Slidable Connections (e.g., Scotch Yoke) Patents (Class 74/50)
  • Patent number: 6640660
    Abstract: Pick-up and placement apparatus including an arm that executes pick-up and placement motions and an arm drive mechanism. The drive mechanism comprising a driven rotating member having an appointed range of rotation, a swiveling member slidably attached to the rotating member and swiveling in an appointed range of rotation by normal and reverse rotations of the rotating member, a connection portion directly or indirectly linked with the arm, a retaining member applying a retaining force to retain the swiveling member at an appointed position in a radial direction with respect to the rotating member while slidably retaining the swiveling member, and an apparatus regulating and guiding said connection portion to linearly move the connection portion by directly or indirectly regulating the swiveling member in the vicinity of both ends of in the range of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Hidehiko Kasai
  • Patent number: 6631671
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of piston machines, mainly those that include a mechanism without any connecting rod for converting the reciprocating movement of the pistons into a rotating movement of the output shaft. This invention essentially relates to a piston machine that includes a mechanism without any connecting rod and that comprises the following members: a body (1) with a plurality of cylinders (2); a plurality of pistons (5) with piston rods (6); sliding members (13) formed on the rods (6); a plurality of guides for the sliding members (13), each connected to the body (1) and capable of displacing the corresponding sliding member (13) along the axis of the corresponding cylinder (2); two coaxial cranked shafts (7) mounted in the body (1); and a crankshaft (10) mounted between the cranked shafts (7) and having its main journals (11) connected to said cranked shafts (7) while the rod journals (12) are connected to the corresponding piston rods (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Aleksey Feliksovich Vool
  • Patent number: 6607069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for returning processed work pieces (7) from the output side to the loading side of a processing unit, which mechanism has a transfer mechanism (1) to transfer the work pieces (7) at the output side of the processing unit, a return mechanism (2) for transporting work pieces (7) delivered by the transfer mechanism (1) back to the loading side of the processing unit or to a further processing unit, and a lifting mechanism to lift the work pieces (7) to a return position located above the output position, whereby the lifting mechanism is located between the transfer mechanism (1) and the return mechanism (2) and has a lifting platform (3), with the lifting mechanism having a crank drive (4), by means of which the lifting platform (3) can be raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Ligmatech Automationssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Bodo Tönnigs, Dietmar Kaden
  • Patent number: 6539835
    Abstract: A piston machine with at least one axially movable piston in a cylinder is designed with a force conversion mechanism implying sinusoidal piston movement by rotation of the power input or power output shaft of the machine, depending on its application. As the pistons of the machine are fastened perpendicularly to a crosshead yoke (5) at their preferably light, cylindrical piston-rods (2,2′), in which two crosshead slides (14,14′) each are provided on a crank pin journal (7,7′; 8,8′) which is synchronized to perform rotation with mutual opposite directions of rotation (indicated as arrows). This arrangement causes the crosshead slides longitudinally in the yoke to move in exact mutual opposition and to reverse their direction of movement at the exact same time. Thus, the lateral pressure on pistons is completely eliminated and without any addition of any extra balancing mechanism there may be achieved a complete outbalancing of the reciprocating and rotating masses in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Gunnar Vestergaard Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6511306
    Abstract: A Positive Fluid Displacement Device (PFDD) with single piece double-ended pistons connected to a crankpin for circular motion. Pistons are nested together to maintain all pistons in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft. Cylinders are driven in a reciprocating fashion by the pistons and are held loosely in a cylinder carriage along its axis with radial sealing engagement therebetween. Pliable members mount port plates within a housing such that there is no direct contact therebetween or with a two-layer manifold. A flat surface of the port plate is urged against the cylinder head by a pliable member which exerts a force on the center of the port plate. Grooves in the first layer of the manifold are sealed by the second layer to form fluid passageways. The cylinder head is guided in housing grooves with a pliable member. A sealing lip is integral with a piston head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Encynova International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel A. Pierrat
  • Patent number: 6357125
    Abstract: A scotch yoke mechanism for converting rotational movement into reciprocating linear movement and having an adjustable stroke length. The scotch yoke mechanism includes a stroke length toggle eccentrically connected to a cam such that the stroke length toggle may assume one of first and second positions. The first position defines a first stroke length which is shorter than a second stroke length defined by said second position. Rotational movement of the cam causes the stroke length toggle to assume the first position when the cam is rotated in a first direction to assume the second position when the cam is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Martin Feldmann, Vance E. Roe
  • Patent number: 6330835
    Abstract: A reciprocating scotch yoke drive mechanism connectable to a motor drive shaft, includes a yoke member connectable to the shaft which moves the yoke member in a linear reciprocating motion and a guide having one or more slide tracks configured to define a reciprocal sliding path for the yoke member. The yoke member also has a sliding formation configured for slidingly engaging the slide track. And the sliding formation and the slide track have complementary configurations for maintaining alignment of the yoke member during reciprocal sliding motion and engagement of the yoke member in the slide track under a variety of angular stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Andrew Klava, Justin Blair Bearak
  • Patent number: 6227152
    Abstract: There is described an internal combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder and a crankcase (5), which together with the cylinder forms a common, circular cylindrical tubular body (1), and comprising an oscillating piston (7) rotatably mounted about the cylinder axis and separating a cylinder space (4) defined by radial walls (3) from the crankcase (5), which oscillating piston is in drive connection with a crankshaft (16) parallel to the cylinder axis via a connecting link guide (17) for at least one crank pin (18) of the crankshaft (16), which is provided on the crankcase side of the oscillating piston (7). To create advantageous constructional conditions, it is proposed that the crank pin (18) is supported on the connecting link guide (17) via a roller (19), and that the tubular body (1) forming the cylinder and the crankcase (5) is thermally insulated to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Walter Freller
  • Patent number: 6186098
    Abstract: A coaxial oscillating axisymmetric engine is disclosed. The engine is provided with a rotor having a plurality of rotating blades, the blades being movable relative to a plurality of fixed blades of a stator in opposite directions while forming expansion and compression chambers in each cylinder of a housing assembly. The rotor thus generates rotational force transmitted to an output shaft through a power transmission unit. The transmission unit has two guide rails, inwardly mounted to the rotor at diametrically opposed positions and individually having a guide channel. A slider movably engages with each of the guide rails so as to be linearly movable along the guide channel. A ball housing is coaxial and axisymmetrically coupled to the slider and is rotatively coupled to each of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jin-Hee Choi
  • Patent number: 6098477
    Abstract: A crank device performs power conversion between reciprocal movement and rotational movement using a planetary gear mechanism without causing inclination of a connecting rod. An internally toothed sun gear is spaced a predetermined distance from the connecting rod. A planetary gear as well as a planetary gear shaft secured at one end of the planetary gear are rotatably received within a crank member. An arm portion is formed on the other end of the planetary gear shaft and extends radially outwardly a distance corresponding to the radius of the pitch circle of the planetary gear. One end of the connecting rod is pivotably connected to the forward end of the arm portion. A pair of bearings rotatably support the opposite ends of the planetary gear shaft and are disposed at spaced positions within the crank member. One of the bearings is arranged adjacent to the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Longwell Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Takachi, Shuji Ogai
  • Patent number: 6012345
    Abstract: The method for changing the gears of a manually shiftable change gear unit for commercial vehicles which has a main gear unit and fitted downstream thereof a combination of splitter gear unit and range gear unit wherein when shifting the individual gear units from the coupling position (1) to the neutral position (0), in time are first shifted the main gear unit, then the splitter gear unit and finally the range gear unit and conversely, when shifting form the neutral position (0) to the coupling position (1), in time first the range gear unit, then the splitter gear unit and finally the main gear unit are shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Wafzig, Hans-Jorg Domian
  • Patent number: 6000264
    Abstract: A spring forming machine includes a machine frame, a movable member, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism comprises a slide plate seat, a slide plate and a cam wheel. When fitting an eccentric pin unit and a filler within a horizontal slide slot in the slide plate, the slide plate seat rotates on the machine frame, and the slide plate moves on the slide plate seat so as to move the movable member along an elliptical path upon actuation. When locking the slide plate seat and removing the filler, the cam wheel moves the eccentric pin unit so as to move the slide plate on the slide plate seat and thus to move the movable member along a straight path upon actuation. When locking the slide plate seat and removing the eccentric pin unit and the filler, a follower shaft can be mounted removably on the slide plate in contact with the cam wheel to permit a straight movement of the movable member on the machine frame upon actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Tzyh Ru Shyng Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Shan Chang
  • Patent number: 5983845
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary drive system and an engine which have greater toughness and which are capable of smoothly converting linear thrust force into rotary torque. In the present invention, a pair of elongated members are arranged parallel in a first direction. A moving guide is spanned between the elongated members, arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and capable of moving in the first direction. A moving body is capable of moving in the second direction along the moving guide. A rotary shaft is capable of rotating about an axial line, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. A lever has one part, which is pivotably connected with the moving body, and another part, which is fixed to the rotary shaft, whereby the lever rotates the rotary shaft when the moving body moves round. A driving mechanism moves the moving guide in the first direction. A control mechanism stabilizes rotational speed of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Sozoan
    Inventor: Ken Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5980355
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism for music box ornament includes a music box which houses therein a wind-up spring and a barrel as a power source, a holding frame attached to the body has a pair of spaced flanges holding a sleeve therebetween and a drive wheel attached to the spindle of the barrel having a stub slidably engages with a slot in a motion bar. The motion bar has a finger attached to a bottom end of a tappet rod which moveably runs through the sleeve. The sleeve has an axial slit on a lateral wall to enable the finger to move axially up or down. There is an ornament attached to the top end of the tappet rod. When the wind-up spring is activated and music is sound, the spindle rotates and turn the drive wheel which in turn moves the tappet rod up or down through the holding bar. The tappet rod moves in the sleeve smoothly and steadily. The ornament attached to the tappet rod also is moved up or down steadily to create amusement effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Barry Shih
  • Patent number: 5938224
    Abstract: A device for transmitting power between mechanical movements which includes a fluid pump coupled to a first mechanical movement for pumping a fluid, a fluid motor coupled to a second mechanical movement and a manifold connecting the fluid pump and the fluid motor capable of conducting fluid output from the fluid pump to the fluid motor to drive the fluid motor and recirculate the fluid back to said fluid pump. Either the fluid pump and/or the fluid motor incorporates a conjugate drive motion translator. The power transmission is suitable for use on a bicycle replacing the typical gears and chain and preferably includes a shunt to permit the motor to override the pump, an apportionment valve to control the ratio of movement between a first and second mechanical movement, and a brake valve for stopping the second mechanical movement. Either the fluid pump and/or fluid motor may be of a variable output design incorporating a crankshaft of variable stroke, adjustable on-the-fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5879145
    Abstract: Replace the abstract in the instant application with the following abstract: A compressor has a reciprocating piston operating in a working area to compress the working medium, a drive unit for the reciprocating movement of the piston, and an intake and discharge device for supplying and expelling the working medium. The liner, in which the piston reciprocates, is manufactured as one piece with a valve plate. Further, the slider crank mechanism used to drive the piston is provided as a drive unit. As a result, the size of the compressor can be substantially reduced, virtually vibration-free motion is achieved, and the compressor reliability is appreciably enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systems Fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 5846059
    Abstract: A multistage compressor has a yoke with a cross slider and roller bearings pressed against the sides of the cross slider by spring forces to enable the cross slider to slide smoothly within the yoke. The spring forces are generated by springs disposed between the yoke and a liner plate that urges the roller bearings against the cross slider. By this construction, the yoke and cross slider are not damaged during operation of the compressor even if the dimensions of the members change due to thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Saibu Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Mizuno, Yoshihito Tajima, Atsunori Sugihara, Akifumi Kobayashi, Manabu Hattori, Tokio Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5751587
    Abstract: A method of creating a conjugated surface for use in a motion conversion device for converting linear motion into circular motion or vice versa through the use of an axially movable conjugate-driver moving laterally with respect to a conjugate-bearing, the conjugated surface being on the conjugate-bearing. The method includes the steps of creating a motion curve corresponding to the circular motion from the frame of reference of the lateral motion, iteratively rotating the conjugate surface :along the motion curve, and measuring a conjugated curve comprising the points of the conjugate surface farthest from a line joining the two endpoints of the motion curve during the course of the rotations. The conjugated surface is created according to the conjugated curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Douglas C. Brackett, William R. Wister, III
  • Patent number: 5679991
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for converting a circular motion into a reciprocating motion, which provides for improved guiding of a drive pin arranged on an eccentric within a slide slot of a drive member. The slide slot is bounded by at least two flexurally elastic portions whose respective first end is not deflectable by the drive pin, whilst the area towards the respective second end is deflectable. The two portions extend parallel to each other in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesllschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Wolf
  • Patent number: 5661655
    Abstract: A method of creating a conjugated surface for use in a motion conversion device for converting linear motion into circular motion or vice versa through the use of an axially movable conjugate-driver moving laterally with respect to a conjugate-bearing, the conjugated surface being on the conjugate-bearing. The method includes the steps of creating a motion curve corresponding to the circular motion from the frame of reference of the lateral motion, iteratively rotating the conjugate surface along the motion curve, and measuring a conjugated curve comprising the points of the conjugate surface farthest from a line joining the two endpoints of the motion curve during the course of the rotations. The conjugated surface is created according to the conjugated curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventors: Douglas C. Brackett, William R. Wister, III
  • Patent number: 5655406
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary motion drive system, which is capable of increasing the efficiency of converting the linear motion into the rotary motion. In the rotary motion drive system of the present invention, a pair of first guides are arranged parallel in a first direction. A pair of second guides are arranged parallel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A first rod is arranged parallel to the first guides, the first rod is capable of keeping parallel to the first guides and moving in the second direction. A second rod is arranged parallel to the second guides, the second rod is capable of keeping parallel to the second guides and moving in the first direction. A moving body is capable of moving on the first rod and the second rod in the first direction and the second direction within a square plane, which is rounded by the first guides and the second guides. A first driving mechanism moves the second rod in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Sozoan
    Inventor: Ken Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5655404
    Abstract: A mechanism of converting a reciprocal movement into a rotary movement comprises a coulisse and a toothed unit cooperating with one another, the coulisse being shaped so that conversion of the reciprocal movement to rotary movement is performed in a sequence successively by the toothed unit and the coulisse. Also, an internal combustion engine with the new mechanism can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Mikhail Tsepenuk
  • Patent number: 5649809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double diaphragm pump having flexible diaphragms disposed in displacement spaces and connected and mechanically coupled to piston rods, the displacement spaces being communicated via check valves to a suction manifold on the one hand and to a pressure manifold on the other hand, wherein each diaphragm is connected to a piston rod, which piston rods extend coaxially and are mounted on opposite sides to a guide frame having at least one lineal guide for a guide block which rotatably mounts a crank pin of a crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Abel GmbH & Co. Handels-und Verwaltungsgesllschaft
    Inventor: Volker Stapelfeldt
  • Patent number: 5647267
    Abstract: A slider of a closed-type compressor in which friction and abrasion of an inside circumferential surface of a slider shell and an outside circumferential surface of the slider can be reduced by forming a circular arc at both portions where the outside circumferential surface of the slider contacts the inside circumferential surface of the slider shell. The slider of the closed-type compressor has a circular arc portion at the inside portion of both ends of the outside circumferential surface of the slider and both outside portions of a central groove of the slider, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dhong-Hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 5644846
    Abstract: In order to improve a reciprocating stroke drive mechanism for sabre saws, with a slide (5), with a saw blade (2) which is fastened in a detachable manner to the slide (5), with a slide carrier (7) which forms a slide guide and which is supported in a rotatable manner, a connecting link (9) which is driven in an eccentric manner by a shaft (11) of a motor for the creating of the up and down movement of the slide (5), and with a reciprocating stroke arrangement in such a way that operation of the reciprocating stroke drive mechanism that is as reliable as possible is attained with as few moving parts as possible, it is suggested that the reciprocating stroke drive mechanism include the following: A balancing mass (13) which can be moved up and down vertically with the slide (5) and a pivoting fork (19) which is mounted in a rotatable manner underneath the balancing mass (13) and the first lever arm (18) of which lies against the saw blade (2), and on the second lever arm (20) of which there is configured a sli
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: CEKA Elektrowerkzeuge AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Paul Durr, Armin Breitenmoser
  • Patent number: 5640881
    Abstract: A device for translating rotary to linear motion and vice versa includes a reciprocating linearly moving shuttle with a central aperture. The aperture has a pair of opposing gear racks protruding towards the center and which capture therebetween a pair of pinion sectors rotatably mounted to the crankpin of a rotatable crankshaft with the axis of crankshaft rotation perpendicular to the linear path of the shuttle. The pinion sectors are free to rotate about the crankpin and articulate independently of each other through a selected angular range. When the crankpin, including the pinion sectors, is inserted into the aperture of the shuttle with the pinion sectors engaging the racks, motion is transferable between the crankpin and the shuttle through the pinion sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5588326
    Abstract: The feeding device for feeding parts to be mounted to at least one of an upper tool and a lower tool of a mounting machine has a carriage and at least one feeding push rod connected to the carriage. A push crank is connected to the carriage for moving in a reciprocating movement the at least one feeding push rod in a longitudinal direction of the at least one push rod between an extended and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Stocko Fasteners GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Stroter, Frank Obst, Rolf Kamps, Holger Reich, Rainer Siegemund
  • Patent number: 5584349
    Abstract: A mechanized tool that produces rectilinear reciprocal motion for a tool carrying shaft is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a rotating power takeoff shaft is attached to a circular disk, bar, or flywheel that has thereon a cam follower or protrusion. This cam follower is carried within a slot that is slidably mounted on a pair of guide rails or within a guide slot or guide rail. Also attached to the movable slot is a tool carrying shaft. Thus as the disk spins, the tool carrying shaft is moved in a reciprocal manner, with power being applied in the stroke in both directions. A pivotable cutting hoe is attached to the tool carrying shaft in the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Randall W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5581896
    Abstract: A reciprocating acting tool includes a disc rotatably received in a housing and includes a shaft slidably engaged in the upper portion of the housing. The disc includes a bolt rotatably engaged in a groove and a slide threadedly engaged with the bolt. The slide includes a stud for rotatably supporting a follower which is slidably engaged with the shaft. The slide is moved longitudinally along the groove so as to adjust a moving stroke and a moving speed of the shaft. The shaft is moved quickly for driving a cutting tool and is moved slowly for moving a saw blade or a file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Ah-Mi Yang
  • Patent number: 5575173
    Abstract: A motion converter employs a shuttle movable in a reciprocating fashion along a rectilinear path and having an aperture therein. One side of the aperture is defined by a first trackable profile and an opposite side of the aperture is defined by a second trackable profile. A pair of conjugate drivers is rotatably mounted on a crankpin positioned within the aperture of the shuttle. The conjugate drivers have tracking profiles which are in continuous conjugating engagement with the trackable profiles of the shuttle. Each of the tracking profiles has the same circumferential length as its corresponding trackable profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5561909
    Abstract: The electrically operated reciprocating tool includes a housing with a counterbalanced single throw crankshaft mounted for rotation within the housing. The crankshaft rotates on a central shaft, and includes a weighted counterbalance section extending radially on an opposite side of the shaft and is pivotally connected to one end of an elongate drive link. The opposite end of the drive link is pivotally connected to a reciprocable unit mounted for movement in a raceway formed in the housing. A battery powered drive unit mounted in the housing is connected to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Donald N. E. Berg, James R. Headberg
  • Patent number: 5546821
    Abstract: A conjugate drive mechanism of a motion converter includes a conjugate driver, which is rotatably mounted on a crankpin, and a bearing conjugate, which is mounted on a linearly movable shuttle. The conjugate driver moves relative to the bearing conjugate between a pair of end points. A motion arrester functions to arrest the motion of the conjugate driver as it reaches each of its end points of travel relative to the bearing conjugate. The conjugate driver has a tracking profile which is in continuous conjugating engagement with a trackable profile provided on the bearing conjugate and having the same circumferential length as the tracking profile of the conjugate driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5532423
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a dynamic driving structure for the ornamental box comprising an eccentric shaft, a link rack driven by the eccentric shaft, a bracing pedestal used for supporting the link rack and other components, wherein the link rack is a tabulate plastic, and two grooves separated with a space are formed on the middle thereof so as to make the link rack flexible. The ends of the link rack are connected with the bracing pedestal to form a rectangle, and the other two grooves are formed on the junctions between them. Moreover, the end of the eccentric shaft on the music bell is rotated between the two side walls of the link rack, so the link rack is driven to perform a swinging phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Jian H. Liu
  • Patent number: 5513541
    Abstract: A motion converter employs a shuttle movable in a reciprocating fashion along a rectilinear path and having an aperture therein. One side of the aperture is defined by a first trackable profile and an opposite side of the aperture is defined by a second trackable profile. A pair of conjugate drivers is rotatably mounted on a crank pin positioned within the aperture of the shuttle. The conjugate drivers have tracking profiles which are in continuous conjugating engagement with the trackable profiles of the shuttle. Each of the tracking profiles has the same circumferential length as its corresponding trackable profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5494135
    Abstract: A conjugate drive mechanism of a motion converter includes a conjugate driver, which is rotatably mounted on a crankpin, and a bearing conjugate, which is mounted on a linearly movable shuttle. The conjugate drive mechanism is lubricated by supplying lubricating fluid from a pressurized source to an interface between trackable profiles of the bearing conjugate and the conjugate driver. The trackable profiles, which are in continuous conjugating engagement, have equal circumferential lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5485777
    Abstract: An abrasion preventing device for a hermetic reciprocating compressor. The device releases the impact generated between the slider and the shell of the compressor, thus to prevent possible abrasion of the contact part between the slider and the shell as well as abrasion of the piston. The device comprises a cylinder and a piston received and reciprocating in the cylinder, an end of the piston having a coupling projection. A shell, which is coupled to the piston, has a coupling projection. A bolt and nuts are used for coupling the piston to the shell by coupling the projections of both the piston and the shell to each other. A spring is provided on a coupling portion between the piston and the shell for absorbing the impact caused by striking of a slider on the shell during an operation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 5471891
    Abstract: A music box ornament transmission mechanism includes a crankshaft having one end coupled to the output shaft of a driving mechanism of a music box and an opposite end coupled with a crankpin. A rocker has a supporting end turned in a hole on a rib above the bottom cover of the music box and a free end hung on the crankpin and linked to a tappet rod at the bottom of an ornament, wherein when the crank shaft is rotated by the driving mechanism of the music box, the rocker is driven to impart alternating vertical movements to the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Corrina Chen
  • Patent number: 5456159
    Abstract: A device for translating rotary to linear motion and vice versa includes a reciprocating linearly moving shuttle with a central aperture. The aperture has a pair of opposing conjugate bearings protruding towards the center and which capture therebetween a pair of conjugate drivers rotatably mounted to the crankpin of a rotatable crankshaft with the axis of crankshaft rotation perpendicular to the linear path of the shuttle. The conjugate drivers are free to rotate about the crankpin and articulate independently of each other through a selected angular range. When the crankpin, including the conjugate drivers, is inserted into the aperture of the shuttle with the conjugate drivers engaging the racks, motion is transferable between the crankpin and the shuttle through the conjugate drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5445039
    Abstract: A scotch yoke type motion converter employs a shuttle movable in a reciprocating fashion along a rectilinear path and having an aperture therein. One side of the aperture is defined by a first trackable profile and an opposite side of the aperture is defined by a second trackable profile. A pair of conjugate drivers is rotatably mounted on a crankpin positioned within the aperture of the shuttle. The conjugate drivers have tracking profiles which are in meshing engagement with the trackable profiles of the shuttle. Each of the tracking profiles has an overhanging portion which overhangs the opposite conjugate driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5421697
    Abstract: A telescopic pick-and-place robotic mechanism used to retrieve and deposit magnetic tape cartridges from a remote position, configured to be mounted to a typical robotic assembly located in proximity of a storage area for computer data or other storage media. The present invention has a reduced cross-sectional area due to its telescopic nature.The pick-and-place mechanism includes a base connected to the robotic arm and a number of slider plates coupled to the base which telescopically extend and retract relative to the base in a single axis of movement to reach the remote location. The slider plates are coupled to each other by slider means for enabling each of the slider plates to translate relative to each other along the single axis of movement. Each slider plate is controlled by a crank and slider mechanism which converts a incoming rotational force to a linear force in the direction of the single axis of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy C. Ostwald
  • Patent number: 5417309
    Abstract: A conjugate drive mechanism of a scotch yoke type motion converter includes a conjugate driver, which is rotatably mounted on a crankpin, and a bearing conjugate, which is mounted on a linearly movable shuttle. The conjugate drive mechanism is lubricated by supplying lubricating fluid from a pressurized source to an interface between meshing portions of the bearing conjugate and the conjugate driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5375566
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston internal combustion engine has a scotch yoke-type motion translator. The engine is horizontally opposed with each shuttle having a pair of pistons attached at the ends of a pair of oppositely extending arms. A centrally located aperture in the shuttle accommodates the crankpin and incorporates a pair of rack blocks bolted to the shuttle. The rack blocks mesh with mating epicycloidal/hypocycloidal sectors rotatably mounted upon a crankpin and forming the interface between crankshaft and shuttle. The cycle dynamics of the engine may be matched to the thermodynamics of a selected power cycle and fuel by adjusting the shape of the sectors and racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5351567
    Abstract: A conjugate drive mechanism of a scotch yoke type motion converter includes a conjugate driver, which is rotatably mounted on a crankpin, and a bearing conjugate, which is mounted on a linearly movable shuttle. The conjugate driver moves relative to the bearing conjugate between a pair of end points. A motion arrester functions to arrest the motion of the conjugate driver as it reaches each of its end points of travel relative to the bearing conjugate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5351566
    Abstract: Drive apparatus and method for converting linear motion to rotary motion to rotatingly drive the driveshaft of a motor vehicle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a sprocket rigidly connected to a shaft and axially aligned thereabout. In addition, a moveable ratch for moving between first and second drive positions and having opposing first and second linear sprocket engaging drive segments is provided. The first linear drive segment of the moveable ratch engages the sprocket when the ratch is in its first drive position and the second linear drive segment engages the sprocket when the ratch is in its second drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignees: Franklin E. Barnett, Brian D. Smith
    Inventor: Franklin E. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5327863
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting reciprocating motion to rotary motion and vice-versa. The apparatus includes a reciprocatory assembly guided for reciprocation in a first direction. The reciprocatory assembly includes first and second reciprocating members each terminating in a planar guide surface transverse to the direction of reciprocation; spacing tie means interconnecting the two reciprocatory members at opposite ends of the guide surfaces to maintain the guide surfaces parallel, spaced apart and facing each other; a drive block having opposed guide faces each slidably engaged with a respective one of the guide surfaces of the reciprocatory members; and a rotary member mounted for rotation about an axis transverse to the direction of reciprocation and having an eccentric portion rotatably engaged in the drive block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Collins Motor Corporation Ltd
    Inventors: Christopher M. Downton, Geoffrey B. R. Feilden
  • Patent number: 5263378
    Abstract: A plurality of work stations are provided each with a plurality of containers, each containing sliver rope, disposed in first and second arrays in proximity to a spinning machine to alternately provide sliver rope to respective spinning positions so that yarn or thread may be spun by each spinning machine. A container support platform supports each array of sliver rope containers in proximity to their respective spinning machine; as well as a container transport assembly which extends the length of the support platform. A number of container moving fingers are pivotally carried in spaced relationship along the length of an elongated, substantially "U" shaped transport beam and for coaction with cams also carried by the transport beam and disposed for coaction with a stationary beam also carried by the container support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Litton Industrial Automation Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Weston R. Loomer
  • Patent number: 5259256
    Abstract: A device for translating rotary to linear motion and vice versa includes a reciprocating linearly moving shuttle with a central aperture. The aperture has a pair of opposing gear racks protruding towards the center and which capture therebetween a pair of pinion sectors rotatably mounted to the crankpin of a rotatable crankshaft with the axis of crankshaft rotation perpendicular to the linear path of the shuttle. The pinion sectors are free to rotate about the crankpin and articulate independently of each other through a selected angular range. When the crankpin, including the pinion sectors, is inserted into the shuttle aperture with the pinion sectors engaging the racks, motion is transferable between the crankpin and the shuttle through the pinion sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Douglas C. Brackett
  • Patent number: 5253382
    Abstract: A power-operated toothbrush for cleaning and stimulating the surface of the teeth, cleaning between the teeth, cleaning between the teeth and gums, and cleaning and stimulating the gums of a user having a housing, a power means, a toothbrush extending from the housing having a bristled toothbrush head and an oscillating or movement imparting means for driving the toothbrush head in a complex motion, such as a figure-eight motion. The brush driving means of the power-operated toothbrush may comprise a rotary motor, a gear element driven by the rotary motor, a cam follower pivotally attached to the motor, and a T-bar. The T-bar is driven in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the power-operated toothbrush housing and also in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the power-operated toothbrush housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Janos Beny
  • Patent number: 5212887
    Abstract: A drive gear is mounted for rotation in a plane parallel with the axis of rotation of the output member of the motor. The gear includes an annular series of beveled gear teeth in meshing engagement with beveled pinion teeth on the end of the motor output member. The drive gear includes a crank pin roller and an annular cam surface eccentric to the axis of rotation of the gear. The roller is received within a rectilinear slot in the plunger assembly thereby defining a scotch-yoke drive for reciprocating the plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes planar cam follower formations engaged by the annular cam surface to provide an oscillating component of movement to the plunger assembly. The crank pin mounts a disk in eccentric relationship to the drive gear; this disk supports another crank pin and roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventor: Joseph G. Farmerie
  • Patent number: RE35258
    Abstract: The motor drives the crown gear which has an upwardly projecting eccentric drive pin which drivingly engages the channel fixed on the spindle which reciprocates in the fixed tube and supports a saw blade. The induced vibration is counterbalanced by the reciprocating counterbalance which slides on the outside of the tube. The crown gear has a cylindrical drive member which engages the cylindrical hole in the transfer block. The transfer block is moved in an orbital path and the opposed parallel sides engage and reciprocate the counterweight. The crown gear and cylindrical drive member have material removed to counterbalance the two drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Bernhard Palm