Larry L Howell

US Patent:

6354971, Mar 12, 2002

Filed:

Feb 2, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/496555

Inventors:

Larry L. Howell - Orem UT
Michael Sean Baker - Provo UT
Aaron Lyle Herring - Provo UT
Christian Dennis Lott - Provo UT

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

B62M 912

US Classification:

474 82

Abstract:

A derailleur, and more particularly, to a bicycle derailleur device that is compliant and self returning. There is a derailleur for moving a chain from one location to another while maintaining parallel alignment to a set of gears that mounted to a cycle. Specifically, the derailleur has a first and second rigid segments, parallel to each other, where the first segment means is fixed to the cycle and the second segment means is free to traverse from a first to a second position. In addition there is a first linking means, coupled between the first and second segments, for linking the first and second rigid segments together, and designed to move from the first position to the second position. Moreover, there is a second linking means, coupled between the first and second segments and spaced from the first linking means in about a parallel position, for linking the first and second rigid segments together, and designed for resiliently biasing the derailleur into the first position and for resiliently bending into the second position. Wherein the first linking means being shorter than the second linking means.

US Patent:

6432009, Aug 13, 2002

Filed:

Aug 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/130276

Inventors:

Kyle L. Hansen - Provo UT
Larry L. Howell - Orem UT

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

F16H 5900

US Classification:

474 49, 474 57, 474148, 474 50

Abstract:

A continuously variable transmission that comprises an input shaft to which torque may be applied, an adjustable gearing mechanism, and a driven element. The adjustable gearing mechanism is attached to the input shaft and is configured to continuously vary the drive ratio in response to the applied torque transmitted through the input shaft. The adjustable gearing mechanism includes a hub operatively connected to said input shaft, resilient arms, and an engaging portion. The resilient arms are attached to the hub. In one embodiment of a continuously variable transmission, the hub and the plurality of resilient arms are integrally formed so as to form a one-piece member. The resilient arms are configured to continuously adjust the outer diameter formed by the resilient arms. The engaging portion is integral with each of the resilient arms and is configured to cooperate with an endless member such as a chain. The driven element is operably connected to said gearing mechanism by the endless member.

US Patent:

6454055, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Jun 1, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/763818

Inventors:

Todd Coons - Newington CT
Elijah Garner - Davenport IA
Larry L. Howell - Orem UT

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

B62L 114

US Classification:

188 2422, 188 2412

Abstract:

A bicycle cantilever brake for being applied to a wheel rim of a bicycle. Specifically, there is a seat ( ) fixedly mounted to the bicycle. There is a brake arm ( ), rotatably mounted at a first end to the seat. There is also a brake shoe assembly, rotatably mounted to a mid-section of the brake arm. Uniquely, there is a flexible member ( ), non-rotatably coupled to the seat and the brake shoe assembly, whereby the flexible member maintains an aligning axis ( ) of the brake shoe assembly in a parallel orientation during successive stages of actuation.

US Patent:

6734597, May 11, 2004

Filed:

Dec 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/312172

Inventors:

Larry L. Howell - Orem UT
Scott Lyon - Provo UT

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

H02N 1000

US Classification:

310306, 310307

Abstract:

A microactuator providing an output force and displacement in response to an increase in thermal energy is displosed. The microactuator may have a substantially straight expansion member with a first and a second end. The first end may be coupled to a base member, and the second end may be coupled to a shuttle. The expansion member is capable of elongating in a elongation direction. Elongation of the expansion member may urge the shuttle to translate in an output direction substantially different than the elongation direction. In certain embodiments, multiple expansion members are arrayed along one side of the shuttle to drive the shuttle against a surface. Alternatively, expansion members may be disposed on both sides of the shuttle to provide balanced output force. If desired, multiple microactuators may be linked together to multiply the output displacement and/or output force.

US Patent:

6736249, May 18, 2004

Filed:

Aug 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/203491

Inventors:

Larry L. Howell - Orem UT
Nathan B. Crane - Rocky Hill CT

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

F16D 1314

US Classification:

192103B, 192 76, 192104 B, 192105 BA

Abstract:

The present invention relates to clutches for selectively transmitting torque, and more particularly, to compliant centrifugal clutches. A compliant clutch ( ) may have a plurality of engagement members ( and ), preferably at least three, and more preferably at least six. Each engagement member has an outer edge that is movable toward an interior surface of a receiving member ( ), such as a drum. Flexible segments ( and ) may connect the engagement members to each other. In embodiment, the engagement members are arrayed around a hub, but detached from the hub to form an expandable engagement portion. Both aggressive and non-aggressive engagement members are provided. In another embodiment, the engagement members are affixed by flexible segments to the hub to form an extensible engagement portion. In yet another embodiment, a first and a second arm, each of which contains multiple engagement members connected by flexible segments, extend from the hub to provide non-aggressive torque transfer to the drum.

US Patent:

6757975, Jul 6, 2004

Filed:

Jan 24, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/057758

Inventors:

Robert H. Todd - Provo UT
Larry L. Howell - Orem UT
Spencer P. Magleby - Provo UT
Aaron L. Herring - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

B21D 5328

US Classification:

2989333, 29893, 29434, 192105 CD, 192107 T, 192108

Abstract:

A compliant mechanism and method of manufacturing the same includes a plurality of layers formed from stamping a plurality of layers from a layer of thinner material and stacking the layers together. Compliant mechanisms can include clutches, switches, derailleurs, brakes and other mechanisms. The compliant mechanism includes rigid and flexible sections of integral construction. The rigid and flexible sections provide an integral device capable of achieving motion by elastic deformation. The flexible section is deflectable, and stores energy in the form of strain energy when deflected.

US Patent:

6945800, Sep 20, 2005

Filed:

Dec 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/450668

Inventors:

Brent Weight - Springville UT, US
Chris A. Mattson - Troy NY, US
Spencer P. Magleby - Provo UT, US
Larry L. Howell - Orem UT, US
Bradford J. Brown - Salem UT, US

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

H01R013/44

US Classification:

439136, 361686

Abstract:

A constant force apparatus having a cam () with a non-planar surface (), a compliant member () with a free end (), a fixed end (), and an intermediate contact area () therebetween, wherein the free end () of the compliant member () (slidably engages the non-planar surface () of the cam () and the compliant member () provides a substantially constant reaction force at the intermediate contact area () regardless of displacement () of the intermediate contact area (). The compliant member () can further include a material capable of conducting electricity for use as an electrical contact. The apparatus can further comprise a docking station for use with a dockable unit to accept the dockable unit and provide an electrical connection thereto.

US Patent:

6982515, Jan 3, 2006

Filed:

Sep 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/363243

Inventors:

Larry Howell - Orem UT, US
Scott Lyon - Provo UT, US
Brent Weight - Springville UT, US
Deanne Clements - Lafayette IN, US

Assignee:

Brigham Young University - Provo UT

International Classification:

H02N 10/00

US Classification:

310307

Abstract:

An apparatus () that is capable of a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration is disclosed. The bistable mechanism () has a leg () that is coupled on one end by a base member () and on the other end by a shuttle (). The leg () stores potential energy as it is deflected. The potential energy stored in the leg () has a maximum potential energy position with a low potential energy position on either side of the maximum. An apparatus and method are also disclosed for a latching mechanism () and the associated method. The latching mechanism () is comprised of a grasping member (), a lock slider (), and a detent slider (). These three members () operate together to induce a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by actuating the lock slider () in a single direction.