Edward D Van

US Patent:

50058231, Apr 9, 1991

Filed:

Jul 6, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/376391

Inventors:

Donald C. Fyler - Cambridge MA
Edward A. Van Duyne - Framingham MA
Michael G. Kelly - Arlington MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B65H 702

US Classification:

271228

Abstract:

A system for locating a corner of an angularly oriented workpiece on a worksurface includes a gripper and associated two axis transport assembly, and a set of sensors on the gripper for detecting reflected radiation from the workpiece and surrounding work. A controller translates the gripper in the directions of two orthogonal axes until the sensors each overlie an edge of the corner-to-be detected. In the preferred form, the transport assembly includes a pneumatic position control system for each axis. Each pneumatic position control system includes an air cylinder and associated piston, a position valve assembly and a controller, and may further include a velocity valve assembly. The controller may control the position valve assembly to be in a first state during a selected time interval, thereby establishing axial motion of the piston in a first direction during that interval. Alternatively, the controller may control the position valve assembly to be in a second state during a selected time interval, thereby establishing axial motion of the piston in a second direction during that interval.

US Patent:

52498344, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Sep 21, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/947616

Inventors:

Roger E. Johnson - Utica MI
Thomas C. Jensen - Clarkson MI
Edward C. Van Rossen - Roseville MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

D62D 2300

US Classification:

296 351

Abstract:

An apparatus for connecting a polymeric composite pickup truck cargo box to a metallic vehicle frame without damaging the polymeric composite material of the pickup truck cargo box. The connecting apparatus is a tapping plate which allows for the distribution of forces applied by a self-tapping fastener over a broad area of the pickup truck cargo box so as not to tear or puncture the polymeric composite material. The connecting apparatus also separates the polymeric composite pickup truck cargo box from the metallic vehicle frame so that the polymeric composite material does not degrade over time.

US Patent:

52287424, Jul 20, 1993

Filed:

Sep 28, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/952014

Inventors:

Roger E. Johnson - Shelby Township, Utica County MI
Thomas C. Jensen - Clarkston MI
Edward C. Van Rossen - Roseville MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 2904

US Classification:

296191

Abstract:

A connecting apparatus for connecting a composite outer body panel of a vehicle to a composite underbody of a vehicle whereby the composite outer body panel is allowed to move relative to the composite underbody due to thermal expansion and contraction caused by the aforementioned members having different coefficients of linear thermal expansion. The connecting apparatus is subtle in appearance, hidden from outside the vehicle and simple to assemble and disassemble.

US Patent:

20190024775, Jan 24, 2019

Filed:

Mar 4, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/449930

Inventors:

Edward C. Van Zanten - Reading MA, US

International Classification:

F16H 57/021
F16D 3/06
F16H 57/00
B62M 17/00
B62M 11/02

Abstract:

The invention is a drive shaft, driveshaft, driving shaft, propeller shaft (prop shaft), or Cardan shaft to be used for various types of bicycles, tricycles, quadracycles, unicycles, infinitely wheeled cycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles (whether propelled solely by human input and/or partial/full input by human input, electricity, gas, or other energy means). All cycle type terms now referred to as “bicycles”. Gears and bearings are mounted within a structural housing at the power input location and the power output location. A shaft is intermediary to the front and rear gear/bearing structures. This shaft can be fixtured on either end with CV joints. Ultimately, gear alignment is at the heart of an efficient, long lasting driveshaft system. Gear alignment has been a core issue with other bicycle shaft drives prior to or currently on the market. Other driveshaft systems have not expressed the importance of a stiff system which begins with the bicycle frame fixture mounting points. The optimum sequence is the following: stiff frame fixtures accept stiff shaft housing which then supports proper type of bearings. This then optimizes gear alignment. Our floating shaft (claim ) prevents any significant transmission of axial load which may occur due to bicycle frame bending under load. The result: a driveshaft system that can consistently deliver power to the wheels and give the operator a virtually maintenance-free riding experience.