Jointed Patents (Class 74/524)
  • Patent number: 11446992
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a flap door of a vehicle includes: a body bracket fixed on a vehicle body; a flap bracket fixed on the flap door; a lower side link with a first end connected to the flap bracket and a second end connected to the body bracket; an upper side link with a first end connected to the flap bracket and a second end connected to the body bracket at an upper side of the lower side link; a stopper groove and a stopper protrusion provided on the first end of the upper side link; a locking cam mounted to a rotational shaft of the lower side link relative to the flap bracket, while being in contact with the stopper groove and the stopper protrusion; and a spring installed between the flap bracket and the locking cam to elastically switch a direction of rotating the locking cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: In Chul Baik
  • Patent number: 10889349
    Abstract: A pivotable lever includes a seat and a ball part is connected to the seat. The ball part has a first magnet received therein which includes a first magnetic pole. A lever includes a ball-shaped hole in which the ball part is located. The lever is pivotable relative to the ball part and the seat such that the lever is prevented from being damaged or broken due to impact. A second magnet is connected to the inner periphery of the ball-shaped hole which includes a second magnetic pole. The first and second magnetic poles are magnetically opposite to each other. The lever returns to its initial position thereof by magnetic attraction of the first and second magnetic poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Judy Wu
  • Patent number: 9827877
    Abstract: A release device for the upper rail and the lower rail of a longitudinal seat adjustment system of a motor vehicle seat, the release device having a lever rotatably supported on the upper rail of the seat. An end of the lever interacts with the locking means and optionally releases the locking means. A handle is provided at the other end. If the handle is operated, the lever moves relative to the upper rail from a passive position to a release position and moves the locking means from a locking position to a releasing position. So the release device automatically moves into a passive position of the release device, a spring element is provided, which preloads the lever into the passive position of the lever. The spring element additionally supports the lever on the upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Falko Jähner, Georg Ruess, Jürgen Krebs
  • Patent number: 8958962
    Abstract: An electric shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, a clicking mechanism, a signal generating arrangement and a controller. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member from a rest position to an operated position. The clicking mechanism is operated by the first operating member to produce a haptic feedback response upon the first operating member reaching the first operated position. The signal generating arrangement generates a first shift start signal prior to or upon the first operating member reaching the first operated position. The controller controls a gear position of the electric gear changing device. The controller receives the first shift start signal and operates the electric gear changing device towards a target gear position upon receiving the first shift start signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Satoshi Shahana
  • Publication number: 20150027266
    Abstract: A landing gear control lever system including a lever assembly, a locking assembly, and a switch assembly is disclosed herein. The locking assembly is connected to the lever assembly. The locking assembly has a rotary actuator and a Scotch yoke member operably connected to a portion of the rotary actuator such that rotation of the rotary actuator causes linear movement of the Scotch yoke member. The locking assembly can further include a locking arm operably coupled to the Scotch yoke member and moveable between locked and unlocked positions upon rotation of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Byron Betts, John Ronquillo
  • Patent number: 8453535
    Abstract: Selector lever arrangement for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles, having a manual shift facility and a selector lever, which in a shifting gate can be moved forwards or backwards in only one plane into the positions P, R, N and D, all positions being situated in series in one plane and the selector lever having a hand rest together with a release mechanism, the hand rest being pivotally guided relative to the selector lever by way of a four-bar linkage, in such a way that its angle in relation to the selector lever varies according to the position of the selector lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Fischbein
  • Patent number: 8297143
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control device is provided with a base member, a first shift operating member and a second shift operating member. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted to a free end of a bicycle handlebar. The base member includes a handlebar mounting portion that is configured to be fixedly mounted a handlebar. The first shift operating member is pivotally coupled the base member from a rest position to a shift position in a first shift operating direction. The second shift operating member is mounted on the first shift operating member to move with the first shift operating member with respect to the base member. The second shift operating member is independently movable relative the first shift operating member from a rest position to a shift position in a second shift operating direction that is different to the first shift operating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Akinobu Uno
  • Patent number: 8286664
    Abstract: A control valve (100,200) with a two-piece shifting mechanism is provided. The special control valve has two levers, one is a sealing lever (106,206) and the other is a shifting lever (104,204). The sealing lever (106,206) has a channel (116,216) on one of its ends to couple together different ports (SP, S, P, IS) to change the airflow direction. Each lever has its own axis. The shifting lever and the sealing lever interact through an oval opening (114) and a cylindrical boss (112), obtaining two angular range motions. When a small angular input is put on the shifting lever it will produce a large angular output at the second end of the sealing lever. It will achieve a multiple-position switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventor: Yihai Yan
  • Publication number: 20120240718
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a door adapted to lift and slide. The apparatus includes a base connected to the door and a lever hingedly connected to the base for maneuvering the door. The lever is positioned within the base such that the lever is fully recessed in the base. In use, the lever may be extended away from the base and folded into an operating position for moving the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Goetze
  • Publication number: 20120096977
    Abstract: An operation lever includes a lever main body A having a tapered insertion portion which has locking portions and in which the size in the up-down direction decreases gradually and an operation knob having a tapered insertion hole in which a size in the up-down direction decreases gradually from an opening toward a deep end wall surface. The insertion hole includes tapered reference surface facing each other in the up-down direction. Grooves are formed from the opening and along the deep end wall surface so as to protrude outward from the respective tapered reference surfaces and the inner side surfaces in the insertion hole of the operation knob. The insertion portion is inserted into the insertion hole and the locking portions bite in outward through the respective tapered reference surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Hirooka, Suguru Sugishita
  • Publication number: 20120006146
    Abstract: A collapsible lever assembly for controlling a system is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position relative to a pivot base to control the system. The lever assembly is also moveable between the neutral position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent M. Warren, Loretta E. Warren
  • Patent number: 8039769
    Abstract: The invention concerns an armrest mounted joystick for communication of operator initiated control signals to a vehicle controller. A plurality of switches require that the operator be safely located in the operation position in order for the control signals to reach the vehicle controller. Only when all of the switches change state, at substantially the same time, does the joystick either activate or de-activate, in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Charles J Asp, Jeremy B Shuler, Kevin L Pfohl, Daniel J Wild
  • Publication number: 20100099341
    Abstract: A lever longer than wide and bent across its length producing an angle of <180° between an upper surface of a longer first and a shorter second lever end to control the throttle switch of a hand-held tool by hand-rocking the lever about its vertex to exert pressure on or release pressure from the switch, the lever designed to support a user's fingers and palm while using the tool. Attachment tabs extend downwards from opposing sides of the first end adjacent the vertex, each tab having an aperture for accepting an attachment pin so to pivotally engage the lever within pin receiving apertures of the tool to rotate the lever both toward and away from the actuator switch, the second end extending over an exhaust-outlet or air-intake of the hand-held power tool to protect the user's hand from coming into contact with the tool's exhaust-outlet or air-intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: X'POLE PRECISION TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Huber, Robert A. Geiser
  • Publication number: 20100011903
    Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: COACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Henning Koschke, Thomas Goebelt, Michael Cemerika, Christian Buchhold-Tomazic, Joachim Meyer-Quade
  • Patent number: 7165472
    Abstract: A control lever safety apparatus for a heavy equipment which is capable of preventing an operation of a work apparatus when a control lever is operated or touched in a state that an equipment is started, in such a manner that a safety lever is tilted in a lower direction in the case that a consol box installed in a side surface of a driver's seat is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Chun Ho Jo, Chun Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 6971278
    Abstract: A tension applying device including a housing in which are mounted a primary shaft, a main shaft, a pinion shaft, and a load-member sheave shaft. A ratchet handle is associated with the primary shaft for imparting rotation thereto when pumped by a user. Rotation of the primary shaft causes rotation of the main shaft which, in turn, is imparted to the pinion shaft and to a load-member sheave mounted on the load-chain sheave shaft. Rotation of the load-member sheave then applies tension to the load member which, in turn, is connected to a desired application. The tension applying device further includes a plurality of drive mechanisms for achieving different mechanical advantages between the ratchet handle and the load-member sheave, thereby allowing a desired input force to attain a desired output force. Further, the load on the tension member may be used for automatically switching between the plurality of drive mechanisms and for a load limit lock-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: ALSTOM Transportation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Robbins, Robert J. Wright
  • Patent number: 6971279
    Abstract: A control lever safety apparatus for preventing operation of a work apparatus when a control lever is operated or touched in an equipment started state has a safety lever and consol box tilting lever rotatably fixed to a first support in which a consol box is fixed, an operation switch assembly connected with the consol box tilting lever on a link movement method to support the safety lever in a horizontal direction and tilt the safety lever in a lower direction when the consol box tilting lever is rotated for thereby disconnecting power, and a latch assembly connected with the operation switch assembly on a link movement method to tilt the consol box in an upper direction when the consol box tilting lever is rotated for also thereby disconnecting the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Chun Ho Jo, Chun Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 6749535
    Abstract: A vehicle acceleration control and release device operatively connectable to a vehicle acceleration device, includes a device body; a lever operatively connected to the device body and pivotable about a first axis for controlling vehicle acceleration and pivotable about a second axis for releasing acceleration control, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Sistema Guida 2000 s.r.l., Guidosimplex s.n.c. di Giancarlo Venturini e C.
    Inventor: Dario Spinnato
  • Patent number: 6578445
    Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6530294
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Publication number: 20020157498
    Abstract: A split grip control lever is suitable for operating heavy machinery and includes a fixed base portion that provides secure operator support during operation of the machine. A movable upper portion is pivotable relative to the fixed base portion by the user's thumb and index finger to control operation of machine components. The movable upper portion and the fixed base portion preferably define a substantially continuous profile. Additionally, a control device is placed inside the fixed base portion of the grip, allowing for a shorter control shaft that pivots at or near the center of the unit. This arrangement facilitates control of the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip John Black
  • Patent number: 6467371
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6443029
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Publication number: 20020078787
    Abstract: A compliant link has a first member adapted to be connected to a linear actuator and a second member adapted to be connected to a component to be moved by the linear actuator, said members being interconnected by a connecting rod which is moveable relative to both the first and second members, springs acting between the first and second members and the connecting rod to oppose relative movement between the connecting rod and the first and second members when an axial load below a first predetermined value is applied to one of the members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: John Vivian Comfort, Robert Fischer, Bernhard Boll, Peter Giese
  • Patent number: 6317673
    Abstract: A third braking system for an electric motorcycle includes a circuiting apparatus and a mechanism. By depressing an electric-braking button on a switch part of a handle set, a braking signal will be generated and be sent to a signal transformer via an input device of the circuiting apparatus. The signal transformer transforms the braking signal into a digital signal, and then the digital signal is sent to a CPU. After processing the digital signal and detecting the voltage level at a variable resistor, the CPU stops the transmission of driving signals to a driving circuitry for disabling the operation of a speed-control handler of the mechanism, and the CPU also generates a reverse electric potential corresponding to the detected voltage level. The reverse electric potential is then applied to a DC motor via a braking circuitry, for reducing rotation speed of the DC motor to stop the motorcycle. To relieve the braking, the speed-control handler is rotated back to an original state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 6301987
    Abstract: A retractable gearshift lever including a base, a free end articulated about an axle between a deployed position and a retracted position, and a device allowing the free end to be locked in its deployed position. The locking device includes a sleeve which can slide with respect to a first part of the lever—the base or the free end—and which can engage, through complementary shapes, with the end of the second part—the free end or the base—while at the same time remaining in engagement with the first part. An elastic ring, which can move axially with a certain amount of play, is fitted between the sleeve and the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Fabrications Industrielles Sefi
    Inventors: Malek Chakri, Thierry Moreau
  • Patent number: 6298749
    Abstract: A jointed hand brake release handle for a railway car hand brake mechanism, having a lever arm with an inner end attachable to a rotatable hand brake release post of a hand brake mechanism, and an extension arm pivotally attached to the outer end of the lever arm and adapted for pivotal movement such that a contact face on the inner end of the lever arm can be brought into contact with a contact face on the outer end of the lever arm, and such that continued pivotal movement of the extension arm will cause rotational movement of the lever arm and rotation of the hand brake release post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: W. Kurt Stroer, David C. Brabb, Howard Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 6240803
    Abstract: A gear lever (7) is arranged between the driving seat and the passenger seat in a truck. The gear lever (7) incorporates a disengageable locking mechanism (34) by means of which it is possible to lower the gear lever (7) from a substantially vertical position of use to a position in which it does not limit the driver's mobility in the cab. When the gear lever (7) has been lowered, the driver can move from the driving side to the passenger side of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Scania CV Aktiebolag (publ)
    Inventors: Staffan Sjöström, Lars Miller, Ingemar Melander, Claes-Göran Nord
  • Patent number: 6202503
    Abstract: Arrangement for manual resetting of the mutual positional setting of an upper lever element (6) and a lower lever element (8) connected articulatedly to the latter, which lever elements together form a two-part gear lever (2) supported articulatedly in a vehicle. The lower end of the upper lever element (6) has fastened in it a guide sleeve (18) which is supported for rotation on a supporting spindle mounted in a holder yoke (22) which is fastened in the upper end of the lower lever element (8) and which has sidewalls (24, 26) and a reference wall (28) which not only connects these sidewalls but also has a position fixing portion (30). Between the lever elements (6, 8) there is a locking mechanism (32) which normally prevents mutual movement of the lever elements (6, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Scania CV Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Lars Miller
  • Patent number: 6122990
    Abstract: A hand brake for motor vehicles, and including a trestle provided with a toothing, a brake lever pivotally supported on the trestle, a locking pawl for retaining the brake lever on the trestle in an arbitrary selected pull position, at least one brake cable, a spring-biased tensioning element for the brake cable supported on the trestle, and a spring-biased arrangement for connecting the brake lever with the tensioning element, with the tensioning element being formed as a tooth segment or a tooth wheel which is constantly form-lockingly connected with the brake lever and a brake cable connector associated with the trestle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Bode, Wolfgang Kopittke
  • Patent number: 6029535
    Abstract: An over-the-highway truck or tractor equipped with a gear shift lever selectively foldable from an operating position to a folded position is disclosed. The gear shift lever includes upper and lower lever portions relatively telescopically and rotatably connected. The upper lever portion includes a generally L-shaped slot, while the lower lever portion carries a pin slidably engageable with and guided by the L-shaped slot for relative guiding movement of the lever portions. A tapered leg of the slot is arranged to allow relatively telescopic and pivotal movement between the lever portions and a foot of the slot extends laterally from the leg. The foot allows relatively rotatable movement between the lever portions to engage the pin and foot in the operating position. A coil spring urges the lever portions apart so that when the pin is within the leg the lever portions are relatively moveable axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Kenny, William Gremminger
  • Patent number: 5819591
    Abstract: A shifting device for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle has a first automatic shifting gate and a second, step-by-step shifting gate. A two-part selector lever is provided including a selector lever upper part and a selector lever lower part accommodating same. The selector lever is mounted rotatably in each of the two shifting gates via a separate shifting axis. The connection between the selector lever upper part and the selector lever lower part is engaged or disengaged by changing from one shifting gate to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Jorg Meyer
  • Patent number: 5743152
    Abstract: A winding rod which has an elongated part disposed substantially perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis, an annular eyelet having a curved inner face partially surrounding the rotatable part that has an enlarged portion having an outer face curved complimentarily to the inner face within at least a section for cooperating with the outer face and being substantially coaxially disposed within the eyelet, the inner face being adapted to accommodate the outer face therein; the annular eyelet that has a circular or oval cross-section, curved suitably convex opposed inner faces at each side of the eyelet and tapering in the direction of each other, and a central aperture between the opposed inner faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Gerhard Geiber GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Grudl
  • Patent number: 5609066
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a vehicle parking brake mounted in a vehicle consisting of the following elements. An actuator that is pivotally-mounted for movement between a first and second position. An elongate output member connected to a vehicle parking brake that is slidably mounted in the mounting structure. This elongate output member moves in a brake-applying direction in response to the movement of the actuator from the first to second position. A driver that alternates states between an uncoupled and coupled position in relation to the output member, in response to the movement of the actuator from the first to second position, respectively. A releasable holder that restrains the output member against reverse movement during movement of the actuator from second to first position, and a release mechanism for disengaging the releasable holder from the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Simplistik Design Limited
    Inventors: Gavin Bunker, Timothy Bunker
  • Patent number: 5556224
    Abstract: A shifter handle assembly for an automotive transmission. The shifter handle assembly comprises a shifter handle having a bore into which the shifter of a vehicle is inserted. A retaining clip is inserted within an aperture of the shifter handle which engages a recessed groove in the shifter such that separation of the shifter handle assembly is prevented. The assembly is preferably constructed of four parts, all held together by the retaining clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products
    Inventor: Don L. Niskanen
  • Patent number: 5431361
    Abstract: A crashworthy cyclic control stick system (10) for use in combination with an energy attenuating stroking crew seat (100) includes a cyclic control stick (11) and an actuating/attenuating mechanism (50). The cyclic control stick (11) includes an upper tube subassembly (14U) having a first hinge fitting (22), a lower tube subassembly (14L) having a second hinge fitting (24), the first hinge fitting (22) being mounted in pivotable combination with the second hinge fitting (24) along a hinge pivot axis (26) the and a locking mechanism (30) mounted in pivotable combination with the first hinge fitting (22) and interactively connected to the second hinge fitting (24) to preclude pivotal movement between the hinge fittings (22, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Carnell, J. David Fansler
  • Patent number: 5424910
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lever assembly for reversibly inserting a control device into a cell of a center for controlling electrical service. The center has electrical terminals and a post extending perpendicularly into the cell and the control device has a frame of cross-members. The assembly includes a left hand lever, a right hand lever, and a fastener adapted to secure the levers to one of the cross-members and position the levers to engage the post as the device is inserted into the cell. Each lever includes a pivot hole positioned towards one end of the lever. The pivot holes receive the fastener and allow rotation of each lever about the fastener. Each lever also includes an open-ended slot to engage the post in the control center. Each lever also includes means for manually rotating the lever about the pivot hole. The rotating means connects to the end of each lever opposite the open end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Lees
  • Patent number: 5335586
    Abstract: A handle linkage including two handle arms rotatably secured to each other, while one handle arm is attached to the body of a tool and the other handle arm is attached to an actuatable member of the tool. One or more links connect the actuatable member to the second handle arm allowing for substantially linear movement of the actuatable member into the body of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: MAC Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Casto, Jeffrey A. Batten, Raymond J. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 5328285
    Abstract: An articulated joint assembly includes an upper joint member having an inner portion and an outer portion connected to an upper lever section of a gear shift lever, a lower joint member having an inner portion and an outer portion connected to a lower lever section of the shift lever, a pivotal joint formed between the inner portions of the upper and lower joint members, and an annular collar having a central bore being slidably mounted over the inner portions of the upper and lower joint members and movable along the inner portions and between the outer portions of the upper and lower joint members between a lower position in which the annular collar locks the upper and lower lever sections at an erected condition and an upper position in which the annular collar unlocks the upper and lower lever sections for converting the shift lever from the erected condition to a folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventors: Gary L. Grubbs, Sheila A. Grubbs, Delores Grubbs
  • Patent number: 5211078
    Abstract: A gear shift lever assembly is disclosed wherein the assembly comprises a gear shift lever which is adapted to engage a gear shift mechanism of a vehicle and in which a further mechanism is provided to allow the gear shift lever to be attached and released from the gear shift mechanism only in positions in which the vehicle cannot be driven of its own power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Global Decisions, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. McCarthy, Kevin P. Boydston
  • Patent number: 5182964
    Abstract: A hand lever of a selecting device of an automatically changing change-speed gearbox is inserted in a pre-assembled acceptance part which is connected via a joint to a setting linkage leading to a selection element. A predetermined installation position can be thus achieved with a positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Harald Gellner
  • Patent number: 5022283
    Abstract: An apparatus including a split housing securable together mounted in surrounding relationship relative to a steering column housing. A multi-angulated actuation lever is mounted overlying the split housing and terminates in a forward first leg pivotally mounted to a collar that in turn is surroundingly secured in a sliding relationship relative to a turn signal lever. The actuation lever is pivotally mounted to the split housing and extends laterally therebeyond in a right-hand orientation. The actuation lever may further include a telescoping section to accommodate variations in physical capabilities and characteristics of a user, and wherein the lever may further include a rotatable coupling to permit angular orientation of the actuation lever relative to the split housing for enhanced positioning of the actuation lever relative to the split housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Mark R. Deslandes
  • Patent number: 4981047
    Abstract: A control unit for controlling the hydraulic system of a construction machine, such as a hydraulic shovel, having a structure capable of being simply and quickly changed from one setup for another setup suitable for a desired mode of control operation. The control unit comprises a control lever pivotally supported for movement in longitudinal and transverse directions, and first and second link rods for transmitting the operating force of the control lever to first and second hydraulic control valves when the control lever is shifted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. An operating force transmitting member is put on the control lever so as to be rotatable about the axis of the control lever, and a locking member is mounted on the control lever so as to be slidable along the axis of the control lever and so as to be unable to rotate relative to the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Rinta Denda, Masaharu Nishimoto, Hidetomo Kasa, Kazuyuki Doi
  • Patent number: 4887782
    Abstract: A means for controlling a rotor of a helicopter utilizes cyclic pitch chas to its rotor blades, accomplished with a cyclic control stick. Cyclic control sticks have been a matter of concern in crashing situations. Prior art cyclic sticks are hinged to that they can be pulled out of the way of a pilot thrown forward and down by an impact. A lanyard actuated by the movement of the pilot's seat pulls the cyclic stick away from the pilot. Since such systems require various mechanisms and pulleys there is a need for an improved cyclic stick. A crashworthy cyclic control stick which is pilot actuated to overcome these difficulties is provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of American as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Brian L. Carnell, John D. Fansler, Mukunda B. Pramanik
  • Patent number: 4823635
    Abstract: A mechanism for permitting a shift lever to be stowed away when it is not being used to operate a shiftable mechanism in a motor vehicle. The mechanism may be attached to shifting apparatus already in place in a vehicle or provided as original equipment. The mechanism has first and second portions that are slidably arranged so that in a first position the shift lever is rigidly connected to the shiftable mechanism and in a second position the shift lever is moved to an out of the way, (stowed position), near the floor of the vehicle. A slot on one of the sliding portions and a pair of pins on the other sliding portion are arranged to permit easy selective movement from the rigid to the stowed position. A biasing spring is connected between the sliding portions to releasably hold the lever in which ever position it is moved to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Charles R. Selby
  • Patent number: 4726252
    Abstract: A brake or clutch lever system for a motor cycle or a pedal cycle, the lever system having a lever pivoted to a lever housing. The lever housing is pivoted to a clamping bracket and is biased by a spring into an extended position, stop members holding the lever housing in the extended position. The lever housing pivots upwardly on impact to thus minimize breakage of the lever system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Raymond M. Dawson
  • Patent number: 4699053
    Abstract: A device for selectively controlling the manual or automatic operation of inking or damping rollers of a printing press wherein the torque which produces the adjusting movement is transmissible through a non-positive coupling and a spring-biased manually releasable and automatically engaging connecting element, characterized in that a first start-stop lever is connected to an input coupling member for the automatic starting and stopping of printing, an operating lever is connected to a handle for manual control of the starting and stopping of printing and a second start-stop lever is connected to an output coupling member and is operative to engage and disengage the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Wenzel
  • Patent number: 4603905
    Abstract: A chair has an adjustable seat or back rest which is connected with an air spring. The air spring has an engaged condition in which the seat or back rest is locked, and a disengaged condition in which the seat or back rest may be adjusted as desired. A pivotable handle located beneath the seat permits a user to change the condition of the air spring. The handle is connected with a first shaft which carries a first coupling element. A second shaft carries a cooperating second coupling element and acts on an actuating rod of the air spring to change the condition of the latter in response to manipulation of the handle. The shafts are relatively rotatable, and the coupling elements define a gap permitting rotation of one coupling element relative to the other through a distance equalling the length of the working stroke of the actuating rod. In the engaged condition of the air spring, each coupling element is held in a respective end position by a biasing force. The handle is in a lower terminal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Girsberger Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Felix Stucki
  • Patent number: 4591131
    Abstract: The upward and/or downward travel of a traveling block in a derrick is controlled to prevent travel beyond normal, safe operating limits. A control line is positioned across the vertical movement axis of the traveling block and upon being moved by the traveling block will actuate sensors to brake and deactivate the draw works, in the event the traveling block traverses beyond safe predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Gerald A. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 4502622
    Abstract: An improved lever means in a tag attaching apparatus obtained by adding tension to the handle of the tag attaching apparatus. An assistant lever containing three slots is located in the space between the shooting lever and the action lever, pushing the fastener onto the needle groove to attach the tags to the objects. The bottom slot of the assistant lever is connected to the hinge point of the action portion, and the hinge point of the assistant lever is connected to the shooting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Duck H. Lee