US3589205A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rack and pinion synchronizing mechanism
Assignee: Sybron Transition Corp
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Filing: 1969-04-09
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Granted: 1971-06-29
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Expires: 1989-04-09
Abstract
Abstract A synchronizing mechanism to effect smooth interference free transition from friction to positive drive is accomplished by a gear 22 mounted on a drive shaft 10, which gear 22 is carried into engagement with an axially movable rack 24 to move the rack axially with respect to the positive drive track portion 20 against the force of a spring 26 until the gear and rack are meshed. The rack is then moved by the meshed gear against a stop 28 which orients the positive drive means 16 for smooth friction free engagement with the positive drive portion 20.
Inventors
- 👤 Zeljko Radovic
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:50
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61C; B61C11/00; B61C11/04; B61C11/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19633; Y10T74/19642; Y10T74/1967
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
249 words
Rack and pinion synchronizing means to engage a rack and pinion drive for use with rail guided vehicles having a drive shaft and a drive pinion, said means comprising: a. a rail having both a friction drive portion and a positive drive rack section, said positive drive rack section being engageable with said drive pinion on said vehicle for only a portion of travel of said vehicle; b. a traveling rack mounted on said rail preceding said positive drive rack section, said traveling rack being movable through a path of travel longitudinally with respect to said rail; c. resilient means normally maintaining said traveling rack at an intermediate point in the path of travel of said traveling rack; d. orienting means on said vehicle adapted to engage and drive said traveling rack through said path of travel and toward said positive drive rack section; and e. a stop disposed in the path of travel of said traveling rack for limiting the movement thereof towards said positive drive rack section, said stop being located so that engagement of said traveling rack and orienting means and abutment of said traveling rack against said stop locates said vehicle drive pinion for smooth friction free engagement with said positive drive rack section. CM,2Bination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said orienting means comprises a pinion gear mounted on said vehicle drive shaft, said gear being adapted to mesh with said traveling rack and being smaller in diameter than said friction drive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein the first tooth of said traveling rack disposed for engagement with said pinion gear is resiliently mounted on said traveling rack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
244 words
Rack and pinion synchronizing means to engage a rack and pinion drive for use with guided vehicles having a drive shaft, a friction drive wheel and a positive drive pinion, said means comprising: a. a rail having both a friction drive portion and a positive drive rack section, said positive drive rack section being engageable with said positive drive pinion on said vehicle for only a portion of travel of said vehicle; b. a traveling rack mounted on said rail preceding said positive drive rack section, said rack being movable through a path of travel longitudinally with respect to said rail; c. bias means urging said traveling rack to an intermediate point in said path of travel; d. a stop on said rail to limit movement of said traveling rack in the direction toward said positive rack section; and e. a gear mounted on said drive shaft adapted to mesh with said traveling rack, said gear engaging and moving said traveling rack longitudinally with respect to said rail until said gear and traveling rack are meshed and thereafter moving said traveling rack against said bias and toward said stop, said gear, traveling rack, stop and said vehicle positive drive pinion and said rail positive drive rack section being so oriented that meshing of said gear and traveling rack and location of said traveling rack against said stop will cause said vehicle positive drive pinion and said rail positive drive rack section to mesh smoothly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
244 words
Rack and pinion synchronizing means to engage a rack and pinion drive for use with guided vehicles having a drive shaft, a friction drive wheel and a positive drive pinion, said means comprising: a. a rail having both a friction drive portion and a positive drive rack section, said positive drive rack section being engageable with said positive drive pinion on said vehicle for only a portion of travel of said vehicle; b. a traveling rack mounted on said rail preceding said positive drive rack section, said rack being movable through a path of travel longitudinally with respect to said rail; c. bias means urging said traveling rack to an intermediate point in said path of travel; d. a stop on said rail to limit movement of said traveling rack in the direction toward said positive rack section; and e. a gear mounted on said drive shaft adapted to mesh with said traveling rack, said gear engaging and moving said traveling rack longitudinally with respect to said rail until said gear and traveling rack are meshed and thereafter moving said traveling rack against said bias and toward said stop, said gear, traveling rack, stop and said vehicle positive drive pinion and said rail positive drive rack section being so oriented that meshing of said gear and traveling rack and location of said traveling rack against said stop will cause said vehicle positive drive pinion and said rail positive drive rack section to mesh smoothly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
A combination as set forth in claim 4 wherein the first tooth of said traveling rack in the direction of movement of said vehicle is pivotally mounted on said traveling rack and spring biased to resist movement upon engagement by said gear on said vehicle drive shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A combination as set forth in claim 4 wherein said gear is smaller in diameter than said friction drive means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-28 | 1974-12-28 | 1975-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-28 | 1978-12-28 | 1979-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-28 | 1982-12-28 | 1983-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |