Lever Engaging Patents (Class 74/532)
  • Patent number: 11673655
    Abstract: An up-lock apparatus for landing gear of an aircraft includes a hook member configured to receive an up-lock roller pin of the landing gear when the landing gear is retracted. An up-lock actuator is coupled to the hook member and is configured to maintain the hook member in a locked state responsive to a first movement of the up-lock roller pin against the hook member to thereby prevent deployment of the landing gear. The up-lock actuator is further configured to allow the hook member to move to a released state responsive to a second movement of the up-lock roller pin against the hook member to facilitate deployment of the landing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Amar Patel
  • Patent number: 10866064
    Abstract: An adjusting turret for a telescopic sight or reflex sight includes a rotary cap, which is rotatable about a rotary axis by applying a first torque, as an actuator for a spindle, wherein the rotary cap includes at least one rotation stop which is rotatable relative to the spindle about the rotary axis by applying a second torque that is smaller than the first torque, wherein the adjusting turret has at least one scale which is arranged on a part that is separate from the rotation stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Kahles Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Gunther Weiszl
  • Patent number: 10849641
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly including: (a) a latch unit comprising: (A) a hook latch, having a home position, (B) a forward bias constraint, (C) a rearward bias constraint, and (D) a bias member extending between the forward bias constraint and the rearward bias constraint so that the bias member has a pre-load when the hook latch is in the home position; (b) a movement unit including a bar that is movable relative to the latch unit so that the bar is movable in a prescribed motion into contact with the latch unit to create a locked state; and wherein the bar moves into contact with the hook latch driving the hook latch in a first direction, away relative to the home position, and then the hook latch is moved by the bar in a second direction relative to the home position, and a loading of the bias member is increased from the pre-load when the hook latch is moved in either the first direction away from the home position or the second direction away from the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Boone, Christian J. Fiksen, Zane Ward, Hanam Sota Pham, Jeffrey J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10617465
    Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having an end-effector capable of several different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by handle that is moveable relative to instrument to move end effector between two conditions. Providing a simplified latching mechanism for this moveable handle, which latching mechanism is formed of single integrally formed component arranged to engage with handle to allow end effector to be retained in one condition, thus leaving user's hand free to perform other functions of instrument. Therefore, a user may use surgical instrument to grasp tissue between end effector by activating end effector using handle, then use latch mechanism to latch handle in the end effector activation position, allowing surgeon to remove his hand from handle and perform some other task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Marno Nagtegaal, Lewis Meurig Jones
  • Patent number: 9227689
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element and a shifting unit. The shift wire take-up element is rotatably mounted with respect to the base member in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element. The shifting unit includes first and second shift operating members. The first shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to selectively operate the shift wire take-up element in the first and second rotational directions. The second shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to release the shift wire take-up element for movement in the second rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Satoshi Shahana
  • Publication number: 20150135890
    Abstract: The present invention is described as a remote lock for fifth wheel handle lever which, in accordance with its characteristics, provides the formation of a remote lock (1) in a proper and specific electromechanical structure with direct actuation in the handle lever (D) of fifth wheels (A) which precludes undue disengagement or uncoupling between the tractor (B) and the semi-trailer (C) of the wagons, so as to enable in an extremely practical, safe, and accurate fashion the complete optimization of the set of procedures intended for disengagement or uncoupling between the tractor (B) and the semi-trailer (C) through direct actuation of the handle lever (D) drive lock controlling the fifth wheel locking mechanism (A), resulting in precluded locking bar retraction (F), keeping the locking claw (G) in closed position and, therefore, still attached to the kingpin (H) of the semi-trailer (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Naira Maschio
  • Publication number: 20150107403
    Abstract: An actuating unit for a vehicle seat, particularly for actuating a locking device of a seat rail of a motor vehicle seat, has an actuating element (4) articulated about a pin (6) to a main element (2). A spring element (10) is arranged on the pin (6) and biases the actuating element. In order to provide a simple and cost-effective actuating unit for a vehicle seat, which unit has only a few components and can be assembled automatically owing the simple structure thereof, provision is made that the spring element and the pin are formed such that the spring element secures the pin in the assembled position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Joachim Flick
  • Publication number: 20140166448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handle locking device including a first frame, a first hook and a second frame, wherein a second hook is provided on the first frame. The first and second hooks are rotatably installed on the first frame, and the second frame capable of fixing the first hook and the first frame. Since the handle locking device is only be installable on a circuit breaker by mating between the first hook and a first installation part of the circuit breaker and mating between the second hook and a second installation part of the circuit breaker, an operator is prevented from unintentionally setting an “OFF” position of the handle locking device in an “ON” position of the circuit breaker during installation. The first hook is rotatably installed on the first frame, so that the handle locking device can be conveniently and rapidly installed on or demounted from the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Harald KRIEGER, Qing Ping LI, Dong YANG, Deng Ke ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20130220065
    Abstract: A device (1) for generating a return force for a control stick (2) that is movable from a neutral position along a travel path (3), the device comprising mechanical connection means (5) for connecting the stick (2) to resilient return means (4) for returning the stick (2) towards the neutral position, the device being characterized in that the mechanical connection means (5) and the resilient return means (4) are arranged to produce, over a first portion (3a) of the travel path, a first strength of return force (F) and, over a second portion (3b) of the travel path, a second strength of return force (F), and in that the mechanical connection means (5) include a transmission part (6) adapted firstly to be mechanically connected to said stick (2) in such a manner that any movement of said stick (2) along the second portion (3b) of the travel path corresponds to turning movement of the transmission part (6), and secondly to transmit the return force (F) to said stick (2) at least when the stick (2) is positioned
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE
    Inventor: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE
  • Patent number: 8448539
    Abstract: A spring operation device and a method for assembling the same are disclosed. A switching device including the spring operation device is also disclosed. In the spring operation device disclosed in at least one embodiment of the present invention, by way of a smooth corrugated protuberance, the protuberance can push the operation mechanism of the spring operation device to rotate accurately and efficiently under the effect of a spring at the moment when the spring's energy storing process is completed, so as to accomplish the release of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: De Zhou Chen
  • Publication number: 20130131660
    Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a housing, a control lever rotatably coupled to the housing, at least one electrical contact, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact and an initialization clip coupled to housing and the control lever to prevent operation of the RF generation circuit and movement of the control lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventor: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
  • Patent number: 8402858
    Abstract: A gearshift device for a change-speed gearbox of a motor vehicle, includes, but is not limited to a gearshift lever guided movably between positions corresponding to different gears, on which a locking member is displaceable between a locking position in a first degree of freedom in which it blocks any movement of the gearshift lever from a forward gear position into a reverse gear position, and a release position in a first degree of freedom in which it allows movement from the forward gear position into the reverse gear position. The locking member on the gearshift lever is movable in a second degree of freedom between a normal position in which movement between release position and locking position is possible and an alignment position in which it fixes the gearshift lever free from play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Burger, Thorsten Hahn, Axel Geiberger
  • Publication number: 20120227534
    Abstract: Lockout devices for use with rotary actuators are described. An example lockout device for use with a rotary actuator includes an insert including a first portion to be inserted into a lever of the rotary actuator, the insert to interact with one or more features of the lever to enable rotational movement of the lever to be transmitted thereto. The lockout device includes a second portion of the insert to extend from the lever, the second portion defining an opening through which an object is to be inserted to rotationally fix the insert and the lever in a first position relative to a housing of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Brandon Wayne Bell, Lynn Dean Mahncke
  • Publication number: 20120162819
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a latch mechanism of a disk drive includes a latch member which includes a bearing pivotably mounted on a pivot set up in the disk drive, a main body separated from the bearing, and a bridge portion connecting the bearing and the main body. The bridge portion is less rigid than the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Toshiaki ABE
  • Publication number: 20120025050
    Abstract: In a further embodiment, a method of controlling a base assembly can be provided. An actuation member can be pumped to deploy one or more wheels to lift a base assembly on said wheels. Further, a pin can be received in a holding portion on a semi-planar contoured surface in response to the pumping of the actuation member. The wheels can be held in a deployed position via the pin being held in the holding portion. Further pumping of the actuation member can separate the pin from the holding portion and retract the wheels from the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 7971501
    Abstract: A shift lock assembly including a shifter base and a shift lever having a pivot member that is associated with the shifter base. A detent member having an upper portion including engaging features is coupled to the pivot member. A lock lever having opposing sides and a first end pivotally attached to the shifter base and a second end adapted to contact the engaging features of the detent member is also included. At least one solenoid is connected to the lock lever for pivotally moving the lock lever relative to the detent member wherein the at least one solenoid moves the lock lever between low, middle and high positions in response to control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Howe, Steve Wieczerza
  • Publication number: 20110072933
    Abstract: A lever lockout assembly includes a housing, a lever support mounted on the housing, a lockout support mounted on the housing, a lever member, and lockout member pivotally supported by the lockout support. The lever member has a pivot plate and a lip projecting from the pivot plate. The pivot plate is rotatably supported by the lever support, and the pivot plate has notch formed in an outer surface thereof. The lockout member is pivotal to a lockout position wherein the lip is received by the notch, and to an unlocked position wherein the lip is outside of the notch and the pivot plate is rotatable. A lockout spring member projects from the lockout member and extends through a U-shaped slot in a cover of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Dean Arden Boyce
  • Publication number: 20100024588
    Abstract: A lever lockout assembly includes a pair of lever supports and a pair of slide supports mounted on a housing. A lever member is rotatably supported by the lever supports. The lever member has a pair of arms separated by a notch. A lockout slide is slidably supported by the slide supports. The lockout slide has a ridge portion and a recess portion. The lockout slide is slidable to a lockout position wherein the ridge portion is received by the notch and the ridge is engagable with the arms to prevent rotation of the lever member. The lockout slide is also slidable to an unlocked position wherein the recess portion is aligned with the notch and the arms are rotatable through the recess portion. A handle projects from an end of the lockout slide. The lockout slide is a rigid bar with a polygonal cross-sectional shape. An edge of the bar forming the ridge portion. The lockout slide includes a pair of detent recess formed in a surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Magdalena Janina Nocko, Dean Arden Boyce, Christopher David Finck
  • Patent number: 7654168
    Abstract: A detent spring assembly that accurately locates a detent plate in a gear shift mechanism of an automotive vehicle has a detent spring which includes an elongated flexible strip. A roller on the strip is engageable with any one of a series of notches in the detent plate to properly position the detent plate. A fastener secures the detent spring to a support. A part on the strip engages the support at a point spaced from the fastener to cooperate with the fastener in accurately and precisely locating the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. O'Brien, Lee I. Silva, Michael A. Bartolino
  • Patent number: 7584826
    Abstract: A parking brake device for a vehicle includes a vehicle operating lever pivotally mounted on a bar-type steering handle having one end thereof provided with a grip that may be gripped by a driver, and a parking lever manually movable between an actuated position, at which a parking brake mechanism mounted on the vehicle is actuated, and a release position at which the parking brake mechanism is released. The parking lever referred to above is, when moved to the actuated position, positioned in between the grip of the steering handle and the operating lever to thereby hamper the operating lever from being pivoted in an operating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7530286
    Abstract: A shift lock assembly including a shifter base and a shift lever having a pivot member that is associated with the shifter base. A detent member having an upper portion including engaging features is coupled to the pivot member. A lock lever having opposing sides and a first end pivotally attached to the shifter base and a second end adapted to contact the engaging features of the detent member is also included. At least one solenoid is connected to the lock lever for pivotally moving the lock lever relative to the detent member wherein the at least one solenoid moves the lock lever between low, middle and high positions in response to control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Howe, Steve Wieczerza
  • Patent number: 7344351
    Abstract: A boom position detecting device that detects a boom angle on a work vehicle for a boom that rotates about a pivot. The device includes a boom angle follower and positional sensor. The boom angle follower includes a spring and a follower arm arranged such that the spring biases the follower arm against a surface of the boom and keeps the follower arm in contact with the boom throughout a rotational movement of the boom about the pivot. The positional sensor is physically connected to the boom angle follower and detects at least one boom angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Gary Rokusek, Gregory Keith Werner, Scott Joseph Breiner, Daniel Lawrence Pflieger
  • Patent number: 7325466
    Abstract: A servo control device for driving hydraulic equipment with electromagnetic coupling, and more precisely it refers to a manipulator with detent to lock the system in particular positions in order to allow its continuous operation, with possible actions on pushers next to the one pressed with active coupling. The detent is composed of an electromagnet (8) integral with the shaft (3) of the manipulator (2) connected through a joint (6) to the servo-control body and of a coupling plate (9) secured to the servo-control body by a peg or joint (10) whose axis (13) is coaxial with the joint axis (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Walvoil S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mirco Allegretti, Felice Di Vico
  • Patent number: 7181992
    Abstract: A tripping and re-cocking mechanism (202) is applied to an apparatus (200) by which a shifted apparatus (200) is re-positioned for operation after having shifted from its operational mode. A pivot mount (205) of a second-class lever (204) is connected to a member or casting (209) of apparatus (200). At the point of resistance of lever (204) a roller bearing (215) cooperates with, by latching onto a platform (217), the platform (217) on a standard (221) that is part of apparatus (200), to cock mechanism (202) so that apparatus (200) is returned to its operational position. The shaft (228) of an energized solenoid (227) releases roller bearing (215) from its latched seat on platform (217) in the operation of apparatus (200) thereby shifting it to a non-operational position. Arm (232) re-cocks mechanism (202) to shift apparatus (200) again into its operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel L. Riffe
  • Patent number: 6827195
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a locking and unlocking mechanism, which is equipped with an electromagnet (1) and is used preferably to embody a key and/or shift lock function in motor vehicles. Its basic object is to design such a mechanism such that the generation of noise during the transition from one state into the other is reduced compared with prior-art solutions. To accomplish the object, a pulsating voltage in the form of a direct voltage-rated pulse width signal (PWM voltage) is sent to the electromagnet (1). The effective value of the PWM voltage is increased over at least three voltage pulses from an off-load voltage value to a preset final voltage value at the beginning of a phase of energization and it conversely drops, again over at least three voltage pulses, to the off-load voltage value at the end of the phase of energization, in a time-controlled manner by means of a circuit unit (2) associated with a pulse width modulator (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kliemannel
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020170376
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shifting device (1) for transmitting, without force, shifting commands to an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The inventive shifting device comprises a gear shift lever (2) which is pivotally mounted in at least one shifting path, and comprises a detection device for detecting the gear shift lever position (P, R, N, D ), as well as a transmitting device for transmitting, without force, shifting commands to the automatic transmission, whereby the detection device and/or the transmission device are/is operated in an at least partially electrical/electromagnetic manner. The invention is characterized in that a means (5-14) for mechanical coupling between the gear shift lever (2) and the automatic transmission is provided which can effect the release of the parking position of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jorg Meyer
  • Publication number: 20020062711
    Abstract: A hand lever includes a sleeve-shaped member having an inwardly protruding projection, a fastening element having a stop interacting with the projection, wherein the fastening element is mounted in the sleeve-shaped member so as to be longitudinally slidable to a limited extent, and coupling elements for axially coupling the hand lever and fastening element so as to be nonrotatable relative to the each other. A spring is mounted in the sleeve-shaped member for an axially engageable and disengageable coupling of the hand lever and the fastening element. The fastening element has an integrally formed extension part extending past the projection of the sleeve-shaped member into the sleeve-shaped member. A second support is provided for the spring and the stop of the fastening element or the extension part. At least one of the sleeve-shaped member and the extension part is of a resilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Heinrich Kipp Werk Spanntechnik + Normelemente
    Inventors: Otto Braun, Sascha Fischer
  • Patent number: 6394405
    Abstract: A strut or strut system continuously adjustable in length for maintaining two bodies in a spaced relationship with respect to each other. Both the length of the strut and the locking of the strut at a desired length may be remotely controlled by pneumatic pressure. The strut system includes a cylindrical outer member having a cylindrical bore for receiving a cylindrical inner member. The cylindrical inner member is provided with a helical groove for engagement with ball bearings which are retained in a helical pattern in a collar attached to the end of the cylindrical outer member which receives the cylindrical inner member. The collar is adjustable between a first position in which the ball bearings are engaged in the helical groove in the cylindrical inner member and a second position in which they are disengaged from the helical groove in the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Para Tech Incorporated
    Inventors: George F. Roxton, Howard Leibovitz
  • Patent number: 6295892
    Abstract: The assembly (10) is for use with a mechanical leverage system (24) mounted on a frame (14), for instance the frame of a vehicle (12), to move an implement (16) between a lowered position and a lifted position. The assembly (10) comprises an elongated first lever arm (30) and a second lever arm (40) that is in motion-transmitting engagement with a lower end (32) of the first lever arm (30). A detent member (50) is provided to lock the second lever arm (40) in an intermediary position located between a first and a second limit position thereof. The intermediary position corresponds to the lifted position of the implement (16). The detent member (50) is released by further pivoting the first lever arm (30) so as to move the second lever arm (40) from its intermediary position to its second limit position. The detent member (50) is then released without having to independently operate a locking mechanism or to move the first lever arm (30) sidewards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Normand Roy, Yves St-Pierre
  • Patent number: 6279418
    Abstract: A clutch depressing tool for holding a clutch pedal in an engaged position while work is performed on the clutch system. The clutch depressing tool includes a bar extending between the steering wheel and the clutch pedal. The bar has a first end and a second end. A clutch pedal engaging bracket is fixedly mounted to the first end of the bar. The clutch pedal engaging bracket has a hook portion thereon, which opens away from the bar. The hook portion is adapted to rest over an upper edge of the clutch pedal. A steering wheel engaging bracket for resting the second end of the bar on the steering wheel has a generally J-shaped configuration. The steering wheel engaging bracket has a long portion and a hook portion. The long portion has a first bore therein. The first bore has a shape adapted to slidably receive a portion of the bar. A plurality of notches for holding the steering wheel bracket is in the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Johnny L. Olive, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6253631
    Abstract: A lock down apparatus for use with an oil well pumping unit of the walking beam type. It includes upper and lower clamps for attachment to the walking beam and to the bottom frame of the unit, respectively, and an adjustable tensioning arrangement extending between the two clamps. Part of the tensioning unit is a wire rope with plastic buttons pressed onto the rope at suitably spaced intervals. A coupler for latching to the particular button which is selected for adjustment for the distance between the walking beam and its frame is provided. Once the tensioning unit is in place, a turnbuckle is tightened to increase the tension to hold the walking beam in a lowered position, against inadvertent release of the pumping unit safety brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bac-Lamb Wire Line Services
    Inventors: Gary Richard McCain, James Robert McCain, Donald J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6060803
    Abstract: A starter comprising: a motor 24, a clutch 21, which is connected to the motor 24; a pinion gear 22, which is connected to the clutch 21 and engages and disengages with the ring gear of the engine; an electromagnetic switch 2, which switches on and off an electric current for the motor 24; a reciprocating shift lever 4, which is linked to the electromagnetic switch 2; and lever springs 105, which press the shift lever 4 so that the pinion gear 22 is elastically pushed against and engaged with the ring gear; wherein the lever springs 105 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane 25 which includes the central axis of the motor 24 and the central axis of the electromagnetic switch 2, the lever springs 105 are attached to cylindrical portions 106b which are a plurality of protrusions on the plate 106, and the lever springs 105 and the shift lever 4 come into contact through a plate 106.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoi Hisamoto, Shigeru Shiroyama
  • Patent number: 5988013
    Abstract: In the operation of construction machines having multiple functions it has been a problem to provide a mounting arrangement for the levers that incorporates low lever effort operational detents without experiencing undue wear within the components. The present invention provides a mounting arrangement for a control lever that has a plurality of upraised ribs defined thereon in a preselected array. A plurality of grooves are positioned on an adjacent bearing member that are positioned to engage the upraised ribs in a first condition of the control lever. The control lever may be rotated out of engagement with the ribs to operate in a second condition while at the same time being engageable with a plurality of operational detents to provided feedback to an operator as to impending operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Carr, Jr., Max D. Fryrear, Derek D. Greving, Mary A. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5915797
    Abstract: A braking apparatus engages the brakes of a towed vehicle and is actuated by the engaging the brake of the towing vehicle. A pivotally mounted foot pedal engaging member attaches to the floor of the towed vehicle and depresses the brake pedal of the towed vehicle when actuated. A pneumatic cylinder forces the engaging member to depress the brake pedal when air is supplied to the cylinder. Air is supplied from air brakes in the towing vehicle or from another pressurized air source. Air to the pneumatic cylinder matches the force of the towing vehicle if equipped with air brakes, or is controlled by a flow regulator and pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Springer Family Patents Limited Parternship
    Inventor: William O. Springer
  • Patent number: 5913945
    Abstract: A robotic device for operating a control pedal of a vehicle having a body and a pedal actuator mounted on the body. A telescoping connecting rod is coupled to the pedal actuator through a bell crank assembly, and further coupled to the control pedal for reciprocating motion thereto. The robotic device causes the pedal to be depressed and released when the pedal actuator reciprocates the telescoping connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Froelich, Ronald L. Richmond, Jeffrey P. Zyburt
  • Patent number: 5727426
    Abstract: In the improvement, the slot portions are in a plate fixed with respect to the control lever. The mechanism includes an auxiliary lever and a selection device mounted for movement by the auxiliary lever for selecting a slot portion. The mechanism is used in an apparatus for manipulating plural valves. Such apparatus has two control assemblies, each having a valve control lever coupled to its respective plate, and two auxiliary levers. In a specific embodiment, each auxiliary lever is coupled to a selection bracket having parallel quadrant members with a selection device, e.g., a pin, mounted between the members. The pin is retained in registry with the selected one of the slot portions by a retention mechanism bearing against the selection bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lykken, William B. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5596910
    Abstract: The locking device for an adjustable vehicle seat with a snap-in bar extending parallel to an adjustment direction and having locking members and locking gaps arranged periodically. The locking device has a locking unit pertaining to said snap-in bar which is shiftable in the adjustment direction along said snap-in bar. The locking unit has more than two ratchet teeth, which:are independently movable in a locking direction extending across the snap-in bar,are elastically preloaded in the locking direction,can be disengaged simultaneously,are arranged one behind the other at equal distance in the adjustment direction,are of the same construction,each have two lateral flanks designated to be contacted with the lockings, with at least one of the two lateral flanks having a partial area located at the front in locking direction, which extends at an acute angle to the locking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Bauer, Burckhard Becker, Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Ulrich Karthaus
  • Patent number: 5566587
    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: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sogo, Hideki Kanematsu, Kazuo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5553691
    Abstract: A drum brake having a support plate (10) with first and second shoes (12,14) slidably mounted thereon. Each of the shoes (12,14) having a web (12a,14a) and a rim (12b,14b) with a face for receiving a friction lining (16,18). Each web (12a,14a) has a first end and a second end. The rim holds the friction lining in a position to engage a drum (20) in response to an input force applied to the first end of the webs (12a,14a) of the shoes (12,14) by a hydraulic actuation device (22). A bearing member (28) is secured to the support plate (10) and is connected to a second end of the webs (12a,14a). A spacer device (40) arranged in the vicinity of the hydraulic device has a variable length to establish a spacing between the shoes (12,14) and drum (20). A mechanical actuation device (50) secured to a web (14a) of shoe (14) has a first actuation lever (60) and a second lever (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Europe Services Techniques
    Inventors: Jean Claude Mery, Pierre Pressaco
  • Patent number: 5499553
    Abstract: A mechanism controls the pivotal positioning of a hydraulic control lever on tractors wherein a gated plate is affixed to the control lever to be pivotally moveable therewith into selective engagement with a lockout pin projecting outwardly from a pivoted actuating lever. The gated plate has first and second gates for selectively receiving the lockout pin when in a first position to restrict the pivotal movement of said control lever in preselected manners. The gated plate further includes a stop engageable with the lockout pin when in a second position to prevent the control lever from being placed in a float position. A third selectable position of said actuating lever places the lockout pin out of engagement with said gated plate to allow an unrestricted freedom of movement of the control lever. The pivoted control lever and the pivoted actuating lever project outwardly through a control panel for manipulation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan N. Schott, Mario P. Girard
  • Patent number: 5458021
    Abstract: A guide mechanism for controlling the pivotal positioning of a hydraulic control lever on tractors is disclosed wherein the guide mechanism incorporates a positive neutral lock in the form of a tab that is projectable into an opening within the control lever that is alignable therewith when in a neutral position. The guide mechanism includes a thumb wheel portion that projects upwardly through the control panel for manipulation by the operator for selectively rotating the guide mechanism to align a slotted opening therein with the control lever to limit the movement thereof in a preselected manner. The guide member is rotatable to four orientations to correspond to a neutral lock position, a float lockout position, a hydraulic motor mode position, and an unrestricted free range of movement position for the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent M. Wichelt, Jack K. Braine
  • 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: 5417127
    Abstract: A portable rod-like device for depressing a vehicle pedal, such as an accelerator or a brake pedal to a predetermined setting and maintaining that setting in the form of a screw-threaded rod and a mating screw-threaded nut having a hook. The nut rides up the screw-threaded rod and engages the steering wheel of the vehicle while the other end of the rod engages the pedal. The rod depresses the accelerator pedal against spring pressure while the engine is operating and the accelerator pedal is depressed to a point whereby a predetermined setting has been reached on the tachometer of the vehicle, and maintained at that setting. The device can be finely adjusted in small increments. The foot at the free end of the rod frictionally engages the accelerator pedal and can be mounted in either a fixed position or can be swivel mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: Anthony Bueti, John Bueti
  • Patent number: 5411321
    Abstract: System for selectively applying the brakes of a towed vehicle by controls in the towing vehicle; the system including a portable air compressor and a pneumatic cylinder that can be rapidly installed by attaching to a support structure on the floor of the driver's cockpit in the towed vehicle; the piston of the cylinder being attached to the brake pedal; and a three-way solenoid valve to permit or not to permit the admission of compressed air to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Harry N. Harness
  • 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: 5299668
    Abstract: A remotely controlled actuator for depressing a brake pedal so as to permit the brake system to be bled by a single operator. There is a pneumatic cylinder having attachment fittings mounted to its ends, and these engage the brake pedal and the rim of the steering wheel. Compressed air is supplied to the pneumatic cylinder by way of a portable control valve, so that as this extends, one attachment fitting depresses the brake pedal while the other reacts against the steering wheel. The portable control valve is connected to the cylinder by long, flexible air hoses, so as to permit the operator to move from wheel cylinder to wheel cylinder. A pressure regulator allows the operator to adjust the pressure which is exerted on the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventors: William L. Youngers, Delbert J. Youngers
  • Patent number: 5216937
    Abstract: A threaded rod of a variable length has one end connected to a first part of the element to be adjusted. A pivoted detent element cooperates with the threaded rod, with two channels extending diametrically through the pivoted detent element. The first channel has a threaded wall and the second channel has a smooth wall, the second channel forming an angle of preferably about 15.degree. with the first channel. The pivoted detent element is pivotally mounted in a casing and has a protruding tail. A spiral spring is supported between the tail and the casing. The casing further comprises a rear portion connected to a second part of the element to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Automobile "BFA"
    Inventor: Georges Droulon
  • Patent number: 5197577
    Abstract: A ground-mobile implement parking brake lock which can be set to engaged and disengaged positions relative to the braking mechanism of the implement, along with setting the implement in the engaged or disengaged power drive mode for the ground wheels. This is done with three surfaces on a lock lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Hayek
  • Patent number: 5181404
    Abstract: A brake pedal locking device having a pin (20) permanently mounted in a vehicle floorboard and a locking compression member (33) that preferably consists of a locking channel (34) having an angular plate (44) with a pin bore (46). When the channel is placed over a vehicle brake pedal (42) the bore interfaces with the pin to lock the device in place. Engaging arms (56) are depressed by the vehicle driver for installation of the device and release arms (66) are depressed to remove the device from the wedged position between the break pedal (42) and the floorboard pin (20). A key lock (63) or a removable pad lock (64) is used to secure the device and an alarm unit (90) is activated when an unauthorized removal of the device is taking place. A carrying handle (54) permits ease of handling and a switch or the like with openable electrical contacts (72) deenergizes the vehicle's brake light when the device is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Franklin W. Baker