Detents Patents (Class 74/527)
  • Patent number: 6722734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dutailier International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Bellefleur
  • Patent number: 6719372
    Abstract: A seat frame recliner mechanism includes a cylindrical element defining an inner surface with gear teeth, a journal contact area, and a notch formed in a radially extending surface. The cylindrical element, including the gear teeth, the journal contact area, and the notch are formed as an integral unit to prevent false latching. A conically shaped element has an outer surface with mating gear teeth and a mating journal contact area. A tab is positioned to be received within the notch for limiting and defining reclining movements. The conically shaped element is movable axially inward into a locked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements engaging for inhibiting relative movement of a back portion and a seat portion, and movable axially outward to an unlocked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements disengaged for permitting relative movement of the back and seat portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Glaspie, Paul A. Elio, Hari Sankara Iyer
  • Patent number: 6688190
    Abstract: A manual lever drive for an adjusting device on a seat for converting a lifting movement into a discontinuous rotational movement has a support arm and a step-by step mechanism having an output member and an input member. The output member is configured to be coupled with a rotatingly moveable control member of the adjusting device. A transmission member is connected to the input member for torque transmission onto the input member. A manual lever is connected to the support arm so as to pivot about a first axis of rotation. The manual lever is configured to actuate the transmission member. The transmission member is arranged on the input member providing a second axis of rotation. A pivot angle of the manual lever imparts to the transmission member a pivot movement increasing a corresponding pivot angle of the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernd Angermann, Dirk Angermann, Detlev Backert, Jürgen Stemmer, Christoph Leibeling, Rolf Schüler
  • Publication number: 20040020321
    Abstract: A shaft and detent assembly includes a detent lever assembly that is manually assembled on the shaft. The detent lever includes a hub which has an opening formed therein alignable with an opening formed in the shaft. A pin is inserted through the opening in both the hub and the shaft to secure the two members together for common rotation. A cylindrical retainer is assembled on the hub of the detent lever in a position to overlap or cover at least a portion of the openings in the detent lever and shaft to restrict the movement of the pin, which is secured therein during assembly. The retainer also has a plurality of spring fingers, which engage a groove formed in the hub to restrict inadvertent removal of the retainer from the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Richard L. Whitebread, Heidi L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6684730
    Abstract: A shifting device for an automatic transmission is provided with a shifting mechanism, which is mounted in a housing pivotably around a axis within at least one shift gate. The shift mechanism detects the shift signals electrically, electromagnetically or optically and transmits them. The shift mechanism has a locking device, which is guided with the gearshift lever along a contour of a gate. The contour is associated with the shift positions (P, R, N, D, . . . ). A device is controlled as a function of the speed and can be pivoted between at least two positions (active/inactive) around an axis and can be pivoted against the locking device in at least one shift position, so that the gearshift lever remains in the preselected shift position or is automatically returned into that shift position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
  • Patent number: 6679136
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a parking brake system. The parking brake system includes a ratchet bracket having a ratchet and rotatably hinged to a brake plate, a first slot formed on the ratchet bracket, and a second slot formed on a cam provided on the lower portion of a parking lever. A parking lever control unit connects the first slot to the second slot and is adjustable in length thereof, with a junction of the parking lever control unit and the second slot rotatably hinged to the brake plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin-Gak Kim
  • Patent number: 6675673
    Abstract: A compactly constructed locking device with a displaceable securing element fixing a detent element and actuated in a simple way into a detaining position or into a releasing position. The distance between a control cam and the securing element is selected in such a way that, with the detent element in the unlocking position, the control cam is axially displaced with respect to the control contour and is therefore located outside the range of action of the control contour. Only when the electromechanical drive is activated in order to displace the detent element into its locking position does the drive part with the control contour come into engagement with the control cam. The arrangement allows for sudden displacement into the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Starken
  • 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: 6658959
    Abstract: A shifting device (1) for a speed change gearbox with a transmission component that can be shifted in a longitudinal direction and/or about its longitudinal axis in a pivoting manner, which for transmitting the shifting movements is equipped with a damping component (8), which is constructed from at least one ramp-shaped profile (9a), and at least one roller component (12) which is pre-loaded against ramp-shaped profile (9a) by means of spring action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: INA Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Walter Wildeshaus, Boris Landa, Andreas Grieshammer, Wolfgang Steinberger, Manfred Winkler, Rainer Schübel
  • Publication number: 20030205338
    Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle
  • Patent number: 6634383
    Abstract: The present invention is a control arrangement that includes a detent assist assembly for assisting a detent arrangement in holding a control device in a predetermined position. Additionally, the detent assist assembly serves as an actuator for a control valve operative with the control device. Further, the detent assist assembly provides tactile feedback to an operator through the control device. The present invention is a simple and efficient device for providing a detent assist with tactile feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Aarestad
  • Patent number: 6617954
    Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: David Michael Firestine
  • Publication number: 20030154813
    Abstract: A detent assembly for a transmission is provided including a transmission component, such as a shift rail, movable between a plurality of shift positions including first, second, and neutral shift positions. A contoured surface on the shift rail includes first and second recesses, respectively, corresponding to the first and second shift positions. A neutral recess is arranged between the first and second shift recesses corresponding to the neutral shift position. The first and second recesses, respectively, include first and second transition surfaces sloping towards the neutral recess with the second transition surface being steeper than the first transition surface. A detent assembly includes a biasing member and a detent member with the biasing member urging the detent member into engagement with the contoured surface. The biasing member generates a first work along the first transition surface and a second force along the second transition surface greater than the first work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Dean Molde, Patrick Scheib
  • Patent number: 6607180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tool for use in connection with vehicle adjustments and repairs when it is required, in the course of repair or maintenance work, that the steering wheel, brake pedal or accelerator pedal (or clutch pedal, if present) be placed and retained in a particular position while appropriate work is performed. The tool comprises a plurality of parts selectively assemblable to carry out the desired one of a number of possible procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: S&G Tool Aid Corp.
    Inventor: Michael W. Zak
  • Patent number: 6604440
    Abstract: A switch for actuating a gear on a bicycle includes a housing with an inner toothing formation, a grip part and a rotary part with a cable drum for a fraction cable. The grip part having an integrally formed section for actuating an elastic element on the rotary part so that when the grip part is rotated in a switching direction which releases the traction cable the elastic element is pretensioned until a disengagement member on the grip part disengages a pawl on the rotary part which interacts with the inner tooting formation in the housing. Both the pawl and the elastic element are connected integrally to the rotary part resulting in advantage in terms of the production and assembly of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Wessel, Georg Blaschke
  • 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: 6578447
    Abstract: A rotary indexing apparatus for positioning an external component secured thereto at one of a plurality of incrementally arranged detent positions. The apparatus includes a race ring having a race surface facing inwardly toward a central axis of the ring. The surface has alternating hills and valleys, each valley corresponding to a detent position. A detent wheel on a selection shaft is rotatable within the ring via the shaft. Two spring loaded, opposed race wheels on axles movably mounted within the detent wheel roll along the race surface while the shaft is being rotated. The race wheels roll into valleys upon a halting of the rotation. The apparatus facilitates positive positioning of the selection shaft while reducing friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Charles R. Fraser
  • Patent number: 6572209
    Abstract: A drive for opening and closing a cover member in a motor vehicle has a lever which includes a detent device, for example a spring-loaded pin, which is pressed into a detent notch by force of a spring and is disengageable when a predetermined force is exceed and as a result disconnects an electric motor for opening and closing said cover member. It is therefore possible to open the cover member even when the electric motor fails, by disengaging the lever by hand, and the lever forms an overload safety device for the electric motor in the event of the cover member becoming jammed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignees: Fishcherwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co., KG, DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Ralf Koepff, Steffen Breunig
  • Patent number: 6568454
    Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle
  • Patent number: 6553858
    Abstract: A detent mechanism for a dual mode shift lever unit having a shift lever inserted into a housing through a guide groove formed on an indicator panel as an upper part of the housing, and a cable bracket pivotally supported by the housing and connected to a transmission manual valve which is responsively operated by shift lever manipulation, wherein the detent mechanism interposed between the shift lever and a pivot shaft of the cable bracket includes a bracket fixedly connected to a lower end of the shift lever that is pivotally connected to a rotational member which is rotationally mounted on the pivot shaft supported by a shift lever housing, a support member integrally formed on one end portion of the rotational member and extended in an upward direction, and a turnover spring installed onto one open side of the bracket for contacting the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyung-Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 6554305
    Abstract: A vehicle roll control system including a torsion bar having a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions disposed along the longitudinal axis. A first arm includes a passive end fixed to the first end of the torsion bar and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A second arm is provided having an active end rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the torsion bar and also extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. The opposite ends of the first and second arms are each configured to couple to the vehicle chassis. An actuator including a cam locking element is provided for selectively locking and unlocking the active end of the second arm to thereby selectively prevent and allow rotation of the active arm relative to the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary C. Fulks
  • Patent number: 6546769
    Abstract: A self-powered electric lock includes a lock bolt and a first engagement element having disengaged and engageable positions. An electric actuator includes an output operative to move the first engagement element to its engageable position. A manually operated rotatable member is operatively coupled to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. A lock bolt drive mechanism is coupled to the lock bolt and to the first engagement element when the first engagement element is in its engageable position. The movable output moves the first engagement element to its engageable position upon input of correct electronic data. An electricity generator is coupled to the manually operated rotatable member. The electricity powers the electric actuator and an electronic data input device. The manually operated rotatable member is also used to actuate the lock bolt drive mechanism and retract the lock bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: C&M Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Michael Harvey, James L. Taylor, Thomas Clark, Gerry Dawson
  • Patent number: 6530585
    Abstract: A steering stabilizer apparatus for the steering system of a vehicle having a steerable member movable away from a selected center position in response to a steering movement. The apparatus includes a rotary member having a corresponding face with centering detents, a piston member having a corresponding face arranged opposite to the rotary member face with a centering detent aligned with each rotary member detent when the rotary member is in a centered position corresponding to the selected position of the steerable member. Bearing members are arranged to be pressed between the rotary and piston members and to be in contact with a seat of each of a pair of aligned detents when the steerable member is in the preselected position. The rotary member is rotated relative to the piston member in response to movement of the steerable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Durrell U Howard
  • Publication number: 20030029266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking a security gate operating shaft contained in a security gate operating mechanism having a housing from which extends the operating shaft, which may comprise: a locking collar, having at least one engageable protrusion extending radially, mounted on the operating shaft for rotary motion with it; an operating shaft locking mechanism slide mounting assembly attachable to the housing in one of at least two positions; a locking plate slideably mounted in the slide mounting and having an opening in registration with the operating shaft with at least one locking finger extending into the opening and adapted to engage at least one engageable protrusion; an electrically operated sliding unit adapted, when energized to move the slideable plate to one position against gravity, when deenergized to allow the slideable plate to move with gravity to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Gillingham, Walter Parsadayan
  • Patent number: 6508144
    Abstract: A control knob assembly is disclosed that may be generally used for the quick zeroing adjustment of a dial thereof. A control knob assembly includes a housing with a shaft rotatably supported therein. A ring is coupled to the shaft in such a way that rotation of the ring causes rotation of the shaft. The ring has a plurality of holes distributed therearound and extending longitudinally therethrough from a first side thereof to a second side thereof. A knob is disposed about the shaft adjacent the first side of the ring. The knob is rotatable about the shaft and slidable therealong. A spring is coupled between the knob and ring for biasing the knob towards the ring. A pin extends from the knob to engage one of the holes at the first side of the ring when the spring is free to bias the knob towards the ring. A spring-loaded detent mechanism mounted in the housing engages one of the holes from the second side of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Vincent J. Vendetti, Michael M. Canaday
  • Publication number: 20030010149
    Abstract: A parking brake operating device for vehicle, wherein a vehicle is held by a specified braking force by manually rotating a brake lever (2), a held state is released by rotatingly operating the brake lever (2) upward by a specified amount from the held state, and the braking force can be changed to an increasing side and held by further raising the brake lever upward from the held state beyond the specified amount, whereby a release operation can be performed without using a push button or a push rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hiura, Masanori Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6502438
    Abstract: An electronic combination lock including an electronic combination input device, a lock-bolt mounted for movement between locked and unlocked positions and a rotatable first engagement element having disengaged and engageable positions. A first electric actuator is electrically coupled with the electronic combination input device and includes a rotatable output for rotating the first engagement element to its engageable position in response to a proper combination input. A manually operated and rotatable second engagement element may be engaged with the first engagement element in the engageable position thereof. A lock-bolt drive mechanism is operatively coupled between the lock-bolt and the first engagement element. A second electric actuator includes a movable output operatively coupled to the first engagement element to prevent the first engagement element from rotating until the proper combination is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: C&M Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Michael P. Harvey
  • Patent number: 6497163
    Abstract: A linearly-displacing dual dial rods speed changing controller comprises a base, a wire hub seat, an advancing member, and a withdrawing member. The wire hub seat is fastened with a guide wire of a speed changer. The wire hub seat is controlled by dial rods of the advancing member and the withdrawing member to displace linearly in a reciprocating manner on the guide rail of the base, thereby actuating the guide wire to bring about a pulling action to attain the speed change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Falcon Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Liu, Yu-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20020189392
    Abstract: A machine is comprised of a tool or device having 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. At least one wrench flat is provided on the plunger to facilitate attachment of details. A clamp is used to restrain the body axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: dbm Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean R. Molstad
  • Patent number: 6494111
    Abstract: A change lever mechanism for manipulating a change lever, and more particularly to a change lever mechanism of a vehicle constructed and arranged to provide a good shifting feel to a change lever and to absorb vibrations transmitted from engine to thereby prevent transmission of the vibration from a body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yang-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 6491344
    Abstract: A chair adjustment mechanism is disclosed which allows a change of position in an unlocked state and maintains a position in a locked state. The mechanism, when used in conjunction with an adjustable chair part, may not be unlocked without a force being applied opposite to a force urging the part to a default position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt Ltd.
    Inventors: William S. Stumpf, Ken A. Beggs
  • Patent number: 6487929
    Abstract: A braking arrangement for rotatably supporting an element rotatable about an axis such as a control wheel, rotary control knob or the like, for example for a vehicle fresh air nozzle, has a plug-shaped casing with an end portion and a peripherally extending flange extending away from the end portion and having a circular external peripheral surface. The external surface of the flange forms a rotary mounting surface for the rotatable element. The flange encloses a central guide space for two braking members which have braking portions facing diametrally away from each other. The braking portions extend through transverse holes in the flange. The two braking members are urged away from each other by a spring disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Franz Schneider Kunststoffwerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schneider
  • Patent number: 6450465
    Abstract: A multi-jaw clamp capable of attaching to various sized cylindrical objects such as iris rods of a professional movie camera. The multi-jaw clamp includes two housings that each hold a cylinder with at least two circular sections in the sides of the cylinders that are rotatable to change the size of the circular opening for the circular object to which the clamp can attach. The two housings contain hinge means for opening and closing the clamp and at each free end of the housings is a means for closing the clamp and locking the clamp in position around the cylindrical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Panavision, Inc.
    Inventor: William Robert Eslick
  • Patent number: 6450063
    Abstract: A folding handle for attachment to a rotatable shaft element. The handle includes a handle body 10 having a cavity 17 within which a mounting block 20 is engaged. The mounting block 20 has oppositely projecting pivot members 21 slidingly engaged in recesses 19 in the walls 18 of the cavity 17. The pivot members 21 therefore engage with bearing surfaces 19a to facilitate pivotal movement of the handle body 10 relative to the mounting block 20. A clip 24 retains the mounting block 20 in cavity 17. No pivot pin is therefore visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: John Harvey, Christodoulos Toulis
  • Patent number: 6447201
    Abstract: A load relief coupling device which interconnects a lower, supporting member and an upper, supported member of a concrete forming apparatus to permit quick and easy relief of the load on the members by a formed concrete structure. The load relief coupler includes a supporting coupler member, a supported coupler member, and an inner coupler member positioned between the supporting and supported coupler member. Coacting teeth on the inner coupler member and on the supporting and supported coupler members cause the coupler to move between a loaded, expanded position and an unloaded, collapsed position upon relative pivotal movement between the inner coupler member and the two supporting and supported coupler members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert G. McCracken
  • Patent number: 6439078
    Abstract: An overload protection device for a manual hoist lever including a pressure hub, an outer hub, a brake nut, and a dowel pin. The pressure hub includes a radially extending flange and a cantilevered boss having a threaded outer surface with an axial groove. The outer hub includes a central opening, a tapered inner surface, and a flange contact surface which frictionally contacts the radially extending flange of the pressure hub. The brake nut is disposed in the central opening of the outer hub between the outer hub and the boss of the pressure hub, and includes a frusto-conical outer surface that frictionally contacts the tapered inner surface of the outer hub, as well as a threaded inner opening with a corresponding axial groove, the threaded inner opening being sized to threadingly engage the boss. The dowel pin is received within a receiving hole formed upon alignment of the axial groove of the boss and the corresponding axial groove of the brake nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: FKI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Schlude, Daniel L. DeMarco
  • 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: 6427957
    Abstract: A stowable support system having an arm and an attachment member pivotal through a plurality of angular positions relative to the arm. The arm includes a follower assembly with a surface portion of a first contour, with the attachment member including a surface portion of a second contour that is cooperative to the first contour. A rest position is defined by at least one of the plurality of angular positions, in which the surface portions of the follower assembly and attachment member are in mating contact. The follower assembly and attachment member are biased toward engagement with each other, with at least one of the attachment member and the follower assembly being configured to be resiliently deformed when the attachment member is pivoted out of the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Rosen Products LLC
    Inventors: Darrell R. Finneman, Joseph E. Alves, Curtis C. Kucera
  • Patent number: 6425432
    Abstract: A venetian blind cord tilter, mounted in a head rail, that interfaces and drives a tilt rod, with the tilter itself having a wheel gear (20) to which lines are wound for rotating the tilt rod and subsequently slats held within ladders for opening and closing the blind. The wheel gear has a split wheel (22) which separates the lines that open and close the slats and an integral worm gear (26) is mounted on a shaft (24) to drive a separate helical gear (44) in which the tilt rod is inserted. The gears have an elevated start gear ratio to achieve a fast action when rotating the slats in the blind. A housing (50) retains the shaft and helical gear rotatably in place and provides for mounting the tilter within, a head rail (28). A cradle (58) is snapped into place beneath the housing and has a beveled projection (64) which is inserted into a square or rectangular hole in the bottom of the head rail (28) for mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Keith A. Gross, Fred J. Gross
  • Patent number: 6424245
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for restricting movement of a device. The detent device includes a housing, and a magnetic device, the magnetic device exerting a magnetic force and including a body and one of a recess defined therein and a protrusion. A magnetic body is located at least partially within the housing and is biased towards the magnetic device as a function of the magnetic force. The magnetic body includes a magnetic mass and the other of the recess defined therein and the protrusion, the other of the protrusion and the recess receiving the one of the protrusion and the recess of the magnetic device when the magnetic body is in a first predetermined position relative to the magnetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Rector, Glenda D. Tullis
  • Patent number: 6418813
    Abstract: A kickdown mechanism provides a tactile feedback to the foot of a user depressing a vehicle pedal. The kickdown mechanism has a case and a plunger having a recess. The plunger is engaged by movement of the pedal so as to cause the plunger to travel linearly. A friction generating assembly is retained by the case and engages with the plunger so as to provide a tactile feedback to the user. The friction generating assembly has a rod that is retained by the case. The rod is biased into the recess such that the pedal, when depressed, urges the plunger from a first position in which the rod is located in the recess to a second position in which the rod is located outside the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6416077
    Abstract: A collapsible stroller having simplified components is provided. Each sub-frame is substantially a triangle having a latch mounted on a third side and a cooperating mechanism. The third side tube is foldable at the latch, thus causing a second side tube to fold toward the first side tube. It is possible to obtain a flat collapsed stroller by a simple collapsing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Er-Jui Chen, Chuan-Tso Tai
  • Publication number: 20020069720
    Abstract: A braking arrangement for rotatably supporting an element rotatable about an axis such as a control wheel, rotary control knob or the like, for example for a vehicle fresh air nozzle, has a plug-shaped casing with an end portion and a peripherally extending flange extending away from the end portion and having a circular external peripheral surface. The external surface of the flange forms a rotary mounting surface for the rotatable element. The flange encloses a central guide space for two braking members which have braking portions facing diametrally away from each other. The braking portions extend through transverse holes in the flange. The two braking members are urged away from each other by a spring disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schneider
  • Patent number: 6402242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Dutailier International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Bellefleur
  • Patent number: 6389920
    Abstract: A control mechanism of a bicycle gearshifting device is composed essentially of a body set provided with a hollow cylindrical portion over which a cable-locating wheel set and a rotator set are fitted. The cable-locating wheel set is provided with a fastening seat for fastening the cable head of a gearshifting cable, and a control arcuate segment for disposing the elastomer. The rotator set is provided with an arcuate protrusion for actuating the cable-locating wheel set to turn at the time when the bicycle handlebar is rotated, thereby activating the gearshifting cable and a derailleur of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: AD
    Inventor: Chieh-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6386587
    Abstract: Adjusting arrangement for a steering column tube of a steering system of a motor vehicle having a swivellably disposed clamping lever which, in a released position, unblocks or, in a locked position, blocks a longitudinal or vertical displacement of the steering column tube, and has an actuating device for the manual releasing or locking of the clamping lever, which actuating device has a grip arrangement which, in a vehicle-fixed mounted condition, is accessible from a driver seat position. A guide rail arrangement is positioned on the steering column tube and is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the steering column tube. An adjusting slide block is displaceably held on the guide rail arrangement. The slide block is moved by the grip arrangement and is connected with the clamping lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Axel Hebenstreit, Thorsten Meyer, Karl Peitsmeier, Gottfried Schremmer
  • Patent number: 6382045
    Abstract: An assembly for shifting gear positions (10 and 110) in an electronically controlled transmission including a single lever control for moving between various gear positions. The assembly includes a shift lever (118) mounted to either a column support (14) or a base (112). The shift lever (118) either moves a detent finger (38) between a plurality of gear positions or moves a plurality of detent valleys (26) of a detent housing (20) into contact with a detent finger mechanism (22). The distal end (36) of the detent finger (38) includes a magnet (32) for generating a magnetic field. The detent valleys (26 and 126) represent each gear position and a Hall effect sensor (30) is disposed in the predetermined depth of each detent valley (26 and 126). The sensor (30) is activated by the magnetic field generated by the magnet (32) attached to the distal end (36) of the detent finger (38). In response, the sensor (30) generates an output voltage to a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6374696
    Abstract: A detent assembly (30) includes a rotatable index member (34) having a series (44) of minor index positions (46) disposed in a circular array and a series (52) of major index positions (54) disposed in a circular array which is axially offset from the circular array of minor index positions. A plurality of first spring sections (124) are integrally formed as one piece with a housing (32) which encloses the index member (34). The first spring sections (124) are disposed in a circular array which extends around the index member (34). Each of the first spring sections (124) is disposed in engagement with the series (44) of minor index positions (46). A second spring section (66) is integrally formed as one piece with the housing and is disposed in engagement with the series (52) of major index positions (54). A stem (40) extends axially from one end of the index member (34) and is engageable by a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Blake, III, Ignacio Gutierrez, Vu Le
  • Patent number: 6367347
    Abstract: A shift device for actuating at least one gear mechanism on a bicycle, comprising a housing for securing the shift device on the bicycle, a grip element for actuating the shift device, a rotary element and a cable storage device, in particular a spool for winding up a cable to actuate the gear mechanism where the rotary element is connected to the spool and has at least one detent pawl which engages in detent toothing of the housing. It is advantageous that the drive feature on the grip element takes the rotary element along directly in one direction of rotation, whereas the movement of the rotary element in the opposite direction of rotation is effected by release of the detent pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Sram Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Blaschke, Robert Wessel
  • Publication number: 20020035882
    Abstract: A quick-action locking device for an electric power tool including a locking spindle (4) axially displaceable in the hollow spindle (2) of the electrical power tool between a working tool locking position and a working tool exchange position, and a locking lever (6) provided at the end of the locking spindle remote from the working tool and having a slider cooperating with the locking spindle (4) for displacing the same, upon a pivotal movement of the locking lever (6), to its tool exchange position, with the slider (8) having a contact region engageable with a contact surface provided at the end of the locking spindle (4) remote from the working tool (3), and with the contact surface of the locking spindle (4) having an extent, in a pivotal direction of the locking lever (6), corresponding to at least the radial distance (a) of the contact region from the pivot axis (9) of the lever multiplied, in the locking position of the locking lever (6), by a sin (&agr;) of an angle formed by a line, which defines the
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Markus Hartmann