And Hand Operator Patents (Class 74/501.6)
  • Publication number: 20120180595
    Abstract: A handle apparatus utilized for actuating mechanisms with a pair of parallel cables detects a cable out condition, and prevents further activation of the actuated mechanism. The apparatus has a yoke mechanism which is pivotally attached to an activation rod, which in turn is connected to an activation handle. The yoke mechanism has a first side and a second side, with one of the cables attached to the first side and the other cable attached to the second side. The yoke mechanism has a first stop member attached to the first side of the yoke mechanism and a second stop member attached to the second side of the yoke mechanism. The apparatus has stationary shoulders which are placed such that the stationary shoulders will engage the stop members if either cable fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Zeljko Baic
  • Patent number: 8205723
    Abstract: A brake apparatus for carts with three or more wheels such as golf bag carts, baby strollers and the like includes a hand brake control assembly fixed on the cart frame and having a body and a lug in pinned connection with the body. Brake activation can be done through a pull on the lug. On the other hand, brake release is achieved by pressing springy pushbuttons on both sides of the lug to escape the clipping pin from the indent. A brake pole set, fixed on a rear wheel axle tube, is capable of offering a buffer mechanism, which avoids potential destruction to the wheel. A brake wire enables easy operation and achieves an automatic lock during braking, which substantially prevents the lapse of releasing the brake by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 8186243
    Abstract: In this throttle control device, the device body secured to a steering wheel is provided with a throttle lever for pulling a control cable and the cover is attached to the upper part of the device body. The throttle control device includes a protruded rim that is formed on one of the outer surfaces of the upper both side walls of the device body and the inner surfaces of both side parts of the cover, a recessed groove capable of slidably engaging with the rim is slantingly formed in the other, the protruded rim is engaged with the recessed groove and slid, and the cover is locked to the device body at its slid end whereby the cover is fixed onto the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Starting Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Horikoshi, Hiroki Kato
  • Publication number: 20120118088
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for guiding an instrument. The system may include a frame and a bearing assembly supported by the frame. The bearing assembly may include an outer tubular member supported by the frame and including a proximal end and a distal end. The bearing assembly may also include a bearing at least partially disposed within at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the outer tubular member. The channel may extend through the outer tubular member and the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Smith, Gary Kappel, Barry Weitzner, John Golden, Erin Daly
  • Patent number: 8136423
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes: an output gear, a pinion, a drive shaft, a housing, and a spring. The output gear is adapted to receive a traction element. The pinion is in driving communication with the output gear. The drive shaft is interconnected with the pinion. The housing is adapted to receive the output gear and the drive shaft. The coil spring is circumjacent the drive shaft and located in a position intermediate the drive shaft and the housing, whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the coil spring to frictionally disengage from the housing such that the output gear may rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Publication number: 20120024104
    Abstract: In one implementation a parking brake drive unit for a vehicle is provided that includes a main lever assembled in a pivoting manner on a support; a pivoting catch member on the main lever that includes engagement means adapted to engage a fixed geared sector, a button assembled on the main lever and connected to a rod that is adapted to move the catch member to disengage the engagement means from the geared sector when the button is operated; and an electrically activated locking device that operates to immobilize the rod when the locking device is electrically de-activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: BATZ, S.COOP.
    Inventors: Palacio Argüelles Joseba, Revilla Mozas Alexander
  • Patent number: 8100032
    Abstract: A cable adjustment device for a Bowden cable having a control cable displaceable within a cable casing for a bicycle component. The adjustment device includes a guide element axially and rotationally fixed to the bicycle component and has a control cable bore therethrough. An adjustment element is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable in the guide element. The adjustment element has an abutment for engaging the cable casing. The adjustment device also includes an actuation element. The adjustment element is threadably coupled relative to the actuation element for converting the rotational movement of the actuation element into the axial movement of the adjustment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Boehm
  • Publication number: 20110315467
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle having an accelerator operator includes an accelerator operation amount detecting unit connected to a second end portion of an accelerator cable having a first end portion connected to the accelerator operator, the accelerator operation amount detecting unit is disposed at a location less susceptible to the effect from an external force and steering of the steering handlebar with a space to permit removal of screws and other parts that may be dropped during the assembly process. An accelerator operation amount detecting unit includes a rotatable member connected to an accelerator cable so as to be rotated according to displacement of the accelerator cable and a cover plate extending in a longitudinal direction to cover the rotatable member from an upward direction. The accelerator operation amount detecting unit is disposed near a head pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo SHINDE, Keiichiro NIIZUMA, Masato TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8082819
    Abstract: A finger throttle for motorized vehicles having thumb throttles with thumb operated levers. The finger throttle includes a housing, a linkage assembly, and a finger operated lever. The housing is configured to mount on the thumb throttle housing and the linkage assembly is configured to engage the thumb throttle linkage assembly. The finger operated lever is linked to the linkage assembly such that moving the finger operated lever moves the linkage assembly, which in turn moves the thumb throttle linkage assembly. The operator can use the finger operated lever or the thumb operated lever to control the engine speed or can use both levers concurrently to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jeff A. Case, Wallace Day
  • Patent number: 8069749
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a bicycle comprises an output transmission member that moves to at least a first output position and a second output position, a position maintaining mechanism, and a release control mechanism. The position maintaining mechanism includes a position maintaining member that moves between a position maintaining position and a position release position, wherein the position maintaining position maintains the output transmission member in one of the first output position and the second output position. The position release position allows the output transmission member to move toward the other one of the first output position and the second output position. The release control mechanism includes a release member that moves between a first release member position and a second release member position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Toshio Tetsuka, Tetsuya Hino
  • Patent number: 8051743
    Abstract: A throttle control device for a hand held tool, such as a chain saw, is provided. The tool is provided with a forwardly extending wire for transmitting a motion from a throttle control lever turnably arranged about a first axis to a throttle valve. One end of the wire is secured to a wire arm that is turnably arranged about a second axis. The wire arm is provided with one or several teeth cooperating with the throttle control lever and the second axis is arranged behind the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Stefan Kullberg, Roger Rogersten, Pär Martinsson, Oskar Bergquist
  • Patent number: 8042428
    Abstract: An operation cable has an operational structure in which an inner member inserted into a tubular outer member is pulled from a lower end side thereof. The operation cable having a double layer structure is axially connected to a double layer cable that is constructed from a stay of a headrest and a push rod inserted into the tubular stay. In particular, the stay is inserted into a support positioned on an upper portion of the seat back, a lower end of the stay and an upper end of the inner member are axially connected to each other, so that a lower end of the push rod in the tubular stay and a head portion of the outer member are positioned closer to each other. As a result, the push rod can be pushed by the head portion of the outer member when the operation cable is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Shimizu, Atsuki Sasaki, Seiya Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8028601
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a support structure, a take-up unit and a shift positioning mechanism. The support structure has an inner wire fixing part. The take-up unit includes a rotating body mounted on the support structure to rotate about a first axis, and an inner wire routing pulley mounted on the rotating body to move with the rotating body about the first axis and to rotate independently of the rotating body about a second axis that is offset from the first axis of the rotating body. The shift positioning mechanism is operatively coupled to the take-up unit to selectively hold the take-up unit in one of a plurality of shift positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 8011269
    Abstract: An actuator has a rotatable input member coupled to a drive member such that rotation of the rotatable input member under an input load causes rotation of the drive member on a first axis. The drive member is coupled to a driven member such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the driven member on a second axis which is laterally offset from the first axis. A coupling between the drive member and the driven member is arranged to provide a rotational reduction from the drive member to the driven member. The driven member is arranged for connection to a wire of a Bowden cable having a sleeve seatable in relation to a housing for the actuator such that rotation of the driven member causes extension or retraction of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Capro Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew James Elliot, Wayne Andrew Harris
  • Publication number: 20110207999
    Abstract: A torque transmission device is a steerable device for an endoscope, and includes a first link element having a first guide lumen. A second link element is disposed at a distal end of the first link element in a longitudinal axis direction, and has a second guide lumen. A control wire is disposed through the first and second guide lumens movably in the longitudinal axis direction. A pivot mechanism couples the first link element to the second link element in a rotatable manner about a pivot axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction. The control wire through the first and second guide lumens extends in a coplanar manner with the pivot axis and crosswise thereto. Preferably, there is a flexible section having the first and second link elements. A steering unit has third and fourth link elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Torisawa, Motohiko Matsushita, Teruyuki Emura
  • Publication number: 20110203404
    Abstract: A bicycle shifter includes a base having an annular space and first teeth and second teeth defined in the annular space. A tube is fixed to a center of the base. A first rotation member and a second rotation member are installed in the tube and respectively have a first recess and a second recess. An elastic member is restricted in a space defined between the first and second recesses. The elastic member includes two opposite first and second elastic portions which protrude out from the first and second rotation members. The first and second elastic portions are engaged with the first and second teeth, respectively. When rotating the handle connected with the first rotation member, the first elastic portion moves over the first teeth, the second elastic portion simultaneously moves over the second teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20110127307
    Abstract: Release of attachment assemblies. Attachment assemblies including releasing means, a trigger; and cables in mechanical communication with the releasing means and with the trigger for operation of each releasing means having such mechanical communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Carter, Andreas Hortnagl
  • Publication number: 20110120256
    Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a handlebar assembly for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handlebar assembly comprising a hollow body in which are routed control cables needed for breaking and gear shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Michel Giroux
  • Patent number: 7938039
    Abstract: A cable control assembly is beneficially adapted for shifting controllable mechanisms, such as a power take-off unit, between two conditions, an initial position and an actuated position. The cable control assembly preferably includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing, a driving member, a driven member, and a locking member such as a pawl. Upon shifting of the handle from an initial position to an actuated position, the driving member shifts the driven member, which is operatively coupled to the control cable. Upon reaching the actuated position, the locking member holds the driven member in the actuated position without transmitting a tensioning force applied to the control cable to the driving member. Return of the driving member in a direction toward the initial position automatically causes the locking member to move free of the driven member and enable return of the driven member and control cable to the initial position without other unlocking steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Wescon Products Company
    Inventor: Marvin Cox
  • Publication number: 20110088503
    Abstract: A shifter for use with a continuously variable transmission includes a grip portion and a hub portion. Specifically, the shifter is designed for use on a bicycle, but could also be used with any light vehicle. The grip portion is characterized by a rotatable adjuster that is coupled to a cable. The cable is also coupled to a hub portion. As the adjuster is rotated, the cable is pulled, in turn rotating a pulley assembly in the hub portion. As the pulley assembly is rotated, it advances a rod within a continuously variable transmission. The rod adjusts the power adjusters as described above. The grip portion is also unique in its display of information to the rider. The grip portion includes a display showing the ratio of input to output. The display also includes a filament that curves as the ration is adjusted. A high ratio renders the filament flat while the filament takes on a steep curve as the ratio is adjusted to make riding up hills easier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Oronde Armstrong, Chris Barrow, Paul Elhardt, Henry Mack, Stephen Miggels, Stephen Tsortsoros
  • Publication number: 20110083525
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a first operating unit, a second operating unit and a connecting member. The first operating unit includes a clamp portion for attaching the bicycle operating device to a bicycle and a first operating member. The second operating unit includes a housing and a second operating member. The connecting member includes a first portion detachably coupled to an outwardly facing surface of the clamp portion and a second portion coupled to the second operating unit. The first portion includes a retaining part with an outwardly facing surface that faces an inwardly facing surface of the clamp portion when the connecting member is attached to the clamp portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirose, Shinichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 7918145
    Abstract: A combination shift and brake lever arrangement for a bicycle, includes a single lever. A braking arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a first pivoting direction to perform a braking operation, and a first shifting arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a second different 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. A second shifting arrangement mounts at least a portion of a reverse shifting lever for linear movement in a first linear direction. 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 linear movement of the at least a portion of the reverse shifting lever in the first linear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7882762
    Abstract: A shifter for use with a continuously variable transmission includes a grip portion and a hub portion. Specifically, the shifter is designed for use on a bicycle, but could also be used with any light vehicle. The grip portion is characterized by a rotatable adjuster that is coupled to a cable. The cable is also coupled to a hub portion. As the adjuster is rotated, the cable is pulled, in turn rotating a pulley assembly in the hub portion. As the pulley assembly is rotated, it advances a rod within a continuously variable transmission. The rod adjusts the power adjusters as described above. The grip portion is also unique in its display of information to the rider. The grip portion includes a display showing the ratio of input to output. The display also includes a filament that curves as the ration is adjusted. A high ratio renders the filament flat while the filament takes on a steep curve as the ratio is adjusted to make riding up hills easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Oronde Armstrong, Christopher Barrow, Paul Elhardt, Henry Mack, Stephen Miggels, Stephen Tsotsoros
  • Patent number: 7849760
    Abstract: A speed changer is used to control derailleurs using cables from a single rotating handle, the deraileurs being connected respectively to an elastic return element. The speed changer includes at least two cable-maneuvering mechanisms. The mechanism for maneuvering the cable of the rear derailleur, which rotates integrally with the handle, can cause the rear cable to loosen or tighten when the handle is rotated in one direction. The speed changer is characterized in that the rotating assembly, formed by at least one mechanism for maneuvering the rear cable and the handle, can be connected to rotate intermittently with the mechanism for maneuvering the front cable of the front derailleur which, depending on the direction in which the handle is rotated, can cause the front cable of the front derailleur to tighten or loosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Etcetera
    Inventor: Norbert Rolland
  • Publication number: 20100300239
    Abstract: An improved coupling means, in particular for adjustable pieces of furniture, is distinguished by the following features: the coupling means (51) comprises a transmission and coupling means (67, 167), the transmission and coupling means (67, 167) is constructed in such a way that the at least one secondary transmission means (133; 133a, 133b) is always adjusted whether one primary transmission means (131; 131a, 131b) is actuated or whether the other primary transmission means (131; 131a, 131b) is actuated, and at least two catch decoupling means (155; 155a; 155b) are provided in such a way that when the at least one primary transmission means (131; 131a or 131b) is adjusted, disengaged by an adjustment of the associated actuation means (15; 15a, 15b), the transmission and coupling means (67, 167) is always also entrained and adjusted, while the second catch decoupling means (155b) cooperates with the transmission and coupling means (67, 167) in such a way that the adjusting or pivoting transmission and cou
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Josef RUTZ
  • Patent number: 7841258
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Cengiz Cesur, Atsushi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7832304
    Abstract: A knob structure for parking brake apparatus that can prevent a sink mark or a weld mark from being produced at the time of molding, and allows an inexpensive resin material with a good moldability to be adopted. The knob structure includes a rod that is movably disposed on the vehicle body side, and a knob main body that is connected to the nose end side of the rod, wherein the knob main body is made up of a core part that is previously assembled to the nose end side of said rod, and a surface layer part that coats the surface of the core part after assembly with a substantially uniform coating thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishikawa, Satoru Masuda, Hiroshi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20100269621
    Abstract: A theftproof clutch handle for a motorcycle includes a clutch connector, at least one fixed shaft mounted on the clutch connector, a handle body removably mounted on the fixed shaft, and a locking shaft movably mounted on the handle body and releasably locked onto the fixed shaft. The fixed shaft has a locking groove. The handle body has at least one shaft hole. The locking shaft has a release groove. Thus, when the locking shaft is pressed, the fixed shaft is released from the release groove of the locking shaft, and the locking shaft is released from the locking groove of the fixed shaft to unlock the fixed shaft from the locking shaft so that the handle body can be removed from the fixed shaft to provide a theftproof effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yao-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20100269622
    Abstract: A theftproof clutch handle for a motorcycle includes a clutch connector provided with a plug, a handle body provided with a slot detachably mounted on the plug, and a locking device mounted on the handle body and releasably locked onto the plug. The handle body has a receiving chamber to receive the locking device. The locking device includes a support seat, a locking shaft, an elastic member and a drive member. Thus, when the drive member is pulled outwardly, the locking shaft is moved outwardly to detach from the locking hole of the plug to unlock the handle body from the clutch connector so that the handle body can be removed from the clutch connector to provide a theftproof effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yao-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20100251847
    Abstract: A shift cable assembly in one implementation may include a conduit, a core received within the conduit, a rod coupled to an end of the core, a slide tube in which the rod is received, and a multi-directional connector. The connector may have a housing coupled to the rod, a first surface with a first opening, a second surface with a second opening, and a cavity communicated between the first and second openings. The cavity is adapted to receive a component through either one of the first and second openings, and a fastener extends into the cavity between the first and second openings to engage a component received in the cavity and retain the component relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: DURA GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald G. Gordy
  • Patent number: 7779722
    Abstract: A lever 2 includes first and second lever members 10, 20 between which both sides of a base B are interposed. A guide piece 14, which is a part of first lever member 10 arranged on first side of the base B, is formed being located on a second side of the base B. The guide piece 14, which is a part of the first lever member 10 located on the second side, has a guide portion to guide a wire 4 together with a guide piece 24 formed in the second lever member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kawano, Naoto Shibui, Fumikage Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7770972
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for adjusting first and second comfort features of a seat assembly includes a housing and a shaft mounted for linear and rotational movement in the housing. A main gear is mounted on the shaft and mounted for rotational movement in the housing. The shaft and main gear are linearly movable between first and second positions relative to the housing. A first cable assembly includes a first pinion gear mounted for rotational movement in the housing. A first rack is mounted for linear movement in the housing. The first rack engages with the first pinion gear such that rotation of the first pinion gear linearly moves the first rack. A first cable is connected to the first rack. The first cable is adapted to be connected to a first comfort feature. A second cable assembly includes a second pinion gear mounted for rotational movement in the housing. A second rack is mounted for linear movement in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Radu Popa
  • Publication number: 20100186538
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a base member, a first operating member, a first non-contact switch and a first clicking mechanism. The first operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to move between a rest position, a first operation position and a second operation position. The first non-contact switch detects movement of the first operating member with respect to the base member from the rest position to the first operation position. The first non-contact switch is further detects movement of the first operating member with respect to the base member from the rest position to the second operation position. The first clicking mechanism is arranged such that the first clicking mechanism produces a first haptic feedback response to indicate the first operating member being moved from the rest position to the first operation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Toshio TETSUKA
  • Publication number: 20100170365
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for a parking brake assembly for actuating a parking brake in a vehicle. The parking brake assembly comprises a mounting bracket fixedly attached to a mounting location of the vehicle, a first linkage element having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket at a first pivot, and a second linkage element having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. A brake cam is coupled to the first end of the first linkage element at the first pivot. A handle mechanism is pivotally attached to a second end of the first linkage element and to the second end of the second linkage element. The handle mechanism is configured such that movement of the handle mechanism actuates the brake cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: GREGORY W. KOWALSKI, JEREMY W. SHORT, BRIAN S. PAPROCKI
  • Publication number: 20100139441
    Abstract: A parking brake lever apparatus for a vehicle may include a lever operably activated by a driver, a connecting member rotatably coupled to a support bracket which is fixed to a vehicle body and configured to support the connecting member, first and second rods, one ends of which are pivotally coupled to the lever with a predetermined distance therebetween and the other ends of which are connected to the connecting member, wherein the other end of the first rod is fixedly connected to rotation axis of the connecting member and the other end of the second rod is pivotally coupled to the connecting member and disposed with a predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the connecting member, and a position control unit to selectively hold the connecting member to a rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Wook KIM
  • Patent number: 7717222
    Abstract: A snowmobile throttle control apparatus includes a pair of bushings with a hole and closed ends and a separate axle pin. The bushings are assembled to a thumb lever and mounted over the axle pin. The axle pin allows for a controlled gap to be maintained between the throttle lever, bushing assembly and the control housing. The thumb lever is allowed to flex open when a side load is applied. Thus allowing the thumb lever assembly to travel without binding on the control housing. This insures proper functioning of the RPS feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary T. Spraetz, Albert Boyd Cable
  • Patent number: 7712572
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering actuation device for a vehicle, in particular for an industrial truck, having an operating element for inputting steering commands by exerting torques on the operating element, having a sensor arrangement for monitoring the steering command input state of the operating element and having a control device for converting the steering command input data detected by the sensor arrangement into control information for a steering drive apparatus of a wheel, which can be steered, of the vehicle, the sensor arrangement detecting the respective steering command input state of the operating element by means of monitoring the elastic material deformation, in particular torsion, of an element, which is subjected to elastic deformation by means of a steering command input torque on the operating element and is coupled to or associated with the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Schönauer, Robert Hämmerl
  • Patent number: 7703350
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a lever bracket and an electrical unit. The lever bracket is movably supporting the control lever. The electrical unit is coupled to the lever bracket. The lever bracket includes a bracket body and a bracket lid. The bracket body has a rearwardly located bicycle mounting portion, a control lever mounting portion and a forwardly located unit mounting portion containing the electrical unit. The bracket lid is releasably coupled to a forwardly face of the unit mounting portion of the bracket body to at least partially enclose the electrical unit in the unit mounting portion of the bracket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100064860
    Abstract: An extension shaft for holding a tool for rotary motion of the tool includes a first end adapted to cooperate with a chuck of a handheld instrument and a second end including a tool holder for holding the tool for rotary driven motion thereof. The tool holder includes a base portion operatively connected to the extension shaft and a swivel portion capable of holding the tool. The swivel portion is pivotly coupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly, wherein the tool is capable of being rotated about an angle with respect to an axis of the chuck through rotation of the extension shaft in response to rotation of the chuck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: COMBINED PRODUCTS CO. #1 INC.
    Inventors: Burton Kozak, Ira Kozak
  • Patent number: 7658126
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a vehicle includes a toothed stationary sector fixed to a mounting structure, a brake lever pivotably mounted to the sector, a pawl mounted to the brake lever for movement between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the teeth, an elongated, substantially rigid release member mounted to the brake lever for movement relative to the brake lever between normal and depressed positions, and a motion-absorbing member connecting the release member to the pawl. When the brake lever is operatively connected to the vehicle brake cable and in a braking position thereof with the pawl in the engaged position thereof, moving the release member to the depressed position thereof without also moving the brake lever in the brake applying direction compresses the motion-absorbing member without moving the pawl from the engaged position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Michael Sykes, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • 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: 20090302656
    Abstract: A preference control mechanism is provided that includes a housing, a shuttle, a sub shuttle and at least one resilient member. The housing has a channel. The shuttle has a cavity. The shuttle is moveable within the channel of the housing from a first position to at least one second position. The sub shuttle is moveable within the channel of the housing and is moveable independent of the shuttle. The one or more resilient members have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is attached to the shuttle and the second end is attached to the sub shuttle. The preference control mechanism is configured for attachment to at least one chair component. Chairs may also be designed to include one or more embodiments of the preference control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkady Golynsky, Gregory Allison
  • Patent number: 7607368
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a motor vehicle of a saddle riding type includes, a reverse lock disposed in a transmission of the vehicle for preventing a shift change of the transmission into reverse when the vehicle is traveling forward, and a lock release mechanism having an actuator, wherein the lock release mechanism is disposed in an opening in a front fender of the vehicle, such that the actuator projects above the opening. Further the locking assembly includes a cable operatively connecting the lock release mechanism with the reverse lock, such that actuation of the actuator causes the reverse lock to be released, a main body of the lock release mechanism housed beneath the opening on an underside of the fender for covering the lock release mechanism, and a cover body disposed on the fender, such that sides of the actuator and the opening are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Takahashi, Nobuhiko Nakano
  • Patent number: 7581464
    Abstract: An improved vehicle throttle control mechanism in which a member captures the movement of an operators thumb beneath the underside of the said vehicle's handlebar. The operator is able to actuate the throttle without removing his thumb or the palm of his hand from contact with the handle bar. Other elements of the control system reduce operator fatigue and improve vehicle control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: David Munz
  • Patent number: 7549356
    Abstract: A hand lever fixture has a support body which can be attached to a handlebar, on which support body a hand lever and an over-center spring are pivotably mounted, said hand lever being effectively connected to a master cylinder and said over-center spring being effectively connected to the hand lever, which over-center spring, when the hand lever is in a position between a dead center position and an end position, generates a lever moment on the hand lever, said lever moment acting in the direction of the end position. The hand lever is split into a main lever which can be acted upon manually and an auxiliary lever pivotably mounted on the support body, at the end of which auxiliary lever the over-center spring is articulated while an auxiliary force resulting from the over-center spring lever moment can be transmitted to the master cylinder via its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Leuschke, Holger Böhme, Silvio Meusel
  • Publication number: 20090133525
    Abstract: An actuator that is capable of taking a relatively small amount of force or displacement input therein and of outputting a relatively large amount of force or displacement. The actuator includes a translating component and a plurality of levers or arms. The increase in force or displacement is achieved by adequately selecting the relative lengths of and positioning the levers or arms. Also, an actuation method for transforming an input of a relatively small amount of force or displacement into an output of a relatively large amount of force or displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: CARPRO LTD.
    Inventor: John A. Sauder, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090084220
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dial control device having a maneuverability of a control knob improved by making this in cylindrical shape and downsized by disposing another control knob installed within the first-mentioned cylindrical control knob. A dial control device comprising: a cylindrical control knob, a sun gear rotating integrally with said control knob for transmission of a driving force from said control knob, a planet gear interlocking with said sun gear, an internal gear cooperating with said sun gear to guide said planet gear in a direction of its movement, and a control cable coupled to said planet gear so as to operate an external device, wherein said driving force generated by rotational operation of said control knob is transmitted via said sun gear, said planet gear and said control cable to the external device to control operation of said external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: U-SHIN LTD
    Inventors: Kazunori MORIZONO, Makito FUKAZAWA, Yasuo NEMOTO
  • Patent number: 7494183
    Abstract: An actuator for a lumbar support device possessing a symmetrical housing in that key holes are present on both sides of such housing. The present invention's housing, with key hole slots diametrically opposed on one end, allows the actuator to be installed more easily in any orientation, in either driver or passenger side seats. With the dual key hole housing, the extra time and effort associated with ensuring that the correct side of the housing is being used is eliminated as the dual key holes allow the tension cable wire and tension cable wire end to be inserted into either side of the housing during assembly of the lumbar support system. The elimination of this concern will save valuable time and money in the actuator assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Schukra of North America
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Patent number: 7490587
    Abstract: A portable handheld work apparatus has a drive motor as well as an adjusting element for controlling the drive motor. The work apparatus has at least one actuating element. A movement of the actuating element is transmitted to the adjusting element via a transmitting unit. A good operator control is achieved when at least one transmitting characteristic (49, 50; 89, 90; 309, 310) of the transmitting unit runs nonlinearly as a function of the actuating displacement (s) of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heiko Rosskamp, Georg Maier, Volker Reber, Alexander Erkert, Daniel Herbst, Marcus Saak, Dirk Schweinberger
  • Patent number: 7487694
    Abstract: A handlebar is disclosed that includes a handlebar main body, a pair of support walls, a first slit, and a brake lever. The handlebar main body is hollow and is mounted to the handlebar stem. The hollow interior of the handlebar main body is formed with the support walls that extend along at least a portion of the length of the interior of the handlebar main body. The brake lever has a lever body and a brake cable attachment portion. The lever body is pivotally supported by the support walls proximate the first slit. The lever body includes a brake operating portion that extends away from the handlebar main body and a pivot support portion that is pivotally mounted to the support walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Fukui