Transmission Controlled By Flexible Cable Patents (Class 74/473.14)
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Patent number: 12060932Abstract: An operation device for a vehicle transmission is configured to include: a base bracket that is fixed to a vehicle body of a vehicle; a slider lever that is slidably supported by the base bracket and includes a shift knob; and a main gear, which is rotatably supported by the base bracket and includes gear teeth at an outer circumferential portion, to which an end portion of a shift wire of the vehicle transmission is connected at a position separated from a gear support shaft of the base bracket, the slider lever including a rack gear that is formed along a sliding direction of the slider lever and is engaged with the gear teeth of the main gear, and gear change of the transmission being performed by causing the main gear to rotate with sliding of the slider lever and pushing and pulling the shift wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: ATSUMITEC CO., LTD.Inventors: Harumichi Ishizu, Kensuke Suzuki, Masaki Kanatori
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Patent number: 11002182Abstract: An intake manifold is connected to a cylinder head, and extends backward therefrom. An injector is attached to either the cylinder head or the intake manifold. At least one of the cylinder head and the intake manifold includes a curve pipe portion shaped to curve backward from a lateral surface of the cylinder head. An injector is attached to the cylinder head at either an outer lateral surface of the curve pipe portion in a right-and-left direction of an outboard motor or a position located forward of the curve pipe potion.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinya Maekawa, Norihito Tabata
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Patent number: 10793220Abstract: A bicycle component operating apparatus includes a first operating device and a second operating device. The first operating device includes a base member, a main body and an operating member. The base member has a clamp configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The operating member is movably arranged with respect to the base member. The operating device member is configured to perform an operation of at least one of a bicycle transmission component and a bicycle brake component. The second operating device includes an attachment part that is detachably and adjustably attached to the attachment area of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
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Patent number: 10689059Abstract: Example control devices for operating bicycle components are described herein. An example control device includes a housing having an opening to receive a handlebar of the bicycle and a rotating member rotatably coupled to the housing. The rotating member is rotatable about a first axis. The rotating member is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position to change an operating state of a component. The example control device includes a securing mechanism configured to lock the rotating member in the second position. The example control device also includes a release actuator coupled to the housing. The release actuator has an actuating surface to be engaged by a user and moved along a second axis that intersects the first axis. The release actuator is configured to, when actuated, unlock the securing mechanism to enable the rotating member to rotate back to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Devon Sullivan, Michael Van Zyl
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Patent number: 10676155Abstract: A device for actuating a bicycle front derailleur and displacing a transmission chain between toothed wheels of different diameters. An indexer associated with the derailleur comprises a first stop position and a second stop position. The first stop corresponds to engagement of the transmission chain on a first toothed wheel and the second stop position corresponds to engagement of the transmission chain on a different toothed wheel. A control lever operatively active on the indexer switches between the stop positions with a single actuation of the control lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Marco Minto, Christian Marangon
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Patent number: 10507883Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base structure, an operating member, an adjustment member, a receiving member, and an elastic member. The adjustment member is attached to one of the base structure and the operating member to change a rest position of the operating member relative to the base structure. The receiving member is provided to the other of the operating member and the base structure to be movable with the adjustment member in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member relative to the base structure. The elastic member is provided between the adjustment member and the receiving member to keep a clearance between the adjustment member and the receiving member in a rest state where the operating member is in the rest position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Kazunori Okubo, Kentaro Kosaka
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Patent number: 10040512Abstract: A front derailleur actuation device having a cable-winding bush in a casing rotatable about axis (X) in a first angular direction (A) between a first angular position and a last two angular positions to actuate a member mounted rotatable about axis (X) and a stationary member mounted in the casing. Either the rotating member or the stationary member is provided with at least one pointer slidably engaged on a fastening track equipped with a plurality of stop areas provided on the other member. The stationary member or the rotating member provided with the fastening track further comprises at least one further stop area not arranged along the fastening track, said further stop area being engageable by the pointer and being arranged between two successive stop areas of said fastening track, the cable-winding bush passing between two angular positions following the passage of the pointer between two stop areas.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Marco Minto
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Patent number: 10017224Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element rotatably mounted with respect to the base member and a shifting unit operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element to selectively rotate the shift wire take-up element in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit includes a shift operating member pivotally mounted with respect to the base member along a pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the first rotational direction in response to pivotal movement of the shift operating member about an operating axis. The shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member along a non-pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the second rotational direction in response to non-pivotal movement of the shift operating member with respect to the operating axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 9701365Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element rotatably mounted with respect to the base member and a shifting unit operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element to selectively rotate the shift wire take-up element in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit includes a shift operating member pivotally mounted with respect to the base member along a pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the first rotational direction in response to pivotal movement of the shift operating member about an operating axis. The shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member along a non-pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the second rotational direction in response to non-pivotal movement of the shift operating member with respect to the operating axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 9266581Abstract: The disclosed device controls a cable associated with a bicycle gearshift and is particularity configured for securing the body of the device on the forward-facing end of racing bicycle handlebars. A cable winding bobbin, having an internally toothed crown, is provided in the device's body and a drive mechanism rotates the bobbin in the chosen direction to achieve predetermined angular positions. A ratchet mechanism, located between the lever and the toothed crown, includes opposite rocker arms with cam profiles curved away from each other, and a toothed sector for engaging the toothed crown. A pointer is located to be selectively engaged with at least one of the rocker arms so that engagement results in the rocker arm's toothed section being away from the toothed crown, and disengagement results in the rocker arm's toothed section being engaged with the toothed crown.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Massimo Dal Pozzo, Giuseppe Dal Pra'
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Patent number: 9056597Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a bracket, a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket on a first pivot axle for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot axle. The second lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket on a second pivot axle for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot axle. The second pivot axle is disposed inside the first pivot axle.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 8893571Abstract: A transmission shift assembly for a vehicle and a method of monitoring the same includes a transmission having a shift position member movable between a plurality of gear positions. A linkage is coupled to an actuator and movable between a plurality of positions in response to movement of the actuator. A cable having first and second ends is coupled to the linkage and the shift position member respectively for transferring movement from the actuator to the shift position member. A plurality of sensors are spaced from each other and disposed about the first end of the cable such that movement of the cable relative to said linkage causes the sensors to monitor movement of the shift position member between the gear positions for achieving a proper position of the shift position member in one of the gear positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: James E. Rouleau
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Patent number: 8777788Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device includes a fixed member, an operating member and a positioning mechanism. The operating member has an input portion and an output portion. The positioning mechanism is operatively disposed between the operating member and the fixed member. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member that is movable between a first position in which the positioning member is engaged with the fixed member and a second position in which the positioning member is disengaged from the fixed member. The positioning member is held in engagement with the fixed member in the first position by the input portion when the input portion is in an operating position. The positioning member is movable from the first position to the second position upon movement of the input portion from at least one of the operating positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Kawakami, Atsushi Iizuka
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Publication number: 20140174236Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The control lever member pivots relative to the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder, a piston movably disposed within the cylinder by movement of control lever member to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device, a piston position adjustment mechanism adjustably coupling the piston with respect to the cylinder to change an initial position of the piston with respect to the cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Masahiro NAKAKURA, Yoshimitsu MIKI
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Publication number: 20140174235Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The control lever member pivots respect to the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder and a piston movably disposed within the cylinder to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has an output port that transmits hydraulic pressure generated in the cylinder to outside of the cylinder, and a hydraulic fluid channel coupled to the output port. A connecting part fluidly communicates with the output port through the hydraulic fluid channel, and is connected an external hydraulic hose.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi WATARAI, Osamu KARIYAMA, Tatsuya MATSUSHITA, Masahiro NAKAKURA
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Patent number: 8695450Abstract: A variable speed drive includes a transmission in a housing with a rotatable control shaft for moving the transmission between neutral and drive positions. A rotary damper is engaged to an external control arm which rotates the control shaft. A return to neutral mechanism is engaged to the control shaft to return the transmission to neutral. The external damper may be a viscous fluid damper having a plate, a rotor element with a first set of concentric projections, and a stator element with a second set of concentric projections that mesh with the first set of concentric projections. A method is provided for assembling a damper subassembly and a return arm subassembly, and connecting the damper subassembly to the housing, connecting the control arm to the control shaft and connecting the return arm subassembly to the control shaft for ease of assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Kenneth Michael McCoy, Nathan W. Bonny, Michael L. Bennett
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Publication number: 20140033850Abstract: A shift and brake lever assembly including a brake lever having a first surface facing a handlebar and a second surface facing away from a handlebar. A shift lever may be mounted to the second surface of the brake lever using mounting components. Complementary apertures of the various mounting components may lie on a common longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: RETRO SHIFT LLCInventor: Adam John CLEMENT
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Patent number: 8607657Abstract: The invention is directed to an actuation device for a shift-by-wire-actuated speed change gearbox. The actuation device includes an operating lever (2), a position sensor (5) and a device for haptic emulation. The haptic emulation device includes a damping element (3) which is joined (8) on the base (10) of the actuation device, as well as a motor-driven actuator (6). According to the invention, the actuation device is characterized by a spring element (4) which has a known spring rate and is disposed within the operative connection (W) between the operating lever (2), the damping element (3) and the articulated joint (8). The invention enables determination of the position of the operating lever and of the operating force applied to the operating lever by way of the spring element, using only a single position sensor. The haptic of a mechanical operating lever can be completely emulated.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Lemforder Electronic GmbHInventor: Rainer Haevescher
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Patent number: 8485060Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided for operating a shifting device to move a chain between two gears using a guiding portion. The bicycle shift operating device has an operating member, a moving member and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism selectively maintains the moving member in a first position that locates the guiding portion to a first guiding position corresponding to the first gear, a second position that locates the guiding portion to a second guiding position corresponding to the second gear, and a third position that locates the guiding portion to a third guiding position corresponding to the second gear. The third guiding position is farther from the first guiding position than the second guiding position. The positioning mechanism moves the moving member from the first position to the second position in response to a single operation of the operating member.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8459144Abstract: A bicycle shifter is provided with a shifter housing, a winding member and an indicator unit. The winding member is movably coupled to the shifter housing. The indicator unit includes an indicating member and an adjustment member. The indicating member is operatively and adjustably connected to the winding member. The adjustment member adjusts a position of the indicating member relative to the winding member.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Toshihiko Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8459137Abstract: An integrated assembly useful for controlling a variable speed drive having a housing and a control shaft projecting therefrom. The control assembly consists of a control arm fixed on the control shaft to effect its rotation; a return to neutral mechanism disposed about the control shaft to bias the control shaft to a neutral position; and a rotary, viscous fluid damper integrated with the return to neutral mechanism, the damper having a rotor engaged to the control shaft and a stator fixed to the housing of the variable speed drive to moderate, or slow the rotational movement of the control shaft under the influence of inputs from the control arm and the return to neutral mechanism. The neutral arm of the return to neutral mechanism is integrally formed with the external case of the rotary, viscous fluid damper, creating a compact control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Kenneth Michael McCoy, Nathan W. Bonny, Michael L. Bennett
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Patent number: 8434382Abstract: A speed adjusting device of a speed changer being used in a middle speed changer and a rear speed changer of a bicycle, and contains: a base including a first hole fixed on a central portion thereof to insert a first central spindle, and a holder and a fitting member both of which extend from a front end of the base to connect with an adjusting loop, and the fitting member including a ring member fitted thereon; an adjusting loop including a plurality of first screw bores to lock a front cover and a second hole disposed on a central position thereof to receive the first ratchet, the first actuating lever, the ring member, and the hook, the second hole including a groove fixed at a suitable position of an outer side thereof; a front cover including a first orifice formed on a central portion thereof to insert a first screw.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
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Publication number: 20130098188Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle twist-grip shifter, which is connectable to a fixed handgrip and is mountable as a structural unit on a handlebar. In this way the fixed handgrip is securely fixed on the handlebar. Moreover, the individual components have an advantageous size for production in an injection moulding process. The twist-grip shifter gives the operator a precise operation by avoiding disruptive frictional effects of the rotatable handgrip part on the mounting tube, for which purpose ball bearings are used for bearing the take-up spool, and a metallic positioning ring is used in the positioning mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventor: Martin Weiss
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Patent number: 8397601Abstract: A bicycle component operating device is basically provided with a base member, an operating pawl, a positioning ratchet member, a positioning pawl, a release member and a control member. The operating pawl rotates the positioning ratchet member in a winding direction in response to a winding operation of the operating pawl. The positioning pawl prevents rotation of the positioning ratchet member in the release direction when the positioning pawl is in a holding position. The positioning pawl releases the positioning ratchet member for rotation in the release direction when the positioning pawl is moved from the holding position to a releasing position by the release member in response to the releasing operation of the operating pawl. The control member prevents the operating pawl from rotating the positioning ratchet member during the releasing operation of the operating pawl while the control member is disposed in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 8322248Abstract: An adjusting screw (15) for a control lever device (1) for vehicles, wherein said adjusting screw (15) comprises a screw body (18) with a threaded shank (19) that can be screwed in a corresponding threaded hole (16) of the lever device (1) and a locking body (26) pivotally connected to the screw body (18). The locking body (26) comprises contact means (27) interacting with the screw body (28, 18) such as to counteract the rotation of the locking body (26) relative to the screw body (18) to a certain extent and anchoring means (29) engaging an anchoring seat (17) of the lever device (1) such as to prevent that the locking body (26) may rotate relative to the threaded hole (16) of the lever device (1). There are also provided means (25) for preventing that the locking body (26) may be displaced along the shank (19) of the screw body (18).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Esposito, Gianangelo Pezzotta, Marcello Colombo
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Publication number: 20120297912Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided for operating a shifting device to move a chain between two gears using a guiding portion. The bicycle shift operating device has an operating member, a moving member and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism selectively maintains the moving member in a first position that locates the guiding portion to a first guiding position corresponding to the first gear, a second position that locates the guiding portion to a second guiding position corresponding to the second gear, and a third position that locates the guiding portion to a third guiding position corresponding to the second gear. The third guiding position is farther from the first guiding position than the second guiding position. The positioning mechanism moves the moving member from the first position to the second position in response to a single operation of the operating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Yoshimitsu MIKI
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Publication number: 20120272772Abstract: A shifter is fixed on a handle of a bicycle and connected with a rear speed changer of a cable and contains: a body, a first bar, and a speed changing mechanism, the body including the first bar, a chamber to receive the speed changing mechanism, and two tabs, and each tab including a first hole, and the body including a first aperture arranged on a top end thereof and communicating with the chamber to insert the cable into the chamber via the first aperture so as to connect with a first seat, the body including a first retaining ring, the chamber including a first positioning pillar, an axial shaft, a second aperture, and a first returning spring, the first positioning pillar being provided to fix a first fixing piece in the chamber, and the axial shaft being used to axially position a first hook in the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Chang Hui LIN
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Patent number: 8297146Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit and a first shift operating lever. The base member includes a pair of lateral side walls. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The shift control unit has a main pivot shaft defining a shift unit operating axis. The first shift operating lever is operatively coupled to the shift control unit to operate the shift control unit when the first shift operating lever is pivoted about a first shift operating axis at a lever pivot point. The main pivot shaft of the shift control unit is disposed closer to one of the lateral side walls than the lever pivot point of the first shift operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Publication number: 20120234125Abstract: A speed control device, which is adapted to be used in connection with a derailleur type bicycle or internal gear hub type bicycle, has one operation mode for up-shifting the speed and another operation mode for down-shifting the speed. The two operation modes can be affected by an operation lever, and with the operation lever being pivoted in a second rotation direction for the up-shifting operation and in a first rotation direction for the down-shifting operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventor: Chia-Wei Liao
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Publication number: 20110314946Abstract: A bicycle brake and shift operating device is provided with a bracket, a brake operating member, a shift operating unit and a pawl releasing member. The brake lever is pivotally attached to the bracket at a pivot axis. The shift operating unit includes a takeup member pivotally mounted relative to the bracket and a locking pawl pivotally mounted relative to the bracket. The locking pawl moves between a locking position and a release position. The pawl releasing member pivots relative to the bracket to pivot. The pawl releasing member selectively locates the locking pawl from the locking position to the release position by pivoting around the third pivot axis. The pivot axis of the pawl releasing member is offset from both of the pivot axes of the takeup member and the locking pawl.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Tatsuya KAWAKAMI
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Publication number: 20110314947Abstract: A bicycle brake and shift operating device is provided with a bracket, a brake operating member, a shift operating unit and a release operating member. The bracket includes a grip portion having first and second exterior lateral sides. The brake operating member is pivotally coupled to the bracket at a brake operating member pivot axis along a braking plane disposed between the first and second exterior lateral sides. The release operating member is pivotally coupled to the bracket at a release operating member pivot axis such that a user operating portion moves along an operating path between a rest position and a releasing position. As the user operating portion moves along the operating path from the rest position to the releasing position, the user operating portion moves closer to the brake operating member to perform a releasing operation in response to movement of the user operating portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Tatsuya KAWAKAMI
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Patent number: 7966903Abstract: A rod-lock mechanism is provided in an automatic transmission for a vehicle. The rod-lock mechanism has an engaging pin which will be engaged with a rod when the rod is in its initial position, so as to hold the rod in its initial position. The rod-lock mechanism further has an electric actuator for driving the engaging pin when electric power is supplied, so that the engaging pin is brought out of engagement from the rod. A forced parking current supply unit controls electric power supply to the electric actuator. When the electric power is supplied to the electric actuator, the rod is moved in a direction of a parking position to bring a vehicle into a parking condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyoshi Kimura, Taku Itoh, Shigeru Yoshiyama
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Publication number: 20110132123Abstract: A speed control device which is adapted to be used in connection with a derailleur type bicycle has one operation mode for up-shifting the speed and another operation mode for down-shifting the speed. The two operation modes can be affected by an operation lever, and with the operation lever being pivoted in a first plane for the up-shifting operation and in a second plane for the down-shifting operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Wen-Feng Tsai, Chia-Wei Liao
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Patent number: 7922612Abstract: A power supply structure for a bicycle basically includes a battery configured to be supported on a frame of the bicycle, a junction attachable to the frame of the bicycle and first, second, third and fourth cable portions. The first cable portion extends between the junction and the battery providing an electrical connection therebetween. The second cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle shifter mechanism connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween. The third cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle front derailleur connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween. The fourth cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle rear derailleur connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Fumiaki Yoshida, Kazuhiro Fujii
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Patent number: 7905158Abstract: The described actuation device comprises a housing, intended for attachment to the handlebars or to the frame of a bicycle, a cable-winding bobbin, angularly mobile in the housing about a main axis (X) of the device, and support means of the bobbin in the housing. Such support means comprise a first support unit at an outer guide collar of the cable-winding bobbin, situated in an intermediate position of the bobbin in the direction of the main axis (X) of the device. An excellent distribution of the stresses between the bobbin and the housing is thus ensured, substantially reducing the risks of excessive deformation and breaking.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.L.Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra, Andrea De Pretto
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Publication number: 20110056319Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided with a shifter housing, a gear shifting mechanism, a shift operating member, and a shift switching arrangement. The gear shifting mechanism is disposed in the shifter housing with the gear shifting mechanism having a plurality of operating positions. The shift operating member is movable with respect to the shifter housing to operate the gear shifting mechanism. The shift switching arrangement includes a restricting member movably mounted with respect to the shifter housing between a non-shift restricting position and a shift restricting position. The gear shifting mechanism moves in a first set of the operating positions when the restricting member is in the non-shift restricting position, and moves in a second set of the operating positions that are different from the first set of the operating positions when the restricting member is in the shift restricting position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Toshihiko Takeuchi, Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 7849765Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a first operating member, a second operating member, a shift wire take-up element and a wire winding/release mechanism. The second operating member is operatively coupled to the first operating member to move with the first operating member during movement of the first operating member, and to move the first operating member during movement of the second operating member. The shift wire take-up element is rotated in a first rotational direction by the first operating member and in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction by the second operating member. The wire winding/release mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element and the first and second operating members to selectively hold the shift wire take-up element in one of a plurality of shift positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 7841258Abstract: A bicycle shift controller is provided with two independently operable levers that are operatively coupled to a cable take up member disposed in a base member configured to be mounted to a handlebar. The cable take up member rotates about a rotational axis for winding and releasing a control cable in response to pivotal movement of the levers. A first one of the levers has a first operating portion with a first operating surface and a second operating portion with a second operating surface. The second operating surface is angularly offset from the first operating surface about a first lever pivot axis of the first lever. The first and second levers pivot from a rest position to a shift position for rotating the cable take up member in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Cengiz Cesur, Atsushi Komatsu
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Patent number: 7779724Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control assembly is provided that includes at least one electrical bicycle shift control device. The shift control device includes a handlebar mounting portion configured to be clamped onto a handlebar and an electrical shift control switch portion. The electrical switch portion has an operating member arranged to move relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and an actuating position. Preferably, the electrical switch portion is detachably coupled to the handlebar mounting portion via a mating mounting structure to be removable from the handlebar mounting portion without removing the handlebar mounting portion from the handlebar. Preferably, a bicycle computer unit including a display screen is supported by the handlebar mounting portion. The operating member can include a dial-shaped element or a lever-shaped element that is configured to rotate about an operating axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
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Patent number: 7779719Abstract: A combination of derailleur shifter and brake lever for bicycles includes a lever which can be pivoted relative to the handlebar so as to respectively control the braking mechanism and the derailleur gears. The lever has a rod connected thereto which controls a driving pawl unit which allows the rider to operate the rack of a driving unit to pull or release the derailleur cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Douglas Chiang
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Publication number: 20100199795Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device is basically provided with a stationary support member, a positioning element, a position maintaining member, a winding element, a release member and a winding element control member. The winding element moves between a winding position and a disengaging position. The release member moves the position maintaining member between a holding position and a position releasing position in response to pivotal movement of the release member between a neutral position and a position releasing position. The winding element control member moves between a rest position and a control position that holds the winding element in the disengaging position in response to pivotal movement of the release member between the neutral position and the position releasing position. The winding element control member is guided by the stationary support member during movement of the winding element control member between the rest position and the control position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Shimano IncInventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 7762157Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to the bicycle, a cable coupling member coupled to the mounting member for moving a cable in a cable pulling direction and a cable releasing direction, a positioning unit that selectively maintains the cable coupling member in a plurality of operating positions, and an input member that moves in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, and an action member rotatably coupled to the mounting member and separate from the input member. The action member rotates to transmit movement of the first operating member to the positioning unit such that the cable coupling member moves from an origin operating position toward a destination operating position when the first operating member moves in either of both the first direction and the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 7681472Abstract: A shifter for a bicycle transmission that includes a spring element that functions as a preloaded spring for cable-release operations and a detent pawl. The shifter also includes a housing having a detent contour, a cable spool for winding and unwinding a control cable thereon, and an actuator. The actuator includes a release element, a spring seat and a driver. The spring element includes a detent pawl, a base and a spool driver. The detent pawl is engageable with the detent contour to maintain the shifter in a current detent position. The base is supported by the spring seat and the spool driver is operatively engages and rotates the spool.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Martin Weiss
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Patent number: 7665382Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided with a shift winding member, a winding pawl, a winding member return element, a gear shifting mechanism and a winding pawl biasing element. The winding member is movably arranged between a rest position and a shifting position. The winding pawl moves in response to movement of the winding member. The winding member return element biases the winding member to the rest position and to bias the winding pawl to a pawl engagement position when the winding member is moved from the rest position towards the shifting position. The gear shifting mechanism includes winding teeth that are engaged with the winding pawl. The winding pawl biasing element applies a biasing force to the winding pawl that urges the winding pawl to the pawl engagement position when the winding member is in the rest position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 7650813Abstract: A position control mechanism is provided for a bicycle control device that has a shifting unit. The position control mechanism has an operating member that is configured to operate a positioning member that moves through two of a plurality of predetermined shift positions during a single progressive movement of the operating member. The operating member is configured in the preferred embodiment to operate both a hydraulic braking unit and the shifting unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
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Patent number: 7628095Abstract: A bicycle shifting mechanism is provided with a wire takeup member and a positioning mechanism. The wire takeup member rotates about a rotational axis to wind and release an inner wire of a shift cable. The positioning mechanism selectively maintains the takeup member in one of a plurality of predetermined shift positions. The positioning mechanism has a first movable positioning member, a second movable positioning member separately movable relative to the first positioning member, a first toothed segment that moves with the takeup member, a second toothed segment that moves with the takeup member. The first and second movable positioning members alternately engage and disengage one of the first and second toothed segments, respectively, as the first and second movable positioning members are moved to perform a shifting operation between sequential shift positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Shingo Funai
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Patent number: 7527137Abstract: A combination shift and brake lever arrangement for a bicycle, includes a single lever for performing a braking operation and a shifting operation in both directions. A braking arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a first front to back pivoting direction to perform a braking operation, while a shifting arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a second side to side pivoting direction different from the first pivoting direction. A shift control mechanism controls shifting of gears of the bicycle in a first shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the second pivoting direction, while a reverse control changes over the shift control mechanism to control shifting of the gears of the bicycle in a second opposite shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the same second pivoting direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080314185Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a positioning member, a positioning pawl and a wire takeup member. The positioning member pivots relative to the base member about a pivot axis. The positioning pawl is pivotally mounted about a positioning pawl pivot axis to operatively engage at least one positioning abutment of the positioning member. The wire takeup member pivots relative to the base member about the pivot axis. The wire takeup member has a proximal end portion pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and a distal end portion with an inner wire contact surface. The inner wire contact surface is located radially outwardly from the at least one positioning abutment and the positioning pawl pivot axis with respect to the pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Publication number: 20080314184Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit and a first shift operating lever. The base member includes a pair of lateral side walls. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The shift control unit has a main pivot shaft defining a shift unit operating axis. The first shift operating lever is operatively coupled to the shift control unit to operate the shift control unit when the first shift operating lever is pivoted about a first shift operating axis at a lever pivot point. The main pivot shaft of the shift control unit is disposed closer to one of the lateral side walls than the lever pivot point of the first shift operating lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 7334497Abstract: A shifting device for the preferably powerless transmission of shift commands to a fully automatic or semi-automatic transmission of a motor vehicle and a frame and/or housing and a gearshift lever mounted pivotably along a shift gate. A first shift stop and a second shift stop are provided for the gearshift lever which each define a shift position for the said gearshift lever. At least one detection device is provided for detecting the shift position(s). An inoperative position is provided into which the gearshift lever pivots back by itself from the deflected shift position, driven by a restoring force. The shifting device has an actuating device, which can countermand a shift stop, so that the gearshift lever can be pivoted beyond the shift position(s) defined by this shift stop.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer