Stops Patents (Class 74/526)
  • Patent number: 6942047
    Abstract: An adjustment stop screw or bolt is provided for adjusting the full forward speed position of at least one steering lever on a skid steer loader. The stop screw will engage a member movable with the steering lever below the operator's platform. The stop screw can be adjusted through an opening in operator's platform to change the stopped forward speed position of the lever, and thus the full forward speed position of the linkage that controls the motor operated by that lever. This in turn adjusts the speed of the drive motor in a full forward position of the lever. The adjustment is made to match the output speeds of the drive motors on both sides of the skid steer vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: John F. Woytassek
  • Patent number: 6824161
    Abstract: A remote control device 1 simplified in construction and with an improved usability and a baby carriage 100 possessed of the device 1 are disclosed. The remote control device 1 is connected via wire cables 2 and 3 to a folding and a handle switching mechanism 111 and 112. A pair of pulleys 10a and 10b rotatably supported by a support shaft 4 are rotated by a rotary plate 20 so as to wind the wire cables 2 and 3 thereon, respectively. The rotary plate 20 is rotatably supported between the pulleys 10a and 10b. A switching plate 40 is operated to select one of the pulleys 10a and 10b representative of a selected one of the folding and handle switching mechanisms. The switching plate 40 drives said rotary plate to assume a pre-established rotational angular position at which the rotary plate is capable of actuating and then rotating a selected one pulley 10a or 10b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Iwata
  • Patent number: 6810767
    Abstract: A lock comprising a roller stop having a forward end; at least a first roller receiving concavity mounted for movement across the forward end of the roller stop; a roller mounted for movement between forward and rearward positions, the roller, while at its forward position, extending into the at least first roller receiving concavity and overlying the forward end of the roller stop; a plunger having a forward end and a rearward end, the plunger being mounted for motion between forward and rearward positions, the plunger, while at its forward position, holding the roller at its forward position, the plunger, while at its rearward position, allowing the roller to move to its rearward position; and a toggle mounted for alternate flexion and hyperextension, the toggle, upon hyperextension, holding the plunger at its forward position, the toggle, upon flexion, holding the plunger at its rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Aerospace Systems & Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren Dale Sutton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6763742
    Abstract: A mobile storage unit includes a drive system which is operable in response to rotation of an actuator handle mounted to the mobile storage unit. A torque limiting mechanism is interposed between the actuator handle and the drive system, for rotating an input member of the drive system in response to rotation of the actuator handle. The torque limiting mechanism de-couples the actuator handle from the drive system input member when an excessive force is applied to the actuator handle, to prevent adverse effects which can result from application of an excessive force to the components of the drive system. The torque limiting mechanism includes a hub mounted to the actuator handle and an input member mounted to an input shaft associated with the mobile storage unit drive system, and prevents rotation of the input member when the force applied to the hub member exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Steven M. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6666478
    Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends. An over-center locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to a mounting bracket (66). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking member (132) that has a first position in which a portion (46) of the support (24) and a portion (72) of the mounting bracket (66) are urged toward each other to prevent movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The locking member (132) has a second position in which the support (24) and the mounting bracket (66) are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism (130) applies a first force to the locking member (132) to move the locking member from the first position to the second position and applies a second force to the locking member to move the locking member from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory B. Livengood
  • Patent number: 6658965
    Abstract: An apparatus for throttling a vehicle equipped with an exterior throttle lever actuated near a handlebar, said throttling via actuation caused by rotation of said apparatus around the longitudinal axis of the handlebar rather than by direct personal actuation of the throttle lever, said rotational throttling apparatus including a finger-like projection extending from a rotatable sleeve near the throttle lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Don A. Allen
  • Patent number: 6592163
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle includes a drive train with a drive gear and an output gear. An electric motor is connected to the drive gear. A drive shaft is slidably received through a center hole in the output gear so as to be longitudinally movable relative to the output gear. A clutch operates to engage the drive shaft with the output gear as the drive shaft is moved in a first direction and to disengage the drive shaft from said output gear as the drive shaft is moved in a second direction. A drive member connected to a first end of the drive shaft is engageable with a room actuation mechanism, and a crank handle is removably connectable to a second end of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Patent number: 6571661
    Abstract: A brake pedal system includes a brake pedal having a flexible arm with a first distal end adapted to be mounted to the structure of a vehicle and a second distal end having a foot pad. At least one sensor is mounted to the brake pedal and is adapted to sense the amount of deflection of the brake pedal and send a corresponding signal. A stop is adapted to be mounted within the vehicle at a distance from the brake pedal such that the brake pedal will contact the stop after flexing a pre-determined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Robert Hemenway, Junaid Akhtar
  • Patent number: 6553862
    Abstract: An emergency brake lever system for a recreational vehicle with a lever-actuated braking mechanism for precluding movement of the recreational vehicle upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether for wearing by a rider of the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off of the recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Steven L. Caple
  • Patent number: 6457377
    Abstract: A renovated brake structure for an auxiliary moving device comprises a grip, a cover, a brake wire and a handle. The cover is secured to the handle and the grip is pivoted to the cover. The grip is secured to one end of the brake wire with a stud, whereas the other end of the brake wire having a spring to urge the grip to resume to original position. The grip comprises a pair of linking rods with a rail and a connecting pin on each rod. Each linking rod is connected at one end to a stud which is to secure with on end of a brake wire. A pair of holes are formed at the front respective ends of the grip for insertion of the pins. An arc trough is formed at one end of the grip with an elastic stopper at one end and a locating hole at the other end. A stop pin extending from the cover is inserted through the arc trough of the grip to secure the grip to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignees: Apex Medical Corp.
    Inventor: Chun-Shan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020124680
    Abstract: A throttle stop collar for a manually-operated throttle lever includes a resilient ring defining a cylindrical cavity therethrough, the ring sized for snug sliding fitment over a handlebar handgrip. The ring has an outer surface eccentrically disposed relative to the cylindrical cavity. The ring is sized to fit between the throttle lever and the handlebar in a path of the throttle lever when depressed by a user so as to selectively obstruct and limit a range of motion of the throttle lever when rotated between a closed-throttle idle position and an open throttle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Sjodin
  • Patent number: 6439083
    Abstract: A tool or device is comprised of a generally cylindrical plunger that is retained in a generally cylindrical body. A spring fits inside the body to spring-load the plunger by means of a jam nut or other tensioning device. The plunger has tapped mounting holes with a pilot hole on the compression end for attaching various standard or custom components or attachments. The opposite tension end has a threaded extension also used for attaching devices. The body has a smooth outside diameter with at least one flat running the entire length. Due to the close fit of the plunger and body, the plunger has an axial groove on it upper surface to allow air inside the device to escape for smooth actuation. An optional splitclamp block is provided as a means of mounting. Also available as an option is a retracting lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: dbm Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean R. Molstad
  • Patent number: 6431024
    Abstract: A backpack-type working machine comprises an engine on a shouldering frame and a swingable arm on a side thereof. A throttle lever on the arm controls the engine. A base of the arm is connected to a holder by means of an elastic pivot means including a bolt around which the arm swings and a spring. To allow the arm to move on a plane orthogonal to a swing direction (plane including a center line of a pivot means), the holder and the base of the arm are connected such that only parts opposing and oppositely of inclined surfaces thereof are in partial contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuneyoshi Yuasa, Kunio Tsutsui, Junichi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6374694
    Abstract: A hand brake device for a wheelchair comprising a hand brake device on either handlebar and an associated brake provided on wheel. The hand brake device comprises a body member, a brake lever, and an actuator. Brake lever is coupled to brake cable. Body member comprises an open space with two extended opposite curve members of brake lever received therein, and a recess pivoted about a bolt. Operator may grip lever member to pivot brake lever so as to move toward or away from handlebar, thus tautening the brake cable for braking. A stopper member is inserted into channel of opening on the side of body member. When the brake lever is pulled toward or pushed away from the handle, the brake cable is tautened for braking the vehicle such that the stopper member clears from the channel. Further, pulls or pushes the actuator to cause the end of the stopper member to be clung between the dents, thereby locking the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: ENSD Corporation
    Inventor: Chi-Shen Chen
  • Patent number: 6346114
    Abstract: Adjustable length element includes a first member having threads and a second member having threads. The adjustable length member also includes at least one protrusion on one of the first member and the second member, with the at least one protrusion being capable of engaging and disengaging at least one stop associated with the threads of the other of the first member and the second member as the first member and the second member are rotated relative to each other. A lancet device includes a housing, a needle holding member in the housing for holding a lancet, a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position, and a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position. The lancet device also includes a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface, the cap including a first cap member having threads and a second cap member having threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Stat Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Schraga
  • Patent number: 6338288
    Abstract: A rail brake controller with a locking device includes a handle coupled to a hub. The hub includes a notch. A pawl is provided adjacent the hub and rotates between an unlocked position out of the notch and a locked position in the notch when the handle is in a preselected angular position. This position may represent, for example, a full service application. A lock assembly is provided coupled to the pawl and controls the position of the pawl. The pawl includes an arcuate recess and the lock assembly includes a pin in the arcuate recess to limit the angular position of the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Spadaccini, Ronald O. Newton
  • Patent number: 6336373
    Abstract: A drivig rotary shaft and a follower rotary shaft are rotatably carried in a housing of a rotary solenoid. Operating members fixed to the rotary shafts by clips are operatively connected to each other by gears, and a locked member is locked non-movably by locking surfaces formed at tip ends of the operating members. This makes it unnecessary to provide a device for converting a rectilinear motion to a rotational motion such as a pin and an elongated bore in a path of transmission of a driving force from the rotary solenoid to the operating members. Therefore, not only the number of parts and the number of assembling steps are reduced, but also the number of slide areas, where a friction resistance and looseness are liable to be produced, is reduced, thereby enabling a noiseless smooth operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Murai, Shigeto Ryuen
  • Patent number: 6336376
    Abstract: A brake pedal supporting structure designed for a brake pedal of a car having a pedal arm coupled with a mounting bracket attached to a dash panel and a cowl panel to rotate via an actuating rod and a hinge point of a brake booster, wherein pedal arm pushing preventing means is fixed at the rear portion of the pedal arm to face a predetermined interval of the total length of the pedal arm including the hinge point to prevent the pedal arm from being pushed to the rear by the brake booster which will be pushed toward the inside of the car room at the time of a head-on colliding car crash, thereby keeping the pedal arm from being pushed toward the rear of the chassis or enabling the lower portion of the pedal arm to rotate to the front of the chassis to rule out an impact given by the pedal arm onto the driver's lower body and reduce the possibility of the injury at the time of the head-on colliding car crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 6327931
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the operational states of a motor vehicle comprising a maneuvering console including a maneuvering lever, a pivot hinge for the maneuvering lever so that the maneuvering lever can be actuated into a number of positions corresponding to the operational states of the motor vehicle, the pivot hinge being mounted to permit pivoting of the maneuvering lever with respect to the maneuvering console about an unlimited number of spatial pivot axes, a plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinders mechanically coupled to the maneuvering lever for selectively limiting the pivoting movement of the maneuvering lever, a plurality of sensors for detecting a maneuvering force applied to the maneuvering lever and the position of the maneuvering lever so that the pivoting movement of the maneuvering lever can be selectively limited by the plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinders based upon those detections, and a controller for controlling the plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinder
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Skogward
  • Patent number: 6279621
    Abstract: A portable hands-free gas pumping device and method therefor, comprising a elongated body which can be inserted between a bottom surface of an activation lever and a bottom portion of a gas pump handle frame in order to maintain the activation lever in an activated position during the fueling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: J. Terry Gelsomino
  • Patent number: 6253635
    Abstract: The brake pedal configuration is particularly suited for an automobile having electrically actuated wheel brakes. A spring provides a resistance force with a nonlinear characteristic against brake actuation forces exerted on the brake pedal. The spring is arcuately curved and is fastened at one end to a support. At is second end the spring is connected to the brake pedal in an articulated manner. At its middle region, the spring is located opposite a stop on which the spring comes to bear after a partial deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Huber
  • Patent number: 6223623
    Abstract: An idle stop for a certain type of motor boat throttles. The throttles involved have a pedal pivotally mounted on a base, an eccentric carried by the base and actuated by the pedal and a receptor mount connected to a side wall of the base. The idle stop includes a tab extending out from the pedal, the tab having a threaded aperture through which an adjustable bolt extends. A fixed edge on a side of the base provides a surface for the bolt to come into contact with, and thus limit rearward movement of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: David Ray Vance
  • Patent number: 6202502
    Abstract: A brake mechanism for auxiliary walker has a fixed seat, a control plate and a hand grip. The fixed seat is hollow at an inner portion of a handle at one top end thereof. The control plate has formed horizontal guide hole at bottom one side and further formed a fixed hole at bottom one surface. The hand grip is provided with a long trough hole at one end thereof providing the control plate to insert in. The control plate together with said hand grip are all be inserted into the fixed seat fastening by plurality screws at the top end of control plate and fixed seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Genemax Medical Products Industry Corp.
    Inventor: Sung Chung-Che
  • Patent number: 6202779
    Abstract: A mower having a cruise control system is provided. The mower includes a frame, a plurality of wheels including at least a first drive wheel operatively supported by the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame, a mower deck operatively connected to the frame, and a drive system for use in transferring power from the engine to the at least first drive wheel. The drive system includes an accelerator pedal fixedly connected to an accelerator rod. The cruise control system mechanically locks the accelerator pedal and accelerator rod in place. This permits the operator to release all pressure from the accelerator pedal (resting the foot of the operator) while maintaining the accelerator pedal in any predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: MTO Products Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Musat
  • Patent number: 6161637
    Abstract: A twin stick control system for a movable unit such as a ZRT vehicle includes two control sticks placed side-by-side. Each control stick controls the operation of at least one drive wheel on each side of the vehicle. The control sticks are movable from their neutral position in a first range of motion without any interference from a spring restoring force tending to return them to neutral, thus allowing the control sticks to remain wherever the operator places them in the first range of motion. A cruise control system is located to abut against the control sticks at the conclusion of the first range of motion to define a cruise control speed setting. The sticks can still be advanced forwardly beyond the cruise control speed setting, but encounter a spring force when doing so which is directed to returning the sticks back to the cruise control speed setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Matthew J Decker, Edric C. Funk, Michael R. Stuber
  • Patent number: 6158300
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the level adjustment and/or arching adjustment of a flexibly resilient support element (4) for the lordosic vertebrae of a sitting person, and which is fitted in the fame (1) of a back rest of a seat, each apparatus comprising a gear mechanism (12) including a worm (14), a worm gear (15), a pinion (16) and a tooth element as well as a drive means. According to the invention the gear mechanism is directly connected to the drive means in such a manner that the rigid drive shaft (13) thereof carries the worm (14) engaging into the worm gear (15), the pinion (16) being fixed axially in the work gear (15) in tooth engagement with a gear wheel (17) in a plane parallel to the worm gear (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Schukra Geratebau G.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Knud Klingler
  • Patent number: 6134984
    Abstract: A throttle lever device for a small-sized vehicle includes an operating lever which is rotated manually about a pivot shaft to pull or return a cable connected to a throttle valve in a fuel supply unit such as a carburetor. The throttle lever device includes a first link adapted to rotate about the pivot shaft of the operating lever in accordance with the pivotal motion of the operating lever, and a second link supported rotatably through a shaft on a front end side of the first link. One end portion of the second link is engaged with the cable. The first link has a restricting portion for restricting the rotation of the second link. A stopper member disposed in the rotating direction of the second link is adapted to abut the second link. The amount of cable pulled changes relative to the amount of operation of the operating lever which controls the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaru Hisadomi
  • Patent number: 6131482
    Abstract: A device for the automatic incremental cable length compensation of a Bowden cable system having a housing side and a Bowden tube side. The device includes a cable having a pulling axis, a part on the housing side including a number of detent elements axially arranged in a direction of the pulling axis, and a part on the Bowden tube side with two spaced apart stops axially aligned in the direction of the pulling axis and displaceable relative to the part on the housing side. The cable extends through both the part on the housing side and the part on the Bowden tube side. A spring is positioned between the part on the housing side and the part on the Bowden tube side for tensioning the cable. A locking element is displaceably mounted between the two axially aligned spaced stops in the part on the Bowden tube side so that a cable length compensating detent movement can only take place after overcoming a predetermined setting distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Uwe Klippert, Christian Saunus, Georg Scheck
  • Patent number: 6095173
    Abstract: An element is provided which includes a control section connection end and a setting position end for enabling a setting of the filling mechanism, with automatic shut-off. The setting end includes a retaining portion. The retaining portion acts to retain the element associated with a gasoline filling mechanism, even after gasoline filling shut-off. The element includes a hole or opening. The opening formed in the device adaptor element receives a connection element. This arrangement is particularly useful for supporting keys or other functional devices such as a bell which may be connected with the automatic gas fill adaptor element device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony G. Perry
  • Patent number: 6070625
    Abstract: A brace has been invented for releasably maintaining a control lever of a gasoline pump apparatus in a selected position, the brace, in certain aspects, having a body member, at least two pairs of spaced-apart opposed separation members on the body member, including at least a first pair and a second pair, the first pair spaced-apart a first distance and the second pair spaced-apart a second distance which is different from the first distance. In another aspect the brace has a hole through the body member; and in certain aspects, an item is releasably disposed through the hole in the body member. In other aspects one or more channels between two of the separation members facilitates flexing of the body member. In another aspect, a brace has been invented which has a first part, a second part, a spring having a core portion, a first end connected to the first part, and a second end connected to the second part, and the spring urging the two parts to move together rotating about the spring's core portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventors: Royce F. Robinson, Josette D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6070690
    Abstract: A cruise bar is provided for use with a lawn tractor. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a driving device for use in driving the lawn tractor, a first drive wheel for use in driving the lawn tractor, a console that is operatively connected to the frame, and a first control lever for use in controlling the speed and direction of the lawn tractor. The cruise bar is used to limit the motion of the first control lever. The first control lever is operatively connected to the driving device and to the first drive wheel. The first control lever is selectively moveable in a first direction. The cruise bar limits the motion of the first control lever in the first direction and is operatively connected to the console. The cruise bar may be adjusted relative to the first control lever thereby providing a method for limiting the top speed of the lawn tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Commercial Turf Products
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Gerald Hobrath
  • Patent number: 6065364
    Abstract: A stopper includes a frame (51) fixed to a mount base (1) of an industrial robot, a retaining shaft (52) which is fixed to the frame (51) in an upright position in relation to the plane of rotation of the turning base (2), a rod-shaped engagement lever (53) which is supported so as to be able to turn around the retaining shaft (52), a spring (57) for returning the engagement lever (53) to a position where it faces the center of the turning base (2), stoppers (59A, 59B) provided on both inner surfaces of the frame (51) which face the engagement lever (53), and an engagement dog (7) which is fixed to the turning base (2) and is capable of engaging the engagement lever (53). It is possible to provide a stopper for use with an industrial robot which permits setting of the operating angle of the turning base to a value of 360.degree. or more and which ensures a wide range of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Shiraki, Toshiaki Iwanaga, Shigeo Matsushita, Kazuhiro Haniya
  • Patent number: 6065363
    Abstract: A change-speed gearbox of a motor vehicle includes a shifting element moveable within a plurality of shift gates for engaging and disengaging a selected gear. A gearshift member cooperates with the gear shifting element. The gearshift member is movable to perform a rotary shift movement and a linear shift movement. A shift device for the gearbox includes a motor having a shaft extending therefrom rotatable about an axis. The gearshift member is axially slidably supported by the motor shaft and rotatably engaged therewith. A solenoid is engaged with the gearshift member for slidably axially moving the gearshift member into a plurality of positions corresponding with the shift gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Schaller, Harald Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6056268
    Abstract: A tool for limiting the amount by which an accelerator pedal lever may be actuated so as to restrict the maximum opening of a throttle valve to a predetermined maximum amount. The tool includes a first member positioned proximate to the accelerator pedal lever and fastened to the vehicle, a second member threadably engaged with the first member, and a third member which is secured to the dash panel of the vehicle and operably prevents axial movement of the second member while allowing the second member to rotate. The tool is easily adjusted by rotating the second member so as to change the effective length of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. Nagalski
  • Patent number: 6041676
    Abstract: A locking winch includes a rotatable shaft coupled to a bracket adapted for connection to a structure such as a trailer, truck, hoist, etc. Wrapped around the shaft is a cable, rope or chain and connected to one end of the shaft is a hand operated crank for rotating the shaft in a first direction for retracting the cable about the shaft or for rotating the shaft in a second, opposed direction for removing the cable from the shaft, with the crank movable between first and second positions on the shaft. A sprocket fixedly mounted to the bracket includes a plurality of spaced teeth disposed about the periphery thereof. A torsion spring coupled to the hand operated crank urges the crank to the first position. A locking pin attached to the hand operated crank is disposed between adjacent teeth on the periphery of the sprocket when the crank is in the first position to prevent rotation of the shaft and either withdrawal of the cable from or take-up of the cable on the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Roger V. Bettenhausen
  • Patent number: 6003403
    Abstract: A device for the automatic, stepped cable length compensation of a Bowden cable system in which a spring-tensioned cable is guided. The spring is supported between a part on the housing side and a part on the Bowden tube side displaceable relative thereto and having several detent elements resiliently pretensioned in the direction of the sleeve face of the part on the Bowden tube side. During displacement of the part on the Bowden tube side the detent elements engage in succession in front of the end face of this part so that a resetting movement of the part on the Bowden tube side is prevented. Each detent element is allocated a pair of stops between which the detent, element is mounted for restricted axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignees: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg Ketschendorfer Strasse
    Inventors: Uwe Klippert, Christian Saunus, Georg Scheck
  • Patent number: 5970823
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the position of a movable working member with respect to a stationary datum surface has steps of providing a packaging machine having at least one movable working member and a device for adjusting the position of the working member during a changeover operation, providing the device with a plurality of selectable stops connected to the stationary datum surface, the stops being of different length from each other, providing a sliding support supporting the working member whose position is to be adjusted, the sliding support being mounted on a guide located adjacent to the stationary datum surface and placing the sliding support in abutment with a selected stop to obtain a predetermined distance between the working member and the stationary datum surface and fixing the sliding support in this position until the next changeover operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Guglielmo Martelli
  • Patent number: 5970818
    Abstract: A notch alignment apparatus has a unit body (15), which can advance into a carrier (3) through a bottom opening (4) of the carrier (3), for aligning notches (2) formed in the peripheral edges of semiconductor wafers (1), which are contained in the carrier (3) and arrayed in a facing state. The unit body (15) is provided with a rotationally driving shaft (25) having a cylindrical shape, for coming into contact with the peripheral edges of the wafers (1) from below and driving the wafers (1) to rotate all together. A plurality of idle pulleys (26) independent of each other are arranged on one side of the driving shaft (25), for coming into contact with the peripheral edges of the wafers (1) from below. The idle pulleys (26) are supported by a common pulley shaft (27) to be independently and freely rotatable. A stopper or wafer guide (28) is arranged on the other side of the driving shaft (25), for stopping rotation of the wafers (1) by means of contact with the peripheral edges of the wafers (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hisashi Kikuchi, Mitsuru Obara
  • Patent number: 5960670
    Abstract: A vehicle transfer case for movement between two- and four-wheel drive includes a stop cushion as an end of travel range is approached. The cushion is preferably provided by a generally U-shaped spring that is contacted by the stop at either of its ends of travel. The cushion prevents the stop from locking into a housing for the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Iverson, Ronald L. Merckling
  • Patent number: 5950790
    Abstract: A linear pneumatic actuator stopping and positioning apparatus has a pneumatic actuator connected to a worktable for moving the worktable along a rectilinear path as well as a selector shaft that is mounted for rotational indexing movement at one side of the actuator and is operatively associated with one or more extendible stop arms for selecting a stop arm located at a selected stop point so as to contact the worktable and stop the movement of the worktable at the stop point selected. The shaft can be mounted to allow it to be shifted along its own central axis for moving one or more sleeve members that are connected to the shaft a short distance for extending a stop arm to an operating position. In one form, a stop arm actuator and locking bar is positioned to be engaged by the sleeve and to press the stop arm to its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Steven C. Barber
  • Patent number: 5937696
    Abstract: In an engine starter according to the present invention, an annular stopper disposed between the pinion unit and the solenoid device so as to determine the rest position of the pinion unit is formed with a tongue projecting radially outwardly from its outer periphery, and a shoulder surface defined in the gear cover so as to abut an end surface of the solenoid device and thereby determine the axial position of the solenoid device is formed with a recess for receiving the tongue of the annular stopper, with the tongue and the recess being dimensioned with respect to each other so as to allow the tongue to be resiliently interposed between the recessed part of the shoulder surface and the end surface of the solenoid device and to define a space which accommodates a corresponding deformation of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Ohya, Koji Nara, Michio Okada, Yoshikazu Sato, Shinichi Nagashima
  • Patent number: 5910194
    Abstract: An automatic parking brake cable tension adjustment apparatus includes a first connecting member attached by a cable to a brake handle, a first pivoting member, a second pivoting member, a mechanical linkage between the first and second pivoting member, and a second connecting member attached by a cable to a parking brake. As the brake cable becomes extended past a certain point, the first pivoting member contacts a fixed stop and pivots, thereby pivoting the second pivoting member. A threaded connection between the second pivoting member and the second connecting member rotates, automatically adjusting the tension of the brake cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Won-bong Cho
  • Patent number: 5901500
    Abstract: A power window actuator including an electric motor, a reduction gear train for reducing rotational speed of the motor and a linkage mechanism connected to the gear train opens and closes a pivotable quarter window or a rear side vent. The rotation of the motor is mechanically stopped by structural members totally enclosed in a housing containing the motor and the gear train when the pivotable window comes to a fully opened or a fully closed position. An electric current supply to the motor is automatically discontinued by operation of a controller. To enclose the structural members for stopping the motor in the housing, a first projection is formed on a final stage gear of the gear train and a second projection on an inside surface of the housing. Both projections abut against each other to stop the motor when the pivotable window is driven to predetermined positions. Thus, the actuator is made small in size and at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Tsuda, Masaaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5896782
    Abstract: An agricultural baler for picking up crop material and forming it into a rectangular shaped package, having a main frame, and an engine mounted on the main frame for operating the baler. The engine includes a throttle, and remotely located controls for changing the condition of the throttle between idle and full open to selectively operate the baler plunger rate from the cab of the towing vehicle, e.g., a tractor or a pickup truck. A control system for the throttle utilizes an electric reversible directional motor assembly having input terminals and an output shaft rotatable at a predetermined speed and direction under conditions where a predetermined voltage at a predetermined polarity is applied across such input terminals. Rotation of the output shaft is translated to pivotal motion of a lever that is coupled to the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Irwin D. McIlwain
  • Patent number: 5895204
    Abstract: A drive positioning mechanism for use in a variable pipe diffuser for a centrifugal compressor. A rotational drives means is fixedly attached to the housing of a centrifugal compressor with a pinion gear mounted thereto. A rack gear is mounted to the inner ring and adapted to engage in meshing arrangement with the pinion gear. The rotational drive means is operable to position the inner ring between a fully open position and a partially closed position. A travel limiter is provided to positively limited the travel of the inner ring at the filly open and the partially closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Kenneth A. Wright, Frank H. Godlewski
  • Patent number: 5887486
    Abstract: A locking device for use in a bicycle brake system in order to retain a hand-operated brake lever thereof in a braked state includes a locking member of resilient material, and a bearing device for bearing the locking member on the brake lever. The brake system includes a mounting seat fixed on a bicycle handlebar for connecting a brake cable to the brake lever. The brake lever has a first end mounted pivotally to the mounting seat and turnable about a first axis. The locking member includes a pressure bearing portion, a pair of spaced bracing arm portions which extend traversely and respectively from two ends of the pressure bearing portion, and a pair of leg portions which extend inwardly and respectively from the bracing arm portions. The bearing device includes a pair of pivot holes formed in two opposite lateral walls of the brake lever to receive the leg portions therein such that the pressure bearing portion and the leg portions of the locking member are generally parallel to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ah-Ping Lin
    Inventors: Ah-Ping Lin, Jung-Hua Li, Kun-Ju Lai
  • Patent number: 5878625
    Abstract: An actuating device comprising a bracket and an operating device is provided. The front end portion of the operating device is provided with an anchoring portion and a first operating portion. The first operating portion defines a first, a second and a third edge which are connected with each other. The bracket is provided with a first post which passes through the receiving chamber. The operating device can be moved such that the first operating portion is contacted with the first post. Wherein when the operating device is moved upward, a temporary braking function is effected; and when the operating device is moved downward, a continuous braking function is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Fong Hsiang Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nai Shing Hu
  • Patent number: 5875678
    Abstract: A device with a pivoting work arm for carrying and positioning a tool which is moved by a modified Watts linkage powered by a linear actuator is provided with shock absorption adjacent both the fully extended and fully retracted work arm positions. The modified Watts linkage engages a pawl which rotates a lever arm in the same direction to actuate the same shock absorber(s) when the work arm is moved to both its fully extended and fully retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: UNOVA IP Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. McNamara
  • Patent number: 5862713
    Abstract: A throttle lever device for an engine having a decreased number of parts and capable of facilitating an assembling operation. An operation grip for controlling an engine of a mowing machine or the like is provided on opposite sides thereof with a throttle lever and a lock lever engageable with the throttle lever, respectively. A lock button is arranged in proximity to the lock lever so as to hold the throttle lever at a half throttling position. The throttle lever, lock lever and lock button are arranged so as to be pushable in toward a center of the operation grip. The lock lever and lock button are formed integrally with each other and constantly urged by an elastic member so as to be projected outwardly of the operation grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Starting Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhei Tsunoda, Minoru Shibasaki, Yukinobu Tomaru, Hidenobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5857633
    Abstract: A cup holder for holding receptacles such as cans, bottles and the like includes a housing and a pair of receptacle holding rings rotatably mounted on the housing for movement in different planes between a retracted position in which the holding rings are located in the interior of the housing and an extended position in which the holding rings extend out of the housing. A closure element is also provided for closing the open front of the housing when the receptacle holding rings are in the retracted position. The receptacle holding rings are provided with engaging elements that engage one another when the receptacle holding rings are in the extended position. The engaging elements define a predefined stop position for the two rings in the extended position. Additionally, tabs are provided on one of the rings to prevent the rings from crossing over one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Pelchat, II, David Howard Reeder