Longitudinally Adjustable Patents (Class 74/586)
  • Patent number: 11716919
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an orientation angle of an agricultural implement includes arranging a hitch such that an upper link and at least one lower link is articulated to a support structure of the utility vehicle, and adjusting the orientation angle based on a target length of the upper link. The target length of the upper link is determined as a function of the orientation angle and as a function of a lower link angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Manuel Billich
  • Patent number: 11326634
    Abstract: A tubular structure is described herein comprising an elongate tubular member extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the tubular member comprises an inwardly tapered portion adjacent said first end, the inwardly tapered portion narrowing the tubular member in a longitudinal direction towards said first end. A nut is also provided internally of said tubular member at said inwardly tapered portion, said nut having an outer surface that is in contact an inner surface of said tubular member. An annular member is also provided externally of said tubular member at said inwardly tapered portion, said annular member having an inner surface that is in contact with said outer surface of said tapered portion. The inner surface of said tubular member at said inwardly tapered portion is tapered so as to extend at an angle that compliments an angle of the outer surface of said nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: CROMPTON TECHNOLOGY GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas Beale
  • Patent number: 10851830
    Abstract: A connecting rod structure includes a first rod, a second rod and a locking element. The first rod includes a first rod portion, a first and a second limiting portion. The first and the second limiting portion extend from a side of the first rod portion, and are spaced apart. The first limiting portion has a first through hole, and the second limiting portion has a second through hole. The second rod includes a second rod portion and a positioning portion. The positioning portion has a through groove, and is located between the first and the second limiting portion. An inner diameter of the through groove is greater than that of the first and the second through hole. The locking element passes through the first through hole, the through groove and the second through hole, to lock the first rod and the second rod together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun-Liang Yeh, Kuo-Jung Hsu
  • Patent number: 10612568
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector for connecting a hollow composite shaft that has been manufactured to comprise an inwardly tapered portion towards one end of the hollow composite shaft to a collar includes an insert, a collar and a tensioner. The insert is received in the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft such that the inner surface of the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft in use will engage with the outer tapered surface of the insert and collar includes an inner tapered surface and being sized to fit over the insert and the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft. The tensioner is arranged, in use, to axially force the collar and the insert in opposite directions so as to exert a clamping force onto the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft. A method of forming the assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CROMPTON TECHNOLOGY GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Ioannis Giannakopoulos, James Bernard, Panagiota Chatzi, Ian Chase, Hugo Palmer
  • Patent number: 10583919
    Abstract: A mechanical link comprises a shaft having a central axis, a first end portion threaded in a first direction, and a second end portion threaded in an opposite second direction. A first mounting interface and second mounting interface are respectively coupled with the first end portion and second end portion. A tubular sleeve circumscribes a portion of the shaft and comprises a slot. A pin extends from the shaft and passes through the slot. A stop is coupled with the second end portion and fixed to the shaft. A washer circumscribes a portion of the shaft between the tubular sleeve and the stop. A spring biases the tubular sleeve toward the stop. A first jam nut is coupled with the first end portion between the first mounting interface and the spring. A second jam nut is coupled with the second end portion between the second mounting interface and the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Edward Joseph Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 9685838
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator is provided whose structure is simplified and made small, and with which an output portion can be driven even if a jammed state occurs in a screw mechanism. An electromechanical actuator is configured that includes an electric motor having a first rotor portion and a second rotor portion capable of relative rotation with respect to each other, and a jam relief mechanism having a first conversion portion having a first screw mechanism capable of converting rotational force of the first rotor portion into thrust force and moving an output portion back and forth, a sliding support mechanism which can transmit the rotational force of the first rotor portion to the first conversion portion, and a second conversion portion having a second screw mechanism which moves the output portion back and forth together with the first conversion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ueyama, Ryoichi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20150122077
    Abstract: The invention relates to a length-adjustable con rod (1) for a reciprocating piston engine, particularly an internal combustion engine, having at least a first and a second rod part (2, 4), wherein the two rod parts (2, 4) can be pushed together and/or inside one another in a telescoping manner, wherein the second rod part (4) forms a guide cylinder (4a) and the first rod part (2) a piston element (3) which can be pushed longitudinally in the guide cylinder (4a), wherein a high-pressure chamber (4b), into which at least one oil channel (10) opens, is clamped between the first and the second rod parts (2, 4). To enable the compression ratio to be adjusted in the simplest and most reliable manner possible, according to the invention the two rod parts (2, 4) can be fixed, by a locking device (32), relative to one another in at least one position, preferably corresponding to a minimum length of the con rod (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Helmut Melde-Tuczai, Bernhard Hoedl, Andreas Zurk, Wolfgang Schoeffmann
  • Publication number: 20150107404
    Abstract: A coupling rod (1) having a first end piece (2); a second end piece (3); and an intermediate piece (4) which connects the first end piece (2) and the second end piece (3). The intermediate piece (4) is formed as a connecting rod and the first end piece (2) and the second end piece (3) have in each case one sleeve (5 and 6 respectively), which sleeves are pushed onto the connecting rod (4) and are fixed in an adjustable final assembly position on the connecting rod (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Leif Heidingsfelder, Nico Kanoffsky, Ralf Christmann
  • Patent number: 8869769
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block defining a cylinder, and a crankshaft defining a crankpin, wherein the crankshaft is rotatably received by the cylinder block and rotates about a longitudinal axis. The internal combustion engine may further include a piston configured to reciprocate within the cylinder, and a connecting rod operably coupled to the piston and the crankpin. The connecting rod may include a first rod element having a first distal end and a first proximate end, wherein the first distal end is operably coupled to the piston. The connecting rod may further include a second rod element having a second distal end operably coupled to the first proximate end of the first rod element, and a second proximate end operably coupled to the crankpin, wherein the first rod element and the second rod element are pivotally coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Wilkins IP, LLC
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8733302
    Abstract: A variable compression ratio apparatus may include a crankshaft, a connecting rod, first and second eccentric links mounted at both sides of the connection rod, respectively, and having one ends at which the piston pin may be eccentrically and rotatably installed, a swing link of which one end may be branched into two parts to form first and second branches, the first and second branches being connected to the other ends of the first and second eccentric links, and a control device connected to the other end of the swing link to control the swing link, wherein the crank arm includes guide surfaces formed in a predetermined thickness at an inner circumferential surface of the crank arm so that the first and second branches of the swing link slide to move between the guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yoonsik Woo, Jin Kook Kong, Dong Seok Lee, Eun Ho Lee, Soo Hyung Woo
  • Patent number: 8555746
    Abstract: A linkage arrangement is disclosed to provide an articulated machine with an arrangement that allows two frame structures to both articulate and oscillate relative to one another. The linkage arrangement includes a three point pivot arrangement with an angled link. Two of the pivots provide for articulation while two of the pivots provide for oscillation. The two pivots involved for oscillation are of lower overall height than the overall height for the two pivots providing the articulation, thereby reducing overall machine height while maintaining structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Dershem, Thomas P. Ewing, Matthew Flower
  • Publication number: 20130125701
    Abstract: A variable compression ratio (VCR) device, may include a cone rod, an upper end portion thereof being rotatably coupled to a piston pin to be connected to a piston, dual eccentric links eccentrically coupled to the piston pin, wherein each of the dual eccentric links may be placed on lateral sides of the upper end portion in the cone rod having a lower end portion coupled to a crankshaft, and dual swing links, one end of each of the dual swing links being engaged to a control shaft of an actuator and the other end of each of the dual swing links being connected to lower portions of the dual eccentric links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yoonsik Woo, Juhun Lee, Eunho Lee, Jinkook Kong, Soohyung Woo
  • Publication number: 20090314130
    Abstract: A linkage arrangement is disclosed to provide an articulated machine with an arrangement that allows two frame structures to both articulate and oscillate relative to one another. The linkage arrangement includes a three point pivot arrangement with an angled link. Two of the pivots provide for articulation while two of the pivots provide for oscillation. The two pivots involved for oscillation are of lower overall height than the overall height for the two pivots providing the articulation, thereby reducing overall machine height while maintaining structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Dershem, Thomas P. Ewing, Matthew Flower
  • Patent number: 7472627
    Abstract: An adjustable linkage comprises a housing, a slider slidable within the housing, and a locking member seated within an opening in the housing and selectively contacting the slider to prevent sliding movement thereof. The adjustable linkage is attached between a first attachment point and a second attachment point to automatically adjust a linkage length. Preferably, the adjustable linkage is used within a vehicle as a link between an automatic vehicle transmission and a vehicle shifter, with the design allowing ease of installation within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Generals Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Skelton, Michael C. Danielian
  • Patent number: 7185556
    Abstract: A tie rod jam nut includes a tubular body having an axial bore for receiving a tie rod. A locking portion at a first end of the body can engage the tie rod and a threaded portion of a connecting component attached to the tie rod to lock the connecting component to the tie rod as the locking portion is rotated in one direction and disengage the tie rod to unlock the connecting component when rotated in an opposite direction. An engagement portion is spaced distally from the locking portion toward a second end of the tubular body. The engagement portion can be rotated to remotely rotate the locking portion between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: James C. Beattie
  • Patent number: 7162935
    Abstract: A crankshaft coupling structure used in an engine and coupled between a piston and a crankshaft to enhance the output torque of the engine is disclosed to include connector pivoted to the crankshaft, the connector having a radially extended and smoothly arched sliding slot, and a coupling rod member, the coupling rod member having a top end pivoted to the piston and a bottom end pivotally mounted with a roller assembly coupled to the sliding slot of the connector and movable between two distal ends of the sliding slot upon reciprocating motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Siegfried Meyer
  • Patent number: 7163216
    Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Ronald J McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6966567
    Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6902341
    Abstract: A turnbuckle linkage assembly is provided for transmitting a force between first and second locations in a machine. The assembly includes a first link for connecting to the first location such as a rod, tube or cable, a second link for connecting to the second location, and a turnbuckle. A first, threaded connection connects the turnbuckle to the first link, and a second connection connects the turnbuckle to the second link. The second connection and the second link are arranged along an axis, and an interference fit at the second connection is formed by the turnbuckle and the second link permitting the turnbuckle to rotate relative to the second link but axially affixing the turnbuckle to the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Mark C. Rauschert
  • Patent number: 6854436
    Abstract: An adjustable length composite push rod constructed of a composite bar having two specially shaped ends to which metal end fittings bond via mating surfaces provided thereon for evenly distributing mechanical stress from the metal end fittings to the composite bar. The bar is constructed of a plurality of layers of sheets of thermosetting, epoxy impregnated, longitudinally oriented fiber material that form the inner portion of the push bar and a single outside sheet of thermosetting, epoxy impregnated, woven fiber material forms the outside portion of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Performance Composites Inc
    Inventor: Eric H. English
  • Patent number: 6699082
    Abstract: A motor boat drive mounting configuration connects the drives of a boat together at their centerlines so that the drives are turned at equal angles and are synchronized by the boat's steering system. The tie bar that interconnects the drives includes an end assembly that is configured to rotate 360 degrees with respect to an outer tube. The end assembly using a lug rotatably disposed in a threaded insert to provide the rotation. An end assembly disposed at the other end of the outer tube provides selective length adjustment through a threaded connection between the end assembly and the outer tube. A lock nut locks the position of the end assembly. In one embodiment, the tie bar is connected to a reconfigurable motor mount that may be selectively reconfigured in left hand, right hand, and center configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Donald J. Zeiger
  • Patent number: 6604496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinally adjustable connecting rod (1), in which a piston part (2) and a shaft part (9) are telescopically inserted one inside the other. Piston part and shaft part can be locked together at certain lengths by pins (5a, 5a′, 5b, 5b′) supported in the piston part skirt (8), which engage in associated recesses (4a, 4a′, 4b, 4b′) on the shaft part skirt (3). Every two pins (5a, 5a′; 5b, 5b′) are pushed apart by springs (11a, 11b) situated between them. Through corresponding feed ducts (7a) a hydraulic medium can be purposely delivered to the recesses in the piston part skirt (3), in order to push pins situated therein back into the shaft part skirt (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Guenter Bartsch, Jens Linsel
  • Patent number: 6324940
    Abstract: A composite link comprising a fiber reinforced composite tube, an end fitting on each end of the tube and layers of resin impregnated fiber wound over the end fittings and tube. The fiber is laid in a primary layer formed by winding longitudinally over the end fittings and a secondary layer wound transversely around the primary layer and the tube. The tube, fitting and layers of fiber are encased in a layer of shield material such as paint or a polymer, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Jiri V. Pazdirek, Ernst Matthew Gaertner, Michael T. Burzawa
  • Patent number: 6283483
    Abstract: A system is provided for use on a vehicle (10) which allows the relative angle of turn between a first steerable wheel (20) and a second steerable wheel (22) to be established by use of a tie rod assembly (32) which is variable in length. The tie rod assembly (32) includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly to vary the length by introducing or removing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A spring (120) is provided to establish a predetermined length to the tie rod assembly should the hydraulic system fail. The length of the tie rod assembly is controlled by an electronic control (166) which is provided with data from angle sensors (160,162) at each of these steerable wheels. The electronic control can be provided with an electronic table of relative angles for the wheel members and can adjust the length of the tie rod appropriately. The device allows for establishing the desired relationship between the wheel members at any turn angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Paccar INC
    Inventors: Stephen D. Johnson, Edward P. Legler
  • Patent number: 6273631
    Abstract: A connecting rod includes first and second ball joints made of ball-shanks and holders tiltably connected with the ball-shanks. A connecting portion, which connects the holders of the first and second ball joints, adjusts the distance between the centers of the ball-shanks. The connecting portion includes first and second connecting arms integrally formed with the holders of the first and second ball joints and on which a plurality of positioning concaves and convexes which are meshed with each other are respectively arranged in a longitudinal direction. A fixing device engages the first and second connecting arms with each other in the condition where the positioning concaves and convexes of the first and second connecting arms mesh with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihisa Takahashi, Takashi Sakae
  • Patent number: 6149526
    Abstract: A variable length steering shaft for steering mechanism of motor vehicles and including an external profile tubular member having a non-circular cross-section, an internal profile member arranged coaxially with the external profile member and having its end portion received in the external profile tubular member, the internal profile member being axially displaceable within the external tubular member, and a slide sleeve formed of a macromolecular material and arranged in the gap formed by the external and internal profile members for formlockingly connecting the external and internal profile members for transmitting a torque therebetween, with an outer circumferential contour of the internal profile member and the inner circumferential contour of the external profile tubular member being at least partially formed each of a plurality of following each other convex and concave sections with radii of the convex and concave sections being respectively located inside and outside of a respective profile member, an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Etablissement Supervis
    Inventors: Josef Sape Boersma, Herbert Muntener
  • Patent number: 6135670
    Abstract: In an oil well pump, a rod liner is clamped onto a polished rod using an external clamp with an upper clamp section that clamps onto the polished rod, a lower clamp section that clamps onto the liner below the liner head and a yoke section bridging the upper and lower clamp section. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp has a main body extending across the liner head and upper and lower clamping blocks for clamping the rod and the liner respectively to the main body on opposite sides of the liner head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Reuben G. Bahnman, Allen B. Larson
  • Patent number: 6116113
    Abstract: A composite link includes a fiberglass body. The body is formed by coating glass fibers with a liquid resin and winding the fibers around a plurality of end pieces or bushings. The end pieces have transition sections for smoothly changing the shape of the composite link and the path of the fibers. The fibers are wound in two layers, a first extending longitudinally of the body and the second transversely and around the first. A shield layer is placed over the fiberglass body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Jiri V. Pazdirek, Ernst Matthew Gaertner, Michael T. Burzawa
  • Patent number: 6112608
    Abstract: A robotic device is provided for moving a shift lever of a vehicle including a shift actuator device drivingly connected to an elongated shift arm which is connected to a bracket assembly which is adapted to be mounted to a shift lever. The shift arm has a longitudinally extending elongated slot which is adjustably engaged by the shift actuator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jenny Y. Spravsow, Nelson A. Kothe, Stephan A. Vitous
  • Patent number: 6098496
    Abstract: A control device for an automobile vehicle seat adjustment element including a control element connected to the adjustment element by a connecting rod. The rod is attached to one of the elements by a clamp made of a material more deformable than the material of the rod, the claim including a body and a cover between which the rod is inserted, the rod including protuberances which anchor into the material of the clamp by deforming this material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Equipements S.A.
    Inventor: Olivier Rougnon-Glasson
  • Patent number: 6079287
    Abstract: A locking device having a tubular body, in which a stationary nut member is fixed and a lead screw is threadedly engaged with and through the stationary nut member. A lock nut member is threadedly engaged about the lead screw and biased by a biasing element to a frictional contact with the stationary nut member, so that a friction is caused between those two nut members, thereby preventing a relative threaded movement between the lead screw and the stationary nut member and thus normally setting this locking device in a locked state. The lock nut member may be rotated by an operation element about the lead screw against the biasing element so as to bring the lock nut member itself out of contact with the stationary nut member, thereby allowing the relative threaded movement between the lead screw and stationary lock member for an unlocking purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shojiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 6058798
    Abstract: With a device for the infinite adjustment of a telescopic rod for fixing pivotable elements into an open position and returning them into a closed position, and for raising and lowering adjustable head and leg parts of a bed, a couch and an armchair, the invention is directed to making infinite raising possible while retaining the return from the upper dead center position into the lower dead center position after the former has been reached. This is achieved by a toothed rack, a cage-like element and two toothed wheels which run along the toothed rack, are guided in the cage-like element and whose spacing can be moved by the rod from a position locking the teeth of the toothed wheels against one another into a position which disengages the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Recticel Internationale Bettsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Lantzsch
  • Patent number: 5946981
    Abstract: A pitch link for a rotary wing aircraft includes first and second shaft members threadingly engaged with each other. A first rod end is fixedly secured to the first shaft member and a second rod end is rotatably coupled to the second shaft member. First and second spherical bearings are mounted on the first and second rod ends, respectively. A guide member guides the first shaft member for movement in an axial direction of the first shaft with respect to the second shaft while preventing rotation of the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Ide, Shunichi Bandoh, Hiroshi Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 5761971
    Abstract: A mechanical press having a very precise shutheight control system is disclosed. The press includes a bed connected to a frame with a slide connected with the frame for reciprocating motion opposing the bed. The slide and bed together define a shutheight of the press. A drive mechanism is attached to the frame for driving the reciprocating slide, the drive mechanism includes a drive piston and a tie rod. The shutheight control system includes a chamber located between the drive piston and tie rod with a pressurizing mechanism in communication with the chamber for selectively pressurizing the chamber with a predetermined pressure. The pressurizing mechanism causes the tie rod to one of expand and contract to thereby control press shutheight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventors: W. Craig Brewer, Edward Daniel
  • Patent number: 5727926
    Abstract: A pitch link having an adjustable length is constructed as a diamond-shaped frame by coupling and fixing four flexible beams at end portions thereof. Spherical bearings are provided on opposite ends of the structure. A turnbuckle shaft is screwed into vertices of the structure and turned to the length of the pitch link. The turnbuckle shaft can be rotated by a detachable motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Ide, Shunichi Bandoh, Hiroshi Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 5722304
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a hollow first cylindrical shaft with helical threads on its exterior surface and helical threads of opposite pitch on its interior surface and a second cylindrical shaft having an exterior surface with helical threads of the same pitch as on the interior surface of the first shaft and a motor for rotating the first shaft and relative to the second shaft end a base member. The second cylindrical shaft is coaxial with and adjacent the first shaft surface and its threads engage the threads of the first interior surface. Helical threads on the base member of the same pitch as the first shaft exterior surface threads are coaxial with and adjacent the first shaft exterior surface and engage the helical threads of the exterior surface of the first cylindrical shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Terry S. Allen
  • Patent number: 5607173
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle parking frame comprises a fastening plate, an inner rod, a support rod and an adjustment rod. The parking frame can be turned and located by a spring, an outer tube and a fitting ring, which are disposed between the fastening plate and the inner rod. Located at the bottom of the inner rod is a receiving space having on the top edge thereof a round hole in which a spring and a retaining block are received. The support rod is provided at the bottom thereof with a support block and at the top thereof with an outer threaded portion. The adjustment rod is provided axially with a fitting hole having therein at the midpoint thereof an inner threaded portion engageable with the outer threaded portion of the support rod. The fitting hole is provided therein at the top end thereof with a retaining groove engageable with the retaining block of the inner rod when the inner rod is fitted into the fitting hole of the adjustment rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Yung-Hsin Lai
  • Patent number: 5572908
    Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for telescope devices on toy vehicles comprises a manually drivable driving gearwheel rotatably positioned on a telescope base body, a rack on the telescopic arm, the rack engaging with the driving gearwheel, and a pawl of ratcheting engagement with a tooth gap of the driving gearwheel for the telescopic arm to be fixed in different positions of displacement on the telescopic base body. The pawl consists of elastically flexible plastics material so that on the one hand it ratchets over the teeth of the driving gearwheel upon actuation of the driving gearwheel for the extraction of the telescopic arm and that on the other hand it is elastically deformable upon actuation of the telescopic arm in the direction of retraction. The pawl then ratchets over the teeth of the driving gearwheel while releasing the telescopic arm in the latter's direction of retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Paul H. Bruder
  • Patent number: 5542315
    Abstract: A sliding friction- and wear-resistant elephant's foot or swivel pad adjusting screw assembly for contacting an actuating member interface in an internal combustion engine is provided to transmit arcuate motion into reciprocal motion. The assembly includes a metal screw element configured to move along an arcuate path in a correspondingly configured socket in a ceramic pad element. A retainer element secures the pad element to the screw element loosely to allow this relative motion. The ceramic pad element includes a planar contact face for contacting a corresponding planar contact surface on an internal combustion engine actuating member, such as a valve, a valve crosshead or a unit fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignees: Cummins Engine Company, Inc., Toshiba Corp.
    Inventors: John T. Carroll, III, Joseph C. Bentz, David P. Genter
  • Patent number: 5524733
    Abstract: An adjusting device of brake rods for bicycles includes a connector, two rods and two receivers. The two rods each has first and second ends, the first end thereof rotatably engaged to the connector and the second end thereof having a threaded portion for engaged to the receiver which is pivotally engaged to a brake arm. A user adjusts the rod by rotating the rod corresponding to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Chun T. Wen
  • Patent number: 5522281
    Abstract: An adjustable tie-rod assembly for an automotive vehicle has inner and outer rod end sections, and an intermediate rod section. The intermediate and inner rod end sections are rotatably connected together. The intermediate rod section is threaded on the outer rod end section and a jam nut maintains this connection. A stud projects laterally outwardly from the outer rod end section for connection to a steering arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Slawomir J. Herman
  • Patent number: 5505106
    Abstract: An adjustable tie-rod assembly for an automotive vehicle has inner and outer rod end sections, and an intermediate rod section. The intermediate and inner rod end sections are rotatably connected together. The intermediate rod section is threaded on the outer rod end section and a jam nut maintains this connection. A stud projects laterally outwardly from the outer rod end section for connection to a steering arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Slawomir J. Herman
  • Patent number: 5489113
    Abstract: A tie rod assembly for a steering wheel structure for an agricultural vehicle such as a row crop applicator uses hydraulic cylinders to set the track width of the vehicle. The track width may be modulated between a minimum and a maximum track setting and modified until a desired track width is achieved while the vehicle is in motion and negotiating a turn without affecting toe-in settings. Toe-in settings are maintained by a closed loop series hydraulic system which further has the capability to reinitialize any toe-in setting to a preset condition in the event any hydraulic cylinder experiences cylinder drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ag-Chem Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Torborg
  • Patent number: 5485760
    Abstract: A ball nut and screw assembly with a screw having exterior helical ball carrying groove portions separated by land portions and a co-axial nut having complemental, helical interior ball carrying groove portions separated by land portions with the same lead as said screw groove and land portions has, an end attachment for the nut with a reduced diameter sleeve extending axially therefrom. The sleeve has helical exterior thread portions, of the same lead as the nut groove portions, which are of a matching configuration and are threaded into one end of the nut. The sleeve has an interior diameter which receives and passes the screw without interacting with the screw. A recirculating train of load bearing balls is accommodated within nut and screw groove portions which are axially spaced from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Thomson Saginaw Ball Screw Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Lange
  • Patent number: 5447083
    Abstract: A linear link is provided which comprises an inner and an outer telescopically movable pair of members in which a catch arrangement is operative between formations on the two members to selectively lock them in one particular telescopic position, or to allow them to move telescopically, thereby providing for a limited and optionally adjustable degree of lost motion between the ends of the linear link. A co-axial solenoid carried by the outer member controls the catch arrangement to provide selectively for rendering it operative or not according to whether or not the solenoid is energised. The linear link may be lockable in either its maximum or minimum degree of telescopic extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Henning M. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5431540
    Abstract: One embodiment of a main rotor pitch control rod subassembly includes an upper rod end segment having a bearing subassembly, a lower rod end segment having a bearing subassembly, an eccentric bushing disposed in rotatable combination with the upper rod end segment bearing subassembly for varying the axial length of the pitch control rod subassembly, a composite central body structure interposed between the upper and lower end segments, a composite strap member wrapped around and secured in combination with the lower end segment bearing subassembly, the composite central body structure, and the upper end segment bearing subassembly, eccentric bushing combination, a composite overwrap overlayed in combination with the composite strap member, a locking key member and a clamp-up bolt for clamping the composite strap member in tensioned combination with the locking key member, and a locking bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard J. Doolin, Frank P. D'Anna, Stephen V. Poulin
  • Patent number: 5429014
    Abstract: An adjustable, pre-set, threaded and torqued pedal rod has a shaft part and a head part which are selectively adjusted and assembled with the use of screw threads to a pre-selected longitudinal mean dimension and then securely crimped to lock the parts together so that the two parts cannot be separated without total destruction. Screw threads of different size are disposed on two separate tiers to afford torque locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Charles E. Laue
  • Patent number: 5425286
    Abstract: A pedal rod is made of two separate pieces, a rod part and a head part, joined together by a crimped joint having as many as six elements. The parts may be selectively plated and/or coated to provide environmental resistance or color coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Charles E. Laue
  • Patent number: 5394572
    Abstract: A bath drain outlet control having an actuator, a plunger valve for engaging a valve seat of a bath drain outlet, a linkage between the actuator and the plunger valve, including a one-way slip clutch enabling the linkage to be contractably adjustable, and a slip clutch deactuator movable into operative relationship with the one-way slip clutch to temporarily allow expansion adjustment of said linkage. The one-way slip clutch has an elongated rod forming part of the linkage, a retaining ring having a plurality of sloped spring fingers around the rod, having an inherent bias toward the rod, and having rod engaging ends normally allowing rod movement in a linkage-contracting direction therethrough but preventing reverse rod movement therethrough in a linkage-extending direction. A compressed O-ring engages the sloped spring fingers to add bias supplementing the inherent finger bias toward said rod and equalizing the bias of the spring fingers against the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Lakeshore Automatic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 5392663
    Abstract: A machine element support comprised of a plurality of axially extensible and contractible servostruts which are individually adjustable and collectively controllable. The struts comprise an outer tubular member and a slidably, interfitted, elongated, inner member. The powered servostruts are movably connected to an machine element such as a spindle head by one of the members on one end and to a rigid machine tool frame by the other of the members on the other end. Linear position sensors mounted on the servostruts serve to precisely measure strut extension and retraction for feedback control purposes. A preferred servostrut configuration is a hexapodal array, in which two servostruts are mounted side by side in each of the three well-known orthogonal axes of machine tool practice, providing six-axis movement and positioning of the tool head or workstation relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: The Ingersoll Milling Machine Company
    Inventor: Paul A. S. Charles