the forward rotational direction and in the reverse rotational direction. It further includes a pair of holding members which support the meshing state of the gear wheel and the meshing portion of the driving force conversion member in the thickness direction, and which oscillate around the output shaft as a center for oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: ASMO Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Imamura
  • Patent number: 5848553
    Abstract: A motor device having a hollow casing in which a mechanism for converting continuous rotational motion of a rotating member into reversible rotational motion to transmit the converted motion to an output shaft. This motor device includes an oscillation member which oscillates around the output shaft. Further, it includes a driving force conversion member which is interposed between the oscillating member and the rotating member, and which converts the continuous rotational motion of the rotating member into reciprocating oscillatory motion of the oscillating member. This driving force conversion member includes a contacting portion which projects toward an inner wall of the hollow casing and which is formed integrally with the driving force conversion member. This contacting portion slides on the inner wall of the hollow casing over the range of displacement of the driving force conversion member, and moreover is formed from a material which is capable of absorbing sound generated by sliding motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5836042
    Abstract: A modular support frame for a windshield wiper drive having integrally formed mounting brackets for securing the frame to a vehicle body, and integrally formed pivot bosses for pivot drive shafts connected to windshield wiper arms. A motor carrier for supporting a motor drive coupled to a linkage for rotating the wipers is integrated into the frame. The motor carrier has an end plate integrally formed with the frame which is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the motor shaft and which is apertured for receiving the motor shaft. An integrally formed splash cover extends outwardly on one side of the end plate, so as to partly cover a housing for the motor drive, the splash cover defining a longitudinally-extending opening adapted to axially receive the motor drive for assembly into the support frame. The arrangement facilitate assembly of the motor drive directly into the support frame where it can easily be accessed for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: ACD Tridon Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Funk, Michael Charles Nazione, Franz Buechele
  • Patent number: 5832775
    Abstract: A windshield wiper drive assembly including a mounting bracket having a central motor support portion, a first bracket end connecting portion having a first mounting aperture formed therethrough, and a second bracket end connecting portion having a second mounting aperture formed therethrough; a reduction gear motor assembly mounted to the central motor support portion and having a motor assembly output shaft; a wiper shaft support secured to the central motor support portion and having a wiper shaft support bushing provided within a bushing aperture; a wiper shaft having a first wiper shaft end rotatably entrapped within the wiper shaft support bushing and a second wiper shaft end; a rotating crank wheel centrally mounted to the gearbox output shaft by a central shaft connection aperture and having a push rod connecting pin extending outward from a planar surface thereof; and a push rod linkage including a rigid push rod pivotally connected to the push rod connecting pin at one end thereof and pivotally conn
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Timothy Turbessi, Jim Galloway
  • Patent number: 5809610
    Abstract: A motor vehicle window wiper device with a wiper arm at the top end of a drive shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed bearing by means of two ball joints of which at least one is off-center relative to the axis of the drive shaft so that the angle of the drive shaft axis to the plane of the window varies when said shaft is rotated about said axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Systems d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Eustache
  • Patent number: 5799535
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance with a flexible drive for driving one of a plurality of attachments. The kitchen appliance includes a flexible cable for delivering power from a motor and gear assembly to an attachment. The motor and gear assembly is constructed to oscillate or rotate the flexible cable. Moreover, the motor and gear assembly includes a motor and gear assembly switch which when closed powers the motor. The switch can be closed by moving the cable to close it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Russell Terry
  • Patent number: 5768941
    Abstract: A motorized reduction gear unit for any purpose having a crank and connecting rod mechanism incorporated in it, but especially for use as a vehicle screen wiper drive unit, comprises a hollow casing having a cover plate, with, within the hollow interior of the casing, a toothed wheel which is rotatable about an axis. The toothed wheel carries a gudgeon pin parallel to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel but eccentric with respect to the latter. The pin drives a crank and connecting rod system in which the crank and connecting rod are articulated together about a pivot pin, so that continuous rotary motion of the toothed wheel is converted thereby into alternating rotary motion of an output shaft. It further includes a peripheral gasket disposed between the upper edge of the casing and the cover plate, together with a friction plate element in the form of a thickened friction portion disposed fixedly on the inner surface of the cover plate facing towards the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes D'Essuyage
    Inventors: Pierre Blanchet, Stephane Hommelet
  • Patent number: 5735171
    Abstract: A pivot joint includes a housing surrounding a rotatable shaft. A retainer clip frictionally engages the shaft and seats against one end of the housing to fixedly axially position the rotatable shaft and the housing with respect to each other and to a rotatable lever connected to one end of the rotatable shaft. In one embodiment, the rotatable shaft is hardened and the retainer clip is hardened to a higher hardness than the hardness of the rotatable shaft. In another embodiment, a pair of retainer clips frictionally engage opposite ends of the rotatable shaft and seat against the rotatable lever and one end of the housing to form a fixed dimensional relationship between the housing, the rotatable shaft and the lever. The retainer clip may include notches formed on the edge of a frusto-conical annulus surrounding a central aperture in the retainer clip to form a discontinuous shaft engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Donald B. Moote, Kris B. Rogers, Andrew C. Stewart, Frank R. Varela, Michael W. Boles, Gerald McLean, Teodor G. Nedelcu
  • Patent number: 5732828
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for retrofitting traditional derrick motor vibrators. In particular, an off-center shaft rotates, shaking a bed in an oscillatory manner. An apparatus of the present invention may be advantageously used to retrofit known shale shakers, achieving significant savings in the cost of repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Don Littlefield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5685195
    Abstract: A crank mechanism of a driving assembly of a screen wiper for use with an automotive vehicle preferrably a lever and a tongue in communication therewith through a swivel joint, with the tongue are eccentrically hinged to an actuated gear wheel, in particular, a worm gear wheel and with the lever is connected or connectible in a non-rotating way to a wiper shaft. The tongue and the lever, in the practice of the invention, are pivotally interconnected through a bajonet-type connection such that the crank mechanism can be connected without tools. The assembled position enabling tongue and lever to be joined together differs from any possible rotary position taken by these two elements during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GMbH
    Inventor: Hans Peter Rienhardt
  • Patent number: 5680792
    Abstract: A drive bearing for a windscreen wiper system wherein two actuator rods for actuating two wiper arms are driven by a motor crank. The two bearings are concentrically nested one within the other thereby allowing the driving forces of the two rods to extend in one plane. Other features include the association of the individual bearing elements to the actuator elements, and the design of the bearing faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Harro Buhl, Bruno Egner-Walter, Peter Fein, Robert Klinar
  • Patent number: 5655405
    Abstract: A motorised reduction gear unit, especially for a vehicle screen wiping system, comprises a hollow casing closed by a cover plate, and, within the casing, a toothed wheel which is rotatable about an axis and which carries a pin parallel to the toothed wheel axis and eccentric with respect to the axis. This pin drives a crank and connecting rod unit to convert continuous rotation of the toothed wheel into an alternating motion of an output shaft. The output shaft is provided with braking means for applying braking action to its rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes D'Essuyage
    Inventors: Dominique Lerouge, Raphael Meneguz, Pascal Stelmarski, Eric Gallaud
  • Patent number: 5651287
    Abstract: A shaft coupling mechanism for a sewing machine includes an eccentric secured on a rotatable shaft and includes a ring engaged on the eccentric so as to be moved up and down by the eccentric. The ring has a downward extending bar. A block is rotatably secured to the lower end of the bar and rotatable relative to the bar about a pin. The block includes a rod secured to a spindle so as to rotate the spindle in an oscillating action without a ball joint. The rotational movement of the block relative to the bar will not affect the movement of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Hsien-Chang Tseng
  • Patent number: 5622077
    Abstract: A motorized reduction gear unit for any purpose having a crank and connecting rod mechanism incorporated in it, but especially for use as a vehicle screen wiper drive unit, comprises a hollow casing having a cover plate, with, within the hollow interior of the casing, a toothed wheel which is rotatable about an axis. The toothed wheel carries a gudgeon pin parallel to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel but eccentric with respect to the latter. The pin drives a crank and connecting rod system in which the crank and connecting rod are articulated together about a pivot pin, so that continuous rotary motion of the toothed wheel is converted thereby into alternating rotary motion of an output shaft. The cover plate has on its inner face, facing towards the casing, an engagement surface for abutting engagement with the end of the crank in the region of the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Pierre Blanchet, Stephane Hommelet
  • Patent number: 5606764
    Abstract: A windshield wiper system for automotive vehicles includes a mechanism for causing a wiper blade assembly to swing, relative to the wiper arm, between an extended position of the wiper blade assembly and a retracted position of the wiper blade assembly. More specifically, the mechanism causes a link, which is attached to the wiper blade assembly, to swing as the wiper arm moves into and out of the hidden park position. A first embodiment includes a "four-bar linkage" which transfers to oscillatory movement of a drive arm of a wiper system to pivotal movement of the link over a limited range of motion of the drive arm corresponding to movement of the wiper blade assembly into and out of the hidden park position. A second embodiment includes a cam element which selectively engages a fixed pin over a range of motion of the drive arm corresponding to movement of the wiper blade assembly into and out of the hidden park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Zhou, Harry C. Buchanan, Jr., Michael J. McClain
  • Patent number: 5566577
    Abstract: For changing the wiping angle in a driving mechanism of a windshield wiper for an automotive vehicle or for enabling varying wiping angles with the same parts both in a driving mechanism having a predetermined parking position and in a driving mechanism having no predetermined parking position, an actuated wheel of the gear between the driving motor and the wiper shaft includes at least two selectively used hinge points for the crank drive or at least one hinge point displaceable over the axis of rotation in the radial direction of the wheel, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Klar
  • Patent number: 5548863
    Abstract: A vehicle window wiping system has an integrated depressed park and snow pack mechanism providing a variable depressed park wiper position. The system has a dual direction motor which rotates a lost motion mechanism having a drivepin attached to a drive arm for converting rotary motion of the lost motion mechanism to oscillatory motion of the window wipers. The lost motion mechanism has a baseplate separably connected to a crank and linkedly connected to the drivepin for changing the radius of rotation thereof when the crank reaches a first predetermined position upon reversal of motor direction. The lost motion mechanism also has a snow pack plate separably connected to the crank and linkedly connected to the drivepin for permitting the crank to rotate to a second predetermined position upon reversal of shaft direction in the event that a snowpack condition on the vehicle window prevents the wipers from moving to a full depressed park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Xiaoming Deng
  • Patent number: 5526983
    Abstract: A wash oscillator for use in providing high impact wash and rinse action on a lateral surface of a vehicle in an automatic wash facility. The wash oscillator comprises a support structure positioned on a support surface of the wash facility and a motor, having a rotatable output shaft, fixedly attached to the support structure. The oscillator further comprises a spray bar having a plurality of spray nozzles for providing perpendicular impact of washing and rinsing agents onto a lateral surface of the vehicle. The spray bar is pivotally mounted to the support structure via attachment to a pivot block which pivots about an axis of a hinge pin which is rotatably supported by pillow blocks mounted on a support structure. A linkage mechanism connects the output shaft of the motor with the pivot block so as to convert rotary motion of the shaft into an oscillating pivoting motion of the spray bar about the hinge pin axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas J. Petit
  • Patent number: 5448959
    Abstract: A workpiece puller mechanism for a sewing machine including a carrier including a feed shaft mounted thereon that supports a feed roller. The periphery of the feed roller is biased downwardly into engagement with the upper surface of the workpiece while the lower surface is engaged by the feed dogs. A puller housing is mounted on the sewing machine having a puller shaft rotatably mounted for rotation therein. Rotation of the puller shaft is imparted by a timing belt that overlies sprockets on the sewing machine main drive shaft and the puller shaft. The puller shaft carries a crank head that is connected by a connecting bar assembly to the input member of a one way clutch assembly. The one way clutch assembly provides drive in one direction only to the drive shaft for the feed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Union Special Corporation
    Inventors: Phounsavath Nanthavong, Donald J. Hicks
  • Patent number: 5426417
    Abstract: A warning light assembly is provided that includes a simple drive train for accomplishing an 180.degree. or more oscillation of a light beam. By advantageously utilizing a speed-reduction mechanism, a transmission for converting rotary motion to oscillating motion and a coupling for multiplying the angle of oscillation, the drive provides an inexpensive and rugged enabling design the warning light assembly to oscillate a light beam through angles heretofore unattainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Edward S. Stanuch
  • Patent number: 5408719
    Abstract: A single arm windshield wiper assembly including a reversible motor, a wiper pivot assembly, and a windshield wiper blade slidably connected to the wiper pivot assembly. A first actuator sub-assembly is operatively connected between the reversible motor and the wiper pivot assembly for reciprocally actuating the wiper blade. A second actuator sub-assembly is operatively connected between the reversible motor and the windshield wiper blade for telescopically moving the wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Delbert D. DeRees, Rodolfo A. Antonelli, Robert G. Malcolm