Abstract: Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide a slowing mechanism for a switching apparatus and a switching apparatus. The slowing mechanism includes: a shaft adapted to be rotatable in response to an operation of an actuator to drive a moving element of the switching apparatus; at least one slowing wheel fixed on the shaft and having a slowing contour; and a movable rocker engaging with the slowing wheel. The slowing wheel is adapted to cause the rocker to move abutting against the slowing contour on the slowing wheel in response to the rotation of the shaft, so as to slow down the rotation of the shaft. The slowing mechanism can slow down the operation of the moving element of a switching apparatus, while not impacting the switching performance and life time of the switching apparatus.

Abstract: A device for converting a rotational motion into a reciprocating angular motion and a wiper system including the same include a fixed body fixed to a certain object; a rotating body rotatably connected to the fixed body and rotating around a fixed axis; and a torsion spring coupled to the fixed axis and having an end portion and an opposite end portion, the end portion being held by the fixed body and the opposite end portion being held by the rotating body.

Abstract: A chest peak contractor preferably includes a platform, a pair of stanchions, a pair of vertically adjustable telescoping poles and a pair of armature hand assemblies. The pair of stanchions extend upward from opposing sides of the platform. Each stanchion is sized to receive one of the vertically adjustable telescoping poles. A top of each telescoping pole is terminated with a pivoting joint. Each armature device handle assembly is mounted to a top of the respective telescoping pole. Each armature handle assembly preferably includes a handle, a proximal axle support tube, an armature crossbeam, a distal hanger, a pair of backstop rails, a ring bolt backstop, an axle, and a weight holder. The handle is rotatably retained in the pivoting joint. An end of the handle is secured to the proximal axle support tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a camera lens assembly having a lens part and a lens carrier for moving the lens part such that the same moves forward and backward in the direction of an optical axis. The disclosed camera lens assembly comprises: a base part; a lens carrier disposed to be slidable along a direction of an optical axis in the base part; and an automatic focal point adjustment driving part having one portion installed to the base part and the remaining portion installed to the lens carrier, to drive the lens carrier to move forward and backward along the direction of the optical axis by means of an electromagnetic force, wherein a part of the lens carrier and a part of the base part are convex-concave-coupled to each other, and a plurality of bearings are arranged on the convex-concave-coupled portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a swingable body carrier for hanging a swingable seat upon a base through swing arms and pushing the swingable seat to move reciprocatingly by a power assembly. Then, a carrying assembly, which is provided for carrying a body, is disposed upon the swingable seat. When a user sits or lies on the swingable body carrier of the present disclosure, it serves like a cradle to automatically swing so as to provide a good and comfortable user experience.

Abstract: One object is to provide a speed reducer provided with a buffer mechanism for reducing an external force and capable of reliably measuring a load torque during an operation. A speed reducing device includes a speed reducing mechanism for reducing a rotation speed of an output with respect to an input between an input rotary shaft and an output rotary shaft, a housing that houses the speed reducing mechanism, and a buffer unit formed of an elastic member and having a cushion force acting mainly in a substantially rotational tangential direction. An amount of displacement of the housing generated by the buffer unit is measured by a measurement device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clock spring-based rotational force generating device capable of allowing a user to freely adjust rotation speed of an output shaft and preventing the output shaft from rotating slowly or never rotating due to an weakened unwinding force of a spiral spring in the late period of an operation span of the spiral spring. The device includes an input shaft, a main drive gear receiving the rotational force of the input shaft, a spiral spring wound around a main drive gear shaft, a speed gear to increase the rotational force of the main drive gear, a power transmission control gear sliding up and down to control transmission of the rotational force of the main drive gear to the speed gear, an output shaft outputting the rotational force increased by the speed gear, and a rotation speed control means for controlling the rotation speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wrap spring torque nipple that includes a first helical spring, a second helical spring, and a middle portion connected to and between the first helical spring and the second helical spring. The first helical spring and the second helical spring have different rotational helix orientations, and the first helical spring is configured to receive an input shaft and the second helical spring is configured to receive an output shaft, wherein the wrap spring transfers rotational power up to a defined torsional value from the input shaft to the output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy storage apparatus (10) comprising a compressible spring (11) wound around a main shaft (28) extending between a releasing means (20) and a compressing means (21), said compressing means (21) and releasing means (20) being in a fixedly attached relationship with said compressible spring (11) at two ends of the main shaft (28), said compressing means (21) and releasing means (20) being rotatable at different speeds so as to compress the compressible spring (11) at one longitudinal side of the main shaft (28) while simultaneously releasing the compressible spring (11) at the other longitudinal side, said energy storage apparatus (10) further comprising a hydraulic jack (26) continuously driven by a hydraulic pump (13) in the manner that said compressible spring (11) is compressed by said compressing means (21) to which rotational movement is imparted by said hydraulic jack (26).

Abstract: A system and method for using electrical power and mechanical means to store and release potential energy via mechanical means to re-generate electrical power. The system functions by using externally generated electricity to power an electric motor, which by rotation through a transmission of gears, deforms a collection of springs between two plates, thereby storing electricity as potential energy, until the energy is released to a kinetic flywheel which in turn powers an electric power generator.

Abstract: A tool for identifying a correct belt for a system of pulleys from a plurality of prefabricated belts having different lengths is disclosed. The tool may include a belt track attached to a first end portion of a measurement belt. The measurement belt may be wrapped around the system of pulleys. An opposed second end portion of the measurement belt may be disposed adjacent to the belt track which may include a reference indicator. The reference indicator will be aligned to one of a plurality of measurement markings on the second end portion which indicates the correct belt to order from among the plurality of prefabricated belts.

Abstract: A drive power transmission device capable of transmitting drive power asynchronously with rotation of an input shaft. The drive power transmission device includes a first rotation shaft, a second rotation shaft, an elastic member, and a vibration element. One end of the elastic member is fixed to the second rotation shaft at a position spaced from its central axis, while the other end of the elastic member is fixed to the vibration element. The vibration element is capable of being placed in either one of a first state of being connected to the first rotation shaft and a second state of being disconnected from the first rotation shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrel spring (2) including: an inner end (5) and an outer end; a first portion (50) having a first height (H); a second portion (52) having a second height (h) that is smaller than the first height (H) and being located near the inner end (5); and, at the second portion, e.g. at the inner end, a first attachment element (51) suitable for being attached to the barrel shaft, wherein the second portion is to be inserted into a circumferentially extending groove provided on the barrel shaft.

Abstract: A satellite deployer spring mechanism includes a satellite deployer enclosure for containing an associated column of hinged spring element sets. A pair of identically-sized leaf springs each including a sheet of curved metal formed into an approximately rhomboidal shape with opposing acute angles trimmed to form opposing parallel sides. The identically-sized leaf springs are pivotally hinged at the opposing parallel sides to form a compressible and opposing pair of leaf springs as a compressible elliptical leaf spring pair. Each of the identically-sized leaf springs further includes an alignment aperture at the center of the approximately rhomboidal shape for receiving a retention screw, such that the compressible elliptical leaf spring pair may receive a retention screw, thereby forming the hinged leaf spring assembly in a compressed state prior to deployment.

Abstract: A retractable stand comprises a base, two ribbons, and a locking mechanism. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions have a curved cross-sectional shape positioned in opposing relation to each other. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position where the at least one ribbon is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the base in at least one direction. The locking mechanism can comprise an auto-locking member biased toward the locked position. The locking mechanism can further comprise a trigger mounted on the base and accessible by the user to move the auto-locking member to the unlocked position. Preferably, the retractable stand further includes a manual locking mechanism that can be manually selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to selectively lock and unlock a position of at least one of the ribbons relative to the base.

Abstract: A laser marking system for coil springs includes: a support unit; a first fixing jig coupled to the support unit and contacting one surface of a coil spring; a second fixing jig located at a side facing the first fixing jig and contacting an surface opposite to the surface of the coil spring; a moving unit frame connected to the support unit and to which the second fixing jig is fixed; a moving unit servo motor connected to the moving ball screw; a marking unit frame connected to the moving unit frame and configured to move forwards and rearwards towards the coil spring to perform a marking operation on the coil spring; a marking unit ball screw connected to the marking unit frame; a marking unit servo motor connected to the marking unit ball screw; and a laser marker fixing to the marking unit frame.

Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. Such systems may comprise a motor having a drive shaft, one or more modules coupled to the drive shaft, each module comprising one or more energy storage elements and one or more actuating members connecting the one or more energy storage elements to one or more degrees of freedom, which are configured to actuate in response to a discharge of energy from the one or more energy storage element, and a plurality of clutches associated with each module to couple the energy storage element of the module to the drive shaft of the motor and to control an energy state of the energy storage element independent of energy storage elements of other modules.

Abstract: A retractable stand comprises a base and two ribbons. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions of the ribbons have a curved cross-sectional shape and are positioned in opposing relation to each other. Preferably, the curved cross-sectional shape of each uncoiled portion defines a convex surface and a concave surface, and the convex surfaces are in facing relation to each other. In one embodiment, the retractable stand further comprises a foot brace secured to free ends of the ribbons. Preferably, the foot brace includes an arm movable relative to the ribbons. The present invention further provides a method of supporting a device above a surface using the above retractable stand. The method includes uncoiling the two ribbons, resting the brace on the surface, and supporting the device on the retractable stand. Preferably, the step of uncoiling includes moving the brace away from the base.

Abstract: The tracking device of the present disclosure includes a platform, support structure, and a cylinder. The cylinder comprises a plunger, an interior space, an aperture, and a fluid within the cylinder. Forward actuation of the plunger within the interior space the fluid to be pushed through the aperture. The platform is operably connected to the plunger, so that movement of the plunger causes the platform to rotate about a pivot point of the support structure. The tracking device can have a solar panel connected to the platform. The tracking device can also be used in any application where tracking would be of use, such as for surveillance, or time-lapse photography.

Abstract: A system for jumping rope comprising an electronic box with a rotatable circular groove to which a hook is anchored to hold one end of a jump rope, with the other end of the jump rope hooked on to one of a plurality of hooks anchored to a telescoping pole mounted on a tripod with rotatable wheels. The electronic box is mounted on a telescoping pole attached to a stand with rotatable wheels and a central pivot section to fold the structure for easy transport and storage. A remote control having a power button, speed control and a magic eye provides power to the electronic box through a second magic eye located on the electronic box, to rotate the circular groove and start the elliptical motion of the jump rope for the use of the participant.

Abstract: An end fitting tensioner (10) for a seat belt system includes a rotatable belt shaft (12) to which one end (14) of a webbing (16) is fixed, a belt shaft housing (18) in which the belt shaft (12) is supported, a rope reel (36) which is arranged at an axial end of the belt shaft (12) and is connected to the belt shaft (12) in a rotationally fixed manner, as well as a pull rope (41) which is secured by one rope end (45) on the rope reel (36) and can at least partly be wound onto the rope reel (36). The rope reel (36) includes a winding surface (62) for the pull rope (41) that is conically tapered in the axial direction.

Abstract: A winch for moving a load along a track from a first position to a higher position has a drum around which a retrieve and a launch cable are wound in different directions. Rotation of the drum acts to reel in one of the cables while paying out the other. The retrieve cable extends directly between the drum and the near end of the load and the launch cable extends past the rear of the load though a sheave mounted on the track, and then back to far end of the load. A winding mechanism operates in retrieve mode to turn the drum to reel in the retrieve cable and pay out the launch cable. The winding mechanism is used in launch mode to turn the drum in the opposite direction to pay out the retrieve cable and reel in the launch cable. A brake mechanism is operable to halt runaway of the load along and down the track when the winch is being operated in launch mode.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein. The system having a backdrive assembly that includes a spring body retainer having a first body portion, the spring body retainer configured for rotational movement about an axis. A biasing member is provided that is configured to exert a backdriving force on the spring body retainer. A spring leg retainer is provided having a second body portion and a plurality of projections, the spring leg retainer being configured to incrementally apply a preload torque to the biasing member. A spring locking plate is operably connected to the spring leg retainer, the spring locking plate being configured to engage at least one of the plurality of projections.

Abstract: A device (10) for shifting one structure with respect to another, is disclosed. The device comprises a body (12) defining a cylinder, a core (14) within the cylinder and rotatable in the cylinder with respect to the body (12). A coil spring is connected between the body (12) and the core (14) and is wound or unwound as the core (14) is rotated in the cylinder. A compressible ring (48) is carried by the core (14) and is in frictional contact with the body. The ring (48) can be compressed by a nut (66) screwed onto a shaft (50) forming part of the core (14) so that the frictional resistance offered by the ring (48) to turning of the core (14) in the cylinder is increased.

Abstract: A window cover system includes an extendible window cover with a pair of lift cords. A lift cord pulley shaft is coupled to a pair of spaced apart lift cord pulleys. A spring drive unit has a beveled gear system with a first gear that is spring biased to resist rotation of first gear in one direction of rotation, and a second gear meshed with the first gear. The lift cord pulley shaft extends through the second gear and is configured to rotate therewith.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device that is comprised of a flexible material and a roll mechanism associated with the flexible material. A bistable resilient member maintains the flexible material flat due to a tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member in a first stable state, and maintains the flexible material to a rolled-up, bundled closed position after the tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member is fully released (the second stable state). Further, the bistable resilient member compels the flexible material to a self-roll-up motion (during a transition state) while a tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member is released.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for reducing the space requirements of, and improving the performance of, a flat type spring formed to produce a negative gradient torque. In an embodiment, a retainer can be added over at least two coils on the free end of each spring to reduce the space requirement for the spring. Embodiments of the invention can incorporate a flat type spring with a negative gradient having reduced space requirements into a shade or blind. Such a shade or blind will then be able to fit into a smaller area or volume. Specific embodiments can use multiple springs restrained in accordance with the subject invention to achieve a desired counterbalancing of the shade or blind. Further embodiments can incorporate gearing to alter the torque output of the springs. Further specific embodiments can incorporate one or more springs restrained in accordance with the invention and gearing to alter the torque output of the one of more springs.

Abstract: An energy storing device is disclosed. In the energy storing device of the present invention, energy from an energy generating unit is stored in the form of spring torsion and then is output steadily. The energy storing device of the present invention includes a plurality of cog-wheels, a plurality of torsion magnitude limiting units, a plurality of single-directional input bearings, a plurality of energy storing units and a plurality of speed enhancing cog-wheels. Each of the energy storing units includes at least two end rotational disc portions, which are connected with each other co-axially. A leaf spring unit is provided between each pair of rotational disc portions and one end of the leaf spring unit is bent in an opposite direction. In addition, the energy storing units may be connected in series or in parallel to increase the efficiencies in energy storage and energy output.

Abstract: A method for operating a window cover utilizes an extendible window cover having a first rail, a second rail and a pair of lift cords. The first and second rails of the window cover are movable relative to each other. According to the method, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a first direction to cause the lift cords to unwind from the lift cord pulleys, thereby rotating a lift cord pulley shaft and a set of gears. Further, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a second direction to cause the lift cords to wind on the lift cord pulleys, with the lift cord pulley shaft rotating in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The technology is directed to an energy storage and release system that stores energy and enables a repeatable and accurately timed release of energy. A shaft member supports a drive assembly, a locking assembly and a lever member there between. The lever member and locking assembly are attached to the shaft. The drive assembly rotates freely about the shaft and loads energy into a torsion spring in communication with the lever member. The torsion spring connects at one end to the drive assembly and at the other end to the lever member without contacting the shaft member. The locking assembly provides a triggered release mechanism for selective release of stored energy from the torsion spring that accordingly rotates the lever member. The system can automatically reload the torsion spring once a signal is received from any number of events including, when the rotating lever member contacts a stop member or limit sensor that signals the end of travel for the lever member in either rotational directions.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device that is comprised of a flexible material and a roll mechanism associated with the flexible material. A bistable resilient member maintains the flexible material flat due to a tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member in a first stable state, and maintains the flexible material to a rolled-up, bundled closed position after the tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member is fully released (the second stable state). Further, the bistable resilient member compels the flexible material to a self-roll-up motion (during a transition state) while a tension force within the body of the bistable resilient member is released.

Abstract: A chip card ejecting mechanism includes a base body, a push member, a rotating member and an elastic member resisting between the base body and the rotating member. The base body includes a guiding member defining a hole and having a number of guiding rails. Each guiding rail includes a resisting surface and a guiding surface. The push member includes a push rod extending through the hole and a number of active gears. Each active gear defines an active cooperative surface. The rotating member includes a number of the passive gears. Each passive gear includes a passive cooperative surface. When the push member is pressed toward the rotating member by a transient external force, the rotating member compresses the elastic member until the active cooperative surface arrives at the guiding surface, the elastic member releases and drives the passive cooperative gears to slide along the first sliding slot.

Abstract: A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for moving a movable furniture part, in particular a drawer, said drive device acting as a latching and unlatching spring-loaded ejection device for ejecting the furniture part from a closed position in the opening direction and as a spring-loaded refraction device for retracting the furniture part into the closed position. The same spring spring-loads the drive device both when the latter acts as an ejection device and when the drive device acts as a refraction device.

Abstract: A spring brake includes a base, on which a first reel and a second reel are pivoted. A mainspring has opposite ends connected to the first reel and the second reel. A stop device has a pressing portion to press the mainspring when the mainspring is wound on the second reel. Therefore, the pressing portion of the stop device will touch the mainspring when the mainspring is wound on the second reel and give the mainspring a resistance to offset the recovery force of the mainspring.

Abstract: A cartridge for managing ear bud cables includes a housing, a hub, a spool and an ear bud cable. Rotation of the spool selectively retracts and dispenses the ear bud cables while enabling continuous audio communication between the at least one ear bud and an audio device. A motor assembly rotates the spool. The motor assembly includes a drive gear and a first storage drum, a first constant torque spring wound at least partially about the first storage drum and the drive gear for applying torque to the drive gear. The first storage drum and the drive gear are distanced from each other to enable a length of the spring to extends between the storage drum and the drive gear to apply constant torque to the drive gear. The constant torque has a variability of no more than +/?10%.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: A cabinet with sliding drawers has a mechanism for applying motive force in a first direction. The motive force is obtained from motion of the mechanism in an opposite second direction. The mechanism includes a cam and a cam follower. The cam includes a first part, a second part and an inflection point between the first part and the second part. The cam follower engages with the cam. The cam follower is configured to store mechanical energy responsive to translation of the follower and cam relative to each other in the second direction along the first part. The cam follower is also configured to apply motive force in the first direction to urge the follower to continue translation in the second direction along the second part. The motive force is applied after the follower passes the inflection point.

Abstract: An energy storage system used to store energy is disclosed. The system uses compression, torsion, extension and/or leaf springs to store energy. Input energy is use to compress the springs through an apparatus. The potential energy in the compressed spring is used to run a generator, which provides power to the consumer.

Abstract: An actuator for a wheel guiding element of motor vehicle wheel suspensions, with a first, preferably electrically driven actuating drive which selectively changes the length of the wheel guiding element, in the actuator there being a compensation spring which counteracts the compressive forces acting on the wheel guiding element. According to the invention, the pretensioning force of the compensation spring can be changed by means of a second, preferably electrically driven actuating drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrel. According to the invention, the barrel further includes a device for increasing the torque of said at least one spring including additional elastic energy accumulating means provided in addition to the spiral shape of said at least one spring, said elastic means being added to said at least one spring so that the barrel torque is personalised according to the winding tension of said at least one spring.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings.

Abstract: A spring drive device is for use with a sunshade assembly which includes a coupling shaft coaxial to and rotatable with a winding shaft and formed with a guided path. The spring drive device includes a spring member disposed in and connected to a shell unit. A connecting shaft is formed with a guideway which has an initial region engaged with the spring member, such that when the connecting shaft is moved along a coupling route, the guideway is kept in slidable engagement with the spring member until a relay region of the guideway reaches the spring member. The connecting shaft is engageable with the coupling shaft to align the guided path with the guideway such that when the movement of the connecting shaft is continued after the relay region reaches the spring member, the guided path is brought to take over the slidable engagement with the spring member.

Abstract: A cartridge for managing an ear bud cable includes a housing having an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source and a hub electrically connected with the input jack. A spool rotatably mounts on, and is electrically connected with, the hub. A power gear mounts in the housing and in contact with the spool for rotating the spool. The power gear defines a recessed interior. An ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool. A power gear spring mounts within the recessed interior of the power gear to minimize the size and, particularly, the thickness of the cartridge. In an alternate embodiment, the spool includes a recessed portion and a spool power spring mounts within the recessed portion of the hub. In yet another embodiment, the spool and the power gear both have recessed portions that hold a power spring.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: A shopping cart is equipped with an electrical/electronic component(s), such as a shopping assistant, that is electrically powered by a rechargeable power supply. A system is provided for continuously recharging the power supply as the shopping cart is propelled by the customer. In one embodiment, the wheels of the shopping cart are linked to a potential energy storage component, such as a coil spring. The spring is wound with each movement of the shopping cart, regardless of the distance that the cart travels. When the coil spring has been wound to a pre-determined torque, the spring is released to drive an input to an electrical generator. Once the potential energy in the spring has been dissipated the winding cycle begins again.

Abstract: A propulsion device for propelling vehicles such as skateboards and watercraft comprises an elongate rod formed of an elastic material. The elongate rod has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being formed to be suitable for grasping by a human hand with a foot section being connected to the lower end. The foot section may have a non-skid surface for engaging a support surface so that a person can bend the elongate rod to store energy and then release the stored energy to use the propulsion device to propel a wheeled vehicle. The foot section may alternatively have a paddle extending therefrom so that a person can bend the elongate rod to store energy and then release the stored energy to use the propulsion device to propel a watercraft.

Abstract: An actuator configured to actuate a member. The actuator optionally including capabilities for storing and releasing kinetic energy. The actuator being suitable for use in any number of environments, including but not limited to facilitating seat folding operations.