Abstract: A power transmission device comprising a rotatably mounted drum for housing a spring mechanism, one end of the spring mechanism being fixed to the interior of the drum, and the other end of the spring mechanism being fixed to a sprocket gear wheels provided on the drum axis. There is also provided a slip clutch adapted to engage the second sprocket gear wheel, a freewheel, connected to the slip clutch, a drive wheel coupled to the freewheel, at least one crank coupled by a drive to the drive wheel for rotating the drive wheel, and a speed control governor coupled to the drum. Cranking of the drive wheel drives the freewheel and then the slip clutch and sprocket gear wheel to wind the spring mechanism, causing the drum to rotate under spring-tension at a speed regulated by the governor so as to provide mechanical power.

Abstract: A spring driven two-wheel toy vehicle in which the weights of the spring drive unit and the transmission gears are distributed such that the toy is laterally well-balanced. In order to simplify assembly, a frame is provided with integrally formed shafts to which various transmission gears are affixed and is integrally provided with steering shaft support bearings. Two transmission gear mechanisms are engaged with the spring drive unit. One on each side for independently transmitting a torque from the drive wheel to the drive unit by one, and transmitting a torque from the drive unit to the drive wheel by the other.

Abstract: An energy storing device comprises a first drum, a second drum and at least one intermediate drum, an elastic cord wound from the first drum to the second drum via the intermediate drum, and means for mechanically connecting the drums so that the peripheral displacement of the second drum is greater than that of the intermediate drum and that of the intermediate drum is greater than that of the first drum. By providing the at least one intermediate drum, energy output from the device can be obtained even if the initial strain of the elastic cord is zero, and high energy output efficiency can be obtained in comparison with conventional one drum and two drum devices.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system provides braking by transmitting the spring force of a deforming elastic medium as a torque tending to oppose the forward rotation of a wheel being braked. A brake pad assembly, mounted concentrically with the hub of a ground-engaging wheel, is actuated upon braking to provide frictional engagement between the hub and a wrapping mechanism which reels in a cable attached to an elastic medium, thereby deforming the elastic medium and storing energy, while applying a decelerating torque to the wheel. The wrapping mechanism is engaged only upon braking, and does not interfere with wheel rotation during other vehicle operating modes. Energy is accumulated until the deforming elastic reaches a limit stop, at which point continued braking is provided by frictional slippage between the brake pad and the rotating hub.

Abstract: A spring motor comprises an output drum rotatably mounted to a casing and a first end of a spring attached to the output drum. A second end of the spring is attached to a free floating locking plug, around which the spring coils in an unstressed state. A pin is mounted near the output drum to prevent the locking plug from passing between the pin and the output drum.

Abstract: The two-speed drive mechanism for toys of the present invention comprises, in order to utilize the spiral spring releasing force as the source of driving power, a mechanism element interconnecting through a gear mechanism a spiral spring shaft fixed with one end of the spiral spring and an output shaft for taking out the power; a mechanism element for deciding to change or not to change the rotational speed by acting or not acting on the output shaft of the aforementioned mechanism element; and an interconnecting gear group for interconnecting the spiral spring shaft and the aforementioned elements so that the working time of the latter mechanism element may be effected later by certain rotations than the point of time the spiral spring begins to rotate (when releasing).

Abstract: The device comprises a first pinion to be coupled to the motor shaft of the engine, and a pair of racks engaging opposite sides of the first pinion. A pair of springs, each engage one of the two racks for moving the racks to start the motor. The direction of thrust of the first of the springs against its rack is opposite to the direction of thrust of the second of the springs against its rack. The second pinion engages the two racks and is rotated by a manual start-up device to load the springs so that, when released, the springs can move the racks to start the motor.

Abstract: Reset mechanism comprises a base, a spring arm rotatable about an axis through the base, and an extension spring fixed to the base at one end and the spring arm at the other end. The spring passes around two ball bearings on studs on the base to permit use of a long spring in a small space without binding. The spring arm is limited to rotation between first and second angular positions, the angle between the spring and the spring arm becoming more acute as the arm is rotated from the first position to the second position. The torque required to hold the arm at the second position is considerably less than the torque required to initiate rotation from the first position.

Abstract: A spring drive device in which a spring holder, a rotor and an output gear are all loosely mounted on a shaft. The spring holder is prevented from rotating and holds one end of a coil spring, the other end of which is held by the output gear. The rotor rotates together with the output gear but is limited in the angle through which it can rotate. The coil spring can be wound and thereafter provide motive power to the output gear.

Abstract: A spring drive mechanism has a spiral spring positioned in a spring encasement as a power source. Its ends are connected, on the one hand, to a spring encasement gear and, on the other hand, to a spring shaft gear. For the purpose of winding up the spring, the spring encasement gear is in mesh with a first drive pinion and the spring shaft gear is in mesh with a second drive pinion. These drive pinions has a stress-free connection to a wind down/wind up shaft across a unidirectional torque transmitters which each permits rotation in one direction; the directions being opposite. A reverse pinion has one pinion sprocket is mesh with the spring shaft gear. The other pinion sprocket is in mesh with the drive pinion in the wind up position. In this position, the spring drive mechanism is blocked in such a way that the tensioned driving spring cannot release.

Abstract: A mechanical drive system for driving a syringe, or other fluid infusion system, over extended period of times, which drive system also provides manual advance and quick release features. Manual advance and quick release is selectively provided by mechanically decoupling the gear train from the syringe drive mechanism.

Abstract: A drive mechanism using a spiral spring as a driving force for driving toy motorcars and other running toys comprises a frame having a mounting hole for easily assembling a spiral spring within the frame permitting all the components required for constructing the mechanism, except for a spiral spring, to be preassembled completely and the spiral spring may later be conveniently inserted from outside the frame, the spiral spring in the first embodiment having at its fore end an engaging part while in the second embodiment no such end engaging part is required, permitting a very easy assembling of the spiral spring.

Abstract: An actuator for a movably supported object, comprising a rack, a rotatable pinion engaging the rack, a biasing member disposed around the axis of the pinion and connected to the pinion, and a damper. The biasing member stores a biasing energy while the pinion is rotated in one direction by a movement of the rack in a first direction. The biasing member biases the pinion in the other direction with the stored biasing energy and thereby biasing the rack in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The damper is encircled by the biasing member and has a fluid chamber which contains a viscous fluid and is formed around the axis of the pinion. The damper further includes a rotary member which is rotated with the pinion and has a damper portion disposed in the fluid chamber. The viscous fluid provides a resistance to rotation of the damper portion and to rotation of the pinion in the above-indicated other direction. Also disclosed is a container device incorporating the actuator.

Abstract: A motion delay mechanism is disclosed which can be mounted within the torso of an animated figure toy having articulated arms. A spring is used to rotate the arms and a governor is incorporated into the mechanism for the purpose of delaying movement of the arms.The governor features a worm gear which is used in conjunction with other gears to slow down rotation of the arms. A ratchet is used for selectively loading the spring and engaging the gears. The arms of the figure toy may be used to slowly move the hands of the toy through hair attached to the toy's head or to tilt the head backward.

Abstract: A drive wheel has a power spring within a drum housing formed on one side of the casing. The drive wheel includes a sun gear and a fixed pinion rotatably mounted about a shaft of the sun gear, the power spring being coupled between the sun gear and the fixed position of the drum housing. The fixed gear is fixedly connected to the vehicle body and the sun gear is rotatably mounted centrally of the casing. Spring winding and release gear trains are mounted in cooperative association with the sun gear and fixed pinion and provided with respective shift gears movable generally in the radial direction or perpendicular direction to the rotation of the shaft. An idle gear always meshing with the shift gear of the spring winding gear train is provided.

Abstract: A recline unit (6) for controlling the recline angle of the back rest (2) of a seat (1) is interposed as a strut between the back rest (2) and the seat base (3). The recline unit (6) has a recirculating ball screw (7) and nut (8) of which the former is mounted to the back rest (2) so as to be restrained against rotation and of which the latter is mounted to the seat base (3) so as to be restrained from moving axially but to be free to rotate. Manual pressure applied to the back rest (2) to incline it will move the ball screw (7) axially and cause the nut (8) to rotate. A locking mechanism (25) is provided to lock the nut (8) against rotation when the back rest (2) is in the desired reclined attitude and so prevent further axial movement of the ball screw (7). The occupant of the seat (1) can unlock the locking mechanism (25 ) by operating a button (40) which acts through a pull cable (37) on the locking mechanism (25).

Abstract: A rubber band powered motor for a model airplane is provided having dual parallel drive shafts from which perpendicularly extend through the wing portions of the plane rubber band motor units, which comprise tape rollers, non-elastic tapes, guide rollers and rubber bands. The drive shafts extend through and are fixed to the tape rollers, upon which is wound the non-elastic tapes. The rubber bands are guided around the guide rollers and are connected to the tapes at one end and to the airframe at the other. Gear means are wound to rotate the shafts to wind the tapes so as to stretch the rubber bands. In operation, the bands relax and pull the tapes to turn the shafts and, via an intermediate gear drive train, the propeller. The tapes and gears absorb the sudden burst of rubber band energy and provide for an extended and stable flight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spring drive for use in a moving toy which comprises a windup pinion 5, a spring windup shaft 7 having a gear 6 meshing with the pinion 5, a large gear 8 provided around the spring windup shaft 7, a drive pinion 9 always meshing with the large gear 8, and a spur gear 20 integrally formed with the drive pinion 9, wherein a stepped portion 10 having a larger diameter than that of the gear 6 is formed between the gear 6 of the spring windup shaft and the large gear 8, and one end of the windup pinion 5 is supported by the stepped portion 10 and the spur gear 20 integrally formed with the drive pinion 9, thereby omitting an intermediate partition frame.

Abstract: A high reliability drive arrangement produces a rate-controlled output displacement and is particularly suited for driving a medical infusion apparatus. Energy for producing the output displacement is derived from a wound spring which, in a preferred embodiment, is coupled to an output shaft by a redundant gearing system. First and second drive gears, and their associated pinions on the output shaft, are rotationally displaced with respect to one another to prevent alignment of potentially defective gear teeth and to align the teeth on one gear with the inter-tooth spacings on the other. The output shaft additionally engages a rate-control arrangement which governs the rate of rotation, and consequently, the rate of the displacement. The possibility of uncontrolled rotation is reduced by providing a safety arrangement having a safety gear plate which has fewer teeth than its associated drive gear.

Abstract: A mechanical starter is formed by two disc-shaped elements coaxial with e other and rotatable with respect to each other to which at least two strips of elastomeric material, coplanar with each other, are fixed through their ends. One of the two disc-shaped elements is secured to an envelope of the internal combustion engine while the other disc-shaped element rotates with respect to the first. Apparatus is provided for deforming the strips of elastomeric material to thereby store energy in the strips and for delivering the stored energy to the shaft of the engine.

Abstract: A speed governing mechanism is provided utilizing plano-centric gearing and centrifugal braking. An outer cylindrical member serves as a cable drum and is rotated by playing out of the cable. A central shaft is fixedly mounted for supporting the assembly. Plano-centric gearing within the outer cylindrical member turns an inner rotary member on the fixed shaft at an increased speed, while a centrifugal brake assembly is fixed on the inner member and has brake shoes that fly outwardly under centrifugal force to bear against an inner cylindrical reaction surface on the outer cylinder, and thereby to limit the speed of rotation of the outer cylinder. Guides are provided coacting with the brake shoes to cause them to move rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation, and thereby to provide a wedging action with the reaction surface.

Abstract: A top mounting pull-rope recoil starter as might be employed on a vertical crankshaft small internal combustion engine for rotary lawnmower or similar applications. The pull-rope pulley connects to a ratchet wheel through a twist-lock coupling and the spring chamber formed within the ratchet wheel and pulley is sealed against dust by a rotating seal formed between the pulley and starter housing. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by engine flywheel supported pawls, which have integral leaf springs normally biasing them into engagement with the ratchet wheel. When the engine is running, however, the centrifugal force generated by the rotating flywheel on the pawls moves the pawls against the bias of the integral leaf springs out of engagement with the ratchet wheel. The blower housing and starter housing are coupled together by a twist lock arrangement, and securely fastened together by a fastener, such as a threaded screw or a rivet passing through the starter housing into the blower housing.

Abstract: A unique drive mechanism for a toy vehicle is disclosed which can be selectively enabled to cause the toy to come to an abrupt halt after a powered run, and which can cause the toy to realistically imitate a "spin out" of a full scale vehicle. The drive train includes a first gear directly rotated by a coiled spring, a second gear coupled in driving engagement with the vehicle's wheels, and a third gear shiftable between an engaged position coupling the first and second gears, and a cleared position wherein the second gear can rotate independently of the first gear. The third gear can be locked in its engaged position by a pivotal, gravity biased locking mechanism. The selective, locked engagement of the first, second and third gears causes the vehicle to come to an abrupt halt after the coil spring has fully unwound at the completion of a powered run.

Abstract: A rotation damper comprises a base member, a gear wheel rotatably mounted on the base member via a damper, a spiral spring having one end attached to a cap member and the other end attached to the gear wheel and adapted to be wound up with the rotation of the gear wheel, and a locking member for locking the spiral spring in or releasing it from the wound-up state. When the gear wheel is rotated to the neighborhood of a limit position against the spring force of the spiral spring, the spiral spring is locked in the wound-up state. The spiral spring is released from the wound-up state by further rotating the gear wheel. The rotation damper is applicable to a cassette holder of a cassette tape recorder, for instance, and permits the holder to be opened and closed under braking force while eliminating the need for a separate holder locking mechanism.

Abstract: A two-speed action spring drive which automatically changes the gears from very slow to fast moving state is disclosed. In this device the gear meshing with a driving gear group and the gear meshing with a reducing gear group are linked together by a detachable means which can idle these gears when an excessive force acts thereon.

Abstract: A mounting device for a spiral spring which includes a rotatable shaft, a casing having a wall through which a first end of said rotatable shaft extends, a spiral spring for biasing the rotatable shaft in one direction, the spiral spring having an inner end which is engaged with the first end of the rotatable shaft, a spring holder positioned within the casing and having a first projection extending therefrom with which an outer end of the spiral spring is engaged, and a cover fitted within the casing covering the spiral spring and engaging with the spring holder so as to be rotated therewith and for thereby adjusting the biasing force of the spiral spring.

Abstract: A hose reel assembly including a housing of substantially cylindrical shaped configuration, a water inlet area axially disposed relative to the longitudinally axis of the cylinder, a transfer hose to allow communication of a fluid inlet to the hose disposed upon an associated reel contained within the housing, a spring associated between a stationary portion of a reel support spindle and the hose reel to resist rotation and paying out of the hose, a pawl and ratchet mechanism intermittantly engageable along a certain periphery of the ratchet to selectively enable and disable the ratchet mechanism against the spring, and a squeegie mechanism associated with an outlet of the hose which allows removal of water within the hose upon retraction of the hose within the housing in the absence of fluidic pressure.

Abstract: A starter for internal combustion engines having a stationary box-shaped envelope enclosing a rotatable disc-shaped body. A strip of elastomeric material having its ends secured to the stationary envelope crosses the rotatable disc-shaped body and engages pins projecting therefrom. A manually rotatable handle is provided to rotate the rotatable body, thus winding and stretching the elastomer strip. Means are provided to release the loaded elastomeric strip and thus rotate the engine to start it.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a machine, and particularly an automotive vehicle, includes an energy storage device which selectively receives energy from the prime mover for storage via a predetermined path and delivers stored energy to the prime mover load via the same path. In the preferred embodiment the energy storage device is an elastomeric tube which is disposed for rotational movement about a shaft and secured at the ends to respective end members. Braking units permit selective braking and releasing of the end members relative to fixed supports. A set of planet gears are controlled by the brake actuation to drive a sun gear or be driven by a ring gear to effect energy inflow and outflow, respectively, from the elastomeric tube. The storage device is permitted to store energy or release its stored energy as a function of vehicle control and operational parameters.

Abstract: An improved spring-wound prime mover provides a housing cavity that can automatically fix one end of a spring upon insertion. The gear train includes individual gears that automatically provide a first gear ratio for storing energy and a second gear ratio for releasing energy. The prime mover is assembled with a friction fitting arrangement to simplify manufacturing.

Abstract: In a driving gear, a wheel is mounted on a supporting plate. The wheel has a rim with teeth on its inside surface and a pinion mounted on the supporting plate is in meshed engagement with the teeth. A housing, attached to the supporting plate, encloses the wheel. Entrainment surfaces on the outside circumference of the wheel engage an elongated power take-off member supported within and extending through the housing.

Abstract: A mechanical starter for internal combustion engines in which the energy necessary to start the internal combustion engine is provided by elastomeric elements which are stretched by winding them around a nucleus composed of a plurality of mutually contacting washers is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved spring wound prime mover capable of use with toys is provided. A plastic resin housing member comprises a pair of housing shells having complementary locking pawls and keeper members to permit a snap together assembly. The housing member further supports a spring member that can be selectively connected to a gear train assembly having a first and second gear ratio. The first gear ratio includes gears with a higher degree of mechanical strength than those engaged in the second gear ratio whereby a durable gear transmission is provided that can run smooth for driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable turntable apparatus for use in microwave ovens which is used as a supporting base for a container of food which is cooked within the oven and adapted to gradually rotate the same, the apparatus including a motor including metallic materials which motor is mounted in and enclosed by a metal housing and an outer enclosure comprising a cover and base of non-metallic material to prohibit electrical arcing between the motor and the oven walls. The housing is provided with smooth outer surfaces and a minimal sized aperture opening to allow a driving connection between the motor and the enclosure cover. The motor is a spring motor having an improved centrifugal governor.

Abstract: A music box operating stopping mechanism in which a pull string for winding a coil string can be stopped with a very small force so as to prevent the skin of a finger from being caught by the string as passes through a hole in the case of the music box. A locking member is provided which can pass in and out of the region of rotation of an air braking type speed governor plate which is driven by the coil spring. The locking member is urged out of the region of rotation of the governor plate with an elastic force which is much smaller than the elastic force of the coil string. The string is engaged with the locking member so that when the string is pulled outwardly during playing of music, the locking member is moved into the region of rotation of the governor plate against the elastic force of the string.

Abstract: This invention provides an accumulator of mechanical energy and a starter for an internal-combustion engine actuated by energy from the accumulator. The energy is stored by elastically extensible elastomeric elements wound circumferentially around supports disposed according to the generatrices of a cylindrical member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower including an engine having a first rotatable gear, an energy storage and delivery mechanism connected to said engine and comprising an energy storing spiral spring, a gear set including rotatably mounted second and third gears in mesh with each other and with one of the gears of the gear set connected to the spiral spring, which gear set is displaceable between a stop position wherein one of the second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to rotation of the first gear, to rotate the second and third gears in the direction which is effective to store energy in the spiral spring and a start position wherein the other of said second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to delivery of energy to the gear set from the spiral spring, to rotate the first gear in the engine operating direction, a releasable pawl movable selectively between positions engaged with and disengaged from the energy storage and delivery mechanism for p

Abstract: A fishing reel is disclosed which comprises a rotatable line drum and actuating means for rewinding the fishing line onto said drum. Said actuating means include a pulley driven by manually pulling a wire, a return device for said pulley and a unidirectional clutch for temporarily couple the pulley to the line drum for rewinding the line.

Abstract: Spring motor for toy vehicles mainly comprising a spring constituted by a twisting rubber skein driving a driving-shaft connected to the propeller by a gear transmission and carrying a maneuvering endpiece receiving a winding crank which crosses the circle swept by the propeller. A free wheel may be included in the gear transmission.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The wheeled vehicle includes a rotatable driving member, to which power is delivered by rotating the driving member in a first direction, and a ground engaging wheel. The transmission apparatus includes a cylindrical spring which encircles an axle of the ground engaging wheel. A first end of the cylindrical spring is connected to the axle, and a second end is connected to a one-way clutch mechanism which periodically engages an inner surface of a hub of the ground engaging wheel to periodically deliver energy stored in the spring to the wheel. An engaging mechanism, which is mounted on the axle adjacent to the clutch mechanism, is capable of periodically engaging the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An actuator has a fail-safe mechanism operable by a spring. The spring is normally held inoperable by electrical means so that the fail-safe mechanism is independent of the normal operation of the actuator. The fail-safe mechanism is rendered operative by failure of the electrical supply so that the spring rotates a cam plate which is coupled with the switch plate so as to move the output shaft to a predetermined fail-safe position by the stored energy of the spring force.

Abstract: A timer adapted to toy applications, and in particular for use in conjunction with toy ride-on vehicles is provided. The timer includes a spring-driven mechanical motor manually windable to at least a predetermined time duration state and a manually displaceable mechanical switch for the selective stopping and starting of the mechanical motor for the measurement of elapsed time.

Abstract: In a spring driven motor having a drive gear (22) driven by a spiral drive spring (20) operatively connected thereto and a gear train for receiving and changing the rate of rotary motion imparted to the drive gear (22) by the drive spring (20), an improved clutch mechanism comprises an idler gear (30) interposed between the drive gear (22) and a gear (23b) of the gear train immediately adjacent thereto and support means (31) rotatably supporting the idler gear (30) and permitting the idler gear (30) to move translationally between a position in which the idler gear (30) is in simultaneously driven engagement with the drive gear (22) and driving engagement with the adjacent gear (23b) and a position in which the idler gear (30) is out of the aforementioned simultaneous driven and driving engagement.

Abstract: An automatic transmission including a drive shaft directly connected to a drive source, an output shaft, and a planetary gear mechanism provided between the drive shaft and output shaft and serving to effect automatic speed change in power transmission. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted on the drive shaft with its sun gear fitted thereon. Thus, the length dimension of the drive shaft can be reduced to provide a very compact system. Further, a plurality of clutches are arranged in a radial plane between the drive shaft and the output shaft, thus permitting a further reduction in the size of the system.

Abstract: A spring powered rotary hand tool.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a spring drive mechanism coupled through first and second unidirectional slip clutch members to the drive wheels thereof, the slip clutches including gear members for winding the spring through a first gear ratio while pushing the vehicle in the reverse direction on a surface, and for propelling the vehicle through a second gear ratio upon release of the vehicle, each of the actions utilizing only one of the slip clutch members.

Abstract: The within improved innoculator is of the type that causes the injection of medication without a skin-penetrating needle, relying instead on a skin-penetrating jet produced by the force of a released compression spring, wherein the improvement resides in a mechanical device for effectively loading the spring of the innoculator.

Abstract: An improved spring motor in combination with a toy vehicle which can be easily manufactured and which can be wound up by moving the car forwardly and rearwardly in reciprocating movement without changing the physical configuration of the motor. The motor includes a first motor member about which a coil spring is engaged and a second motor member coaxial therewith and motion transmitting means interconnecting the two members such that the first motor member is rotated in response to rotation of the second member in the same direction but at a slightly slower speed. Power take-off means connect the motor to an item to be driven such as the rear wheels of a car. The motor is rewound through the power take-off means during which ratchet means allow the rotational motion transmitting means to be ineffective and during which a rewind ratchet holds the first motor means stationary to achieve high speed spring windup.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for supporting and transporting a multiplicity of workpieces during a process such as a batch-type vacuum coating process. The workpieces are placed in two stacks adjacent to process equipment inside a sealable chamber, and means are provided for moving substrates within each stack and between the stacks. Preferably, workpieces are successively conveyed from the top of one stack, through the process, to the top of the other stack, and simultaneously from the bottom of the second stack to the bottom of the first stack. The workpieces in the first stack are raised so that successive workpieces are presented at the top of the first stack. Similarly, the workpieces in the second stack are lowered to present successive workpieces at the bottom. Workpieces may be circulated through the stacks as many times as desired and may be processed one or more times during a single circuit.

Abstract: A mechanism for a rider propelled vehicle having a frame and a ground engaging wheel mounted on it comprising two lever arms on opposite sides of frame, extending backwardly, with foot pedals on their extremities and mounted each on a cylindrical oscillating shaft on opposite sides of a drive wheel gear. When these lever arms are depressed by the rider they are spring biased upwards and set in motion the mechanism that via shafts and gears winds up a spiral spring mounted into a drum incorporated in the rear wheel of the vehicle. The spring unwinds on its outer end causing the drum to rotate forward and the drum to rotate the wheel journaled on it.