Reciprocating To Or From Oscillating Patents (Class 74/99R)
  • Patent number: 5925385
    Abstract: The invention provides a motion transfer mechanism for transferring motion between a first and second component, the mechanism comprising an elongate track mounted to the first component, the track having a polar axis and an external actuation surface along a portion of the length of the track, the track having at least one portion of the actuation surface inclined at a predetermined spiral angle about the polar axis; track riding device, mounted to the second component in guided contacting relation with the actuation surface, for longitudinal displacement relative to the actuation surface, and for predetermined rotational displacement in response to the longitudinal displacement, the track riding device comprising: an actuating surface follower mounted within a rider housing; and biasing device disposed between the follower and the housing for resiliently urging the follower into continuous engagement with the actuation surface; track mounting device for mounting the track to the first component in predeterm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tradesco Mold Limited
    Inventors: Vince Travaglini, Donald L. Hersey, Juan Fernando Segovia
  • Patent number: 5899112
    Abstract: A rotary/linear converter comprising a reciprocator having a main axis (A) and being adapted for reciprocating movement in the direction of the main axis (A) and a rotator adapted for rotating movement about the main axis (A), the converter further including converter means which operatively interconnects the reciprocator and the rotator. The converter means includes a control link having one end portion thereof pivotally connected to another part of the converter means and the other end portion pivotally connected to a mounting, the link being adapted to pivotally oscillate about the mounting in response to movement of one of said either the rotator or the reciprocator thereby causing movement of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Richter Technology Limited
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Richter
  • Patent number: 5681595
    Abstract: A motion transfer mechanism has an elongated track upon which ride transfer mechanisms, to translate relative movements of the track into precise actuation of one or a plurality of transfer mechanisms. The track is of substantially unlimited length, in relation to the machine with which it is used, such as the press of a stacked injection mold, so as not to limit access to, or the range of motion of the press or other machine. The transfer mechanisms each rides upon the track, such that they can freely traverse its full length. The track has one or more spiral portions in its length, to translate relative longitudinal displacement into rotational movement. The angle of spiral can be varied, with local changes in angle, on order to achieve desired rates of acceleration, deceleration and periods of dwell in the operation of the output mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Nick Travaglini
  • Patent number: 5595225
    Abstract: The mechanism is used for rotating a tree-felling implement rotatably connected to a distal end of a boom of a logging vehicle by an implement pivot. The mechanism comprises a pinion coaxial with the implement pivot and fixed in rotation with reference to the distal end of the boom. Two longitudinally extending actuators are mounted on the frame. Both actuators are lying in the pinion plane. Each actuator is adjacent to the pinion on a respective side thereof, namely right and left, and bears a corresponding sprocket coplanar with the pinion plane and rotatably connected to their free end. To link the elements together, there is provided a chain in mesh with the sprockets and the pinion. The chain has ends rigidly attached to the frame of the implement. In use, the implement is rotated as the actuators are operated in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Sylvain Gilbert
    Inventors: Sylvain Gilbert, Michel Taillon
  • Patent number: 5526760
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tufting machine having a needle bar movable between at least two transverse locations in response to a control signal, a motor, a yarn supply, a backing cloth feed, a stitch drive, looper drive, yarn feed roller and all timed for moving the respective components at times in the stitch cycle when the needles are clear of the backing; the tufting machine operating to produce a series of stitches through the backing material by moving the needle bar to cause the needles to pierce the backing cloth and interact with the looper mechanism to produce a tufted fabric; and having a needle bar shifter comprising:a frame having a first end and a second end;a first belt attachment at the first end and a second belt attachment at the second end;a roller mounted between the first and second belt attachments;a belt attached to the first belt attachment looped around the roller and attached to the second belt attachment,a roller drive supplying rotational energy to the roller;whereby activati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: General Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Thol Ok
  • Patent number: 5461744
    Abstract: A dental device for an electric toothbrush drive having a drive shaft, the dental device including a housing, a motion converter arranged in the housing and including a rocker arm, a rotary oscillation plate having an eccentrically arranged plug-in opening, and a plug-in axle for operatively connecting the rotary oscillation plate to the rocker arm via the plug-in opening. A guide is provided for releasably and operatively connecting one end of the rocker arm to the drive shaft of the toothbrush drive, and a bearing is provided for rotatably supporting the rotary oscillating plate at the housing. The motion converter converts the movement of the drive shaft into rotational ocillatory movement of the rotary oscillation plate about the plug-in axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Merbach
  • Patent number: 5349879
    Abstract: An article (30) is controllably and precisely positioned at one of three discrete locations defined by a linkage. The positioning apparatus includes two independently driven cranks (34, 42), with a link (50) pivotably connected between the two cranks (34, 42). Another connector (44) is pivotably connected between one of the cranks (34 or 42) and the article (30) to be positioned. The cranks (34, 42) are rotationally adjusted so that the pivot points (52, 54) of the link (50) are collinear with the axes of rotation of the cranks (40, 48), thereby defining one of the three discrete locations. Additional cranks and links can be provided to define additional discrete locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Santa Barbara Research Center
    Inventor: John J. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5295405
    Abstract: A technical device, in particular an electromechanical running gear for the movement of information carriers, such as magnetic tapes or discs, having a carrier plate (1) made of metal at which movable functional parts (5, 7) made of synthetic resin are formed by an injection molding process (outsert molding). Each functional part is held in a respective hole (3, 4) in the plate by means of retaining pieces (5a, 5b, 7, 7c) made of synthetic resin which overlie both plate surfaces (1c, 1d). The retaining pieces are interconnected through the hole by an integral synthetic-resin connection bridge (5b, 7b) integral with these pieces. Clearance sufficient to obtain a smooth movement of the functional parts (5, 7) in the holes (3, 4) is obtained through mechanical deformation of the retaining pieces subsequent to the insertion molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Gumbert, Norbert Kunze, Georg Weber
  • Patent number: 5247846
    Abstract: A quick-disconnectable device with a screw piece, a first threaded part and a second threaded part, the threaded of which fits with the first threaded part, wherein the screw piece has a straight guide for the first threaded part, and the screw piece has a radial bearing and an axial bearing for the second threaded part, the longitudinal direction of the straight guide and the axis of rotation of the radial bearing are arranged parallel to one another, the two threaded parts are guided at a distance at which the mutual engagement of the two threaded parts is possible, the second threaded part has an external thread, and is equipped with a recess which completely interrupts the engagement of the threads at least in a specific rotary position An embodiment as a compact light and simple quick-acting clamping means for variable clamping geometry for articles to be measured on automatic 3D-measuring machines or as a spindle drive with high-speed disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Wild Leitz GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Grossmann, Bruno Tews, deceased, Holger S. Tews, heir
  • Patent number: 5213434
    Abstract: A plug-in connector for an electric toothbrush drive mechanism, including an electric motor and a movement converter which is arranged between the motor and a plug-in shaft and sets the plug-in shaft in radial and longitudinal movement, the motor and converter being arranged in a housing, and the plug-in shaft, which is supported in a bottom surface of the housing, has a free end that penetrates the bottom surface, the plug-in connector is detachably connected with the housing and the plug-in shaft is engaged in an installed state with a connecting rod arranged on the inside of the plug-in connector, and an end of the connecting rod remote of the plug-in shaft is in a working connection with a radial drive, the connecting rod and radial drive being connected with one another by an elastically deformable spiral, and the connecting rod, spiral and radial drive being constructed so as to form one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 5181430
    Abstract: A mechanism for finely adjusting the orientation and/or the position of a payload, characterized in that it comprises: a resilient mechanism constituted by at least one continuous ring (10); a payload support device (15) suitable for transforming deformation of the ring into rotation or into combined rotation and translation; a ring deformation mechanism (11) suitable for directly applying simultaneous deformation forces at two diameterically opposite points of the ring; and a device (14) for varying the orientation of the diametral line of action of the ring deformation mechanism, thereby enabling the orientation and/or the position of the payload to be adjusted finely or coarsely. The mechanism is applicable to the optical industry, to pointing antennas, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventor: Fabio Panin
  • Patent number: 5150627
    Abstract: A control device for a tiltable mounting head, such as the mounting head for a camera, includes a pantographic-type linkage. The angular position of an arm (24) supporting the mounting head (26) is controlled relative to a locating arm (12), whose remote end is pivoted to fixed structure (16) by three meshing gears, of which one (10) is connected to the locating arm (12) and another gear (20) is connected to the arm (24). The gears are rotatably mounted on a rigid arm (22) of the linkage of which an intermediate point (28) is constrained to move along a horizontal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Vinten Group PLC
    Inventor: Richard A. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5065637
    Abstract: Textile fiber carding apparatus is provided with an adjusting system for carrying out linear adjusting movements which are at least esentially independent of friction, and free from jerks and oscillations. The system includes a carrier (20) for the object (12) (e.g., the doffer) to be adjusted and an actuating mechanism (40) in contact with the carrier. The carrier (20) is supported at at least two positions spaced apart from each other in the direction of adjustment on respective supporting devices (26, 26.1). At least one of the supporting devices is formed by a generally cylindrically shaped bellows (28) filled with a bubble free incompressible fluid and is secured at its one end face to the carrier (20) and at its other end face to a foundation (24). At least one flat spring (34, 34.1) is secured at its one end to the foundation (24) and its other end to the carrier (20). One or more addition supporting devices (26, 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG
    Inventors: Roland Soltermann, Peter Fritzsche, Kurt Muller
  • Patent number: 5058946
    Abstract: A hinged cover is provided for mounting on a trailer including a front end, a back end and opposite sides. The cover includes a body with a front end, a back end and opposite sides. A hinged assembly hingedly interconnects the trailer and the cover body at the front ends. The cover is movable between raised and lowered positions by a pair of jack assemblies interconnecting the trailer and the cover at their sides. The hinged assembly includes a lost motion linkage comprising a generally vertical slot into which a hinge pin is slidably received. The hinge pin slides upward in the slot as the cover is raised and downward as the cover is lowered. The cover also includes a pair of supports onto which the cover may be seated when in the raised position thereof. A pair of supports are mounted on the trailer and each includes a bifurcated upper end. The cover has a lower rim which is received in the support upper ends with the cover in its lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Robert G. Faber
  • Patent number: 5031892
    Abstract: A stack of blanks is guided between pile guides. Disposed on a support are holding members which can be laid against an exposed blank in the stack in order to grasp it and to be moved, with it, away from the stack. In the course of this, the support is movable over a path which, starting from the stack, extends transversely to the plane of the blanks, then changes over into a direction at least substantially parallel to the plane of the blanks and leading to a pair of conveying members and finally again extends transversely to the plane of the blanks. The conveying members grip the blanks delivered to them by the support, at both sides and convey it onwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Elpatronic AG
    Inventor: Othmar Stieger
  • Patent number: 4977817
    Abstract: A displacement apparatus for allowing relative displacement between two reciprocating members such that a predetermined output motion profile of one of the members may be obtained relative to the motion of the other of the reciprocating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: David G. Doman
  • Patent number: 4973145
    Abstract: A flexure mechanism, the basic elements of which comprise a foundation plate, and a mounting plate which is desirably mounted generally parallel to the foundation plate and which is secured from the foundation plate by a series of flexible support elements, the support elements being secured to the foundation plate in a generally circular configuration and which incline conically, inwardly, into attachment to the mounting plate, also in a generally circular configuration. If the point of convergence of the support elements lies in the plane of the distal surface of the mounting plate, the foundation plate will move, in two degrees of freedom relative to the foundation plate much as if the two plates are pivotally connected to each other. The support elements may be adjustably mounted to the foundation plates and mounting plates, and means may be provided to move the mounting plate relative to the foundation plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Kirkwood, Russell P. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 4945779
    Abstract: A linear to rotary ball screw actuator which includes both helical grooves and straight grooves longitudinally spaced apart on the outer surface of the shaft. Matching helical grooves and straight grooves are formed on opposed inner surfaces of first and second portions of relatively moveable housing to provide passageways filled with balls. A return passageway is provided through the housing by way of a straight bore parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.Also disclosed is a ball screw rotary actuator of the type above described but having an additional section including either straight or helical grooves thereby to define an actuator having either a central helically grooved portion sandwiched between straight grooved portions or alternatively a central straight grooved portion with helical grooved portions on either side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Williams
  • Patent number: 4912994
    Abstract: A linkage device connectable between adjacent ends of a tubular support member and payload member is adapted to rotate the payload member through approximately 180.degree. about the end of the support member between inoperative and operative positions by movement of an actuating rod longitudinally within the tubular member. The linkage device comprises first and second frames secured to adjacent ends of the members and four bars pivotally connected at opposite ends to corners of the frames, the first pair of bars extending within the frames and the second pair extending outside the frames. The actuating rod is connected to the first pair of bars and rotates them about their pivotal connection to the first frame when the rod is moved longitudinally within the tubular member. Both pairs of bars cause the payload member to rotate about the end of the support member through 180.degree. and into an operative position in longitudinal alignment with the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: GTE Government Systems Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4905528
    Abstract: An electric actuator, in which the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the output rod through a pin mounted on a gear connected to motor through the other gears. A stopper is formed on the output rod connected to a door knob, and a pivotal arm mounted on the output rod. A coupling is provided not to transmit the movement of the output rod caused by the door knob, whereby the door is locked or unlocked not only by a remote control, but also by a manual operation of the door knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikara Kawaguchi, Kiyohide Terada
  • Patent number: 4889008
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for an oscillating spout is presented which includes a control mechanism which directs a control arm to perform the movement required by the spout and a transmission device which acts to transmit the control arm movement and reproduce it as spout movement. The control mechanism consists of a driving rod pivotally connected to an intermediate lever arm and a novel universal joint connecting the lever arm to the control arm. The universal joint enables the spout to be moved in and out of a vertical orientation by prohibiting the components of the control mechanism from becoming axially locked in a 180.degree. angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Edouard Legille, Emile Lonardi
  • Patent number: 4882970
    Abstract: A motion translating device for receiving a force input from one direction nd translating it mechanically by combined linear and rotational components into a resultant motion is a different direction. The apparatus consists of a slotted frame member having a base for mounting to another object such as an airborne weapon and a pair of separated, parallel and vertical walls extending upwards from the base. A slotted slide member is movably contained between the two walls so that when a generally horizontal force is applied to one end of that member by way of a cable connected between that other object and said one end of the slide member, the slide member is caused to move forward thru the frame member while simultaneously its opposite end is caused to rotate upwards away from the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jay R. Kovar
  • Patent number: 4880219
    Abstract: A tilting apparatus includes at least a pair of elements with curved surfaces arranged to tilt a platform with respect to a base. The apparatus is capable of tilting with a resolution in the order of a fraction of an arc second, with precision, reliability, and repeatability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignees: Robert Nemirovsky, Joseph Deutsch
    Inventor: Robert Nemirovsky
  • Patent number: 4872358
    Abstract: A driving mechanism having a driving shaft, which is rotatable about a first axis and on which a pressure member is located. The pressure member has a first roller segment which engages a fixed support and a second roller segment which engages an adjustment member. The adjustment member can be coupled to a load displaceable parallel to a second axis. The driving mechanism is particularly suitable for comparatively small and accurate displacements of a load, such as, for example, a mask table in an opto-lithographic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin J. Buis
  • Patent number: 4860605
    Abstract: A device for producing an axial displacement of two opposing relatively rotatable thrust members having a plurality of conical rolling elements installed between the thrust members which roll on angled ramps hus change the distance between the thrust members, at least one of the thrust washers having a conical face; and a loose outside flange designed as a closed, flexible ring circumscribing the rollers which absorbs the radial forces proceeding from the loaded conical rollers and exerts a binding effect on the conical rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: SKF GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Armin Schlereth, Paul-Gerhard Hoch
  • Patent number: 4858701
    Abstract: A percussion tool usable as part of a single tool impact device or a multi-tool impact device. In each case, the tool is rotatably driven by a high-torque rotary actuator with the tool being longitudinally splined and received within a correspondingly longitudinally splined hollow drive shaft of the actuator. The tool extends fully through the drive shaft to a rearward end thereof at which is positioned a percussion hammer to provide reciprocating endwise impact to the tool. The tool is held within the drive shaft by a splined lock member which can be rotated between a release position with its splines aligned with the drive shaft splines, and a locked position with its splines misaligned with the drive shaft splines. The device is mountable on a mobile vehicle having an articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Paul P. Weyer
  • Patent number: 4848173
    Abstract: A machine for rhythmic and reciprocal movement of workpieces and the like in at least two successive steps is described. A carriage for moving the pieces has a drive in the form of at least two synchronously operating crank pins (12, 13), each engaging a groove (25, 26) of a slide track (24) fixed to the carriage (18-20) over about half the length of its travel. One step is thus executed. Then the crank pin in question (13) exits a groove (26) and the other crank pin (12) enters its groove (25). It then executes the second step. At the beginning of each step, the velocity of the carriage is zero. In the further course, it rises to a maximum at a crank angle of 90.degree., and drops back to zero at the end of the step. In this way an especially gentle and rapid motion is made possible. The crank pins may each be mounted on its own shaft, or they may be mounted together on a common shaft with an offset of 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Peter E. Heinrichs
  • Patent number: 4838102
    Abstract: A rotating drive mechanism for swinging doors, especially on vehicles, with a helical transmission consisting of a stator that is rigidly connected to the housing of the rotating drive mechanism, a rotor that can rotate but cannot move axially and that is rigidly connected to the driveshaft, a coupling component that moves axially to rotate the rotor in relation to the stator, and a pneumatic or hydraulic drive cylinder with a piston rod that is connected to the coupling component. The drive cylinder is an annular cylinder that has an outer and an inner jacket as well as an annular piston between the inner and the outer jacket. The coupling component is a nut that extends into the inner cylinder jacket and surrounds a rotor in the form of a threaded spindle. The rotor extends coaxially through the inside of the inner jacket and is, where it emerges from the housing, in one piece with the stub of the takeoff shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Gebr. Bode & Co, GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Bode, Manfred Horn
  • Patent number: 4838104
    Abstract: Helical spline actuator includes a pair of cylinder housings connected together in end-to-end spaced apart aligned relationship by means of a center mount. A shaft is mounted for rotation within the two housings, and has a rotatable drive member extending outwardly therefrom between the spaced apart inboard ends of the housings and out through a circumferential slot in the center mount. Pistons are axially movable within each of the housings toward and away from opposite ends of the shaft. Inboard of the pistons are helical drive members for converting axial movement of the pistons into relative rotational movement of the shaft and drive member connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Pneumo Abex Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas N. Riley
  • Patent number: 4813723
    Abstract: Latch operating means are disclosed comprising a linearly moveable operating member and a rotationally moveable latch operating member, interaction means comprising a thread and a thread engaging cam being provided betwen said operating member and said latch operating member, said interaction means translating linear movement of said operating member into rotational movement of said latch operating member: the latch operating means in the various forms of the invention are constructed such that said latch operating member has located rotatably thereon connector means, said connector means and said latch operating means having rotatory loss connection means therebetween; said thread being a groove and said thread engaging cam being a bearing; and being provided with locking means to restrain rotation of said latch operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Titon Hardware Limited
    Inventors: John N. Anderson, Edward C. Marshall, Arthur Stoney, William Tulloch, Paul L. Duke
  • Patent number: 4806901
    Abstract: A device for transmitting linear motion into rotary motion, particularly as applied to an oil pressure transducer for a vehicle I.C.E. Specifically, the linear movement is produced by action of pressure against a diaphragm as opposed by a yieldable spring. The spring is a wire curved into a helix shape and with the ends attached to a rotary table. The midportion of the spring is operably attached to the central portion of the diaphragm so that linear movement thereof toward the rotary table causes the spring's end portions to progressively engage the table in overlying relation and, accordingly, to produce rotation of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred H. Glover
  • Patent number: 4738415
    Abstract: A fluid-powered rotary actuator particularly well suited for use in operating an aircraft flight control surface. The body has a stationary body portion and a rotatable body portion with an elongated annular sleeve reciprocally and coaxially mounted within the body. A tie-rod coaxially projects through the sleeve from end-to-end between the stationary and rotatable body portions to maintain their relative longitudinal position against axial separation during actuator operation. To each axially outward side of the sleeve is an annular ball deflector. The axially outward portions of the sleeve and the corresponding portions of the stationary and rotatable body portions have helical ball races formed therein to transmit torque between the body portions and the sleeve to cause the rotatable body portion to rotate in response to fluid-powered linear reciprocation of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Paul P. Weyer
  • Patent number: 4731886
    Abstract: A device for activating a rotating post, especially one that moves a swinging-door panel in a motor vehicle and which need no additional space at each end of the rotating post. The post is rotatably mounted in a mount at each end. The post is a hollow cylinder that accommodates a worm gear driven by a bi-directional pneumatic piston-and-cylinder drive. The piston-and-cylinder drive is completely accommodated inside the post and consists of at least two piston-and-cylinder units pneumatically connected in parallel with a common piston rod. Each unit incorporates a piston and cylinder aligned within a sleeve that is rigidly fastened to and coaxial with one of the mounts. The pressure medium that drives the panel in one direction is supplied to each cylinder through a coaxial bore in the piston rod. The bore extends axially and connects all the pistons. The bore communicates with the insides of the cylinders in the vicinity of each piston face that faces the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Gebr. Bode & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Heinrich, Manfred Horn
  • Patent number: 4728253
    Abstract: Feed bar advance and return driving apparatus for a transfer press. An upper slider is reciprocally vertically movable in the press crown in synchronization with the operation of the press, and a pinion rotatably mounted on the upper slider is rotated alternatingly in opposite directions with the upward and downward vertical movement of the upper slider. A drive rack vertically slidably supported on the upper slider is connected to the pinion at a position on the pinion which is eccentric to the axis of rotation of the pinion and is reciprocally vertically driven by the rotation of the pinion. The lower end of the drive rack extends downwardly and engages a drive pinion for rotating the drive pinion alternatingly in opposite directions during the reciprocal vertical motion of the drive rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Oba, Kenji Kurishima, Masaharu Kusunoki, Tadao Odaka, Toshihiko Arai
  • Patent number: 4728041
    Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus for oscillating a fluid discharge head attached thereto and a self-oscillation apparatus. The fluid spary apparatus may have a mounting for receiving and holding a fluid discharge device or devices, the mounting member being pivotably connected to dual supports which are in turn movably mounted on a body member with a lost motion means so that a component of the force reacting to the fluid discharge effects oscillating movement of the fluid spray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Weatherford U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Draxler, Michael J. Woodward
  • Patent number: 4727766
    Abstract: The mechanism comprises a heat control knob, pivotally mounted on the front end of an operating lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by second pivot means, having its pivot axis parallel with but spaced from the axis of the first pivot means. The front portion of the operating lever has a follower which is guided by a guide track, so that the heat control knob is movable along a straight path. The operating lever has a pivot slot which is pivotally and slidably guided by the second pivot means. The operating lever also has a generally longitudinal coupling slot which receives a coupling pin projecting from a control lever, pivotally supported for swinging movement about the axis of the first pivot means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: John G. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4697468
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism for converting a reciprocal linear motion into an oscillating rotary motion with increased torque at the end positions. Two pressurized air cylinders 1,2 co-operate via links 14, 15 with a common lever arm 5 fastened to an output shaft. The cylinders provide an increased torque adjacent to each one of the end positions of the rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Moveco System AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Bergstrand
  • Patent number: 4679452
    Abstract: A mechanical limit sensing device or limit switch for piston and cylinder actuators has a housing in which a rocking lever is pivoted so that its one end is moved by part of the actuator to be controlled. The other end works a switching element. The housing is made in two parts, that is to say on the one hand a bush or bearing sleeve and on the other hand a gripping or clamping body for the bush. The bush may be turned in the body and may be clamped in it in a given position. The lever has a ball-like part with which it is mounted in a socket in the bush. The lever is furthermore guided in a slot in the body. This slot furthermore divides part of the body into two jaws that are used for clamping the body onto the bush. The switching element is screwed into a hole in the body that is in the same plane as the slot. There is furthermore a blind hole in this plane to take up a plunger for returning the lever after being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4667068
    Abstract: A function selector knob is pivotally mounted on a function control lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by first pivot means. A pin and slot connection is provided between the lever and a vacuum electric selector switch. A convertible detent mechanism is provided for detaining the lever in either of two sets of detent positions, such sets having different numbers of positions, such as seven and five positions. Such convertible detent mechanism comprises a reversible detent carriage which is pivotally connected to the lever and is slidable along a guide channel having first and second sets of detent recesses on opposite sides thereof. The detent carriage has a detent ball or other member which is offset toward one side of the carriage, whereby the detent carriage is reversible between a first position, in which the detent member encounters the first set of detent recesses, and a second position, in which the detent carriage encounters the second set of detent recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: John G. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4656878
    Abstract: There is disclosed a rotation axis fine adjustment apparatus for finely adjusting rotation of a mounting portion rotatably mounted on a rotation axis with respect to a base portion through a fastening frame by suitably fastening and finely adjusting the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Tokyo Kogaku Kika Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Iwai, Fumitomo Kondo, Akio Kimura
  • Patent number: 4654494
    Abstract: A reciprocatingly movable actuating rod is coupled to a longitudinally translatable contact plunger through a linkage and a stationarily arranged S-shaped guideway. A compression spring which is compressible during the course of a switching engagement stroke also acts upon the contact plunger. In order to keep especially the contact plunger as free as possible from transverse forces during the switching stroke and to keep the actuating rod unloaded both in the engaged position and in the disengaged switching stroke position, one end of the actuating rod, which extends perpendicular to the direction of motion of the contact plunger, carries a journal pin engaging the guideway. One end of a connecting rod included in the linkage is pivotably connected to the journal pin. The other end of the connecting rod is pivotably connected to the contact plunger through an entrainment sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Sprecher & Schuh AG
    Inventor: Hans-Rudolf Wuthrich
  • Patent number: 4635493
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a reciprocating fluid emission head automatically through successive operating cycles, into and from a space within which predetermined operations are to be performed. The apparatus includes a frame mounted at one side of the operating space, a crankshaft journaled in the frame and rotary drive means for turning the crankshaft. The crankshaft drives a parallelogram-type link arrangement that includes a main link with one end supported for guided movement in the frame, a carrier arm connected to one end of the main link, a control arm parallel to the main link and connected at one end to the carrier arm and at its other end to the crankshaft, and an intermediate link parallel to the carrier arm and connected between the main link and the control arm. The inner end of the main link is guided through a controlled path of travel whereby the spray head mounted at the outer end of the carrier arm is moved between a retracted position and an extended position located within the operating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Rimrock Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Buckley
  • Patent number: 4633978
    Abstract: A brake caliper is provided for applying a braking force to a wheel, rotor, disc, or the like. The caliper includes a brake actuator, an actuator housing, a bearing for rotatably and slideably receiving the brake actuator in the actuator housing, and a ramp for displacing the brake actuator in an axial direction in relation to the actuator housing between an inactive position and a brake-actuating position in response to rotation of the brake actuator. At least one braking pad is actuable to apply a braking force in response to predetermined axial displacement of the brake actuator. The ramp includes at least one contoured camming surface inclined in a counterclockwise direction and at least one contoured camming surface inclined in a clockwise direction. Axial displacement of the brake actuator is accomplished by camming engagement between the brake actuator and one of the contoured camming surfaces formed in the ramp block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Hoffco, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Hoff
  • Patent number: 4615228
    Abstract: A device for mechanically transforming a torque into an axial force.A long, cylindrical rubber body (16) is enclosed within a tightly wound coil spring (15) and on its short sides by an axially fixed, torque-receiving end wall (12) and an axially movable, force-transmitting cover (17) respectively. One of the ends of the spring accompanies the end wall as it rotates, in so doing causing the diameters of the spring and the rubber body to reduce and the length of the body to increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Lars M. Severinsson
  • Patent number: 4605971
    Abstract: A document reading device comprising a document stand having a document placing surface and an optical reading means for optically reading the surface of a document placed on the document placing surface. The device further comprises a guide member defining a guide passage extending in a direction toward and away from the document placing surface, an oscillating member mounted such that its one end can reciprocate freely along the document placing surface in a predetermined scanning direction and in a direction opposite to it and the other end can freely reciprocate along the guide passage, and a driving source for oscillating the oscillating member which is capable of moving said one end of the oscillating member at a substantially constant speed in the scanning direction. The optical reading means is provided in the oscillating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Kimura
  • Patent number: 4595068
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus converts rotational motion into technically linear motion and can be used for vertically displacing wheels or tracks on an off-the-road vehicle. The transmission apparatus includes at least one stationarily mounted control disk with at least a circular arc section on its circumferential periphery and at least one eccentric disk connected to the control disk by a drive device. The eccentric disk has a circular circumferential periphery and an eccentric point from its center point. The eccentric disk is rotatably connected to one end of an elongated rocker arm. The other end of the rocker arm is pivotally connected to the control disk at a point on a straight line extending between the center of curvature of the circumferential periphery of the control disk and the disengaging point of the drive member from the circumferential periphery of the control disk in the neutral position of the eccentric disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: Fritz Seeber
  • Patent number: 4580462
    Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle which includes a disk and a pair of rollers which rotate 180.degree. about a series of fingers to turn the wheels. The pivot member of the steering mechanism includes a slot having a spring biased pin extending thereinto to inhibit wear on the mechanism as it is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventor: Weber Rehlander
  • Patent number: 4571963
    Abstract: A material treatment apparatus having a bowl or container for the material to be treated. The bowl is suspended by resilient means, and a vertical reciprocating motion is applied to the bowl, the resilient means during the vertical motion imparting a rotary oscillation to the bowl or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Inventor: Cyril J. Williams
  • Patent number: 4565104
    Abstract: A linear actuator for rotating a load, such as an antenna, in which the load is pivoted about a load pivot axis and a drive point on an arm extending from the load is driven along a path of travel defined by a frame pivoted about a frame pivot axis parallel to the load pivot axis and normal to the path of travel, the load pivot axis being equally distant from the drive point and the frame pivot axis. The structure of the linear actuator reduces loss of moment arm at the extremes of travel and minimizes stress on the components of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Akin
  • Patent number: 4548091
    Abstract: A motion converter is disclosed which converts relative angular displacement to linear displacement. A pair of input members are coupled by plural axially extending links. There are plural amplifying arms, each being mounted on a respective one of the links and extending transversely thereof. An output member, in the form of a carrier ring, is mounted on the free ends of the arms. The carrier ring is displaced linearly by relative angular displacement of the input members. The motion converter may be incorporated in an angular displacement transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Peter Norton