Stops Patents (Class 74/526)
  • Patent number: 11745718
    Abstract: The present invention is an actuator that may be used to service a vehicle, where the actuator engages an accelerator pedal of the vehicle and can control the pedal remotely using a vehicle service module or tech station that automatically carries out a vehicle engine service. The actuator comprises a member that uses a linear actuator to engage the vehicle's accelerator pedal and controls the speed of the engine using feedback directly from the engine's ECU or other direct engine input. The pedal actuator include input cables that receive signals from the remote service module to adjust the speed of the engine to optimize a service performance. The data from the engine can include temperature, pressure, RPMs, and various other inputs depending on the service to be performed. The present invention allows the service technician to control the engine without the need for a second tech to apply pressure to the accelerator and monitor the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: MOC Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Camacho, Michael David Klugman, Dean Austin Puett, III, Vic Estrada
  • Patent number: 11703101
    Abstract: An electrically controlled valve for a shock absorber. The valve comprises a piston providing a primary fluid channel for damping fluid and a housing in which a piston holder is provided with an internal secondary fluid channel for damping fluid. Fluid flow (23) through the secondary fluid channel for damping fluid. Fluid flow through the secondary fluid channel is controlled by a spool movable within the piston holder wherein the movement of the spool is enabled by an electrically controlled actuator. Fluid flow through the secondary fluid channel is controlled by restriction at the inlet of the secondary fluid channel the inlet comprising one or more radial holes through the piston holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ÖHLINS RACING AB
    Inventor: Geir Lindblad
  • Patent number: 11618319
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal block is an apparatus that limits the maximum travel speed of a vehicle. The apparatus may also require additional tools to disable the apparatus. The apparatus includes a block body, a pedal-receiving slot, a stopper assembly, and at least one spacer. The block body engages with a pedal and connects the stopper assembly with the pedal. The pedal-receiving slot allows the pedal to traverse into the block body while preserving the structural integrity of the block body. The stopper assembly offsets the pedal from the floor of the vehicle and limits the actuation of the pedal. The at least one spacer tightens the pedal with the block body and secures the position of the pedal within the pedal-receiving slot. The pedal and the at least one spacer are secured within the block body with a left clamp assembly and a right clamp assembly of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Lewis Clark Hortman, III
  • Patent number: 11298583
    Abstract: Improvements in a flywheel friction loading measurement system is disclosed. The measurement system includes combining a rotational system that alters friction on a flywheel combined with a variable resistor or potentiometer. The combination proves a measurable system that can determine the loading on a piece of exercise equipment. The potentiometer is calibrated to provide a repeatable and reliable measurement of the loading system that is placed on a flywheel. Detents can be included to provide finite loading positions. A calibration sequence can also be used to communicate the friction to a display and measurement system. The rotational system is with pulling a cable on a rotational axis or with wrapping a cable chain, belt or equivalent on or around a rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Paradigm Health and Wellness
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11056295
    Abstract: A limit switch is provided with a switch body having a contact mechanism inside, and an operation unit detachably connected to the switch body. The operation unit may include a pivoting shaft and a bearing. One of the pivoting shaft and the bearing includes a protrusion that extends in a radial direction with respect to the pivoting shaft. The other of the pivoting shaft and the hearing includes a pivoting restriction part that is disposed around the pivoting shaft so as to be able to contact the protrusion, and restricts pivoting of the protrusion around the pivoting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Takahashi, Kazuyuki Tsukimori, Kouhei Yoshida, Hiroyasu Komeyama, Makoto Komatsu
  • Patent number: 11040443
    Abstract: A Z slider includes a rotating shaft capable of at least one revolution centered on a rotation axis, in a state Where the rotating shaft supports a measurement head that is connected to a plurality of cables; a ? axis drive motor that causes the rotating shaft, to perform normal rotation in a clockwise direction and reverse rotation in a counterclockwise direction; and an oscillating link that oscillates in a state of contact with the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft is performing normal rotation in the clockwise direction and limits normal rotation in the clockwise direction that is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, and that oscillates in a state of contact with the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft is performing reverse rotation in the counterclockwise direction and limits reverse rotation in the counterclockwise direction that is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromu Maie, Tomohiro Arizono
  • Patent number: 10927532
    Abstract: A foot pedal for actuating a water faucet valve can be selectively placed from a rest position to either a pushed position or a locked position by way of depressing the foot pedal at different locations on the foot pedal. In the rest position, the water faucet valve is closed. In the pushed position, the water faucet valve is open as long as the user continues depressing the foot pedal. In the locked position, the water faucet valve is open without the user continuously depressing the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventors: Saveliy Aleksandrovich Gershfeld, Jack Gershfeld
  • Patent number: 10828193
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Lynn, Tuan Tran, Christopher J. Page, Allan Lee Cameron, Andrew J. Boyce, Philip Walker, Kelvin Kao, Kenneth E. Kadziauskas, Regan A. Pierce, Fred Lee, Teresita Smith, Tapan Patel
  • Patent number: 10817011
    Abstract: The application provides a rotating device, including: an annular base, a first positioning member, a second positioning member, and a driving member. The driving member includes a pushing structure. The driving member drives the pushing structure to rotate around the outer edge of the peripheral portion in a first rotating direction or a second rotating direction; when the pushing structure rotates in the first rotating direction, the first stop portion and the third stop portion fit the peripheral portion in response to the push of the pushing structure, and the second stop portion and the fourth stop portion stop the pushing structure; and when the pushing structure rotates in the second rotating direction, the second stop portion and the fourth stop portion fit the peripheral portion in response to the push of the pushing structure, and the first stop portion and the third stop portion stop the pushing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chao-Yu Fang, Chun-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 10759653
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are spout assemblies including a spout assembly for pouring liquid fuel, which spout assembly may include a valve body, a valve stem, and a nozzle, in which: the valve body may include: an air flow housing defining an air flow path; a liquid flow housing defining a liquid flow path; and a valve stem housing that includes a valve stem wall defining a valve stem path, the valve stem wall may include: a liquid port capable of liquid communication with the liquid flow path; and an air port capable of fluid communication with the air flow path; the valve stem may be disposed in the valve stem path, and may include: a first stem flange capable of inhibiting air flow from the air flow path to the valve stem path; a second stem flange capable of inhibiting liquid flow from the liquid flow path to the valve stem path; and the nozzle may be coupled to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Sidney Jasek
  • Patent number: 10351234
    Abstract: An aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) including one or more propulsion systems gyroscopically mounted (i.e. rotatable about x- and y-axes) to a rigid airframe is disclosed. Each “wing” includes a propulsion system mounted to an axle that is rotatably attached to a wing mount, which in turn is pivotably mounted to the exterior of the airframe. The propulsion systems are electronically grouped according to their position relative to the airframe, such that one controller can control all the propulsion systems on the right or left side of the aircraft, resulting in control logic that is far more intuitive and convenient than that taught in the prior art. A method of operating an aircraft utilizing this improved control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Jeremy Dennis
  • Patent number: 10296036
    Abstract: A modular pedal assembly for use with a vehicle that includes a prime mover, a control circuit, and a brake assembly. The modular pedal assembly including a base that is removably connectable with the vehicle, a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal that is displaceable between a first position and a second position, and a control output regulator that includes a first sensor and a second sensor. In a vehicle having an electric motor prime mover, the first sensor is a limit switch electrically connected to the control circuit, and the second sensor is a variable resistor. In a vehicle having an internal combustion engine prime mover, the first sensor is a limit switch operable to control a starter motor, and the second sensor is a limit switch operable to control a spark plug ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Club Car, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Cosby, Douglas T. Crow, David R. Hardy, Paul E. Morgan, Duane E. Newman, Geoff D. Stewart, Michael L. Welsh
  • Patent number: 9976748
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a switch for use with an appliance valve, such as for gas appliances. The switch may comprise a base for coupling the switch to a valve, a rotatable hub in communication with the base and providing rotation therewith, a first protrusion projecting outwardly from the hub, and a detent disposed on the base and in communication with the first protrusion for resisting rotatable motion of the hub. Rotation of the hub in a first direction for turning an appliance valve to an on position requires the first protrusion to flexibly deflect the detent to permit the hub to rotate past the detent. As a result, danger of inadvertent rotation of the switch is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Richard R. Herzog
  • Patent number: 9852856
    Abstract: The invention is a high temperature control knob that is installed on the power control knob stem of an existing appliance to prevent a material being heated from reaching a predetermined maximum temperature (e.g., the burning point temperature for oil), and thereby preventing an undesired event (e.g., a fire). The high temperature control knob comprises an alignment means having at least one stop that is adjustable about a set of temperature markings containing the predetermined maximum temperature, and may further comprise a dial with an arm that mounts of the power control knob stem. The at least one stop may be aligned to the predetermined maximum temperature by rotating the alignment means about the power control knob stem and tightening a fixing means to hold the alignment means in place. The arm of the dial contacts the at least one stop preventing the appliance from exceeding the predetermined maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Archie Brooks Bowen
  • Publication number: 20150090068
    Abstract: A dampener assembly for a lever is provided. The dampener assembly includes a travel limiter that defines a surface for co-acting with the dampener. The lever is configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position to unlock a component for adjustable movement. The dampener assembly includes also a roller bumper and cam assembly that is configured to cause the surface of the travel limiter to contact the roller bumper in the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, the component is a rake-telescope steering column or an adjustment assembly therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard
  • Publication number: 20150027267
    Abstract: A device for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine comprising a control lever movably associated to a support element, which may be the engine casing or a portion thereof. The control lever is moveable at least between a first position, in which the engine is at a first rotation regime, and a second position, in which the engine is at a second rotation time. A selective locking mechanism is provided that prohibits the control lever from being stably positioned at any (and all) intermediate positions between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, a biasing force generated by the device automatically forces the control lever into one of the first or second positions when the control lever is located in any of the intermediate positions and an actuation force is ceased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Nicola SCINICARIELLO, Valentino SCARPELLINI
  • Patent number: 8920060
    Abstract: A rotation restricting device for restricting the rotation of a rotating part with respect to a base part, comprising a stopper supported so as to be capable of rotating around an axis of rotation of the base part, a lock mechanism capable of switching between a state preventing and a state allowing the rotation of the stopper with respect to the base part, a first block provided on the rotating part and capable of moving between a position interfering with and a position not interfering with a rotation path of the stopper, and a second block provided on the rotating part and capable of moving between a position interfering with and a position not interfering with the rotation path of the stopper. In a state where the rotation of the rotating part with respect to the base part is not restricted, both the first block and the second block are in the position interfering with the rotation path of the stopper, and the stopper is positioned between the first block and the second block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Wataru Maekita
  • Patent number: 8905093
    Abstract: A fuel pump trigger holder for holding the trigger of a fuel pump in an open position, where the fuel pump includes a handle against which the trigger is squeezed to allow fuel flow. The holder comprises a pair of prongs extending from an elongated base and ending at a pair of endpoints, wherein a top prong of the pair of prongs comprises a curved portion extending from the base and curving towards a bottom prong of the pair of prongs which extends at an incline relative to the base. The pair of prongs is configured for being disposed around the trigger and the handle for maintaining the trigger in a position corresponding to a fuel pump open position and releasing the trigger such that it returns to a closed position upon detecting a kicking motion from the fuel pump indicating a full fuel condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Neoteric Vision, LLC
    Inventors: Mitzi G. Cloud, Christopher Ginocchetti, Paul A. Kokesh, Robert G. Kokesh
  • Patent number: 8863930
    Abstract: A rotating range restricting mechanism that restricts the rotating range of a rotating body rotatable 360 degrees or more with respect to a supporting body includes: a swing member rotatably attached to the supporting body; a first restricting member abutting the swing member to restrict the swing range of one end of the swing member; a second restricting member abutting the swing member to restrict the swing range of the other end of the swing member; an engaging member fixed to the rotating body which engages with the swing member to allow the swing member to swing between a first restricting position and a second restricting position; a first magnetic holding mechanism that holds the swing member in the first restricting position with a magnetic attraction force; and a second magnetic holding mechanism that holds the swing member in the second restricting position with a magnetic attraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kitahara, Shigeyuki Kaino
  • Patent number: 8839691
    Abstract: A parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The parking brake includes a brake actuation lever which is arranged pivotably on a lever holder, a coupling unit for coupling the brake actuation lever to a brake cable, a locking device which comprises a toothing arranged on the lever holder and a locking catch engaging in the toothing, a catch spring for prestressing the locking catch in the direction of the toothing, a release device which comprises a push rod which can be displaced between an inoperative position and a release position along the brake actuation lever, and a triggering element, wherein the push rod has an aperture, a guide element for guiding the push rod and a spring element for prestressing the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Edscha Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Krompass
  • Patent number: 8800948
    Abstract: A slide locking apparatus for a seat includes a first locking section with plural first locking pieces and at least one second locking section group with forward, intermediate, and rear second locking sections. When at least one of the first locking pieces locks with one of the second locking sections, another first locking piece locks with another second locking section. A first lock inhibiting section inhibits the forward second locking section from engaging any of the locking pieces when a rearwardmost locking piece is forward of a position where the rearwardmost locking piece coincides with the intermediate locking section. A second inhibiting section inhibits the rear second locking section from locking with any of the locking pieces when the forward locking piece is rearward of the intermediate locking section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Wakayama, Yasuhito Domoto
  • Patent number: 8763488
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot, having a multiple-axis robot arm, with a base, a carousel that is rotatably supported relative to the base in reference to an axis and a mechanical stop device provided to limit a rotary motion of the carousel relative to the base. The stop device has a slider situated on the base, with stops situated at its ends, a trailing stop situated in the slider and a drive dog situated on the carousel. The drive dog and the slider are designed so that the drive dog is introduced into the slider by a corresponding rotary motion of the carousel relative to the axis and pushes the trailing stop against the relative stop. The trailing stop includes a plastically deformable damping element, which is provided to brake the carousel due to a plastic deformation caused by the trailing stop being pushed against the relevant stop by the drive dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Andre Reekers
  • Publication number: 20140157943
    Abstract: Disclosed are assemblies, systems, devices, methods, and other implementations, including an assembly that includes a moveable mechanical structure (e.g., a lever), and a gate to control movement of the moveable mechanical structure. The gate include a rotatable body, and at least two appendages extending from the rotatable body, including a first appendage configured to stop rotational movement of the gate in a first direction beyond a first angular position when the first appendage contacts a blocking structure, and a second appendage configured to contact the moveable mechanical structure that, when the moveable mechanical structure contacts the second appendage, actuates the gate to cause rotation of the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventor: BENHAM John
  • Patent number: 8672604
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes a hand on which a workpiece is placed, an arm that takes out the hand from a predetermined position of the workpiece and supplies the hand, an up-down moving mechanism connected to the arm by a support member, a pedestal provided at a lower portion of the up-down moving mechanism, and a pendulum stopper provided on a base on which the pedestal turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Taizo Kubota, Kentaro Tanaka, Osamu Harada
  • Patent number: 8607661
    Abstract: A mounting aid and a mounting method is provided for a cable pull adjustor (1) which includes a pull element (S) which can be connected to at least one cable pull (5, and a driver which can be connected to the actuating member (4) of the braking device (3) and which is intended for releasably driving along the pull element (8, and also a clamping element (9) which acts between the driver (7) and the pull element (S). The mounting aid comprises a securing element (10) which locks the clamping element (9) in a partially clamped position and automatically releases it through a movement of the actuating number (4) and/or the pull element (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Al-Ko Kober SE
    Inventor: Hansjörg Geisler
  • Patent number: 8556216
    Abstract: A support assembly for helicopter control sticks has a supporting structure; an instrument panel fixed to the supporting structure; and a connecting device for connecting the sticks to the supporting structure. The connecting device has a longitudinally elongated arm fitted on one end with the sticks; and the arm slides to move the sticks to/from the supporting structure, and rotates about a horizontal axis to adjust the height of the sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Agusta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gian Luigi Bandera
  • Patent number: 8499663
    Abstract: A braking assembly includes a depressible brake pedal. The brake pedal remains in a neutral position when not depressed. A link arm is mechanically linked with the brake pedal. The link arm moves as a function of a position of the brake pedal. A bell crank is mechanically linked with the link arm. The bell crank moves as a function of a position of the link arm. A stop member moves with the bell crank. The stop member abuts against the link arm to prevent the brake pedal from over-travelling beyond a predetermined distance past the neutral position after the depressed brake pedal is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Duane R. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Krause, Mark H. Sciulli
  • Publication number: 20130192410
    Abstract: A safety arrangement for a device such as a baby carriage, wheelchair or the like, having an actuator apparatus including first and second relatively displaceable parts movable between a first and second position. When the first part is arranged, in the first position it actuates a brake, and in the second position causing the brake to be in a non-braking state. The actuator is arranged, in the absence of external influence, to adopt the first position. A locking member is releasably attachable to the actuator for locking the first part in the second position, and unlocking of the first part in the second position upon application of a force. The first part is rotatable relative to the second part about a axis for displacement between the first and the second position, and includes a retaining mechanism arranged to connect the locking member to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: JOHRIA INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Johan Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20130047778
    Abstract: A switch device with a greatly strengthened limit structure where damage in the limit structure can be quickly detected and the structure can be easily replaced. The switch device includes a housing; a rotating shaft supported inside the housing and rotatable around its axis; a sway rod outside the housing, which is mounted at the end of the rotating shaft and configured to sway around the rotating axis of the rotating shaft by an external force applied outside the housing; a movable part outside the housing, which is configured to rotate together with the sway rod around the rotating axis of the rotating shaft; and a limit bearing part outside the housing and fixed relative to the housing, when the movable part is abutted on the limit bearing part, the swaying of the sway rod is limited, and the rotating shaft stops rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jia ZHOU
  • Patent number: 8342047
    Abstract: An anti-backup device for a power conveyor system is provided and includes a mounting plate, a mounting shaft, a spline cut cog, a multi-position cam, and a bias spring. Both the spline cut cog and the multi-position cam have multiple teeth that engage each other to permit rotation of the multi-position cam in a forward direction and prevent rotation of the multi-position cam in a backward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rodger Lusch
  • Patent number: 8230757
    Abstract: A lever lockout assembly includes a pair of lever supports and a pair of slide supports mounted on a housing. A lever member is rotatably supported by the lever supports. The lever member has a pair of arms separated by a notch. A lockout slide is slidably supported by the slide supports. The lockout slide has a ridge portion and a recess portion. The lockout slide is slidable to a lockout position wherein the ridge portion is received by the notch and the ridge is engagable with the arms to prevent rotation of the lever member. The lockout slide is also slidable to an unlocked position wherein the recess portion is aligned with the notch and the arms are rotatable through the recess portion. A handle projects from an end of the lockout slide. The lockout slide is a rigid bar with a polygonal cross-sectional shape. An edge of the bar forming the ridge portion. The lockout slide includes a pair of detent recess formed in a surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Magdalena Janina Nocko, Dean Arden Boyce, Christopher David Finck
  • Publication number: 20120175851
    Abstract: A heavy equipment system is provided that includes a tractor for hauling a trailer, wherein the trailer may have its height adjusted by a hydraulic system controlled by a bank of control levers. Also included is a safety system that comprises a blocking member, such as a handle, a sensor and a communication system. The safety system operates to sense and communicate to a driver of the tractor the possibility that the trailer is in the raised position by sensing when the blocking member is in a position to allow access to the control levers. Advantageously, such a system can guard against a driver driving into a low overpass or other hazard with the trailer in an elevated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Allied Automotive Group
    Inventor: Robert Ferrell
  • Patent number: 8132483
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to handle stops. More particularly, the invention encompasses a positive handle stop for a switch. The positive handle stop for a switch, such as, a safety switch, prevents the handle of a switch from returning to the shipping position once the switch is turned ON. The invention also includes a shipping position for the inventive handle so as to reduce the size of the packaging need to ship the switch apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Holland, Eric Heskett, Thomas Jameson, Patrick Logan
  • Patent number: 7762158
    Abstract: A self-locking device for a table elevating screw includes a rotatable disk disposed on a screw having a nut thereon, a wedged body disposed on the rotatable disk, an outer cover moveably disposed on the rotatable disk and the wedged body and a stop plate disposed on the outer cover. When the rotatable disk rotates in relation to the screw in a direction or a reverse direction, the wedged body ascends or descends in relation to the rotatable disk, maintaining a gap between the stop plate and the outer cover or generating a frictional force therebetween. By the frictional force occurred when the screw rotates in a single direction, the self-locking device can achieve a precise self-locking device for the screw in a lifting/lowering positioning task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Wu-Teng Shieh, Yu-Shan Lee
  • Patent number: 7721828
    Abstract: A retaining strip arranged to impede the rotation of a stop screw is disclosed. The retaining strip connects with the stop screw on both sides of an attachment bracket. The retaining strip is stretched over the bracket and applies a pressure to the screw that serves to maintain screw rotational position during vehicle operation. The retaining strip does not hamper the adjustment of the screw during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Corey L. Fornes, Michael Paul Langseth
  • Patent number: 7680551
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes a first member, a positioning member arranged to be attached to the first member, a second member arranged to rotate relative to the first member, and a first joint for coupling the first member with the second member. The second member has a contact point arranged to contact the positioning member. An indication for requesting to enable the positioning member to contact the contact point is displayed. The second member rotates at the first joint relatively to the first member while the positioning member can contact the contact point. It is detected whether or not the contact point of the second member contacts the positioning member. A position of the second member is stored as an origin when it is detected that the contact point of the second member contacts the positioning member. This method prevents a possible failure of the attaching of the positioning member, and decreases a work load on an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ikeda, Hiroyuki Nakata, Seiji Iwai
  • Publication number: 20100024588
    Abstract: A lever lockout assembly includes a pair of lever supports and a pair of slide supports mounted on a housing. A lever member is rotatably supported by the lever supports. The lever member has a pair of arms separated by a notch. A lockout slide is slidably supported by the slide supports. The lockout slide has a ridge portion and a recess portion. The lockout slide is slidable to a lockout position wherein the ridge portion is received by the notch and the ridge is engagable with the arms to prevent rotation of the lever member. The lockout slide is also slidable to an unlocked position wherein the recess portion is aligned with the notch and the arms are rotatable through the recess portion. A handle projects from an end of the lockout slide. The lockout slide is a rigid bar with a polygonal cross-sectional shape. An edge of the bar forming the ridge portion. The lockout slide includes a pair of detent recess formed in a surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Magdalena Janina Nocko, Dean Arden Boyce, Christopher David Finck
  • Patent number: 7650815
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle. In a motor vehicle with one or more brakes activated by a cable system, there is a mounting bracket mounted in the motor vehicle. Movably mounted to the mounting bracket is a lever that can move in brake applying and brake releasing directions, and which is constructed to be connected to the brake cables. The lever applies tension to the brake cables when the lever is moved in the brake applying direction, and releases the tension when moved in the releasing direction. Mounted to either the lever or the mounting bracket is a retainer constructed to engage the other of the lever or the mounting bracket. The retainer acts to restrict the relative lateral movement of the lever and the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Eokchel Ahn, Mark Van Ryswyck
  • Publication number: 20100005922
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to handle stops. More particularly, the invention encompasses a positive handle stop for a switch. The positive handle stop for a switch, such as, a safety switch, prevents the handle of a switch from returning to the shipping position once the switch is turned ON. The invention also includes a shipping position for the inventive handle so as to reduce the size of the packaging need to ship the switch apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Holland, Eric Heskett, Thomas Jameson, Patrick Logan
  • Patent number: 7591206
    Abstract: A mechanical stopper offers a relative rotation range exceeding 360°, scarcely generating abrasion powder and the like and having a simple structure. The stopper apparatus has a rotation axis section in which relative rotation is carried out between two members around one rotation axis, for restricting the rotation angle of one of the members with respect to the other member. The stopper apparatus has a contact piece provided on the member and two support members and are provided standing on the other member with a clearance therebetween. A band-shaped elastic member is layered across between the above-mentioned two support members, and the contact piece contacts the elastic member to stop the rotation of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Hideo Yamamoto, Hiroshi Asano
  • Patent number: 7584826
    Abstract: A parking brake device for a vehicle includes a vehicle operating lever pivotally mounted on a bar-type steering handle having one end thereof provided with a grip that may be gripped by a driver, and a parking lever manually movable between an actuated position, at which a parking brake mechanism mounted on the vehicle is actuated, and a release position at which the parking brake mechanism is released. The parking lever referred to above is, when moved to the actuated position, positioned in between the grip of the steering handle and the operating lever to thereby hamper the operating lever from being pivoted in an operating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7493742
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for controlling the rotational movement of a die wheel in packaging machinery and includes a first component operationally interconnected to both the die wheel and camshaft, and a second component physically connected to both the first component and the framework of the packaging machine wherein the second component is detachably mounted to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Curwood, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Edward Wegner
  • Publication number: 20080135311
    Abstract: A retaining strip arranged to impede the rotation of a stop screw is disclosed. The retaining strip connects with the stop screw on both sides of an attachment bracket. The retaining strip is stretched over the bracket and applies a pressure to the screw that serves to maintain screw rotational position during vehicle operation. The retaining strip does not hamper the adjustment of the screw during adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Corey L. Fornes, Michael Paul Langseth
  • Patent number: 7370388
    Abstract: An air cleaner for a portable engine, includes an air cleaner case attached to an upper part of an engine body of the engine. Preferably, the air cleaner case is supported on an upper wall of a shroud covering the engine. Preferably, the air cleaner case is formed integrally with the shroud. Preferably, the air cleaner further includes an air intake structure divided into a plurality of intake passages having inlets displaced relative to each other with respect to an air flow direction in which an intake air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneyoshi Yuasa, Masanori Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080047388
    Abstract: A safety throttle control for an AVT includes a switch on a handle of an ATV. The handle of the ATV is adjacent to a throttle trigger. The throttle trigger is in an inoperative idling position unless pressure is concurrently applied to the switch and the throttle trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michel LACHANCE
  • Patent number: 7195091
    Abstract: A fluid relief device (40) is responsive to a sensor (38) for relieving the hydraulic fluid pressure in hydraulic line (30) in response to the crash conditions. A fuseable link (52) abuts the distal end of a shaft (46) and holds the piston (42) in the normal operating position until a crash where the fuseable link (52) is consumed or removed to allow movement of the shaft (46) and the piston (42) to the accumulator position to relieve pressure in the hydraulic system. A resilient curved leaf spring member (60) reacts between the cross beam (16) and the pedal arm (20) in the event of rearward movement of the pedal arm (20) out of the normal operating range due to a crash to limit movement of the pedal arm (20) toward the operator space. The resilient spring (60) and the fluid relief device (40) are reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Drivesol Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Rixon, Sundar Ananthasivan
  • Patent number: 7194929
    Abstract: A pole for a hand pallet truck that includes a pole bar which is linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at the other end. An operating device is disposed within the space defined by the handle. The operating device is attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle in prolongation of the bar, and is connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element. If applicable, it is connectable via a second traction and/or pushing element to a brake of the hand pallet truck, wherein an operating lever is disposed on either side of the extension. The operating levers are pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane essentially defined by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin von Werder
  • Patent number: 7181992
    Abstract: A tripping and re-cocking mechanism (202) is applied to an apparatus (200) by which a shifted apparatus (200) is re-positioned for operation after having shifted from its operational mode. A pivot mount (205) of a second-class lever (204) is connected to a member or casting (209) of apparatus (200). At the point of resistance of lever (204) a roller bearing (215) cooperates with, by latching onto a platform (217), the platform (217) on a standard (221) that is part of apparatus (200), to cock mechanism (202) so that apparatus (200) is returned to its operational position. The shaft (228) of an energized solenoid (227) releases roller bearing (215) from its latched seat on platform (217) in the operation of apparatus (200) thereby shifting it to a non-operational position. Arm (232) re-cocks mechanism (202) to shift apparatus (200) again into its operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel L. Riffe
  • Patent number: 7134357
    Abstract: Adjustable stops are mounted on a rotating rod, and one pivot arm of a linked pair extends into an interference position such that one stop will strike it. The linkage draws the second arm into interference position if the first arm is displaced from it. Each pivot arm will brake the stop if struck from one direction and will be displaced, drawing in the other pivot arm, if struck from the opposite direction. The pivot arms react oppositely to being struck from each respective direction of rotation. Thus, continued rotation of the rod in one direction results in a stop striking a pivot arm suitably to brake the stop, with the permitted arc of rotation determined by relative adjustment of the stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: Micky G Gilbert, John O Olmstead
  • Patent number: 7082854
    Abstract: A positive engagement latching mechanism (22) for a seat assembly (10) of a vehicle includes a track member (28) having a multiple apertures (30), each of which having nonuniform width. Multiple engageable devices (42), each having a tapered engagement portion (52), positively engage in the apertures (30). A latching mechanism engagement-maintaining system (24) for a seat track assembly (12) of the seat assembly (10) includes an engageable device housing (40) having a tapered sides (46) that corresponds with a contour of an adjacent track member edge (48). A shear load resistive device (88) is coupled to the housing (40) and a track member (26) and resists vertical travel of the track member (26) in relation to the housing (40). A load guide (90) is coupled to the housing (40) and to the track member (26) and guides direction of travel of the track member (26) under loading conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Neil G. Goodbred, David J. Abdella