Michael S Larson

US Patent:

6443027, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Jul 24, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/117225

Inventors:

John D. Cheever - Chicago IL
Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL
Andrew J. Caron - Brookfield IL
Scott A. McLaughlin - Evanston IL
David Zimberoff - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F16C 110

US Classification:

745022, 74489, 745015 R, 74506, D12179

Abstract:

A brake operating device ( ) is configured such that actuation of the brake lever ( ) around the lever pivot ( ) displaces the cable ( ) in a direction transverse to the cable length toward the lever pivot ( ), as the user is actuating the brake lever ( ). This provides at least a 33% increase in mechanical advantage over the actuation range of the brake lever ( ).

US Patent:

54760194, Dec 19, 1995

Filed:

Mar 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/207249

Inventors:

John D. Cheever - Chicago IL
Sam Patterson - Solana Beach CA
Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL
Tymme A. Laun - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B62K 2304
B62M 2504

US Classification:

74506

Abstract:

A twist grip cable system having a mandrel received over the handlebar of a bicycle and a pulling spool providing increased mechanical advantage which may be used for the full range of rotation or In the case of a variable mechanical advantage system, that is one with a variable radius spool, for only part of the range. To provide even greater mechanical advantage, with the spool complete dropped away, a groove or slot is provided in the mandrel into which the cable may fall.

US Patent:

55842135, Dec 17, 1996

Filed:

Aug 9, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/287721

Inventors:

Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL
Andrew J. Caron - Berwyn IL
John D. Cheever - Chicago IL
Tymme A. Laun - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B62K 2304
B62M 2504

US Classification:

745519

Abstract:

A rotatable gripping surface for a derailleur-type bicycle gear shifting system is formed of a resilient material with axially extending alternating ribs and grooves. The ribs and grooves are spaced such that they fit naturally into the crooks of the rider's thumb and finger or fingers and the portion of the palm therebetween. The ribs provide an increased diameter to aid in the transmission of torque and to protrude above any mud which may have collected thereon. To further enhance the torque transmitting capabilities of the grip and the ability to remain effective in the presence of mud and other debris, the surfaces of the ribs are provided with a pattern of nubs. The hubs are engaged and deflected slightly by an operator's thumb and finger and the portion of the palm therebetween to transmit torque to the rotational grip. The deflection of the hubs as in the case of the ribs will provide for the transmission of torque in the presence of any debris such as mud which may be deposited on or between the nubs and the ribs and grooves.

US Patent:

56203837, Apr 15, 1997

Filed:

Aug 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/520400

Inventors:

Sam H. Patterson - Chicago IL
John D. Cheever - Chicago IL
Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F16H 900

US Classification:

474 80

Abstract:

A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator coupled with a derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur. The derailleur (50) includes an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

US Patent:

57654468, Jun 16, 1998

Filed:

Aug 15, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/698048

Inventors:

Sam H. Patterson - Chicago IL
Frederick K. W. Day - Chicago IL
Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL
Brian Jordan - Chicago IL
Alex Wassmann - Chicago IL
Patrick Brady - Chicago IL
David J. Zimberoff - Chicago IL
Tyler D. Duston - Evanston IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F16C 122

US Classification:

745024

Abstract:

A cable preload system and device for providing an axial force to the control cable and sealing the control cable against contamination. The pre-load apparatus includes a braze-on, a cable connector, a resilient tubular member and a frame connector. The cable connector attaches one end of the tubular member to the control cable to form a static seal about the control cable. The frame connector attaches the other end of the tubular member to the frame. The tubular member is adapted to stretch between a first configuration and a second configuration to pre-load the control cable.

US Patent:

58573879, Jan 12, 1999

Filed:

Apr 17, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/838273

Inventors:

Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL
Andrew J. Caron - Lyons IL
John David Cheever - Chicago IL
Tymme A. Laun - Chicago IL
Tyler D. Duston - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B62K 2304
B62K 2126

US Classification:

745519

Abstract:

Nubbed grips for hand-rotatable bicycle gear shifters have longitudinally elongated groups of nubs (50) that are angularly spaced apart by valley regions (44). Preferably, the elastomeric nubs are formed both on a cylindrical portion and an adjacent flanged portion of the grip.

US Patent:

46228055, Nov 18, 1986

Filed:

Jul 24, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/758299

Inventors:

Orlin W. Johnson - Lockport IL
Michael P. Larson - Andover IL
Richard E. Benson - East Moline IL
Dathan R. Kerber - Bolingbrook IL
Jon R. Cross - Bolingbrook IL

Assignee:

J. I. Case Company - Racine WI

International Classification:

A01D 4700

US Classification:

56 143

Abstract:

A header frame for a combine harvester having a linkage connection between the crop reel and the auger, whereby the auger may be automatically and mechanically raised from the header floor by raising the reel for purposes of unplugging wedged crop material. The linkage includes a lost-motion connection so that the reel can be moved vertically as required during harvesting without affecting the auger, and the auger is also capable of floating action during operation. A sprocket and chain drive for the auger includes a spring-biased idler sprocket for maintaining proper chain tension and uninterrupted operation of the auger at all times. An adjustable wedge is also provided for fixing and limiting the minimum spacing between the auger and the header floor.

US Patent:

61994472, Mar 13, 2001

Filed:

Nov 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/980113

Inventors:

Brian L. Lump - Downers Grove IL
David J. Zimberoff - Chicago IL
Patrick J. Brady - Chicago IL
Michael W. Larson - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SRAM Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B62K 2304
B62K 2126

US Classification:

745519

Abstract:

A bulbous rotatable gripping surface for a derailleur-type bicycle gear shifting system is formed of a resilient material with axially extending and angularly alternating ridges and base regions. The bulbous shape extending along the handlebar axis provides an increased diameter that naturally conforms to the longer middle finger of a rider's hand relative to the shorter adjoining index and ring fingers, to aid in the transmission of torque. The ridges and base regions are angularly spaced such that they fit naturally into the crooks of the rider's hand. The ridges, likewise, provide a larger diameter to aid in the transmission of torque and to protrude above any mud which may have collected thereon. To further enhance the torque transmission capabilities of the grip, the gripping surface is provided with a pattern of nubs.