Stops Patents (Class 74/526)
  • Patent number: 5463913
    Abstract: An actuator mechanism for positioning first and second reference members relative to first and second optical axes for use by first and second imaging devices or cameras which are used to image the front and rear sides of a document. A single solenoid is used to move or rotate the first and second reference members into the appropriate positions. A special actuator member which pivots on the operating plunger of the solenoid is used to provide an extra increment of rotation to enable the accurate location of the first and second references members relative to the first and second optical axes mentioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: George J. Hroch
  • Patent number: 5456133
    Abstract: A shift lock device includes a locking mechanism for locking an engagement pin which is required to shift a shift lever from a parking position to a position other than the parking position under a desired condition, an actuator for releasing a locking condition of the locking mechanism, a control switch adapted to detect as to whether the shift lever is positioned in the parking position or not and generate a corresponding signal, and a controller being adapted to receive the signal from the control switch and generate a corresponding signal for controlling the actuator. The locking mechanism, the actuator, the control switch and the controller are enclosed in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Tsuda Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sogo, Hideki Kanematsu, Kazuo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5446982
    Abstract: A dragline comprises a main chassis, a mechanism for moving the main chassis over the ground, a boom mounted on the main chassis, a sheave rotatably mounted on the boom, a dragline bucket, a hoist rope reeved over the sheave and having an end connected to the bucket to raise and lower the bucket, a drag rope connected to the bucket to pull the bucket toward the main chassis and to allow the bucket to move away from the main chassis, and an operator station on the main chassis, the operator station including a control lever apparatus for permitting an operator to control one of the mechanism, the hoist rope and the drag rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Blaszynski
  • Patent number: 5419596
    Abstract: An actuator for a locking mechanism, which locks a shiftable lever in a locked position or a released position. The actuator includes a lock member which is shiftable between a locking position and an unlocking position for causing the lever to be locked in position or to be released from said locking position. A drive mechanism continuously forces the lock member toward said locking position. A drive mechanism causes a rotatable cam to rotate a predetermined distance in a preselected direction. The rotatable cam positions the lock member in the locking position or the unlocking position. The cam is specially designed to permit the lock member in the lock position, to be shifted to the unlocking position against the action of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a motor for rotating the cam in a predetermined direction, and a control circuit for controlling the power supply to a motor, in order to control the rotational phase angle of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazukiyo Okada, Shigeki Okabe
  • Patent number: 5415058
    Abstract: A locking device is provided for a removable tailgate on a pickup truck which permits normal rotational use of the tailgate while the lock is installed. The device is comprised of two basic parts, a lock and a lockable clamp. The clamp is used to close the open portion of the receiving cup through which the shaft is passed when the tailgate is normally removed. The clamp consists of a "b" shaped clamp with bent apertured tabs at each end. The lock mechanism includes a short linear plunger shaft with a head on the end of the shaft outboard of the lock. The diameter of the head is larger than the apertures in the end tabs of the clamp, so that the clamp is held secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventors: William M. Young, Harold Peterson
  • Patent number: 5413517
    Abstract: A doll action mechanism which comprises a plurality of movable members for a doll or the like, a plurality of rotational drive sources arranged outside of the doll or the like, and a plurality of drive shafts individually connected to the rotational drive sources and the movable members and arranged on a common axis. Further, in another construction, a doll action mechanism has a plurality of movable members and a plurality of rotational drive sources individually coupled to the movable members. The improvement comprises a first rotational drive source for imparting an initial motion, a first movable member enabled to move by the first rotational drive source, a second movable member connected to the first movable member through a planetary gear mechanism, and a second rotational drive source for driving the second movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Kamijima
  • Patent number: 5402984
    Abstract: A jack mechanism having a crank handle that drives a linear motion control all nut and threaded screw. Two rods are included to provide a positive stop in each direction of the jack's limit so as to prevent overrun of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Watkins Crockett, IV, Bernard W. Baird
  • Patent number: 5370473
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for an automotive rear wheel steering unit is provided which is adapted for connecting an output shaft of a rear wheel steering gear train and a steering rod for steering rear wheels. The connecting arrangement includes a tapered portion formed on the output shaft, a tapered bore formed in the steering rod for receiving the tapered portion, and a fastener for locking the tapered portion of the output shaft to the tapered bore of the steering rod. With these arrangements, easy connecting operation is established with high mounting accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Atsugi Unisia Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Saita, Torahiko Koshiba
  • Patent number: 5343775
    Abstract: A lever assembly includes a housing having a pivot slot formed in one end thereof. A lever has a pivot pin slidably and pivotally received in the slot and is pivotal from a centered position to displaced positions. An end of the lever carries a roller. The pivot slot is elongated in a direction which is tilted at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lever when the lever is in its centered position. A lever spring is biassed to urge the lever to its centered position. The housing also forms a stop which is engagable with the lever to prevent pivoting of the lever into a first displaced position unless the pivot pin slides within the slot and towards the stop. The housing also forms a detent device which engages the roller and releasably holds the lever in a displaced position. Portions of the housing integrally form the stop and the detent device. The detent device is formed in part by a movable member which projects from a central portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David J. Easton, Terence D. Pickett
  • Patent number: 5329829
    Abstract: An interfering surface is disposed between a rotating selector knob and a stop to prevent unwanted rotation of the selector knob and wherein release of the stop requires displacement of the knob in an axial direction relative to the stop to bypass the interfering surfaces thereby permitting selective rotation of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Leslie J. Sell
  • Patent number: 5329827
    Abstract: A deformable flat spring is disposed between a rotating selector knob and a stop to prevent unwanted rotation of the selector knob and wherein release of the stop requires displacement of the knob in an axial direction relative to the stop to deform the flat spring thereby permitting escape of the stop and selective rotation of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Leslie J. Sell
  • Patent number: 5325733
    Abstract: A work machine control assembly has a plurality of actuating levers each associated with a respective actuating element for controlling respective movements of a work implement of the work machine, for example an excavator. The control assembly of this invention has a cam operated moveable gate which captures portions of the actuating elements and controllably locks them in a preselected position in response to actuation of a lock actuation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stamos I. Papasideris, Thomas F. Stiegart
  • Patent number: 5315894
    Abstract: A stopper device for a linear guide device, the linear guide device comprising a guide rail having axial rolling member-rolling grooves at opposite side surfaces thereof, and a slider loosely fitted on the guide rail so as to move along the guide rail, the slider having rolling member-rolling grooves disposed in opposed relation to the rolling member-rolling grooves of the guide rail, respectively, the slider and the guide rail being movable relative to each other through the rolling of a number rolling members held between the opposed rolling member-rolling grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Tsukada
  • Patent number: 5303965
    Abstract: A vandalism-proof lever handle system for activating a locking or latching device has a U-shaped lever handle having first and second bent end portions with a central or intermediate portion therebetween. A second end portion is secured to a mounting surface and has an extended portion for engaging the lock or latching device for activating the same. The opposite first end portion is movably secured to move in an arc-like path within a curved retaining channel forming an arc segment of given arc length. The first end portion is entrained preferably by a shoulder bolt or collar having a widened end portion. The widened end portion or widened portion of the shoulder bolt is received in an interior of the channel. End portions of the retaining channel form abutments or stop points which limit further movement during rotation of the lever handle. The shoulder bolt or widened collarlike element limits rotational, lateral, vertical, and inward and outward forces placed on the lever handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Folger Adam Company
    Inventor: Ralph J. Meehan
  • Patent number: 5279180
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a movement to an actuation of an object, such as a brake, and comprising a bracket (2) with an operating device (4), preferably in the form of a handle (24), a stirrup, an arm or a lever which is disposed in connection with the object via a connecting device (5), the connecting device (5) including an element (6) which is rotatably disposed in the bracket (2) about a first pivot (9), a shaft or the like, and a coupling device (7) which is anchored with the said element (6) in a portion (8) a distance from the said first pivot (9), and that the operating device (4) is secured with the said element (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Ergotek I Smaland AB
    Inventor: Kjell Henriksson
  • Patent number: 5271293
    Abstract: A knob assembly is disclosed for a control unit of a medical apparatus with a front panel. In order to transfer a turning setting movement through the front panel, a feed-through sleeve is rotatably arranged in the front panel and a knob core is movably arranged in the feed-through sleeve. On the control side of the front panel the feed-through sleeve and the knob core are enclosed by a manipulable element which, through application of pressure, can axially move the knob core in the feed-through sleeve. The knob core on the back side of the front panel moves a resilient locking washer from a locking position to an unlocked position so that turning of the manipulable element also will turn the feed-through sleeve. To improve the sealing at the feed-through location, the front panel is provided with a protection plate which is beaded outwards and surrounding the feed-through sleeve, with the manipulable element tightly enclosing the beaded protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sven-Gunnar Olsson, Sture Eriksson, Rolf Edstroem
  • Patent number: 5247851
    Abstract: A driven shaft is provided having a free end portion upon which a drive wheel is mounted for rotation relative to the driven shaft and for shifting longitudinally therealong between first and second positions. Drive structure is provided for drivingly connecting the driven shaft to the wheel when the wheel is in the first position thereof and which ineffective to maintain the drive connection between the shaft and the wheel when the wheel is in the second position thereof. Structure is provided for yieldingly biasing wheel the wheel toward the first position thereof and the wheel shaft include axially spaced abutment surfaces between which the narrow end of an elongated wedge is disposed, the elongated wedge being mounted from the shaft for longitudinal shifting of the wedge radially of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Kempton A. Eveleth
  • Patent number: 5240226
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser aid holds a trigger-like valve operating lever relative to a pistol grip-like handle portion of a valving device for dispensing gasoline or other fuels through a nozzle of the valving device without continuously manually holding the operating lever. The dispenser aid includes a mounting member formed of a material having a resilient, shape retaining character configured for mounting over the pistol grip-like handle portion of the valving device, a flexible strap secured at a first end thereof to the mounting member and extending freely therefrom so that it can be looped under the trigger-like valve operating lever and up to the mounting member and an arrangement for releasably and adjustably fastening the free portion of the strap to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Jules M. Bobst
  • Patent number: 5239891
    Abstract: A cam and follower mechanism for connecting a vehicle accelerator pedal to an engine throttle body throttle valve for varying rates of movement of the throttle valve, including a washer-like cam operatively connected to the vehicle accelerator pedal by a pivotal connection to a cable assembly connected to the pedal, the cam having an internal surface adapted to be engaged progressively on a point-to-point basis by a one-piece tang follower to provide an infinite number of fulcrums about which the follower and throttle lever and throttle valve are forced to rotate as the accelerator pedal is progressively moved, the follower moving as the cam is pulled in one direction to thereby change the fulcrum progressively and thereby provide initially a slow rate of opening of the throttle valve in response to a large movement of the accelerator pedal, followed by a faster rate of movement of the throttle valve as the pedal moves in essentially a constant manner, to provide more nearly a movement in proportion to the an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Raymond Stocker
  • Patent number: 5233883
    Abstract: An actuator of the type having a limit switch for setting the range through which the actuator's output element moves, has a first element fixed to the output element and a second element carrying an actuation element for tripping the limit switch. Tripping the limit switch during movement of the output element stops movement at that position. A detent mechanism shared by the first and second elements maintains the current position between the first and second elements until force is applied to the second element to overcome the resisting detent force and shift the second element relative to the first element. By so shifting the second element, the position of the actuator's output element is changed to thereby change the position of the output element at which the limit switch is tripped and thereby the range of motion for the output element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Les P. Stuhr
  • Patent number: 5228360
    Abstract: A cruise control system (10) for use with a hydrostatic drive system having a traction pedal (12) includes a pivotal link (42) and stops (44 and 46) comprising a lost motion connection between the traction pedal and the traction control linkage (30). Selective retention of the pump control lever is accomplished by a pair of electromagnets (64) responsive to a switch (88) associated with the lost motion connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Ronald L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5218847
    Abstract: A locking arrangement between an ignition lock and the selector lever of an automatic motor vehicle transmission has a locking slide arranged on the selector-lever side which, via a control ramp, displaces a locking bolt into a position blocking locking pin. This blocking position can only be achieved when the selector lever with the inoperative button is in the parking position and an ignition key has been rotated into an inoperative position. When the ignition key is pulled out, the selector lever cannot move out of the parking position, thereby preventing an accidental engaging, for example, in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dieden, Bernd Plocher
  • Patent number: 5217054
    Abstract: In combination with an automatic nozzle of a gasoline pump, the nozzle having a trigger operable within a housing which includes a trigger guard; an actuator for the trigger in the form of a spring extending transversely of and supported on the trigger guard and engaging the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Kathleen Mollica
  • Patent number: 5192122
    Abstract: A carrousel tool box having a cabinet, a carrousel of trays mounted for rotation within the cabinet, and a shaft attached to the carrousel along the axis of rotation of the carrousel of trays and extending outwardly through the cabinet, with a locking crank for turning the shaft. The locking crank includes an arm attached to the shaft, a handle pivotally mounted to the end of the arm, a fulcrum on the arm, a spring-biased locking pin which engages with openings in a plate on the cabinet, and a lever pivoted on the fulcrum and operated by the handle for causing the locking pin to lock or unlock the rotation of the carrousel in response to movement of the handle from a locking position to a cranking position. The arm has guides for constraining the lever to sit on the fulcrum and for limiting the movement of the lever. The tool box has various drawers and a lid with side slots which slidably and pivotally hinge on a pair of hinge posts on the sides of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Leroy Hill
  • Patent number: 5191808
    Abstract: The arrangement comprises a stop bar (1) formed from a cylindrical rod having a lengthwise slot therein. The stop bar (1) is secured to a fixed support within an actuator casing (7). A stop plate (15) is slidably secured in the slot and presents upper and lower stop edge portions (16, 17) for engagement with spaced limbs (23) of arm means for converting linear motion into angular motion. The position of the stop edge portions (16, 17) relative to the stop bar (1) is adjustable by means of replaceable shims (21) in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Prime Actuator Control Systems Limited
    Inventor: Michael A. Calvert
  • Patent number: 5182957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive unit, in particular for a windshield wiper system on a motor vehicle, comprising a drive motor, a gearing accommodated in a gear housing and following the drive motor, which gearing has an output shaft driven in pendulum fashion and a pinion seated on it in a manner protected against twisting as well as including a stop member for limiting the pendulum angle of the output shaft. The stop member is either swivellable with the pinion or firmly arranged on the output shaft. In order to obtain a good guidance and a reliable hold of the stop member it is pushed upon the output shaft by means of a ring-shaped portion. In particular the ring-shaped portion can simultaneously serve as a buffer disc for the pinon, so that in comparison with a known drive unit, piece parts can be saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: SWF Auto-Electric GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Bohmer, Rainer Bruhn, Hans-Peter Rienhardt, Bernd Walther
  • Patent number: 5178037
    Abstract: A centering and fixing apparatus for a movable element includes a swing arm that is pivoted on a fixed base member for movement in a vertical plane. A fixing arrangement is mounted on the swing arm. The movable element includes a centering arrangement adapted to engage the fixing arrangement. The centering arrangement includes a pair of centering rollers spaced apart a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the swinging plane of the swing arm. The fixing arrangement includes a single roller with a diameter larger than the distance between the centering rollers. The single roller is supported on the swing arm via a spherical bearing arrangement, and is positioned to simultaneously contact the centering rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: HSST Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Mihirogi
  • Patent number: 5176065
    Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster (10) capable of operating without being actuated by a pedal (14), possesses at least one fixed part (36) and a control rod (12) with which the pedal cooperates (14). A sleeve (30) bears against the pedal (14) and partially surrounds the control rod (12), the control rod (12) possesses a shoulder (32) forming a stop cooperating with the sleeve (30) at rest and when the brake booster is actuated by the pedal (14), and the sleeve (30) is loaded by a spring (34) maintaining the pedal (14) at a given distance from the fixed part (36) of the brake booster (10) while the pedal (14) is not actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Bendix Europe Services Techniques
    Inventors: Philippe Castel, Pascal Le Normand
  • Patent number: 5174171
    Abstract: This invention relates to a length adjustment device for adjusting predetermined maximum or minimum playless distance between two points (A) and (B). Known devices of this kind require visual inspection during the adjustment. The invention avoids the necessity of visual inspection by arranging a protruding means (52) at the end surface of the adjustment screw (5). This protruding device (52) interacts with a slot (23) in one of the longish elements (2,3), which are pivotally cojoined and form the actual length adjustment device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Ingemar Martinsson, Jan Karlsson
  • Patent number: 5168769
    Abstract: A braking mechanism linkage for use in a braking system can be applied by ther a service brake actuator or a parking brake actuator to brake a tracked vehicle. Each actuator when applied to the linkage results in a different type of linkage motion to apply a single brake. The parking brake mode has a locking mechanism associated therewith to keep the brake applied until released to prevent motion of the vehicle until the parking brake is released. The service braking mode returns to an unengaged position upon release of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Kyle L. Nebel
  • Patent number: 5152268
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing throttle control linkage for an internal combustion engine having a pivotally-mounted injector lever for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position to control a fuel injector pump is disclosed and comprises a throttle control lever mounted for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, a pivotally-mounted bellcrank having an arcuate slot formed therein, first linkage structure operatively connected between the throttle control lever and the pivotally-mounted bellcrank and second linkage structure operatively connected between the arcuate slot and the pivotally-mounted injector lever. The arcuate slot is formed along a predetermined radius from the connection of the second linkage means on the pivotally-mounted injector lever when the throttle control lever and the pivotally-mounted injector lever are positioned in the first predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Komatsu Dresser Company
    Inventors: Scott S. Hendron, Norman E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5144858
    Abstract: A device for limiting rotary movement in two directions comprising a housing (18) having a wall (17). A first stationary component (10) is attached to the wall (17) of the housing (18), the first stationary component having an arcuate segment (11) defined by lateral surfaces (11a, 11b) limiting the arc length thereof. A shaft (14) is rotatably mounted in the first component (10). A second component (20), also having an arcuate segment (21) defined by lateral surfaces (21a, 21b) limiting the arc length therof, is attached to the shaft. The first and second components (10, 20), respectively, have the same shapes and sizes and each of them is provided with a bearing (12, 22) which defines a bore (12a, 22a) and is molded on the arcuate segment (11, 21). Pins (11c, 21c) are positioned, respectively, to extend from oppositely directed faces of the arcuate segments (11, 21). The lateral surfaces ( 11a, 11b; 21a, 21b) of the first and second components (10,20) form abutments acting on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Helmut Funk
  • Patent number: 5134896
    Abstract: A roller linkage assembly (10) of the type for positively locking a traveling rail member (18). The assembly (10) includes a housing (22). The housing has a passageway (24, 26, 28) therethrough. A plurality of rollers (30, 32, 34) are moveably disposed in the passageway (24, 26, 28). An actuation cylinder (14) has a piston (16) extending outwardly therefrom for movement in the passageway (24). The piston (16) surrounds a first roller (30) for positively moving the same in response to a force applied by the actuation cylinder (14). When the cylinder (14) is energized, the first roller (30) is moved to a locked condition. This forces a second roller (32) to its locked condition. Finally, the force is transmitted to a third roller (34) and the third roller (34) engages a notch (36) in the traveling rail member (18) to prevent movement of the same. When the assembly (10) is in the locked condition, no forces are transmitted from the rail (18) to the piston (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas J. Viazanko
  • Patent number: 5129283
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for an appliance having a shaft with a radially outwardly-extending boss with a cam surface thereon locked in an "OFF" position between a stop and a detent lug. The user is required to move (push) the shaft axially in order to enable the boss to clear the detent to permit rotary movement away from the "OFF" position stop for affecting a control function. As the boss is rotated past the detent to the desired "ON" position, and upon user release, the shaft is spring biased to return to its initial axial position. Upon return rotary movement of the shaft by the user, the cam automatically moves the shaft axially to enable the boss to pass by the detent to return to the "OFF" position against the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Randal W. Koehler
  • Patent number: 5118074
    Abstract: A device for holding a lever of a gas pump in at least two adjusted, open positions in accordance with a desired rate of flow of fuel from a nozzle thereof, the device including a hook-shaped arm structured to hang over a top surface of the gas pump handle so as to be supportably engaged thereon, and a number of parallel fingers extending outwardly from an elongate portion at spaced intervals from the hook-shaped arm, each of the fingers adapted to supportably receive the lever in one of the adjusted, open positions. The device can be carried on a key ring fitted through an aperture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Steven I. Weissman
  • Patent number: 5072913
    Abstract: A spring loaded locking handle assembly for an angle cock or the like wherein the helical windings of a torsion type spring are mounted on a fulcrum pin about which the handle proper of a two-piece, locking style handle assembly is pivotally connected to the handle socket. One leg of the torsion spring is fixed to the socket via a pilot hole therein and an aligned index hole in the fulcrum pin to properly locate and secure the fulcrum pin in place. The other leg of the torsion spring bears against the handle proper under tension to positively maintain the handle member in its locked position and to prevent accidental operation of the angle cock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: John B. Carroll, Robert T. Sarsfield
  • Patent number: 5069421
    Abstract: A safety device for a pneumatic tool having a body and an operation lever and a valve stem lowered by the operation lever has an axially movable pivot shaft by which the operation lever is pivoted to one end of the main body of the pneumatic tool. A stop is formed on the pivot shaft so as to move between a resting position and an operating position together with the pivot shaft. A conical coil spring is provided to urge the operation lever upward by its torsional action and the stop as well as the pivot shaft toward the resting position of the stop by its compressive action. A receiving chamber is formed in the operation lever at a position where it coincides with the stop when the stop is moved to the operating position by the depressing of the pivot shaft. When, in this state, the operation lever is pushed downward to cause the stop to enter the receiving chamber, the valve stem is lowered and the operation of the pneumatic tool starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunobu Kishi, Kinya Nose
  • Patent number: 5062135
    Abstract: An indicating gauge for automobiles for displaying the amount of a measurement on a gauge board by a movement. The movement comprises a pair of coils for generating a combined magnetic field in response to a predetermined measurement amount, a magnet rotor having a rotation shaft rotating dependent on the generated magnetic field, a counter shaft rotatably disposed in parallel to the rotating shaft, a pointer mounted on the tip of the counter shaft, a rotation gear secured to the rotation shaft and a counter gear secured to the counter shaft. To fix the pointer to 0 position of the gauge board, a stopper is provided in the counter gear. This obviates the another stopper on the gauge board. The number of parts is reduced, and assembling the gauge can be done easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Ohike
  • Patent number: 5056377
    Abstract: A tap selector anti-arcing system is used with rotary tap selectors to prevent arcing as the selectors move from one tap to the other. A lockout mechanism includes a pair of lever arms located adjacent two Geneva gears. The Geneva gears include pins disposed on opposed sides thereof to actuate one lever arm to thereby move the other lever arm to interferingly engage the pin on the other gear if the gears move simultaneously to engage the neutral and eighth taps. An interrupter is opened by linkage connected to a cam disposed on the drive mechanism for the Geneva gears to open the circuit during the movement of the Geneva gears from one tap to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Yatchum, Clarence K. Hess
  • Patent number: 5038877
    Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel is disclosed with counter resetting knob, comping a push knob for resetting a trip recorder and mounted for sliding through a raised portion and a window. The knob comprises an end-piece with radial fins whose widened ends are situated between the raised portion and the window. Under the action of a compression spring the widened ends of the fins are urged towards the window, thus eliminating any play between the hole in the window and the end-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Societe d'Applications Generales d'Electricite et de Mecanique Sagem
    Inventor: Georges Dubuisson
  • Patent number: 4993279
    Abstract: A tilt steering wheel assembly has a steering column that may be pivoted to a variety of tilt positions for adjusting the steering wheel to the comfort of an operator of a motor vehicle. The range of adjusted positions is limited between comfortable driving positions. A latch lever is provided for releasing the steering wheel from one of the adjusted positions so that it may be tilted to another of the adjusted positions. The lever is limited in its rotatable travel to limit the range of adjustable positions, but may be released from this limitation so that the steering column and steering wheel may be tilted to an extreme position for servicing components connected to the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Doescher, Roger L. Anliker
  • Patent number: 4987968
    Abstract: A transmission shift interlock device which prevents a motor vehicle operator from shifting the automatic transmission shift lever out of the park or neutral position unless some action such as the brake pedal being depressed is taken. The device provides interlock capability by locking the transmission shift cable. An in-line solenoid is provided within the shifter cable having a movable armature which, when energized, forces locking balls or other engagement features into interlocking engagement with the cable core or rod member attached thereto. An alternate embodiment provides an adjustment link for accommodating vehicle tolerance variations and further provides means for having interlock capabilities at more than one shifter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Lectron Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Martus, Charles A. Detweiler, Gerit V. V. Beneker
  • Patent number: 4976166
    Abstract: An electronic foot pedal for diesel engine control systems. The pedal provides a voltage signal to a diesel engine electronic fuel control system in response to the drivers demand for engine power. Disclosed is an accelerator pedal assembly containing a potentiometer and pedal interfacing components which provide a voltage signal proportional to pedal position. The pedal assembly is an integral unit which is cab mounted and connected to the engine fuel control via an appropriate wiring harness. An idle stop pin provides a positive pedal idle position. When the idle stop pin is removed, the bias spring load forcing the pedal toward idle is relieved allowing easy assembly of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Davis, Jay D. Byler
  • Patent number: 4972732
    Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick D. Venable, Bernard C. Hudgens
  • Patent number: 4970910
    Abstract: A collapsible, energy absorbing steering column having a tilt-adjustable steering wheel thereon includes a blocking member on the tilt-housing supporting the steering wheel which moves from a non-blocking position to a blocking position at the onset of energy absorbing collapse. In the blocking position, the blocking member prevents actuating movement of the tilt-adjust release lever so that the tilt-adjusted position of the steering wheel is captured throughout the energy absorbing event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William D. Cymbal
  • Patent number: 4965947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the display of advertising messages which comprises two rollers 7, 8 for winding and unwinding a flexible member (9), such as a sheet which bears advertising messages which can be seen through a front screen, within a body (1) with a transparent front screen (3) which is illuminated from the rear. Each roller (7,8) is driven by a transmission which includes an idling wheel (15, 16, 25, 26) so that when one roller winds up the flexible member the other roller idles thus permitting unwinding of the said member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Franco Zanetti
  • Patent number: 4964311
    Abstract: A linear actuator having an actuator member driven in a linear direction by a lever mechanism pivotally coupled thereto which is in turn driven by a plurality of on/off linear drivers. Driving the linear drivers through varying stroke distances provides a sequence of discrete actuator steps. By providing an interconnected simple lever mechanism a discrete set of 2.sup.n steps may be provided for n drive positions and n on/off linear drivers. The linear actuator thus provides simple integration with a digital control system and precise positive discrete steps of linear actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: Mathew G. Boissevain
  • Patent number: 4961650
    Abstract: A ball catch for releasably retaining a grooved shaft comprises a hollow bushing, a guide part mounted in the bushing for axial movement, rolling elements disposed between opposing surfaces of the bushing and guide part to facilitate movement of the guide part, and a hemispherical socket seated on the front end of the guide part. A locking ball is disposed in the socket and is seated on a plurality of small bearing balls to facilitate rotation of the locking ball. A spring biases the guide part forwardly. The socket and guide part are formed of deep-drawn sheet parts and are fixedly joined together. The guide part is configured to impart radially outward elastic biasing forces to the rolling elements to eliminate any radial play of those elements between the bushing and guide part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Jorg Schwarzbich
  • Patent number: 4960187
    Abstract: A stop washer for a brake unit of a bicycle is generally a disc with a center hole. A stop is fixed on the disc and extends in a plane perpendicular to the disc. A brake unit of a conventional bicycle includes a pair of brake devices being respectively pivoted to two frame bars of a frame fork of the bicycle. The brake device includes a brake arm with a brake shoe. The brake arms are actuated by a cable. The stop washer is disposed on a pivot axle of the brake device such that the stop extends across a rotational plane of the brake arm for limiting the rotation of the brake arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Chi
  • Patent number: 4955249
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control for a hydrostatic transmission having an operating member rotatable about a fixed pivot axis between a range of forward drive positions, a neutral position, and a range of reverse drive positions, which control comprises an actuating member adapted to be fixed to the operating member for common movement therewith about the pivot axis and having a portion adapted to be connected to an actuating link to effect pivotal movement of the actuating member about the pivot axis, first and second return members mounted on the actuating member in facing relation to each other and for independent pivotal movement about the pivot axis, a pin fixed on the actuating member and extending between the first and second return members, a spring urging the return members toward each other and into engagement with the pin, a neutral adjustment member, and structure located in fixed relation to the pivot axis for locating the neutral adjustment member between the first and second return members and for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: Clyde R. Wetor