US3768369A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Force release device
Assignee: Enerpac Tool Group Corp
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Filing: 1971-12-01
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1991-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A force release device for relieving the force imparted to a lever actuated mechanism by a proportional force amplifier, the device including a manually controlled actuating member connected to the amplifier, a pair of detent stops spaced a distance apart less than the stroke of the amplifier, a detent assembly mounted on the actuating member in a position to engage said detent stops and a spring on each side of the assembly to bias the actuating member in direction opposite to the direction of manual operation.
Inventors
- 👤 D Knutson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:34
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D25/00; F16D25/08; F16D25/088; F15; F15B; F15B13/00; F15B13/16; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86485
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A device for relieving the force imparted to a lever actuated mechanism by a hydraulically actuated proportional force amplifier being movable through a predetermined stroke, fluid control means including a spool valve controlling flow of pressurized fluid to the amplifier, said device comprising an actuating member connected to the spool valve and adapted to be manually moved through a predetermined stroke to actuate the spool valve, first and second detent stops located a distance apart less than said predetermined stroke of the actuating member, a detent assembly connected to said actuating member and being positioned to engage said detent stops and first and second means for biasing said actuating member toward said detent stops on release of said actuating member whereby the force of said amplifier acting on said lever actuated mechanism is released.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
134 words
A device for relieving the force imparted to a lever actuated mechanism by a hydraulically actuated proportional force amplifier being movable through a predetermined stroke, fluid control means including a spool valve controlling flow of pressurized fluid to the amplifier, said device comprising an actuating member connected to the spool valve and adapted to be manually moved through a predetermined stroke to actuate the spool valve, first and second detent stops located a distance apart less than said predetermined stroke of the actuating member, a detent assembly connected to said actuating member and being positioned to engage said detent stops and first and second means for biasing said actuating member toward said detent stops on release of said actuating member whereby the force of said amplifier acting on said lever actuated mechanism is released.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said first and second biasing means comprise a pair of springs mounted on said actuating member, one of said springs being located on each side of said detent assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
150 words
A force release device for a hydraulically actuated proportional force said amplifier having a predetermined stroke; said amplifier including fluid control means; said device comprising a housing having a bore; an actuating member positioned in said bore and being connected to said amplifier, said member being adapted to be manually actuated to move the amplifier through the predetermined stroke; a pair of fixed stops in said housing spaced a distance apart less than the predetermined stroke of said amplifier; a detent assembly mounted on said actuating member in a position to engage one or the other of said detent stops and means for biasing said actuating member in a directiOn counter to the direction of actuation, whereby on release of said actuating member said detent assembly will be moved into engagement with one of the detent stops and withdraw said actuating member to relieve the force acting on said amplifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
150 words
A force release device for a hydraulically actuated proportional force said amplifier having a predetermined stroke; said amplifier including fluid control means; said device comprising a housing having a bore; an actuating member positioned in said bore and being connected to said amplifier, said member being adapted to be manually actuated to move the amplifier through the predetermined stroke; a pair of fixed stops in said housing spaced a distance apart less than the predetermined stroke of said amplifier; a detent assembly mounted on said actuating member in a position to engage one or the other of said detent stops and means for biasing said actuating member in a directiOn counter to the direction of actuation, whereby on release of said actuating member said detent assembly will be moved into engagement with one of the detent stops and withdraw said actuating member to relieve the force acting on said amplifier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 3 wherein said biasing means comprises a pair of springs; one spring being located at each end of the actuating member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 3 wherein said detent assembly comprises a cross-bore in said actuating member, a pair of detent balls in said cross-bore, and a spring in said cross-bore biasing said detent balls outwardly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
150 words
A force release device for relieving the force imparted by a hydraulically actuated proportional force amplifier to a lever actuated mechanism movable between engaged and disengaged positions, said amplifier including fluid control means; the amplifier being movable through a predetermined stroke to engage and disengage the mechanism; said device comprising a housing mounted on the amplifier and having an axially extending bore; a pair of annular detent stops located in said bore; an actuating rod in said bore connected to the amplifier and being adapted to be manually actuated to move the amplifier through the predetermined stroke; a detent assembly movable with said actuating rod to a position beyond one of said detent stops on actuation of said amplifier and a spring on each end of said rod to bias said rod and said detent assembly into engagement with one of the detent stops on release of said actuating rod.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
150 words
A force release device for relieving the force imparted by a hydraulically actuated proportional force amplifier to a lever actuated mechanism movable between engaged and disengaged positions, said amplifier including fluid control means; the amplifier being movable through a predetermined stroke to engage and disengage the mechanism; said device comprising a housing mounted on the amplifier and having an axially extending bore; a pair of annular detent stops located in said bore; an actuating rod in said bore connected to the amplifier and being adapted to be manually actuated to move the amplifier through the predetermined stroke; a detent assembly movable with said actuating rod to a position beyond one of said detent stops on actuation of said amplifier and a spring on each end of said rod to bias said rod and said detent assembly into engagement with one of the detent stops on release of said actuating rod.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device according to claim 6 wherein detent stops are spaced apart a distance less than the stroke required to engage or disengage the mechanism.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |