Cam, Lever, And Slide Patents (Class 74/53)
  • Patent number: 11920667
    Abstract: A cam device includes a cam, a cam roller, a rotary drive device, a linear motion guide device, and an action unit. A cam profile of the cam includes a rotary end at a circumferential one end, at which a camshaft is non-rotatable in a reverse direction by the cam roller, a cam surface from the rotary end to the circumferential other end, on which the cam roller is abuttable, and formed of a single CV curve from a vicinity of the rotary end to the circumferential other end of the cam surface, and a non-continuous section formed between the rotary end and the circumferential other end of the cam surface and not in contact with the cam roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Kouhei Dobashi
  • Patent number: 11787645
    Abstract: The conveyor device for conveying flexible containers along a packaging line comprises a track (1) defining a horizontal closed path and one or more pairs of left and right movers (2a, 2b) movably mounted on the track (1) for moving along the path by the effect of active and reactive elements configured for independently driving and controlling the left and right movers along the path, pairs of left and right gripper arms (3a, 3b) pivotally connected to the left and right movers (2a, 2b) by respective left and right articulations (6a, 6b) about vertical axes, and one or more pairs of left and right clamps (4a, 4b) respectively mounted on the left and right gripper arms (3a, 3b) and configured for gripping one or more flexible containers (5) in a vertical position. The left and right gripper arms (3a, 3b) are linked together by a parallelism-keeping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: MESPACK, SL
    Inventor: Josep SolĂ  Gil
  • Patent number: 11739711
    Abstract: An engine body may include a piston body comprising a piston chamber and a regenerator body comprising a regenerator conduit. An engine body may include a working-fluid heat exchanger body comprising a plurality of working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between the piston chamber and the regenerator conduit. Additionally, or alternatively, an engine body may include a heater body comprising a plurality of heating fluid pathways and the plurality of working-fluid pathways. The heating fluid pathways may have a heat transfer relationship with the working fluid pathways. The working-fluid pathways may fluidly communicate between the piston chamber and the regenerator conduit. The engine body may include a monolithic body defined at least in part by the piston body, the regenerator body, and the working-fluid heat exchanger body, and/or defined at least in part by the piston body, the regenerator body, and the heater body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Hyliion Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael VandeVoorde, Joshua Tyler Mook, Michael Thomas Gansler, Scott Douglas Waun, Aigbedion Akwara, Michael Robert Notarnicola, Jason Joseph Bellardi, Mohammed El Hacin Sennoun, Mary Kathryn Thompson, Mohamed Osama, Victor Luis Marrero Ortiz
  • Patent number: 10371132
    Abstract: A reciprocating pump and transmission assembly having a one-way clutch is disclosed. The transmission includes an input shaft with an eccentric element, a drive link rotatably connected at one end to the eccentric element and at the other to a driven arm. The driven arm is connected to a driven shaft via a one-way clutch. The oscillating motion of the eccentric drives the drive link and driven arm and the one-way clutch translates that motion into incremental motion of the driven shaft. By changing the stroke length of the drive link various gear ratios between the drive shaft and driven shaft are achieved. The driven shaft then uses a mechanism such as a Scotch Yoke to create reciprocating motion to drive one or more pumping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: PEOPLEFLO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Turner, William R. Blankemeier, Clark J. Shafer
  • Patent number: 10107719
    Abstract: A mass-balancing arrangement comprises an adjustably pre-loaded spring member (14); a pivotably mounted lever (16; 31) for compensating different inertial forces in combination with the spring member (14); a first drawing member (24) connecting a movable mass to the lever (16); a second drawing member (17) connecting the spring member (14) to the lever (16); and a first roller (15) for deflecting the first drawing member (24). The lever (16; 31) has an upper lever arm (19; 32) and a lower lever arm (20; 33), one being sector-shaped and the other cam-shaped. The upper lever arm is connected to the movable mass through the first drawing member (24), and the lower lever arm is connected to the spring (14) through the second drawing member (24). Two torques produced at the upper and lower lever arms are kept balanced. The balanced mass may be an object carriage of a microtome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai
    Inventors: Zheguang Fan, Xiao Zhou
  • Patent number: 9713469
    Abstract: A surgical circular stapler has a handle assembly, a shaft, a stapling assembly, a motor, a drive assembly, and a firing assembly. The shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. The stapling assembly is secured to a distal end of the shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing assembly causes the stapling assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The motor is operable to rotate the drive assembly to thereby translate the firing assembly. A resilient member biases the firing assembly proximally. Through cooperation between the firing assembly and the resilient member, the firing assembly is driven distally and proximally to complete a firing stroke in response to rotation of the drive assembly through a single revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Richard F. Schwemberger, John P. Measamer, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Christopher C. Miller, Brian F. DiNardo, Jason M. Rector
  • Patent number: 9261042
    Abstract: A depression force of an accelerator pedal 2 is increased than a base depression force by a predetermined amount when an accelerator opening degree becomes a predetermined accelerator opening degree threshold value at which an engine speed necessary at a start of a vehicle can be obtained by a depression of the accelerator pedal 2 in a state where a clutch 102 is disengaged at the start of the vehicle. With this, at the start of the vehicle, a driver becomes easy to hold the accelerator pedal 2 in a constant accelerator opening degree at which the engine speed necessary at the start can be obtained. It is possible to smoothly engage the clutch 102, and then to attain the smooth start of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Sakaguchi, Masao Shiomi, Masahiro Omori
  • Patent number: 9111975
    Abstract: A loading mechanism includes a fastening board, a cam, a rotary pivot, and a load module. The fastening board defines a pivot hole at the center portion of the fastening board and a sliding guide adjacent to the pivot hole. The cam defines a locating hole and an annular guide. The load module includes two guiding poles, a follower fastened to one end of the two guiding poles, and a clamping member fastened to the other end of the two guiding poles. The distance between a part of the annular guide and the locating hole is gradually decreased, and the cam can be driven to rotate. The cam drives the follower to slide along the annular guide to drive the load module to slide along the sliding guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bing Li, Yong Zhang, Bo Yang
  • Patent number: 9027423
    Abstract: The linear-to-rotary actuator includes an elongated drive member constrained to linear movement, and a rotary member constrained to rotary movement. The elongated drive member has a coupling end and an engaging member that projects from the coupling end. The rotary member has a track defining an Archimedean spiral. The track is adapted to receive the engaging member. The engaging member is constrained to slide in the track such that linear movement of the elongated member effects rotation of the rotary member. The track may be a slot, a groove, or other guide. Alternatively, instead of a track defined directly in the rotary member, the actuator may include a linking member (such as a disk or rectangular bracket) attached to the rotary member, the linking member having a track defining an Archimedean spiral defined therein, the engaging member being slidable in the track to convert linear motion into rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Kan Cui, Margaret C. Liu, Samuel K. Liu
  • Patent number: 8857840
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved drive system for a personal vehicle comprising: a frame with a steerable front wheel and rear wheel connected to a drive axle connected to a crank arm by a drive linkage; a roller rotatably attached to the crank arm; a pedal pivotally attached to the frame having a cavity for receiving the roller; a contoured wear bar carried by the cavity for contacting the perimeter of the roller; a major arch included in the contoured wear bar contacting the roller when the pedal is on a down stroke; a minor arch included in the contoured wear bar for providing additional power when the pedal is near the end of its down stroke; and, a major front slope included in the wear bar for contacting the roller when the pedal is in its upstroke to place the pedal at its highest most position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Scolari, George Reiter
  • Publication number: 20130098181
    Abstract: An actuator for a lever that is connected, with a valve or a wastegate or a variable turbine geometry of an exhaust gas turbocharger. The actuator includes a connecting rod between a drive and the lever. The connecting rod is rotatably supported at a location some distance from the lever. The connecting rod is further guided between the support and the lever on a circular arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Cooper-Standard Automotive (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventor: Cooper-Standard Automotive (Deutschland) GmbH
  • Patent number: 8425174
    Abstract: This invention concerns an aircraft cargo loader for lifting cargo and freight onto and off an aircraft or plane by the loader comprises a longitudinal deck platform; a supporting assembly extending under the platform for supporting and moving the deck platform between a raised position and a lowered position; and an adjusting mechanism installed in connection with a front transverse shaft of the supporting assembly for transversally tilting the platform between a first tilt angular position where one of the longitudinal side of the platform is tilted with respect to the other longitudinal side; a neutral angular position; and a second tilt position where the other longitudinal side of the platform is tilted with respect to said one longitudinal side. The loader also comprises an actuator to actuate the rotational movement of the front transverse shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: TLD (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Quirion
  • Patent number: 8381605
    Abstract: A disc device has a sliding member 16 that operates in response to a rotational force of the first partially toothless gear 13 to disconnect a power transmission system from a disc conveying roller, and a protruding portion 16a disposed on this sliding member 16 is brought into contact with a rising portion 17b of a rotary lever 17 at an initial position of the sliding member before the sliding member starts operating, so as to restrict a rotation of the rotary lever 17 in such a way that a pin 17a does not come into contact with a wall surface of a cam groove 13d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Onishi, Takaharu Eguchi, Yoshifumi Awakura, Tatsunori Fujiwara, Akinori Tsukaguchi
  • Publication number: 20130000594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for translating linear movement to rotary motion, and in particular to an improved relationship between a linearly reciprocal member such as a yoke structure and associated piston, and a rotatable shaft such as a crank shaft. The invention could be used in any application where motion is to be translated from rotary to linear or vice versa, such as in compressors for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: George FLENCHE
  • Publication number: 20120272759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for converting circular motion, including: a drive part rotated by a power means; an eccentric cam disposed at one side of the drive part to perform the eccentric rotary motion; a connection rod connected at one side thereof to the eccentric cam in such a manner as to be operated cooperatively along with the motion of the eccentric cam and to perform the linear reciprocating motion, the connection rod being extended forwardly; and motion conversion members rotatably fixed at one sides thereof to a body by means of a hinge shaft and having drive grooves formed thereon in such a manner as to be connectedly fastened to the connection rod to allow the connection rod to be moved along the drive grooves, thereby performing the circular arc motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Won Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20120160877
    Abstract: An actuator for advancing a rod which enables release of the rod from an actuating mechanism by rotating the rod to allow the rod to be retreated. The actuator may also provide a mechanism for disabling the driving mechanism as the rod is fully advanced to prevent damage by excessive forces being applied to the rod. The actuating mechanism can be fully enclosed in a stock of a dispenser gun or applicator, facilitating cleaning of the dispenser gun. The disclosed dispenser gun is particularly suitable for dentistry applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Brummitt
  • Patent number: 8057275
    Abstract: A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Cameron, Richard J. Maddocks, Jeffrey Olson, Linas Peckus, Brian S. Kujawski, Lc Yang, Zhi Xin Sun
  • Patent number: 8020234
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly further includes a counterbalance that provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A shaft rotates in a first direction when the ramp portion moves toward the stowed position, and in a second direction opposite the first direction when the ramp portion moves toward the deployed position. A crank is fixedly coupled to the shaft. A rod is rotatably coupled at a first end to the crank about a first axis and at a second end to a cylinder. The cylinder is coupled for rotational movement about a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lift-U, a division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Alan Cohn
  • Publication number: 20110195760
    Abstract: A device may include a lower panel, an upper panel, bi-stable shaft, and guide link. The lower panel may include four sides, a first surface, and a second surface. The upper panel may include four sides, a third surface, and a fourth surface, where the fourth surface overlays the first surface of the lower panel when the device is in a first configuration. A first end of the bi-stable shaft may be rotatably attached proximate to a first of the sides of the lower panel. A second end of the bi-stable shaft may be rotatably attached proximate to a first of the sides of the upper panel. The guide link may include two ends, a first end rotatably attached proximate to the first side of the upper panel and a second end slidably inserted in a track parallel to the first side of the lower panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Ola Peter Carmonius, Magnus Björn Ovar Lindvall
  • Publication number: 20110162467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reciprocating mechanism. In particular, the invention relates to a reciprocating mechanism suitable for use in a robot, wherein the robot is capable of performing a drumming action. In specific embodiments, the mechanism includes: (i) a substantially fan- or wedge-shaped member having a pivot, a follower end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a plurality of teeth; (ii) a guide cylinder having a serpentine guide means around a curved surface of the guide cylinder, wherein the follower end engages with the serpentine guide means such that as the guide cylinder is rotated the follower end traverses the curved surface; and (iii) a central pulley member having teeth that mesh with the teeth of the distal end; wherein movement of the follower end is translated into movement of a distal end via the pivot of the fan-shaped member, and wherein movement of the distal end causes movement of the central pulley member via their meshed teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Artisans of Florence PTY LTD
    Inventor: Gabriele Niccolai
  • Publication number: 20110100142
    Abstract: A disc device has a sliding member 16 that operates in response to a rotational force of the first partially toothless gear 13 to disconnect a power transmission system from a disc conveying roller, and a protruding portion 16a disposed on this sliding member 16 is brought into contact with a rising portion 17b of a rotary lever 17 at an initial position of the sliding member before the sliding member starts operating, so as to restrict a rotation of the rotary lever 17 in such a way that a pin 17a does not come into contact with a wall surface of a cam groove 13d.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Akihito Onishi, Takaharu Eguchi, Yoshifumi Awakura, Tatsunori Fujiwara, Akinori Tsukaguchi
  • Patent number: 7811189
    Abstract: A technique for deflecting an actuator belt includes applying a variable deflection force to the actuator belt. The technique may be used to construct actuators for active orthotics, robotics or other applications. Versions with passive clutches may also be used to construct variable-ratio motor gearheads, or may be scaled up to build continuously variable transmissions for automobiles, bicycles, or other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tibion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
  • Patent number: 7806163
    Abstract: A two-stage cam pin for use in a molding or casting system comprises a head, a first shank portion and a second shank portion. The head secures with a first die half and extends through a transverse axis of the cam pin. The first shank portion extends from the head at a first oblique angle with respect to the transverse axis. The second shank portion extends from the first shank portion to a tip of the cam pin at a second oblique angle with respect to the transverse axis. The first shank portion and the second shank portion each displace the tip laterally from the head to define a stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Richard L. Dubay
  • Patent number: 7654802
    Abstract: A reciprocating drive apparatus has a driving device and a driven device, one of the devices comprising a reciprocating member mounted for movement along a longitudinal axis. At least one rotary member is coupled to one of the devices and a linear bearing assembly has a linear guide rail and a linear slide member with an end coupled to the other device. A connecting link has a first end pivotally connected to the rotary member and a second end pivotally linked to the slide member. Where the reciprocating member is the driven device, rotation of the rotary member will cause the reciprocating member to move back and forth along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Newport Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard William Crawford, Jr., Fang Zheng, Charles Edward Beuchat
  • Patent number: 7600445
    Abstract: The present invention is a universal slide assembly for molding or casting systems used to introduce complex designs to moldings and castings, which is cost effective, easy to install, and easy to operate, and includes a base, a slide, and a retention means. The base is directly insertable into a die half for immediate use without requiring the slide to be individually designed or adapted to a particular die half. The retention means provides a means for retaining the slide in a retracted position, preventing the slide from accidentally moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Richard L. Dubay
  • Patent number: 7568718
    Abstract: A hitch pin and hitch cable assembly comprising a hitch pin for a tow hitch ball mount with one end of a hitch cable securely attached to the pin; the other end of the hitch cable removably attached to the pin between the ends of the pin; the pin having a lock to lock the pin in a tow hitch ball mount and to lock the second end of the hitch cable on the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Thomas
  • Patent number: 7533589
    Abstract: Provided is a motion converter which comprises a housing, a cam plate reciprocal to the housing, a lower link and an upper link. The cam plate has a groove which extends diagonally across the width thereof. The lower link is pivotably mounted to the housing and has a cam pin and a slot formed at a free end thereof. The cam pin is engageable to the groove of the cam plate. The upper link is also pivotably mounted to the housing in offset relationship to the lower link. A free end of the upper link has a link pin which is engageable to the slot. The motion converter is configured such that the lower link pivots in response to slidable movement of a cam pin within the groove during reciprocation of the cam plate. The upper link is configured to pivot in response to the slidable movement of the link pin within the slot during pivoting in a lower link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Flavio Tondolo
  • Patent number: 7490583
    Abstract: A full-type rolling bearing that can be used under the conditions of high-speed, heavy-load and lowered viscosity of lubricating oil is provided. The full-type rolling bearing is formed of an outer ring, an inner ring and rollers made of steel, at least one of the outer ring, inner ring and rollers has a carbonitrided layer in its surface layer, and the austenite crystal grain size number of the surface layer is larger than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tadatoshi Suzuki, Kenichi Ichikawa, Kikuo Maeda, Yukio Fujii
  • Patent number: 7409940
    Abstract: In a variable phased valve lifter of an internal combustion engine, two or more roller lifter are allowed to move along constraining faces of a constraining mechanism in a first direction, and the constraining mechanism is allowed to move freely in a second direction. As the roller lifters move through their parallel arcuate paths, the engaging surface(s) of the roller lifters will engage with the constraining face(s) of the constraining mechanism, and each roller lifter will prevent the other from rotating about its longitudinal axis. The roller lifter is thus prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as it moves in arcuate fashion in cooperation with the constraining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Motive Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Riley
  • Publication number: 20080127924
    Abstract: A tappet clearance automatic adjusting device comprising an adjusting unit for advancing/retracting an adjust screw from the forward end of a rocker arm and adjusting the projection amount, a torque detecting section for detecting the torque by rotating the adjust screw, and a control mechanism section for controlling the adjusting unit based on a torque value measured at the torque detecting section. The control mechanism section starts retracting the adjust screw when a valve is opened and continuously measures the torque value obtained when the valve is closed. A position, corresponding to time when variation in the filtering value obtained by smoothing the torque value through moving average is a threshold value or smaller, is detected as a reference point and the adjust screw is retracted from the reference point by a set amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tachino, Toshiyuki Miyajima, Tomoaki Tsuyoshi
  • Patent number: 7207301
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the valve lash of an internal combustion engine is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a probe is employed for verifying and/or setting valve lash settings in an automated manner. A further aspect of the present invention does not require determination of a zero lash position or reference datum prior to adjusting the valve lash adjusting screw for desired lash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cinetic Automation Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Hathaway, Edwin E. Rice
  • Patent number: 7204291
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular lid system for an underwater swimming pool cover or other underwater enclosure. The modular lid has a rigid lid portion which has an overall buoyancy such that the lid portion closes the enclosure underwater by force of gravity. The modular lid system also has a remote power pack for providing a source of hydraulic power to the modular lid. The remote power pack is located at a position remote from the swimming pool. The remote power pack includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive mechanism is actuated by the remote power pack. The drive mechanism has a predetermined range of movement. A decoupled linkage mechanism extends between the hydraulic drive mechanism and the lid portion for causing limited opening movement thereof. The limited opening movement corresponds to the predetermined range of movement of the hydraulic drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Harry J. Last
  • Patent number: 6988473
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft assembly and a body. The control shaft assembly is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The body is pivotally disposed on the control shaft assembly, and includes an input cam follower and at least one output cam surface. The input cam follower engages an input cam lobe, and the output cam surface engages a corresponding output cam follower. A spring engages the body and biases the input cam follower into engagement with the input cam lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rohe, Fuat Koro, David J. Trapasso, Thomas H. Fischer, Richard B. Roe
  • Patent number: 6968814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for converting a rotational displacement into a displacement back and forth. Said device comprises at least one control cam region, provided with a driven cam element, having an eccentric control surface, and a cam follower element that can be displaced or pivoted by the cam element. The cam element is rotatably mounted in a flexible encircling element which is displaceably connected to the cam follower element on a plane that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the cam element. The encircling length of the flexible encircling element and the peripheral length of the control cam region are configured to correspond and can be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 6959674
    Abstract: A valve gear mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft in a separate cylinder head for controlling the stroke of a gas shuttle valve by means of an interposed rocker arm, which is mounted in the cylinder head of a piston that performs a lifting motion of a hydraulic valve-play compensation element. The aim of the invention is to achieve a play-free surface liaison of mechanical origin between the actuating elements of the gas shuttle valve. To achieve this, the piston of the hydraulic compensation element has a device that acts on an instrument for mechanically actuating a lifting stroke in order to achieve a play-free surface liaison of the contract surfaces of the rocker arm and an additional valve gear element, while the valve-play compensation element is maintained hydraulically without pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Adolf Fischer
  • Patent number: 6868811
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft and a rocker arm. A second end of the rocker arm is connected to the control shaft. The rocker arm carries a roller for engaging a cam lobe of an engine camshaft. A link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the first end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally coupled to the second end of the link arm, and engages a corresponding cam follower of the engine. A spring biases the roller into contact with the cam lobe and biases the output cam toward a starting angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fuat Koro, Ronald J. Pierik, Thomas H. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6865968
    Abstract: There is provided a pick and place apparatus including a cam apparatus which comprises an input shaft (5); a first output shaft (7); rotational motion converting cam mechanism (21); a slider member (9); a relative rotation regulating cam mechanism (31); a cam link mechanism (41); a second output shaft (11); and a motion converting cam mechanism (51) engaged with and between the second output shaft and the slider member; an arm member (66) fixed on the first output shaft which is telescopic in the radial direction of the first output shaft; and a telescopic driving means (69) that converts the relative rotation generated between the first output shaft and second output shaft into an expansion or contraction of the arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
  • Patent number: 6840170
    Abstract: A device for torque compensation in a sheet-processing machine includes a cam-controlled compensating mechanism having an energy storage device for exerting a force, a cam disk, and a cam follower to be thrown onto the cam disk by action of the force from the energy storage device. At least one actuating element locks the cam follower in a rest position. A reversing drum with a torque compensation device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Willi Becker, Daniel Conzelmann, Andreas Fricke, Gerhard Heppenstiel
  • Patent number: 6837198
    Abstract: The invention proposes a variable valve train (1) for throttle-free load control of an internal combustion engine. Each cylinder of the internal combustion engine is provided with two inlet valves (9). According to the invention, each inlet valve (9) cooperates with a particular adjusting element (8, 8a), and the adjusting elements (8, 8a) can be actuated independently of each another. This additionally enhances the variability of the valve train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Maas, Frank Himsel
  • Patent number: 6799542
    Abstract: An engine having a piston-cam assembly powertrain consisting of a rocking yoke assembly that oscillates about its middle point to rotate a multiple-lobe cam. The mechanism is so constructed that cam followers at both ends of the oscillating yoke make contact with the surface of the multiple-lobe cam. When the rocking yoke is oscillated it causes rotation of the camshaft. Alternatively, the rotating cam can cause oscillation of the rocking yoke. The multiple-lobe cam is formed of two identical facing plates having sufficient width to provide an annular groove on the interior face of each plate. Such cam plates are spaced a sufficient width to accommodate the rocking yoke assembly between such cam plates with a pivoting bearing riding within such annular groove. Two connecting rods link the ends of the rocking yoke to two pistons within two parallel cylinders to form a piston-cam assembly powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Pao C Pien
  • Patent number: 6792903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanically controllable valve lift adjustment. The present invention also relates to an internal combustion engine having a mechanically controllable valve lift adjustment and to a method of controlling the valve lift in internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: STS System Technology Services GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Morrn
  • Patent number: 6779498
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine operating on spark-ignitable fuel, which features at least one operating mode with homogeneous charge and self-ignition, and which includes at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve per cylinder, which can be coupled via a transmission device in at least one operating mode of the engine, has its combustion process be controlled in a simple manner by providing that at least one exhaust valve can be actuated during the intake stroke by means of the transmission device, the transmission device having at least one first mechanical transmission member, and the transmission device being activated by a mechanical actuating device featuring an eccentric element acting on a transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Glensvig, Franz Chmela
  • Patent number: 6748913
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine body. A camshaft shaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft also is disposed within the engine body. Intake and exhaust rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The intake rocker arm is associated with an intake valve. The exhaust rocker arm is associated with an exhaust valve. The camshaft actuates the intake and exhaust valves through the intake and exhaust rocker arms, respectively. The rocker arms are axially moveable along an axis of the rocker arm shaft. A stopper is disposed on the rocker arm shaft to stop the axial movement of the rocker arms in one direction. A spring member is mounted on the rocker arm shaft opposite to the stopper to urge the rocker arms toward the stopper. A block member blocks the axial movement of the rocker arms toward the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Manabu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6736097
    Abstract: In a variable phased valve lifter of an internal combustion engine, a roller lifter is allowed to move along a constraining member of a constraining mechanism, and the constraining mechanism is allowed to move freely in a direction substantially parallel to a line perpendicular to the flat surface machined onto the roller lifter. As the roller lifter moves through its arcuate path, the parallel flat surface(s) of the roller lifter will slide across the constraining member(s) of the constraining mechanism, and end members of the constraining mechanism slide fore-and-aft within stationary blocks. The roller lifter is thus prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as it moves in arcuate fashion in cooperation with the constraining mechanism, maintaining line contact between the roller and cam lobe of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Motive Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Riley
  • Patent number: 6679131
    Abstract: There is provided a cam apparatus which operates an output shaft by converting a continuous rotational motion at a constant speed of an input shaft into a complex rotation super-positioning an oscillating rotational motion and a rotational motion at an inconstant speed. The cam apparatus comprises an input shaft (5); a first output shaft (7); rotational motion converting cam mechanism (21); a slider member (9); a relative rotation regulating cam mechanism (31); a cam link mechanism (41); a second output shaft (11); and a motion converting cam mechanism (51) engaged with and between the second output shaft and the slider member. The motion converting cam mechanism transforms the reciprocal rectilinear motion displacement of the slider member into the oscillating rotation of the second output shaft to transmit the same thereto, and transmits the rotational motion at an inconstant speed of the slider member to the second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
  • Patent number: 6640660
    Abstract: Pick-up and placement apparatus including an arm that executes pick-up and placement motions and an arm drive mechanism. The drive mechanism comprising a driven rotating member having an appointed range of rotation, a swiveling member slidably attached to the rotating member and swiveling in an appointed range of rotation by normal and reverse rotations of the rotating member, a connection portion directly or indirectly linked with the arm, a retaining member applying a retaining force to retain the swiveling member at an appointed position in a radial direction with respect to the rotating member while slidably retaining the swiveling member, and an apparatus regulating and guiding said connection portion to linearly move the connection portion by directly or indirectly regulating the swiveling member in the vicinity of both ends of in the range of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Hidehiko Kasai
  • Patent number: 6637290
    Abstract: A housing (21) which comprises an input shaft (22) and a second output shaft rotatably supported in a housing (21), and a first output shaft (23) rotatably supported to be movable in the axial direction as well as the rotational direction, a first cam mechanism (25A) which transmits the rotation of the input shaft (22) to a rotation movement of the first output shaft (23), a second cam mechanism (25B) which converts the rotation of the input shaft (22) to an oscillating rotation of the second output shaft (24) and transmits it, a third cam mechanism (25C) which converts the rotation of the input shaft (22) to an oscillating rotation of the second output shaft (24) and transmits it, and the housing (21) is rotatably supported capable of oscillating to a fixed system such as a base by a supporting shaft, and a link mechanism for converting the oscillating rotation of the second output shaft (24) to an oscillating movement of the housing (21) is provided in between the second output shaft (24) and the fixed syst
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
  • Patent number: 6616503
    Abstract: An animation device for integration into an animated figure having a head with a jaw. The animation device comprises a cam assembly which is cooperatively engage to the jaw of the animated figure. The cam assembly is configured for linear movement along a first axis concurrently with pivotal movement about second and third axes which extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other and to the first axis. Mechanically coupled to the cam assembly is an actuation motor which is operative to facilitate the movement of the cam assembly along the first axis concurrently with movement about the second and third axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Patent number: 6601470
    Abstract: A cam mechanism through which torque applied to an input shaft is converted into the bi-directional rotation and reciprocating axial movement of an output shaft. Two cam elements are utilized, one consisting of a roller gear cam attached to the input shaft, and the other of a recessed channel type cam formed on one side of the roller gear cam. Two power transfer mechanisms are also utilized, one consisting of a turret installed adjacently to the roller gear cam as means of imparting a rotational movement to the output shaft, and the other consisting of a reciprocating swing arm of which one end is driven by the channel type cam. The turret is connected to the output shaft through a sliding spline that allows the output shaft to move axially within the turret, by means of a movable connection with the reciprocating swing arm, while being rotationally driven by the splined connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Sankyo Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
  • Publication number: 20020035881
    Abstract: There is provided a cam apparatus which operates an output shaft by converting a continuous rotational motion at a constant speed of an input shaft into a complex rotation superpositioning an oscillating rotational motion and a rotational motion at an inconstant speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato