Motion Translating Mechanism Patents (Class 74/496)
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Patent number: 10385910Abstract: A steering gear for boats includes a control member connected to a drive shaft of a transmission having at least two dynamically engaged transmission elements, in particular, an input element and an output element. The output element drives a motion transfer member of the control member transferring motion to an operating unit, such that any displacement/rotation of the control member is transferred to the transfer member through the transmission. The motion transfer member includes a pull and/or push cable and a coupling member that is slidably attached to the steering gear and has a plurality of coupling seats, at least one of which is designed to engage a corresponding coupling claw on the steering gear. The coupling member includes a sheath-like element in which the pull and/or push cable is configured to slide, and the coupling seats include two annular throats of the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Ultraflex S.p.A.Inventors: Marcella Gai, Walter Trivella
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Patent number: 9080600Abstract: Rotating control assembly with double cable, comprising a first and a second actuator device both having a respective rotating pulley and being connected together by two cables both fixed to the pulley of the first actuator device and to the pulley of the second actuator device, wherein the pulley of the first actuator device and the pulley of the second actuator device are identical to each other, each of the pulleys being mounted on a respective base, and wherein each actuator device comprises a guide part having a pair of resilient wings which press on respective sections of the cables in immediate proximity to areas where the cables are wound onto the respective pulley.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Denso Thermal Systems S.P.A.Inventors: Fabrizio Nicole', Claudio Ferrarese, Andrea Carbone, Stefano Bonetti
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Patent number: 9016161Abstract: A working vehicle attachable an implement such as front loader includes a steering wheel, a steering column frame which supports the steering wheel and has a shape that is long in lengthwise direction, a joy-stick control lever which is disposed in a lateral side of the steering wheel, and a valve which is disposed on an outside face of the steering column frame and is connected to the joy-stick control lever. Accordingly, since the valve is disposed on the outside face of the steering column frame, it becomes easy to perform an assembling work, maintenance check work and the like with respect to the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyofumi Sakurahara
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Patent number: 8991280Abstract: Steering apparatus having variable steering ratios are disclosed herein. An apparatus disclosed herein includes a steering drum to rotate about a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction different than the first direction. The steering drum has a shape to provide a varying steering ratio when the steering drum is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Justin M. Wireman
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Patent number: 8960046Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle steering system, having a steering gear, a servomotor which is adapted to provide a steering assist force, a blocking ring which is assigned to a motor shaft of the servomotor, and a locking member which is adapted to engage in the blocking ring to block rotation of the motor shaft of the servomotor and thereby to lock the steering gear, further provision being made for an actuating member having the locking member adjustably mounted thereon, and the actuating member being adjustable by a drive motor between a blocking position and a release position.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventor: Rainer Engel
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Publication number: 20150040715Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system comprises an articulated bearing and a shaft configured to be fixed to the articulated bearing. The articulated bearing comprises a clevis a mating clevis pivotally connected to the clevis. The clevis has a foot arranged substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the clevis, and two arms connected to the foot and substantially extending opposite one another along the longitudinal axis. The foot includes a longitudinal opening having a cross-sectional contour for receiving the shaft. At least one end of the shaft has an external contour complementary to the cross-sectional contour, wherein the cross-sectional contour of the longitudinal opening and the external contour of the shaft are formed to permit the shaft to be received in the longitudinal opening in one single rotational position about the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Birger ASSMANN, Andre WILMSEN
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Publication number: 20140360310Abstract: A steering wheel is coupled to a steering gear via a steering shaft, an intermediate shaft, a clutch input shaft and a clutch output shaft. When viewed in a vehicle transverse direction, a tilt angle ? of the clutch input shaft relative to the horizontal plane is set to be smaller than a tilt angle ? of the intermediate shaft relative to the horizontal plane. A steering column is supported by a vehicle body via a tilt pivot for adjusting a tilt position. Even when the steering column is located at any tilt position, the relationship of ?<? is set to be maintained when viewed in the vehicle transverse direction. The center position of a universal joint between the steering shaft and the intermediate shaft is misaligned with the center position of the tilt pivot when viewed in the vehicle transverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Tetsuya Osonoi, Takuya Narasaki, Noriki Kubokawa
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Patent number: 8899621Abstract: A steering system includes a column shaft that is supported by a column tube so that the column shaft is able to rotate. A male serration is formed in a lower end of a lower shaft of the column shaft in an axial direction. A universal joint connects the lower shaft with an intermediate shaft. A first portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a rotor of a steering angle sensor, and a second portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a first yoke of the universal joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Eiji Tanaka, Yoshikazu Rikitake
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Patent number: 8863610Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting and a carriage received in a guideway of the mounting for movement between a rearward starting position and a forward end position. Arranged between the carriage and the mounting is an actuatable locking device to lock the starting position of the carriage during normal travel and, when being released, to allow a shift of the carriage to the forward end position together with the steering wheel to thereby facilitate entry of the driver. The locking device has at least one predetermined breaking element dimensioned to either break or to become deformed sufficient to release the locking device and to allow the carriage to move from the starting position to the end position, when an impacting predefined crash force is exceeded in the event of a crash.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Thomas Kräuter
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Publication number: 20140260764Abstract: Steering apparatus having variable steering ratios are disclosed herein. An apparatus disclosed herein includes a steering drum to rotate about a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction different than the first direction. The steering drum has a shape to provide a varying steering ratio when the steering drum is rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Justin M. Wireman
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Patent number: 8826770Abstract: An objective is to provide an electric steering lock device capable of preventing a lock member from being falsely detected as being at an unlock position to unfailingly ensure that an engine is started with a steering wheel being unlocked. In the electric steering lock device, magnetic detection means placed at a position corresponding to an unlock position of the lock member is configured by including a Hall element (north-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the north pole of a magnet fixed to the lock member and a Hall element (south-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the south pole of the magnet. A microcomputer (control means) determines that the lock member has moved to the unlock position when the Hall elements (north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements) are both turned on, and then stops driving an electric motor (electric actuator).Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Inoue, Hideki Norma
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Publication number: 20140230597Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an intermediate shaft for a steering column assembly of a vehicle is provided. The intermediate shaft includes a shaft element, a universal joint coupling including an inner yoke coupled to the shaft element and an outer yoke coupled to the inner yoke, and at least one of a bearing and a lock sleeve coupled to the outer yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
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Publication number: 20140174242Abstract: In a steering system that includes: an intermediate shaft on a steering wheel side; a pinion shaft on a steered wheel side; and a cross joint by which the intermediate shaft and the pinion shaft are rotatably connected to each other on a plane intersecting with each of the shafts, and that steers steered wheels by transmitting steering torque of a steering wheel from the intermediate shaft to the pinion shaft, a weakened portion is formed in a joint spider of the cross joint. The weakened portion can be identified in advance as a portion that breaks first. This makes it possible to realize a failure mode in which a vehicle is able to run by itself for a certain period of time after a failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Takeshi Koyama
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Publication number: 20140090510Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle has a rotatably mounted steering spindle and a motor-powered steering assistance device for steer angle superposition and/or torque assistance. The steering assistance device is connected to the steering spindle by at least one transmission element, and the steering spindle has at least two steering spindle parts connected to one another in torque-transmitting fashion. The steering spindle parts connected to one another in at the steering spindle between the transmission element and a steering wheel connection of the steering spindle, by at least one damping body for damping vibrations transmitted via the steering spindle. At least one of the steering spindle parts is rotatably mounted in a casing unit of the steering column. In the damping body, there is formed a cavity into which the casing unit can slide preferably in the event of a crash-induced deformation and/or displacement within the steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventor: Sebastian Huber
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Patent number: 8650983Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle, adjusting a position of a steering wheel in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, includes a main tube supported by the vehicle body and having a tubular shape, the main tube including an opening portion being closed in an axial direction of the main tube and extending in the axial direction, a telescopic tube supported by the main tube to be slidable within the main tube, a connecting member firmly attached to the telescopic tube to be movable within the opening portion along the axial direction of the main tube, a drive member connected to the connecting member, and a drive source driving the drive member to move the connecting member in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taichi Mizuno, Hidetoshi Inayoshi, Kazuhiro Maki, Morito Oshita
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Publication number: 20140007733Abstract: A steering system includes a column shaft that is supported by a column tube so that the column shaft is able to rotate. A male serration is formed in a lower end of a lower shaft of the column shaft in an axial direction. A universal joint connects the lower shaft with an intermediate shaft. A first portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a rotor of a steering angle sensor, and a second portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a first yoke of the universal joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji TANAKA, Yoshikazu RIKITAKE
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Patent number: 8364347Abstract: A small-size, highly-reliable left-right independent steering device is provided without having to make significant modifications to existing vehicles or to develop dedicated vehicles. The device includes tie rods linked to left and right front wheels and axially expandable and contractible by means of small-size telescopic mechanism portions defined by ball-screw-type linear actuators. Each telescopic mechanism portion mainly includes a main body to which a tie-rod end of the corresponding tie rod is fixed, and an electric motor serving as an actuator attached substantially perpendicularly to the main body. The other end of the tie rod is coupled to a steering rod and functions as a piston rod that can advance or recede in the axial direction by means of the telescopic mechanism portion. Thus, the telescopic mechanism portions are mountable within tire wheels at positions free of, for example, suspension arms and stabilizers located near the tie rods.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Tsukasaki, Masaru Kogure
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Publication number: 20120260759Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Tim Dilgard
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Patent number: 8266980Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first shaft coupled to a steering wheel, a second shaft arranged to be eccentric relative to the first shaft, and a joint mechanism for coupling the first shaft and the second shaft to each other. The joint mechanism includes a cam having a cam groove that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft, a cam follower that can slide in the cam groove, an eccentric pin for coupling the second shaft and the cam follower to each other at a position eccentric relative to the second shaft. An outer cylinder serving as a protective member is arranged concentrically with the eccentric pin, so as to surround the outer circumference of the eccentric pin. At least part of the eccentric pin and the outer cylinder is arranged in the cam groove.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignees: Jtekt Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomonari Yamakawa, Hajime Tanaka
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Patent number: 8220356Abstract: An anti-separation device for use with an isolator that couples a steering input shaft and a steering gear connector includes a retaining plate and a retaining formation. The retaining plate is coupled to the steering gear connector and is configured to displace with and torque with the steering gear connector. The retaining formation is coupled to the steering input shaft and is configured to displace with and torque with the steering input shaft. When the isolator fails and the steering input shaft displaces or rotates relative to the steering gear connector, the retaining plate limits the relative displacement or rotation of the retaining formation and couples the steering input shaft to the steering gear connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Jonathon J. Gerke, Wade A. Norden
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Publication number: 20110231059Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a handle with a tiller arm coupled to the handle via a flexible joint allowing relative movement of the handle about the tiller arm. A handle centering mechanism forming part of the steering mechanism includes a first end fixedly secured to the handle and a second end extending into a channel of the tiller arm. The second end compresses bumpers disposed on opposing sides of the second end. The bumpers urge the handle toward a neutral position wherein when a force is applied to move the handle away from a home position relative to the tiller arm, one of the compressed bumpers of the pair of compressed bumpers is further compressed. When the force is removed, the handle is returned to the home position by action of the pair of compressed bumpers. Preferably, the steering mechanism includes a torque sensing arrangement having a sensor and a magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Timothy T. Hanna, Richard M. Day, James M. McDonough, Jeffrey A. Coppola
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Publication number: 20110192250Abstract: Disclosed is a rack bar supporting device of a steering apparatus for a vehicle. The disclosed rack bar supporting device reduces the friction between a rack bar and a support yoke during the rack bar's linear motion interlocking with the operation of a steering wheel. Thus, the device can prevent free movement from increasing by reducing the wear of the support yoke, and can facilitate the restoration of the steering wheel by the reduction of the friction between the rack bar and the support yoke when a driver drives a vehicle in a forward direction after the operation of the steering wheel. Also, it is possible to prevent a noise from occurring caused by an increase of free movement when the support yoke collides with a yoke plug by an impact revelry input from an uneven road surface, etc. This provides a comfortable steering feeling to the driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventor: Jin Won CHUNG
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Publication number: 20110163526Abstract: A steering-force transmitting apparatus including (a) an operating-member-side shaft; (b) a turning-device-side shaft offset from the operating-member-side shaft; and (c) a rotation transmitting mechanism having (c-1) an axially protruding portion provided in one of the two shafts and (c-2) a radially extending groove provided in the other of the two shafts such that the axially protruding portion is engaged in the radially extending groove. The rotation transmitting mechanism is configured to change a rotational phase difference between the two shafts while causing one of the two shafts to be rotated by rotation of the other of the two shafts. An axially end portion of a main body portion of one of the two shafts and an axially end portion of the other of the two shafts overlap with each other in the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicants: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Jtekt CorporationInventors: Hajime Tanaka, Tomonari Yamakawa
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Publication number: 20110163525Abstract: A steering-force transmitting apparatus including: (a) an operating-member- side shaft; (b) a turning-device-side shaft offset from the operating-member- side shaft; and (c) a rotation transmitting mechanism having (c-1) an engaging portion provided in one of the two shafts and (c-2) a guide passage provided in the other of the two shafts such that the guide passage is held in engagement with the engaging portion. The rotation transmitting mechanism is configured to change a rotational phase difference between the two shafts while causing one of the two shafts to be rotated by rotation of the other of the two shafts. An axially end portion of a main body portion of one of the two shafts and an axially end portion of the other of the two shafts overlap with each other in the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenichiro Aoki
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Publication number: 20110095505Abstract: An exercise vehicle is provided with an improved push/pull rod steering system for use in directing vehicle travel and maintaining balance without interfering significantly with vehicle power. The vehicle includes a frame with an attached drive system that includes a drive wheel. The drive system includes arm levers operatively connected to the drive wheel so that counter-reciprocal movement of the arm levers produces rotation of the drive wheel. The steering system includes a guidance wheel rotatively coupled with the frame, a steering crank which is operatively coupled with the guidance wheel, hand levers pivotally attached to the arm levers and push/pull rod assemblies connecting the hand levers to the steering crank. When one hand lever pivots, the steering crank rotates, causing the guidance wheel to turn while simultaneously causing the other hand lever to pivot the opposite direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Steven Coe Heath
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Publication number: 20100218638Abstract: A transmission ratio variable mechanism is provided with: an input member and an output member capable of rotation about a first axis; an inner race for differentially rotatably coupling to each member; an outer race for rotatably supporting the inner race via a rolling element; and a transmission ratio variable mechanism-use electric motor for rotation-driving the outer race. A second axis which is a center line of the inner race and the outer race is inclined to the first axis. A first concave-convex engaging section for engaging one side end surface of the inner race and a power transmission surface of the input member corresponding to the one end surface are arranged. There is provided a second concave-convex engaging section for engaging the other end surface of the inner race and a power transmission surface of the output member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Akihiko Shiina, Masaki Nakaoka, Yasuaki Tsuji, Yasuhiro Saitou, Sunao Tsuchimochi, Hidetaka Otsuki, Tomonari Yamakawa
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Publication number: 20100000458Abstract: A steering shaft is rotatably supported on a body by a housing, and a slide portion having a handlebar attachment portion at the top is attached to the steering shaft. The rotational movement of a handlebar around the central axis of the steering shaft is regulated by a rotation regulating mechanism, while the axial translation of the handlebar is allowed. The steering shaft is provided with a plurality of grooves. A lock mechanism provided in the slide portion inserts a locking bar into any one of the grooves to regulate the axial translation of the slide portion. Owing to the shape of a link portion and a cam groove constituting the lock mechanism, the locking bar is not pulled, out of the groove by operations other than a release operation using a release lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicants: NHK TELEFLEX CORPORATION, YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Taishi OZAKI, Yoshiki Futaki
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Publication number: 20090249917Abstract: An anti-separation device for use with an isolator that couples a steering input shaft and a steering gear connector includes a retaining plate and a retaining formation. The retaining plate is coupled to the steering gear connector and is configured to displace with and torque with the steering gear connector. The retaining formation is coupled to the steering input shaft and is configured to displace with and torque with the steering input shaft. When the isolator fails and the steering input shaft displaces or rotates relative to the steering gear connector, the retaining plate limits the relative displacement or rotation of the retaining formation and couples the steering input shaft to the steering gear connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Jonathon J. Gerke, Wade A. Norden
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Publication number: 20090199674Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a steering system for mobile medical equipment includes left and right steerable wheel assemblies respectively with left and right steerable wheels. A left parallelogram linkage couples to the left steerable wheel assembly to transfer a left wheel angle to the left steerable wheel assembly. A right parallelogram linkage couples to the right steerable wheel assembly to transfer a right wheel angle to the right steerable wheel assembly. A steering function generator couples to the left parallelogram linkage and the right parallelogram linkage. The steering function generator generates the left wheel angle of the left steerable wheel and the right wheel angle of the right steerable wheel. A steering tiller couples to the steering function generator and receives an input steering angle from an operator to generate the left and right wheel angles to control the direction of the mobile medical equipment around flooring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Schena, Henry B. Hazebrouck
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Publication number: 20090203455Abstract: An extendable shaft (5), comprising an inner shaft (12) and a tubular outer shaft (13) fitted axially relatively movable so that a torque can be transmitted to each other. A plurality of balls (14) aligned are interposed between the corresponding raceway grooves (15, 16) of the inner shaft (12) and the outer shaft (13). Each of the raceway grooves (15, 16) has a predetermined cross section. As a result, the contact angle (A1) of the balls (14) to the raceway grooves (15, 16) is zero at no-load and can be gradually increased according to an increase in load torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2006Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Ryoichi Tokioka, Hiroji Ueda
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Publication number: 20090152781Abstract: A vibration-isolating device for a steering wheel of a travelling working vehicle equipped with a wheel steering mechanism includes a first steering shaft (32) that transmits rotational displacement, the first steering shaft being operatively connected to the steering wheel (7); a second steering shaft (33) that transmits rotational displacement, the second steering shaft being operatively connected to the wheel steering mechanism (P, 23); and a vibration-isolating connecting mechanism (31) that operatively connects the first steering shaft (32) and the second steering shaft (33) to each other so that rotational displacement can be transmitted. When the angles of rotational displacement of the first steering shaft (32) and the second steering shaft (33) are within ranges of rotation angles for linearly driving the vehicle, rotational displacement cannot be transmitted between the first steering shaft (32) and the second steering shaft (33).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Kubota CorporationInventors: Nobuyuki Yoshii, Kiyoshige Maezawa, Tadashi Nakamura, Hiroki Fukudome
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Publication number: 20090095115Abstract: A Steering Mechanism for a Push and Pull Vehicle is to provide a solid turning, fast reaction steering feeling as a regular bicycle steering function, by handlebar turning left or right while still be able to use pulling or pushing action to power a vehicle forward. It contains handlebar at top of swing pole, a turning sleeve on a swing arm to hold swing pole, a frame supported U-joint bearing holds a U-joint which steer vehicle direction, and said swing arm contains a pivot support on vehicle frame and output to drive vehicle forward. So said handlebar is able to swing back and forth on swing arm pivot support to drive vehicle forward and turn left and right on said turning sleeve for steering directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: Rocky Jenlon Lee
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Publication number: 20080314190Abstract: A telescopic shaft for steering vehicle includes: an inner shaft and a tubular outer shaft fitted with each other; at least three pairs of axial grooves formed on an outer periphery of the inner shaft and an inner periphery of the outer shaft; a rigid coupling element for rigidly connecting the inner shaft and the outer shaft in a circumferential direction of the inner shaft when a relative phase of the inner shaft and the outer shaft with respect to the circumferential direction exceeds a predetermined range; and a plurality of elongate resin rods as elastic coupling elements for elastically connecting the inner shaft and the outer shaft in the circumferential direction when the relative phase is in the predetermined range. Each of the plural resin rods is formed with a groove. A section of the groove is shaped like U opening toward the outside in a radial direction of the inner shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicants: JTEKT Corporation, HIRUTA KOGYO CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoto Miyawaki, Koji Yoshioka, Shunichi Ohtsuki
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Patent number: 7322607Abstract: A telescopic shaft for steering of a vehicle is assembled in a steering shaft and includes a male shaft and a female shaft that are so fitted as not to be rotatable but to be slidable. Rolling members are fitted through an elastic body for pre-load between at least a pair of axially-extending grooves formed in an outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in an inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. A slide member is fitted in between at least another pair of axially-extending grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. When a steering toque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, the elastic body for the pre-load exhibits a low rigidity characteristic as the elastic body performs pre-load action. When the steering torque is equal to or larger than the predetermined level, the slide member exhibits a high rigidity characteristic as the slide member engages with the pair of axially extending grooves.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Yamada, Akihiro Shoda, Atsushi Ozawa, Kinji Yukawa, Takatsugu Yamada
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Publication number: 20070144300Abstract: Prevention of movement of the rotational center of a spherical member provided at one end of a rotary shaft is achieved with an inexpensive structure. A universal joint is equipped with a rotary shaft 21 having a spherical member 22 provided at one end and having a pair of shafts 24 provided on the diameter line of the spherical member 22; and a rotating body 26 having guide grooves 28 formed therein for receiving the shafts of the rotary shaft, and a holding cage 27 formed therein for trapping the spherical member 22, the spherical member rotating about the axis of the shafts and also rotating while tilting the shafts along the guide grooves. Raised portions 30 are provided in the holding cage for preventing the spherical member from falling out of position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: Mitsuya Laboratories Inc.Inventor: Toshio Furusawa
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Patent number: 6981430Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus includes a column bracket secured to a steering column; and a fixing bracket secured to a vehicle body. The column bracket includes a top plate and a pair of side plates. The fixing bracket supports the column bracket via a support shaft. A support-shaft through hole formed in each of the side plates of the column bracket includes a slot extended along a longitudinal direction of the steering column. A resilient member is interposed between the top plate of the column bracket and a confronting portion of the support shaft. The resilient member biases the support shaft along a predetermined biasing direction to restrict play of the support shaft in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Murakami, Hiroaki Shinto, Shuzo Hirakushi
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Patent number: 6634251Abstract: A strength-saving steering mechanism for bicycles includes a H-shaped tube with a vertical insert pipe deposed at the inner end of a bar pipe of the H-shape tube. The vertical insert pipe is inserted in one upper end of a steering shaft pipe, which connects to a front wheel. The H-shaped tube is further equipped with a hollow vertical pipe and connected pivotally to an inside tube through an upper and a lower bearing. A vertical handle rod is inserted internally in one upper end of the inside tube and a positioning block is connected to one lower end of the inside tube. The steering shaft pipe is driven by a horizontal handle rod via the vertical handle rod and the connecting rod. Ratios of turning angles of the horizontal handle rod and the vertical handle rod exist for saving the strength.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Tseng-Hsien Chen
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Patent number: 6523635Abstract: A vehicle has a pair of opposite drive wheels driven by a dual path hydrostatic transmission. Steering and speed/direction controls are effected by changing the displacement and/or direction of fluid flow through the pair of reversible, variable displacement pumps that are respectively coupled to fixed displacement ground wheel drive motors. The control mechanism for accomplishing steering and/or speed/direction control includes a steering rack that is caused to pivot about a fixed post in response to steering wheel movement. A first crank arm is coupled for pivoting in concert with the rack and a second crank arm is coupled for pivoting in concert with a pivot plate about a second axis, the pivot plate having a pair of connection points respectively coupled to control arms of the pair of pumps by a pair of pump control rods. The pivotal motion of the steering rack is transmitted to the pivot plate by a tie-rod coupled between the first and second crank arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Robert James Johnston, Thomas Daryl Bebernes
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Patent number: 6428236Abstract: An expansion shaft includes a first and a second shaft section aligned on the same axis. The second shaft section is inserted in a fit hole of the first shaft section while both the shaft sections are interconnected via a spline or serration. A resilient member is provided which possesses a single snap ring of C-shape fitted on a thin shaft portion of the second shaft section. An arm is axially extended from the snap ring. The arm resiliently presses against an inner circumferential surface of the fit hole for preventing the shaft sections from radially vibrating relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Aota, Takayoshi Hashimoto, Junya Watanabe, Shuuzou Hirakushi
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Publication number: 20010006284Abstract: A steering and control system is disclosed which includes a steering wheel that not only allows for the operator to accomplish the steering of a vehicle, but also allows the operator to merely exert a force on the steering to control the braking mechanism of a vehicle. The steering wheel, acting as a unitary device for controlling two of the principal operations of a vehicle, provides the operator with improved handling capabilities and does so without the operator needing to use his/her feet which makes the control system of the vehicle particularly suited for handicapped individuals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventor: Roy Sebazco
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Patent number: 6202501Abstract: A steering apparatus with excellent operability, which is especially excellent in minute steering operability, is provided. For this purpose, the apparatus includes a steering operation shaft (6) rotating almost horizontally, and a lever (3) which is coupled to the steering operation shaft (6), separated by a predetermined horizontal distance from the steering operation shaft (6), and which turns almost horizontally to rotate the steering operation shaft (6).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Masanori Ikari
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Patent number: 6203038Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle steering mechanism having a variable transmission ratio, and a steering gear designed for such a steering mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Wandfluh Automotive AGInventor: Ernst Bernhard
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Patent number: 6170354Abstract: A steering mechanism and associated gearbox is disclosed for a toy car or other small motorized vehicle. The steering mechanism comprises a steering arm, collar, return spring and an alignment adjustor. These components are externally mounted on a gear box and motor that allow remote control of the steering mechanism, and the wheels controlled by the steering mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: New Bright Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keung Lee
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Patent number: 6167775Abstract: A system which includes a steering that not only allows the operator to accomplish the steering of a vehicle, but also allows the operator to merely exert a force on the steering to control the braking mechanism of a vehicle. The steering, acting as a unitary device for controlling two of the principal operations of a vehicle, provides the operator with improved handling capabilities and does so without the operator needing to use his/her feet which makes the control system of the vehicle particularly suited for handicapped individuals.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Roy Sebazco
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Patent number: 6026704Abstract: A steering shaft includes: an outer shaft having an inner splined portion; an inner shaft having a shaft portion and an outer splined portion which are arranged continuously along an axial direction; a retaining portion formed on at least one of the outer splined portion and the shaft portion; a sliding coupling section formed by a coupling portion of the outer shaft and a coupling portion of the inner shaft so as to allow the outer shaft and the inner shaft to be telescopically slidable in the axial direction relative to each other by splines; and a sliding resin member which is filled in a space formed in the sliding coupling section between an opening portion of the outer shaft and the retaining portion of the inner shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yamada SeisakushoInventors: Kenji Shibata, Mitsuo Hoshino, Katuhiko Fujita, Hitoshi Matsumoto
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Patent number: 6003401Abstract: A self-propelled floor covering scraper machine including a frame having front and back ends, two independently controllable wheels, mounted on each side toward the back end of the frame, mechanisms for independently driving each wheel in either a forward or reverse direction, a control mechanism for steering the machine, engaging the driving mechanisms, and controlling the forward and reverse movement of each wheel, and a scraper blade mounted to the front end of the frame at an angle extending downward and forward. The adjustable scraper blade assembly includes a blade bracket, a generally flat scraper blade attachable to the blade bracket, and a shock absorber for the blade during use. The mechanism for controlling the steering and the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle uses a horizontal crossbar rotatably connected at each end to a support on the vehicle. The crossbar's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the forward motion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Marcor Management, Inc.Inventor: Mark C. Smith
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Patent number: 5957497Abstract: A device for steering a wheel assembly in a riding mower has a steering sprocket nonrotatably connected to a rotatable steering column and a transmission chain which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket and extends over the steering sprocket and forms, on both sides of the steering sprocket, a rectilinear chain run. Two deflecting wheels arranged on both sides of the steering sprocket are positioned in a deflecting wheel plane turned around the respective chain run lines relative to the plane of the steering sprocket. Each of two transmission chains, which extend over the respective deflecting wheels between the free end of the respective chain runs and the wheel assembly, is, between the steering sprocket and the respective deflecting wheels, coupled by way of a link element to the chain, which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket, so as to form a straight line with the chain.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Stiga ABInventors: Soren Johansson, Erland Wikner
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Patent number: 5951031Abstract: A steering-wheel lock mechanism is provided at a position in which a driver can easily operate the lock mechanism in a cable-type steering device, and prevents a large load from being applied to Bowden wires. Bowden wires, wound around and fixed to a driving pulley mounted in a rotary shaft of a steering wheel, are connected to a steering gear box. A cylinder lock operated by an ignition key is mounted on a driving-pulley housing having the driving pulley accommodated therein. By bringing a lock pin protruding from the cylinder lock, operated to a lock position, into engagement into a lock bore in the driving pulley, the rotation of the driving pulley is inhibited to lock the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Hiroshi Tabata, Shigeki Ehara
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Patent number: 5830313Abstract: A self-propelled floor covering scraper machine including a frame having front and back ends, two independently controllable wheels, mounted on each side toward the back end of the frame, mechanisms for independently driving each wheel in either a forward or reverse direction, a control mechanism for steering the machine, engaging the driving mechanisms, and controlling the forward and reverse movement of each wheel, and a scraper blade mounted to the front end of the frame at an angle extending downward and forward. The adjustable scraper blade assembly includes a blade bracket, a generally flat scraper blade attachable to the blade bracket, and a shock absorber for the blade during use. The mechanism for controlling the steering and the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle uses a horizontal crossbar rotatably connected at each end to a support on the vehicle. The crossbar's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the forward motion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: MARCOR Management, Inc.Inventor: Mark C. Smith
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Patent number: 5613572Abstract: A rack steering system for motor vehicles has inner track rod joints which are offset transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rack. The inner track rod joints are arranged on separate deflection levers which are, in turn, drive-connected to a central tap-off connection of the rack by connecting struts.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1996Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventor: Wolfgang Moedinger