Including Worm Patents (Class 74/89.14)
  • Publication number: 20140027072
    Abstract: A spring winding device, a counterbalancing force adjustment device for a counterbalancing mechanism, and a method of adjusting an amount of force stored in a spring of a counterbalancing mechanism are provided. The spring winding device includes a support bracket, a worm gear, and a drive gear. The worm gear is rotatably coupled to the support bracket and includes a mount portion for coupling a first end cone thereto. The drive gear is rotatably disposed adjacent the support bracket and is drivingly engaged with the worm gear. A rotation of the drive gear causes the worm gear to rotate within the support bracket. The spring winding device does not require pretensioning using winding rods, maintains rigidity and alignment when a counterbalancing force is applied, and decreases a cost and a complexity of the counterbalancing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald Schutt
  • Patent number: 8627745
    Abstract: A worm wheel housing portion 19 of a gear case 16 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having a bottom wall portion 19a and a cylindrical wall portion 19b, and a bottom cover 35 is assembled at an opening portion of the worm wheel housing portion 19 so as to seal the opening portion. Among a plurality of latching structures for assembling them, as a latching structure other than those on a worm housing portion 17 side, a groove 44 is formed to a latching claw 38b extending along the cylindrical wall portion 19b from an outer circumferential portion of the bottom cover 35, and a projecting piece 47 engaged with the groove 44 is provided on an outer wall surface of the cylindrical wall portion 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Uchimura
  • Patent number: 8615929
    Abstract: A door opening/closing device for an ice dispenser is disclosed. The door opening/closing device includes a DC motor 1 which is rotated in forward and reverse directions, a 2-staged spur gear 3 meshed with a worm gear 2 installed on a driving shaft, a 3-staged spur gear 4 meshed with the 2-staged spur gear 3, and a fan-shaped output gear 5 meshed with the 3-staged spur gear 4 and rotated in forward and reverse directions by interconnection of the motor 1 and the gears 2, 3 and 4. If the output gear 5 is rotated in the forward direction, a rod-shaped boss 5a pushes and rotates a link lever 6a to press a coil spring 8 wound around an opening/closing link 6 and thus open a door 7. If the output gear 5 is rotated in the reverse direction, the coil spring 8 is released from a pressurized state, and the rod-shaped boss 5a rotates in the reverse direction while abutting against the link lever 6a, so that the door 7 is closed without generating impact and sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SCD
    Inventors: Sang Ho Lee, Jin Sung Park, So Yeon Won, Jin Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20130319143
    Abstract: Disclosed is an actuation system for adjusting the rigidity of elastic elements by using two sets of transmission modules together with a link gear and two sets of nonlinear elastic elements. The actuation system actuates an external arm by controlling the two sets of transmission modules to rotate in different directions and adjusts the rigidity of the elastic elements by controlling the two sets of transmission modules to rotate in the same direction, so as to achieve the effects of reducing the number of actuation modules used, minimizing the volume of the actuation system, and reducing production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: HAN-PANG HUANG, REN-JENG WANG
  • Patent number: 8590412
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for operating a sunshade, includes a housing, a gear assembly, a drive unit and a vibration limiter. The drive unit 5 includes a motor with an output shaft, a worm gear connected to the output shaft and the gear assembly and having a free end section opposite to the output shaft. The vibration limiter has an embracing member disposed around the free end section to prevent the free end section from shaking. With the vibration limiter, vibration and rattling noises can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Publication number: 20130305855
    Abstract: A gear change actuator (40) including first and second rotary members (54) each rotatable in opposite first and second directions, the rotary members (54) engaged with a select unit (60), which is engaged with an output member (162) having an output axis. The select unit (60) has opposite first and second input motions, and opposite third and fourth input motions, induced by simultaneous rotation of the first and second rotary members (54. The select unit (60) has opposite first and second output movements that are transmutations of the select unit (60) first and second input motions, respectively. The select unit (60) also has opposite third and fourth output movements that are transmutations of the select unit third and fourth input motions, respectively. The output member (162) has movements, respectively imparted by the select unit (60) output movements, that are one of rotationally about the output axis and axially along the output axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Skogward
  • Publication number: 20130298707
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a motor, a movable unit, and a stroke control unit. The motor includes a spindle. The movable unit includes a worm gear and a rotary shaft. The worm is provided with annular spiral or helix teeth. The stroke control unit includes at least one transmission member and at least one micro switch. The at least one transmission member is engaged with and driven by the spiral or the helix teeth of the movable unit for synchronical rotation to activating or deactivating the micro switch. In this way, the linear actuator is simplified in structure and reduced in volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Chih-Hung CHENG, Wei-Minh Huang
  • Publication number: 20130291666
    Abstract: The present invention provides an XY all-directional precision alignment platform comprising: an XY-axes moving platform comprising: X-axis moving platform and Y-axis moving platform; said X-axis and Y-axis moving platforms being stacked together; a ?-angle rotating platform; said ?-angle rotating platform stacked onto said carrier surface thereof; wherein said ?-angle rotating platform is driven to perform precise ?angle rotation achieving 360° and is of a four-layered thickness only, achieving the goal of having a light and thin product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: MAU-HSIANG WU
  • Publication number: 20130291667
    Abstract: A xy? precision alignment platform including three power units and three moving platforms is provided. Two of the power units can drive a third moving platform moving in X or Y direction. The other power unit has a worm which can drive an arcuate teeth arrange disposed between the second and third moving platforms to drive the third moving platform rotating. Whereby, since the worm is arranged to drive the arcuate teeth arrange laterally, the alignment platform is thin and the rotative movement of the third moving platform can be precisely controlled. Additionally, each power unit may be electrically connected to a controller for respectively driving and controlling each power unit. When only the rotation of the third moving platform is required, only one of the power units needs to be driven, thus simplifying the operation of the alignment platform and improving the work efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: MAU-HSIANG WU
  • Publication number: 20130206514
    Abstract: An elevator moving along an elevator shaft in a building, comprises a car for transport, a worm driving part moving together with the car, a rotating axis of which is parallel to a moving path of the car, and a worm support part including supporting teeth installed in the elevator shaft along the moving path of the car in accordance with worm teeth of the worm driving part. Using the worm driving part and the worm support part mutually interacting, the elevator can go up and down, and the worm driving part and the worm support part keep low frictional resistance to improve an efficiency of lifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: COREEELEVATOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nam Young Kim, Sung Jun Ju, Hyon Jo Ji
  • Publication number: 20130199322
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes operation of a valve actuator to generate electrical power. A portion of the mechanical energy generated by operation of a valve actuator is converted to electrical energy. The mechanical energy may be converted to electrical energy at the same time as the valve actuator is operating or the mechanical energy may be stored for later conversion. A valve actuator may be operated manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Generated electrical energy may also be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FLOWSERVE MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Flowserve Management Company
  • Publication number: 20130199321
    Abstract: An adjustment drive for a component which can be operated both by means of the adjustment drive and also manually, in particular of a motor vehicle, wherein the adjustment drive comprises a drive unit and an output unit, wherein the output unit is provided in order to reduce the output speed of the drive unit, wherein the drive unit comprises a transmission component into which an overload protector is integrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Oberle, Wilhelm Braun, Roland Braun
  • Patent number: 8490508
    Abstract: A folding-top drive has a motor (13) that transmits forces to a first gear (14) and then to a folding-top linkage via a second gear (15). The first gear (14) and a guide (23) are pivoted to a housing (19) and a spring (22) acts on the guide (23). The first gear is guided on the guide (23) so that the guide (23) can be moved automatically with the first gear (14) counter to the force of the spring (22) from a first position where the gears (14, 15) engage to a second position where the gears (14, 15) are disengaged if a force on the first gear exceeds a defined limit. Additionally, the spring (22) can move the guide (12) automatically with the first gear (14) from the second position to the first position if the force on the first gear falls below the defined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Timo Czechtizky, Horst Schmidt, Holger Engbers
  • Publication number: 20130180348
    Abstract: An adjustment drive for an adjusting device of a motor vehicle seat includes a drive motor 1, a two-stage reduction gear 4, 6, 7 and a housing 2, 3 for mounting a drive motor 1 and for accommodating the two-stage reduction gear 4, 6, 7. The gear elements of the first reduction gear stage 4 are arranged in a housing shell 2 of the housing 2, 3, which can be closed by a housing cover 3. In a front-end assembly 5 connectable with the housing shell 2 at least a part of the gear elements of the second reduction gear stage 6, 7 is arranged between the housing cover 3 and a cover plate 8 or cover and guide plate 9 connected with the housing cover 3 and is supported in axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Christian Andres, Gregor Kroener, Bernd Muenekhoff
  • Publication number: 20130165283
    Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly of a bicycle that cooperates in an eccentric or off-center manner with a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The eccentric bottom bracket assembly has a cylindrical insert with an off-centered opening for receiving a spindle that connects to cranks of the crankset. Rotating the cylindrical insert repositions the off-centered opening relative to at least the longitudinal direction of the bicycle and thus can be used to adjust the tension in the flexible drive member of the bicycle. A worm gear arrangement provides controlled manipulation of the position of the insert relative to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Travis BRAUN, Andrew KRAUTBAUER, Michael LEIGHTON
  • Publication number: 20130145871
    Abstract: An operating device for a sunroof of a vehicle may include a motor housing disposed at a rear side of a roof panel and a mounting space, an operating motor disposed at one side of the motor housing and a worm inserted into the mounting space, a gear unit rotatably disposed in the mounting space engaged with the worm and is rotated by the operating motor, a glass cable connected to the gear unit and to a moving glass disposed outside of the roof panel to move the moving glass, a sun shade cable connected to the gear unit at an upper side of the glass cable and is connected to the sun shade inside the roof panel to move the sun shade, and a locking unit disposed on the motor housing corresponding to the gear unit and selectively locks the gear unit such that the cable is separately operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Inalfa Roof Systems Korea Ltd., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hoyul Lee, Chang-Jin Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130081488
    Abstract: A pop-up device for a vehicle is provided, which includes a case, a pop-up structure inserted into an upper portion of the case, and a driving structure provided inside the case to make the pop-up structure ascend out of the case or descend into the case. More specifically, the driving structure includes a motor, a screw shaft provided in upward and downward directions in the case and has a spiral groove formed along an outer periphery thereof to be rotated through driving of the motor, and a plate on which the pop-up structure is mounted. The plate is movably coupled to the spiral groove formed on the screw shaft in the upward and downward directions to make the pop-up structure ascend or descend when the screw shaft is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Se Min OH
  • Publication number: 20130061523
    Abstract: An actuator system for use in selectively engaging an input to an output. The actuator system includes an input sub-system having an input component configured to connect to an input element which is in turn connected to a work source. The actuator system also includes an output sub-system being connectable to the input sub-system for receiving work from the work source via the input sub-system. The actuator system further includes an actuator sub-system having an active material and an actuating component. The actuator sub-system is configured so that the active material, when activated, causes the actuating component to move from a first state to a second state to disengage the input and output sub-systems. In another embodiment, the present technology includes a pinch-protection system that determines whether a present value for a work-source physical characteristic exceeds a running average by at least a preset offset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: DYNALLOY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: NILESH D. MANKAME, JAMES HOLBROOK BROWN, ARAGORN ZOLNO, JAMES M. LOMBARDI, CRESCENZIO PELINO, DANIEL BLAIR
  • Publication number: 20130047758
    Abstract: Disclosed is Z-axis stage driving apparatus to move a stage on which a workpiece such as a wafer is placed along a Z-axis. The Z-axis stage driving apparatus includes a motor, a plurality of elevating devices to move a stage along a Z-axis, a power transmission device to transmit power of the motor to the plurality of elevating devices, and a clutch to control power transmission between the power transmission device and the elevating devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ul Tae KIM, Hi Kuk Lee, Sang Don Jang, In Bae Jang, Jong Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20130045824
    Abstract: A foldable leg rest has a base, a first folding assembly and a second folding assembly. The base has a mounting board and a first stage drive mechanism mounted on the mounting board. The first folding assembly is pivotally connected to the base and has a first frame and a second stage drive mechanism mounted in the first frame. The second folding assembly is pivotally connected to the first folding assembly. In use, the first stage drive mechanism is operated to drive the first folding assembly to pivot relative to the base and the second stage drive mechanism is operated to drive the second folding assembly to pivot relative to the first folding assembly. Therefore, the legs of a sitter can be stretched and placed on the folding assemblies so as to enhance comfort and minimize fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Qing-Kun Yin, Chin-Chen Chang
  • Publication number: 20130045825
    Abstract: A foldable leg rest has a base, a first folding assembly and a second folding assembly. The base has a mounting board and a first stage drive mechanism mounted on the mounting board. The first folding assembly is pivotally connected to the base and has a first frame and a second stage drive mechanism mounted in the first frame. The second folding assembly is pivotally connected to the first folding assembly. In use, the first stage drive mechanism is operated to drive the first folding assembly to pivot relative to the base and the second stage drive mechanism is operated to drive the second folding assembly to pivot relative to the first folding assembly. Therefore, the legs of a sitter can be stretched and placed on the folding assemblies so as to enhance comfort and minimize fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Qing-Kun Yin, Chin-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 8328154
    Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle seat comprises an adjustment device. The adjustment device comprises a spindle drive equipped with a spindle, and having a first articulation area and a second articulation area. The adjustment device is adjustable in an adjustment direction. The spindle extends in an angle of one of alpha (?) >2° and alpha >10°, to the adjustment direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burkhard Becker, Antal Teer
  • Publication number: 20120227522
    Abstract: A high-load linear actuator includes a driving mechanism, a worm shaft, a worm wheel assembly, a lead screw, a telescopic pipe and an outer pipe. The driving mechanism includes a base and a motor. The base has a supporting portion and an accommodating portion. The motor is fixed to the supporting portion. The worm shaft extends from the motor into the supporting portion. The worm wheel assembly comprises a worm wheel and two bearings for supporting the worm wheel in the accommodating portion. The worm wheel is drivingly engaged with the worm shaft. The lead screw is disposed through the worm wheel and driven by the motor for rotation. The telescopic pipe slips on the lead screw to be threadedly connected therewith. The outer pipe slips on the telescopic pipe. The rotation of the lead screw drives the telescopic pipe to linearly extend or retract relative to the outer pipe. By this structure, the present invention can be used in a medical apparatus capable of supporting a heavy load stably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Chou-Hsin WU
  • Patent number: 8261628
    Abstract: An electromechanical driving device (1) for use in a tailgate of a motor vehicle, with an electric motor (2) for the rotary drive of a spur gear (4) which is accommodated in a gear housing (3) and is operatively connected to a gear arrangement (5) in order to drive an output shaft (19) for a window wiper mechanism, wherein the spur gear (4) is accommodated rotatably in the gear housing (3) by means of a co-rotating spur gear shaft (6), wherein a shaft section (7) of the spur gear shaft (6) extends out of the gear housing (3) on which means for actuating a closing mechanism (8) for closing the tailgate and/or a tailgate window are accommodated. An electromechanical driving device (1) for use in a tailgate of a motor vehicle is therefore provided, said driving device, which is used to selectively actuate a wiper mechanism or a closing mechanism, having a simple design and comprising a gear housing which is designed in accordance with a known construction for driving a wiper mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Moecklin, Mario Huesges, Ulrich Metz
  • Publication number: 20120187710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device in vehicle component, comprising an electric drive motor, the armature shaft thereof being connected to a gearbox device for driving an output shaft. The gearbox device comprises at least one double gearbox unit, made of two gear stages having two changes in direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Oberle, Wilhelm Braun, Willi Schmidt, Siegfried Reichmann
  • Publication number: 20120146379
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment device for a motor vehicle seat having an adjusting element adjustably disposed in its longitudinal direction and in the area of one end, connectable in an articulated manner to a vehicle seat structure, and a drive unit driving the adjusting element. In order to provide an adjustment device of the initially named type, that can be disposed at a vehicle seat component in a simple and reliable manner, it is provided that the drive unit comprises means for the articulated, particularly pivotal, connection to a vehicle seat component, particularly a side member of a seat base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: C. Rob Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Antal Teer
  • Publication number: 20120137800
    Abstract: In a parking release actuator, a related motion between a motor and a cable uses a number of worm gears and worm wheel gears using rotation motions in different directions, and the cable is pulled or released by a cable guide converting a rotation motion into an angular motion. Therefore, a number of worm gears and worm wheel gears and the cable guide are made compact and intensive. As a result, it is possible to reduce the entire size of a housing and significantly reduce the operation of the operator required for manual locking or manual release, thereby further improving convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, SL Corporation, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hangil Park, Changhyun Lee, Jungki Kim, Yongkuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20120137801
    Abstract: A motorisation device comprises two substantially parallel winding cylinders, and at least one longitudinal linking element able to maintain a predetermined distance between the winding cylinders and wound around winding tracks, the linking element consequently having a crossing point located between the winding cylinders. The motorisation device includes two flexible tracks, fixed on each of the winding cylinders and arranged to face and to touch eachother at the contact point, a pre-stressing force being applied to the contact point under the effect of said linking element. The flexible tracks are spiral shaped and arranged such that the contact point between the two spiral-shaped flexible tracks, located between the winding cylinders, is offset relative to the crossing point of the linking element, such that a torque dependent on the distance between the contact point and the crossing point is applied to the contact point, causing reciprocal rotation of the flexible tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Yannick BAUDASSE, Stéphane VEZAIN
  • Publication number: 20120125132
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing system for a worm engaging with a worm wheel as part of a steering gear, wherein the bearing system comprises at least one bearing with an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling bodies that are movably accommodated between the outer an inner rings, the bearing being pivotally arranged in a bearing seat for accommodating the outer ring of the bearing, and wherein the inner ring accommodates one of the two shaft ends of the worm in order to seat said shaft end of the worm radially in the housing of the steering gear. For an improved dampening of the worm at least one spring element, which exerts a spring force on a region of the outer ring of the bearing, is provided at the bearing, said spring force supporting a pivotal motion of the worm toward the worm wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Lenksysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Bernhard, Marco Garu, Ekkehard Kneer, Jens-Uwe Hafermalz, Dennis Fuechsel, Juergen Bieber, Rainer Schaenzel
  • Publication number: 20120104817
    Abstract: An adjusting device (10) is provided for a vehicle subassembly to be adjusted. The adjusting device has an adjusting motor which, via an adjusting mechanism, drives a toothed rocker (12) assigned to the vehicle subassembly to be adjusted. The adjusting mechanism structurally reinforces the vehicle subassembly to be adjusted, and an adjusting worm (20) of the structurally reinforcing adjusting mechanism acts directly on the toothed rocker (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicants: IMS GEAR GMBH, DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dieter Jungert, Tassilo Gilbert, Thomas Heger, Nino Andricevic, Jens Fechler, Matthias Koop, Wilfried Synovzik, Wolfram Hofschulte, Stephan Oberle
  • Publication number: 20120097505
    Abstract: The invention relates to a width-adjusting device for conveyor corridor(s), comprising a wide gear-reduction mechanism connected to the frame (5) of said conveyor, wherein said mechanism is arranged between the control shaft (12) and the wall(s) of said corridor. The device includes: a final drive capable of reverse operation and consisting of said control shaft (12) in the form of an endless screw and of a toothed wheel (11); and a system for controlling at least one of the walls of said corridor, consisting of an endless screw (13) and a nut, the endless screw being mobile or fixed relative to said toothed wheel (11). The shaft (12) of the final drive is a flexible shaft having a long length and engaging with the tension-retaining system (20) for absorbing the pulling and pushing forces in the rotation direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Julien Berger, Brice Perreard, David Perrin
  • Publication number: 20120079901
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel helical dual-center engagement converting mechanism and its applications in fluid-powered actuation system, more particularly to a highly reliable, simple, powerful and balanced and less expensive helical rotary actuator. This actuator comprises a self-balanced linear/rotary dual-center engagement converter, compact porting systems and easy manufacturing modules and various bodies and shaft interface with other components. This actuator also provides a rotary position control and backlash eliminating mechanism to meet various requirements with lighter weight, smaller size and higher accuracy of position and can be interfaced with different machines, such as subsea valves, earthmoving equipment, construction equipment, lifting equipment, landing gears, militarily equipment and medical devices, robotic and artificial leg and arm joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jianchao Shu
  • Patent number: 8091444
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism having a deceleration function includes a guide screw, a worm wheel set, an intermediary ring, an isolator and a passive sleeve. The worm wheel set is fitted onto the guide screw and includes worm wheel and plural claw arms. A spacing slot is formed between any two adjacent claw arms. The intermediary ring is fitted onto a peripheral edge of each claw arm. The isolator surrounds a peripheral edge of the intermediary ring with one side fixed to an actuator. With plural grooves arranged on a peripheral edge thereof, the passive sleeve is fitted onto the guide screw. An accommodation space is formed among the groove, spacing slot and intermediary ring. Each needle roller is accommodated in the accommodation space and inter-contacted with the claw arm, the intermediary ring and the passive sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: T-Motion Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Shu Tseng
  • Publication number: 20120000303
    Abstract: Electromotive auxiliary drive, particularly a wiper drive, with an electric motor and a downstream gear forming an output shaft of the auxiliary drive, presenting at least two gear stages arranged in series in a drive train between the electric motor and the output shaft, of which one first gear stage is designed in the manner of a worm gear consisting of a worm and of a gearwheel or worm wheel interacting with this worm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES D'ESSUYAGE
    Inventor: Siegfried Stefani
  • Publication number: 20110308339
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for operating a sunshade, includes a housing, a gear assembly, a drive unit and a vibration limiter. The drive unit 5 includes a motor with an output shaft, a worm gear connected to the output shaft and the gear assembly and having a free end section opposite to the output shaft. The vibration limiter has an embracing member disposed around the free end section to prevent the free end section from shaking. With the vibration limiter, vibration and rattling noises can be eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8051965
    Abstract: A clutch actuator is configured to change operational force applied to a clutch in cases that a worm wheel is rotated by a motor. The clutch actuator may include a motor provided with a rotatable worm shaft, a screw thread formed along an exterior circumference of the worm shaft, a worm wheel provided with a worm gear engaging the screw thread, and a cam recess, an operation rod mounted to the worm wheel, the operation rod configured to engage or release a clutch, and a rotatable operation unit disposed within the cam recess, and configured to apply elastic force to the worm wheel. Methods of using the clutch actuator are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Mobis
    Inventors: Il Soo Kim, Sang Chul Park, Jeong Heon Kam Song, Han Ho Hwang, Woo Jin Cha, Kwang Soo Nam, Young Kwang Kim
  • Publication number: 20110265586
    Abstract: A glove box actuator is disclosed herein, the glove box actuator having: a motor; a worm gear driven by the motor, the worm gear having a spur gear configured to engage a drive gear pivotally secured to the actuator for movement between a first position and a second position; and an actuation plunger configured to engage a helical cam of the drive gear such that rotational movement of the worm gear is translated into liner movement of the actuation plunger and movement of the drive gear between the first position and the second position causes linear movement of the actuation plunger from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Donald M. Perkins, Maxwell W. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20110167938
    Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HUTCHINSON, S.A.
    Inventors: Charles TABONE, Larry STUCK, Gerard TAVIN, Paul ARDOVINI
  • Publication number: 20110113904
    Abstract: A folding-top drive has a motor (13) that transmits forces to a first gear (14) and then to a folding-top linkage via a second gear (15). The first gear (14) and a guide (23) are pivoted to a housing (19) and a spring (22) acts on the guide (23). The first gear is guided on the guide (23) so that the guide (23) can be moved automatically with the first gear (14) counter to the force of the spring (22) from a first position where the gears (14, 15) engage to a second position where the gears (14, 15) are disengaged if a force on the first gear exceeds a defined limit. Additionally, the spring (22) can move the guide (12) automatically with the first gear (14) from the second position to the first position if the force on the first gear falls below the defined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Timo Czechtizky, Horst Schmidt, Holger Engbers
  • Patent number: 7934437
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device, especially for use in a throttle device, comprising a turning spindle rotatably mounted in the device housing. Said turning spindle is functionally linked via a transmission device with a drive device to displace an actuating element that is linked with the turning spindle. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved actuating device that is secure and has a simple design and that can be telecontrolled in a simple manner without major maintenance work, without losses of functionality of the actuating device and at reduced costs. To this end, the actuating device comprises at least two separately or synchronously operated motors and the transmission device has at least one self-locking transmission unit, said transmission unit being functionally linked with the two motors for turning the turning spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Publication number: 20110095584
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a seat apparatus enabling noise reduction and size reduction of a rotation transmitting mechanism. This seat apparatus is provided with a rotation transmitting mechanism capable of transmitting rotation to each of adjusting mechanisms. This rotation transmitting mechanism includes a motor, a worm, and two worm wheels each meshed with the worm and arranged in proximity to each other. This rotation transmitting mechanism also includes four clutch members. Each clutch member is interposed between corresponding one of the adjusting mechanisms and corresponding one of the worm wheels. Each clutch member is configured such that it can be switched between a transmission state and an interruption state. In the transmission state, rotation via the worm wheel can be transmitted to the corresponding adjusting mechanism. In the interruption state, on the other hand, transmission of the rotation is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: IMASEN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro TOMIDA, Kiyoyuki KOJIMA, Hiroyuki UEKI
  • Publication number: 20110061480
    Abstract: A quick-release mechanism of an actuator, including: a worm wheel having a circular body section, a shaft hole extending through the body section along a curvature center line thereof; a rod-like push body coaxially fitted through the shaft hole; and a clutch unit having a first clutch section and a second clutch section. The first clutch section is integrally formed on an end face of the body section. The second clutch section is slidably and relatively unrotatably fitted on the push body. The second clutch section is movable along an axis of the push body between a disengaging position and an engaging position. When positioned in the engaging position, the first and second clutch sections are engaged to drivingly couple the push body with the worm wheel. When positioned in the disengaging position, the first and second clutch sections are disengaged to uncouple the push body from the worm wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Kuo-En TSENG, Hsin-An Chiang
  • Publication number: 20110041632
    Abstract: A jam-tolerant dual-redundant differential-summing actuator (20) includes a first driver (23) adapted to be rotated about a first axis (x1-x1) at a first surface speed; a second driver (26) adapted to be rotated about a second axis (x1-x1) at a second surface speed; a movable output member (21); and a linkage (24, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 40) connecting the first and second drivers to the output members such that the output member will be moved at a velocity that is substantially proportional to the average surface speed of the drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Michael C. Baker, Nicholas J. Miles
  • Patent number: 7882759
    Abstract: In a gear drive unit (10), in particular for adjusting moving parts in the motor vehicle, having a rotor shaft (18) supported in a housing (16) and braced axially on the housing (16) via at least one face end (50) and in which a separate toothed element (32) for transmitting torque to a gear component (38, 40) is secured to the rotor shaft (18), the toothed element (32) has an axial bearing face (48) that rests on one of the face ends (50) of the rotor shaft (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Schwendemann
  • Publication number: 20100294055
    Abstract: A roof cutter holder adjustment device for a roof cutter holder arranged in a vertically adjustable manner on a plow body of a winning plow, comprising a worm wheel for interacting with a rack-like tooth system on the roof cutter holder, an input shaft for actuating the worm wheel, and comprising a head plate which has a passage for the input shaft and which can be fastened or is fastened to the plow body in a rotationally fixed manner. In order to enable the roof cutter holder adjustment device to be mounted and released in a simple manner, the head plate has at least one fastening device, to which a securing element which can be put onto the free end of the input shaft can be fastened in a rotationally fixed manner in the mounted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: BUCYRUS EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Adam Klabisch, Gerhard Siepenkort, Klaus Duhnke, Norbert Hesse
  • Patent number: 7834499
    Abstract: A motor assembly (10) includes a permanent magnet DC motor (16) having a shaft (24) mounted for rotation with a face gear pinion (26) associated with the shaft. A jack shaft and clutch assembly (18) is associated with the face gear pinion and is constructed and arranged to prevent back drive of the motor under certain operating conditions. A spur or helical pinion (40) is operatively associated with the jack shaft and clutch assembly. A drive member (56) is operatively associated with the spur or helical pinion such that movement of the shaft and face gear pinion moves the spur or helical pinion to drive the drive member. A housing structure is defined by an upper housing (14) joined with a lower housing (12). The motor, the face gear pinion, the jack shaft and clutch assembly, the spur or helical pinion and the drive member are housed within the housing structure. Only one of the upper or lower housings includes mounting structure (25) constructed and arranged to mount the motor assembly to another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Würzburg
    Inventors: Louis E. Acosta, Barry Anderson, Yakov Fleytman
  • Patent number: 7815230
    Abstract: When an output shaft is positioned in a first angular position or a second angular position, the output shaft is allowed to rotate from one angular position to the other angular position without rotating a worm wheel. When the worm wheel is rotated to rotate the output shaft from one angular position to the other angular position, the rotation of the worm wheel is transmitted to the output shaft. When the output shaft is placed in the other angular position, driving-force transmission to the output shaft is released, and at the same time, rotation of the worm wheel is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakatsu Yoshikuwa
  • Patent number: 7806016
    Abstract: A worm gear mechanism includes a worm, a torque-transmitting worm wheel meshing with the worm, and an auxiliary worm wheel disposed concentrically with the torque-transmitting worm wheel. The auxiliary worm wheel has a pitch circle diameter set to be greater than a pitch circle diameter of the torque-transmitting worm wheel and hence meshes with the worm in a meshing phase different from that of the torque-transmitting worm wheel. A screw thread provided on the worm actually meshes with teeth of the torque-transmitting worm wheel along a length defined as an actual meshing length. The screw thread has an effective length reduced to be approximately equal to the actual meshing length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Katsuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7802487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear for adjusting two parts (60, 61) that can be displaced in relation to each other, particularly vehicle parts of a seat adjustment device, of a window lifter or of a sliding roof, wherein the first one of the parts (60) comprises a non-rotatable spindle (62) or a fixed toothed rack. The gear comprises a worm wheel (4, 41), with a spindle nut (42) non-rotatable thereto for driving the spindle (62) or a worm non-rotatable thereto for driving the toothed rack, a drivable worm (3, 31) for transmitting a driving force to the worm wheel (4, 41) and a gear housing (1), which accommodates and supports the worm (3) and the worm wheel (4) and which can be non-rotatably connected to the second one of the parts (61) in the displacement direction thereof, the gear housing (1) being formed by a single-piece body with a worm bearing (14) and a worm wheel bearing (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: IMS Gear GmbH
    Inventors: Urban Knöpfle, Wolfram Hofschulte
  • Patent number: 7784372
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for a massaging device includes a housing, a driven gear rotatably mounted in the housing, a driven shaft secured to a first side of the driven gear, and an adjusting shaft mounted on a second side of the driven gear. Thus, when the driven gear is rotatable in a first direction, the adjusting shaft and the driven shaft are rotated with the driven gear simultaneously, so that the two swinging members are moved in the same direction, and when the driven gear is rotatable in a second direction, the adjusting shaft and the driven shaft are rotated with the driven gear with a time lag, so that the two swinging members are moved in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hsin Hao Health Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Chuen Chen