Constant Tension Sustaining Patents (Class 74/501.5R)
  • Patent number: 8967018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the automatic adjustment of the pretension of a pulling element (10, 11) in particular a cable, comprising an elasticity element (50) acting on a first mounting means (20) for a first section (10) of the pulling element for increasing the pre-tension, a second mounting means (30) for a second section (11) of the pulling element, threads (70, 70?, 71) arranged at the first mounting means which interact with a spindle (40, 40?) so that a change of the distance between the first mounting means (20) and the second mounting means (30) causes a rotation of the spindle (40) or the threads (70), and blocking elements (36, 45; 236, 245), which are arranged such that they block a rotation of the spindle or the threads (70), respectively, when the pulling element is under pulling load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventors: Jaume Prat Terrades, Jordi Jornet Vidal, Albert Planas Girona
  • Patent number: 8671797
    Abstract: Device for automatic adjustment of tension applied to a control cable has a container element, a first sliding element sliding in the container element, a second sliding element sliding in the first sliding element and connected to a duct of a control cable. A sphere for constraining the translation of the sliding elements is in the container, housed in a seating formed in the first sliding element and having at least one lower portion in contact with the second sliding element and at least one upper portion that can contact the container, there being also provided a first operating on the first sliding element and a second helical spring operating on the second sliding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Meccanica Finnord S.p.A.
    Inventor: Eugenio Piccinali
  • Publication number: 20130263687
    Abstract: An automatic tensioning device for a parking brake actuator that according to one implementation includes a support, a first regulating element, and a second regulating element movable with respect to the support between a rest position and a block position. The second regulating element includes an inner thread, a first stop surface for contacting the support, and at least one stop for contacting the support and/or the first regulating element. In the rest position, the first regulating element is moved with respect to the second regulating element by means of rotation of the second regulating element when the first stop surface contacts a first stop surface of the support. In the block position, the stop blocks the rotation of the second regulating element with respect to the first regulating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: BATZ, S.COOP.
    Inventor: Fernando BURGUERA ALBIZURI
  • Patent number: 8215202
    Abstract: An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl
  • Publication number: 20110100149
    Abstract: Device for automatic adjustment of tension applied to a control cable, comprising a container element, a first sliding element, sliding in said container element, a second sliding element, sliding in said sliding element, said sliding element being connected to a duct of a control cable, wherein means are provided for constraining the translation of said sliding elements in the container, characterized in that said means include at least one ball housed in a seating formed in the sliding element, said ball having at least one lower portion in contact with said sliding element and at least one upper portion that can contact said container, first elastic means operating on the first sliding element and second elastic means operating on the second sliding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Eugenio Piccinali
  • Publication number: 20110030497
    Abstract: In another particular embodiment, a parking brake assembly is provided and includes a parking brake lever, a first locking member that is connectable to the parking brake cable, a second locking member and a spring. The parking brake lever is operatively connected to the second locking member for movement between a locking position wherein the second locking member engages the first locking member and locks the first locking member for movement with the parking brake lever in a first direction, and an unlocking position wherein the second locking member unlocks the first locking member from the parking brake lever during movement of the parking brake lever in the first direction. The spring is positioned to apply a tensioning force to the parking brake cable and is positioned to bias the second locking member towards the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Nebojsa Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 7866229
    Abstract: An automatic length compensating device (30) for a flexible cable transmission (8) having a core (12) sliding inside a sheath (10). The device (30) has a first and a second member (31, 32) inserted at least partly one inside the other in a predetermined direction (B) and defining, in that direction (B), respective through seats (33, 34) fitted through with the core (12) of the transmission (8); elastic means (35) interposed between the first and second member (31, 32), and which provide for increasing mutual withdrawal of the first and second member (31, 32); and releasable locking means (50) defining a number of mutually engaged positions of the first and second member (31, 32) corresponding to different extensions of the device (30) in the aforementioned direction (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo Casalini, Alessandro Carli
  • Patent number: 7841257
    Abstract: A compensator for cables includes a housing and a spring wrapped around inside the housing to form a loop. An inner strand of a Bowden cable or the like extends through the coil spring, and thereby forms a loop. The looped configuration of the coil spring provides a higher effective spring constant, and thereby permits a smaller coil spring to be used. The dimensions of the compensator can also be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl
  • Patent number: 7806021
    Abstract: A control cable adjustment device for adjusting a control cable extending between a control mechanism and an operating mechanism. The adjustment device includes an adjuster rotatably connected to a housing of the control mechanism and a spring element having at least one retention segment. The retention segment engages a detent contour of the adjuster to retain the adjuster in its current position. Another segment of the spring element may have a second function as a return spring for a gear shifter or a brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20100192721
    Abstract: The improved pull-pull cable assembly includes a self-adjusting tensioning assembly for taking up any additional cable length gained relative to the sheathing length when the pull-pull pulley assembly is bent or looped. The self-adjusting tensioning assembly is contained within the interior compartment of one of the two pulleys and includes a biasing member simultaneously urging the first and second ends of the cable across the center of the pulley, thereby pulling or taking-up any relative increase in cable length into the interior compartment to maintain proper cable tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Goupil, JR., William F. Rausch, Mark W. Stevenson, Daniel McCutcheon
  • Publication number: 20100089195
    Abstract: A remote control assembly having a conduit and a core element slidably disposed in the conduit. An adjustment device is selectively connected to one of the conduit and the core element for adjusting an effective length thereof. The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing and a slider. A locking element, having locking teeth, engages with slider teeth of the slider. The locking element defines a cavity for allowing insertion of a tool to facilitate movement of the locking element from a locked position to an unlocked position. Also, a cover is slidably supported on the housing and the cover includes a detent to further facilitate movement of the locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: KONGSBERG DRIVELINE SYSTEMS III PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Harry Edward Koontz, John William Harrison, Joseph Matthew Laperriere, III
  • Publication number: 20100071498
    Abstract: A cable operating mechanism is basically provided with a fixed member, a wire takeup member, a wire pulling member and a movement transmission member. The wire takeup member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member about a first pivot axis to move between a plurality of predetermined wire positions. The wire takeup member includes a wire attachment part. The wire pulling member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member. The movement transmission member is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed member about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. The movement transmission member is operatively coupled to the wire pulling member and the wire takeup member such that a movement of the wire pulling member is transmitted to the wire takeup member via the movement transmission member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya KAWAKAMI
  • Patent number: 7669501
    Abstract: A device for automatically compensating the length of cables comprises a length-variable receiving element (1, 3, 4) for a section of a pulling means (5), a spring element (2) for applying a tensile force on the received pulling means (5) and a locking element (4), which is rotatable relative to a section of the receiving element (1, 3) about an axis that agrees substantially with the axis of the pulling means, wherein the relative motions of two sections of the receiving device (3, 4) intended to bring about the length variations are coupled to the rotational motion of the locking element (4) by means of mechanical devices (311, 421) with clearance and detent elements (15, 43) substantially block the rotation of the locking element (4) in a direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Hendrik Rothe
  • Patent number: 7640825
    Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Patrick Basile, Charles Haase
  • Publication number: 20090314122
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for adjusting the tension of a cable used in a parking brake and a parking brake apparatus using the apparatus. The apparatus for automatically adjusting the tension of a cable in a parking brake includes: a rod which includes saw teeth in a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof and has an end connected to the cable; an elastic member which, when the cable is loosened, moves the rod with an expansive force thereof to stretch the cable; and a pawl which engages with the saw teeth of the rod to hinder the rod from moving in a direction that contracts the stretched cable; wherein the elastic member provides the expansive force to the rod, and the rod is moved by the expansive force to stretch the cable, thereby maintaining the tension of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SL Corporation
    Inventors: Sug-Jun Youn, Hee-Gon Lee
  • Publication number: 20090100958
    Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Basile, Charles Haase
  • Patent number: 7481131
    Abstract: A control cable adjustment device for adjusting a control cable extending between a control mechanism and an operating mechanism. The adjustment device includes an adjuster rotatably connected to a housing of the control mechanism and a spring element having at least one retention segment. The retention segment engages a detent contour of the adjuster to retain the adjuster in its current position. Another segment of the spring element may have a second function as a return spring for a gear shifter or a brake lever. However, if the spring element does not serve a dual purpose, the spring element has a support segment that is braced against an existing control cable insertion opening in the housing of the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 7469617
    Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Basile, Charles Haase
  • Publication number: 20080302201
    Abstract: A compensator for cables includes a housing and a spring wrapped around inside the housing to form a loop. An inner strand of a Bowden cable or the like extends through the coil spring, and thereby forms a loop. The looped configuration of the coil spring provides a higher effective spring constant, and thereby permits a smaller coil spring to be used. The dimensions of the compensator can also be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the compensator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl
  • Publication number: 20080250892
    Abstract: Automotive push-pull type transmission shift cable assemblies are disclosed that meet new specifications for extended performance at high temperatures, including certain embodiments suitable for use at elevated temperatures of at least 165° C. The cable comprises a conduit and a core wire extending through the ends of the conduit to a shifter end portion and transmission end portion. The transmission end portion comprises a core wire length adjuster and a conduit end fitting. The core wire length adjuster comprises a core wire adjuster isolator and a retainer cap. At least certain embodiments of the transmission shift cable assemblies pass one or a combination of the following tests: a. Lash 200,000 Cycles Test, b. Attachment Pin Installation 200,000 Cycles Test, c. Attachment Pin Extraction 200,000 Cycles Test, and d. Cable Efficiency Test e. In-Vehicle Routing 165° C. Cable Strength Test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Gene Gordy, Kent Birt
  • Publication number: 20080141818
    Abstract: A brake actuator for the actuation of a mechanical brake of a motor vehicle having at least one output device. The output device is made for the tightening of a pulling means engaging at the brake, with the pulling means cooperating with the output device at an effective pivot point for each rotary position of the output device. The output device has a design such that, on a rotation of the output device at a constant angular speed, the pulling means experiences a variable tightening speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Werner Schadler
  • Patent number: 7059212
    Abstract: An arrestable tensioning device 10, in particular for a parking brake system, is described. The tensioning device 10 comprises an actuating device 20, a tensioning element 40 coupled to the actuating device 20 for executing a tensioning motion, and a releasable arresting device 60 for the tensioning element 40. The arresting device 60 has a first contour 70 coupled to the tensioning element 40, as well as an arresting element 66, which for arresting the tensioning element 40 interacts with the first contour 70, i.e. for example, is brought into engagement with the first contour 70. A lagging element 64 is provided, which upon a reversal of motion of the first contour 70 follows on after a time delay and in said case is movable relative to the first contour 70 back and forth between a first relative position enabling e.g. an engagement of the arresting element 66 into the first contour 70 and a second relative position preventing an engagement of the arresting element 66 into the first contour 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Johann Von Der Heide
  • Patent number: 6957596
    Abstract: A braking actuator for an ergonomic support is connected thereto by a Bowden cable. The actuator has a housing with pin slots, friction surfaces and a mount for a disk axle. A disk has frictional surfaces, holes with pin load edges, a Bowden cable wire seat that holds the Bowden cable end and an axle that is supported by the mount in the housing. The friction surfaces of the disk and housing engage each other to brake the actuator and the ergonomic support. A lever having pins is disposed on the housing such that the pins extend through the pin slots to engage the holes in the disk. Turning the lever disengages the friction surfaces and rotates the disk, thereby moving the ergonomic support. Releasing the lever engages the frictional surfaces such that movement of the ergonomic support is braked at a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert Kopetzky, Richard Frank
  • Patent number: 6945133
    Abstract: A speed control system and method of assembling such a system for a power equipment vehicle such as a lawn mower. The speed control system comprises a speed control bail that pivots with respect to the vehicle handle bar, a pivot rod, and a cover. In order to increase the speed of the vehicle the operator pushes the speed control bail in the forward direction and in order to decrease the speed of the vehicle the operator pulls the bail in the backward direction. Assembly of the system on to the vehicle handle bar does not require the use of hand held or power tools thereby reducing manufacturing time and ultimately reducing production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Rush, Jeffery R. Kucera, Dennis Fowler
  • Patent number: 6820516
    Abstract: In an adjusting device for wheel brake cables of a manually-operated parking brake, said cables are held in a yoke and are connected by means of the deflection element to a cable, which is fastened to a foot pedal for actuation. Through the intermediary of an adjustable compensating element, the yoke is braced by means of a spring element against a bracing member on a pull rod. The compensating element can be fixed by means of a setscrew in different inclined positions in relation to the bracing member; and, corresponding to this bracing member, the compensating element can be displaced on the pull rod and can be fixed on the pull rod by means of a threaded nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Edgar Grundke
  • Patent number: 6477915
    Abstract: A tension device for cables, in particular for the handbrake cable of automobile vehicles. It includes a simple mechanism with a cable finishing part (10) with a spherical end (5) that can become wedged between a disc (4) and a bowl (3) mounted on a bushing (7) on which the brake lever (9) also turns. This lever includes a ratchet (1) that travels along a toothed portion (12) of the disc (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Batz S. Coop
    Inventor: Rafael Etxebarrena Allende
  • Patent number: 6349613
    Abstract: A push-pull control cable device for automatically setting same in standby or a cancel mode. The device has an outer casing tube on which a tubular cap has an end fixed stationary relative thereto. An inner cable extends longitudinally guided through the tubular cap and into the device's outer casing tube for transmission of a desired control force. A member slidable axially in the tubular casing is disposed adjacent an opposite end thereof and has a reduced diameter tubular portion extending axially from the tubular cap. Inner cable extends through an opening in the slidable member and has terminal end extending into the tubular portion. A terminal block fixed to the terminal end is slidable in the tubular portion. An intermediate block slidable in the tubular cap is fixed to the inner cable spaced axially from the slidable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Chuouhatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Tsuge, Yoshio Misaki
  • Patent number: 6324936
    Abstract: A cantilevered leaf spring is formed at its proximal end to the housing of a power equipment unit. The distal end of the spring carries a bushing which engages a control cable for operating components of the unit. The proximal end of the spring is adjustably secured to the housing to impart a desired spring force to the cable so as to remove slack therefrom and to properly tension the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Murray, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Harrington
  • Patent number: 6279415
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 for providing tension in a cable 12. Apparatus 10 includes a generally cylindrical housing 14, movable member 16 which is slidably disposed within housing 14 and a member 18 which is slidably disposed within member 16 and housing 14. Assembly 10 further includes a conventional spring or compression member 20 which is conventionally and operatively coupled to members 16 and 18, and is effective to impart opposing forces upon member 16 and member 18, thereby providing tension within cable 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Chance, Christopher Patrick Nolan, Celine Anne-Alice Verrier
  • Patent number: 6244129
    Abstract: A regulator (27) automatically adjusts a drive cable (3, 4) or Bowden cable (15) to drive a vehicle brake by means of a drive element such as a brake lever or a handbrake lever (21), the regulator (27) comprising two pivotally supported resetting arms (1, 9) prestressed by at least one spring element (13) and which can be connected each to the drive cable (3, 4) resp. leading to the brakes, further comprising a blocking system (28) to block the pivoting motion about a common pivot axis (19) of the resetting arms (1, 9) in case of actuation of the drive element coupled by a Bowden cable (15) to the resetting arms (1, 9). At least one guidance inset (7) is seated in irrotational manner in a clearance (5) of a resetting arm (1) as a pivot bearing for the other resetting arm (9), the latter being supported at the guidance inset (7) so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis (19) and the blocking system (28) is supported at or in the guide inset (7) so as to be radially displaceable about the pivot axis (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Kuster & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Krug, Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6223621
    Abstract: A brake operating device having a brake lever pivotally attached to a mounting bracket secured to a handlebar, the brake lever rotatable about a rotation axis that is offset from the pivot axis, and a transmission mechanism for converting a rotational force applied to the brake lever into a rectilinear force drawing the brake lever toward the handlebar. The transmission mechanism and brake lever configured to force rotation about the rotation axis in response to rotation of the brake lever about the pivot axis, the resulting compound motion of the brake lever following the natural arched motion of the rider's fingers during lever actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sram Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin F. Wesling, Kent A. Solberg, Brian T. Jordan, John D. Cheever, David J. Zimberoff
  • Patent number: RE40760
    Abstract: A regulator (27) automatically adjusts a drive cable (3, 4) or Bowden cable (15) to drive a vehicle brake by means of a drive element such as a brake lever or a handbrake lever (21), the regulator (27) comprising two pivotally supported resetting arms (1, 9) prestressed by at least one spring element (13) and which can be connected each to the drive cable (3, 4) resp. leading to the brakes, further comprising a blocking system (28) to block the pivoting motion about a common pivot axis (19) of the resetting arms (1, 9) in case of actuation of the drive element coupled by a Bowden cable (15) to the resetting arms (1, 9). At least one guidance inset (7) is seated in irrotational manner in a clearance (5) of a resetting arm (1) as a pivot bearing for the other resetting arm (9), the latter being supported at the guidance inset (7) so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis (19) and the blocking system (28) is supported at or in the guide inset (7) so as to be radially displaceable about the pivot axis (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Kuster & Co., GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Krug, Thomas Schmidt