Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a valve and more particularly, to an electrically driven valve which is so arranged that, in the electrically driven valve adapted to selectively open or close the valve by rotating the valve body of said valve through driving by a reversible motor, there is incorporated a mechanism for automatically opening or closing the valve when it becomes impossible to control the valve for energization due to power failures, etc.

Abstract: A low power electric motor slowly load to spring, which rapidly operates a two speed axle shift. An electric motor drives a nonreversing worm gear which engages a gear rack on a shaft. The shaft supports a caged spring. The motor moves the shaft, compressing the spring against one end of the cage, storing energy required for shifting. A solenoid piston holds the cage in position. When the shift is desired, the soleniod is tripped, the piston is raised and the spring moves the cage. An arm on the cage moves the shift lever. The solenoid piston engages the opposite detent in the cage and holds the cage in the new position. As the cage arrives at the new position, a lug trips a microswitch which completes a circuit to operate the motor in the reverse direction. The motor worm slowly drives the gear which slowly drives the rack to move the shaft in the reverse direction, compressing the spring against the opposite end of the cage.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an energy accumulator of a stored energy circuit breaker includes a toothed ratchet wheel intermittently coupled to a shaft connected to an energy accumulating spring through a crank arm. A pair of drive levers are rotatably mounted upon the shaft and support a U-shaped drive claw and a pawl. The toothed periphery of the ratchet includes a gap wherein teeth are not formed. A drive spring biases the drive claw and pawl into engagement with the periphery of the ratchet, with the ratchet being positioned in the gap when the energy accumulating spring is fully charged. The drive levers are connected to one end of a connecting rod, the other end of which is connected to a motor assembly which causes reciprocating motion of the connecting rod when the motor assembly is energized. A lock means selectively prevents the shaft from rotating when the energy accumulating spring is fully charged.

Abstract: The output shaft of a rotary actuator is rotated in one direction by an electric motor and is returned in the opposite direction by a spring which is wound during driving of the shaft by the motor. The motor drives the output shaft and winds the return spring by way of a speed-reducing, torque amplifying gear train. To enable the use of a lighter return spring and the use of a gear train effecting greater torque amplification from the motor to the output shaft, intermediate gears in the drive train apply winding torque to the return spring differentially of the drive torque applied to the output shaft.

Abstract: A door lock system for an automotive door, which includes a door lock driving device for mechanically locking or unlocking a door lock. The door lock can be, however, manually operated with a small force, because the door lock is operatively disconnected from an electric motor of the door lock driving device. The door lock driving device has a reversible electric motor, a sun gear fixed to an output shaft of the electric motor, a pair of swing levers rotatably supported by the output shaft, a planetary gear rotatably supported by the swing levers and engaged with the sun gear, and wave washers interposed between the swing levers and side surfaces of the planetary gear, so that when the electric motor is rotated, the planetary gear is rotated around the output shaft of the electric motor.

Abstract: A decoupling and speed governing mechanism is disclosed for a spring returned drive train driven by a stepper motor. A pinion assembly in the drive train is rotatably coupled to the rotor by dogs on the assembly which engage spokes in a rotor in the motor when the assembly is in a first position along the axis of the rotor. The pinion assembly also includes weighted shoes which move outwardly when the assembly rotates at greater than a predetermined speed to frictionally engage an internal drum surface in the rotor to govern the drive train speed when the assembly is in a second axial position relative to the rotor.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator is disclosed that is capable of high-speed and high force operation having a movable ram member that is biased toward executing a mechanical motion. A solenoid disengages a locking brake that via one input to a differential transmission triggers a high power mechanical stored energy to cause the ram member to execute its motion. A d.c. motor is connected to the other input of the differential transmission and provides an alternate to release the locking brake in the event of failure of the solenoid. Upon reversal of the polarity of the power supply to the motor, the ram member is reset.

Abstract: The device controls an actuating device having a linear displacement and a sudden action, for example a device actuating a latch. The actuating device is disposed in a case provided with an aperture through which it is capable of emerging under the action of a spring after the release of a locking device until it abuts against an element connected to the case. Provided inside the case is a wheel actuated by an electric motor and a device for driving under the action of the wheel the displacement of the actuating device in opposition to the action of the spring at least until the return movement of the actuating device is locked by the locking device. A device is also provided in the case for unlocking the locking device upon the subsequent rotation of the wheel. A device is provided in the case for interrupting the supply of current to the motor and consequently stopping the rotation of the wheel after the locking of the operating device by the locking device but before the unlocking of the locking device.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing solar energy, including a thermal-expansion motor operating through a ratchet mechanism to compress a coil spring located in an energy cell.

Abstract: For releasing and resetting a releasable and resettable device: a spring-motor dual-functioning mechanism comprising release means to release the device, a spring motor to reset the device, and spring-winding means to rewind the spring motor, the spring motor storage power being sufficient for at least two complete resetting operations of the mechanism.

Abstract: A valve actuator utilizing a drive motor and a stored energy device to operate valves primarily in safety related applications is disclosed. The actuator operates on signal or loss of power to return a driven valve to a predetermined position. The actuator in particular utilizes unidirectional coupling between a driven shaft and an output shaft that is coupled to the driven valve. Specifically, the coupling utilizes a coiled spring having a unique diametral relationship with the driven shaft in order to insure reliable actuation and control of shaft wear. A fluid dampened device or dashpot is also utilized to provide controlled operation during the return cycle that is powered by the stored energy device.

Abstract: An energy supply device for supplying a predetermined amount of energy by means of rotating rollers driven by an electric motor to a power toy driven by elastic materials is disclosed.

Abstract: A reversible motor operated valve with a spring assist. The assist spring is provided to store energy therein as the motor actuates the valve from its closed to its open position. When the motor is reversed to actuate the valve back from its open to its closed position, the energy stored in the spring will be released to assist the motor in closing the valve.

Abstract: Digital control signals can be accepted and translated directly into low inertia, high torque intermittent rotary motion by this fast time response apparatus which comprises a low mass, rotatably mounted driving member, a source of driving torque such as a torque motor, a low rotary inertia torsion member which interconnects the driving member with the torque member to thereby apply torque to rotate the driving member, reciprocatably operated escapement means for controlling the rotation of the driving member, and a two-ended toggle linkage connected at one end in an operating relationship with the escapement means, and at the other end to a mechanism which supplies a reciprocating driving force. The toggle linkage has a normally flexible knee joint which can be selectively locked by electromechanical means to which the digital signals are supplied.

Abstract: A disengageable transmission device is provided in which a driving pinion is used to selectively drive a driven wheel via a wheel train mounted on pivotal lever. The fulcrum of the pivotal lever is positioned so as to minimize the rotational torque effects on the wheel train lever of the contact between the driving pinion and the wheel train and of the contact between the driven wheel and the wheel train. An energy escapement control device is also provided and the torque effects of this device on the wheel train lever are also limited by the positioning of the fulcrum of the lever.

Abstract: An engine starting device for starting an engine by connecting an output member on the side of a spiral spring and an input member on the side of the engine with each other when the force accumulation by the spring is released. A driving member is driven by the output of the engine. An automatic force accumulating operation mechanism for the spiral spring is driven by the driving member. A one-way clutch connects the automatic force accumulating operation mechanism in a winding pressure accumulating mechanism for the spiral spring with each other.

Abstract: The accurate and uniform indexing of paper business forms with line hole punched margins. The index drive overcomes any possible accumulation of errors. A pawl and ratchet device is employed in the feeding of the paper form. The ratchet is rotated approximately one-half tooth beyond the ultimate desired stop. A spring urged arm then pulls the ratchet wheel back that one-half tooth turn so the pawl rests solidly in a single ratchet tooth. It is this same spring arm that pulls back the over-fed paper form. The form pull back is permitted by reason of a magnetic one-way clutch being momentarily released at the end of the mechanical feed-out. The present device is a combination of a mechanical drive with a magnetically releasable clutch to effect a constantly accurate feed out of paper forms resulting in identical positioning of each of the series of continuous paper forms.

Abstract: A ratchet wheel is advanced by an oscillating driving pawl in conjunction with a holding pawl to charge circuit breaker mechanism closing springs. A latch operates in response to the initial lifting of the holding pawl as the ratchet wheel is rapidly advanced by the closing springs to detain the holding pawl in an inoperative position while the closing springs discharge. Lifting of the driving pawl by the advancing ratchet wheel leaves the driving pawl in an inoperative position by virtue of a unique slip clutch coupling between it and its driving motor. The latch releases the holding pawl for return to its operative position automatically during the initial oscillation of the driving pawl to start a new charging cycle.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism is disclosed having the opening spring thereof disposed within the closing spring thereof. The closing spring has one end thereof affixed to the operating mechanism support base while the other end thereof is movable relative to the support base for being charged and discharged. The encircled opening spring has a first end thereof which is affixed relative to the mechanism support frame. The other end of the opening spring is movable. However, the latter movable end is held temporarily fixed relative to the support base during a charging operation for the closing spring so that the opening spring will be charged with the charging of the closing spring. When a circuit breaker opening operation is necessitated, the non-fixed end of the opening spring is released, thus allowing the opening spring to discharge while the closing spring remains charged.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a spring operated closing mechanism for establishing contact between the moving contact and the stationary contact; a ratchet and pawl spring charging system in which the ratchet wheel is combined with the crank arm for the closing spring which in turn operates the moving contact arm toward closed position. The pawl carrier plates are mounted on and rotate on the outer periphery of the combined ratchet wheel and crank arm. A motor operated mechanism may also be connected through the same members.

Abstract: A circuit breaker the moving contacts of which are closed by a charged spring or plurality of springs in which the circuit breaker is of minimum size for any given application and maximum simplicity in manufacture. The circuit breaker closing system is a cam closed system in which the closing cam acts also as a prop latch for supporting the spring operating mechanism in charged position. The cam follower path is determined by three cam surfaces between which the closing forces are transmitted through free floating rollers; this obviates the need for toggle links for the transmission of forces or the guiding of the cam follower rollers. This arrangement, by permitting the distribution of the variable mechanical advantage of a cam slope among three members, instead of building it into just one member allows the use of a smaller diameter primary closing cam; it also permits an application of closing forces appropriately tailored to the requirements of each circuit breaker.

Abstract: A control system for use with a braking mechanism which employs an energy-storing spring and an electric rotating servomotor is disclosed. The system operates employing a direct or indirect measurement of the stored braking force. When an indirect approach is used, a pair of selsyns supply a measured rotational parameter which is related to braking force. After suitable processing, which includes the use of a discriminator and counter, a parameter relating to the stored braking force is compared with a desired value at a summing point to provide a correction parameter for braking control. When direct braking force measurement is used, the measured braking force is supplied directly to a summing point for comparison with a desired value. In both direct and indirect measurement, a differentiator is included which supplies the derivative of the measured value to the summing point. The output of the summing point is a correction parameter which operates triggering devices for brake actuation and release.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator is provided with a combination safety clutch and travel stop wherein the safety clutch is secured relative to the housing of the spring-return actuator in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring of the spring-return will be completely dissipated before access to the interior of the housing may be effected.

Abstract: A device for storing power and providing for the controllable slow rate release of the stored power is provided. The device comprises a wheelwork fulcrumed to and carried by a pivotal lever, wherein the wheelwork is alternately operated by a motor driven pinion and by an energy storage member.

Abstract: A spring-drive mechanism for controlling the switch-on and switch-off positions of contacts of an electric switch wherein the conventional lever system for relaying the rotating force from the helical spring to the contacts is replaced by a structure which includes a fixed hollow cylinder in which a movable coupling shaft is located, the hollow cylinder having axially staggered wall bores in which balls are positioned, the configuration and positioning of the coupling shaft within the hollow cylinder determining whether one or the other of the balls is positioned to extend outwardly of the outer surface of the cylinder. The hollow cylinder is positioned with one end of a hollow shaft which coaxially encompasses a drive shaft and helical spring combination, the structure including interconnecting projections to provide for selective rotational interengagements between the hollow shaft and the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power operated rotary valve actuator utilizing a differential drive and magnetic clutch to provide continuous valve positioning between full open and full closed positions. The valve drive motor operates through a differential drive and in conjunction with a single electric clutch provides sequential application of rotational torque to a stored energy spring and the valve shaft. The sequential torque application minimizes drive system torque requirements and insures that sufficient energy is available to return the valve to a preselected position at any time during normal operation.

Abstract: A motor driven actuator, providing continuous positioning of an output shaft, and employing energy storage which allows the shaft to return to a predetermined position on failure of the input power source or other predetermined occurrence. Drive motor torque requirements are minimized through sequential application of input torque to the energy storage and actuator load. This arrangement insures that adequate energy storage for return of the output shaft is continuously available during normal actuator operation including alternate output shaft positioning.When utilized to operate a fluid control valve, the valve actuator combination provides a fail-safe valve which under emergency or other prescribed conditions provides return of the valve to a safe condition from any normal operating position throughout the limit of the valve travel.

Abstract: A vacuum breaker operator in which a breaker closing drive spring is charged by a charging mechanism including a drive lever mounted on a drive shaft coupled to compress the spring as the lever is rotated. A drive gear is rotatively mounted on the drive shaft. Coupling means couple the drive gear to rotate the drive shaft to rotate the lever and charge the spring during a charging operation and decouple the driven gear during a spring discharging operation. A drive linkage is coupled to said spring and serves to close the breaker when the spring is discharged. An opening spring is coupled to said drive lever linkage and adapted to be charged by the drive spring and provides the energy for opening the breaker. A reciprocating pawl drives the driven gear from a power source and means are provided for disengaging the pawl when the drive spring is charged allowing the pawl to engage the gear when the spring is discharged whereby the gear can be rotated to recharge the drive spring after a discharging operation.

Abstract: A valve actuator employs a torsion spring type clutch to engage and disengage a drive motor and an output shaft. The torsion spring normally engages and is connected to a gear which may be engaged by a dog to cause disengagement of the clutch. The output shaft carries a pinion which is engaged with a rack carried on a piston which is slidable in a closed fluid containing cylinder. The piston includes an axial passageway with a metering orifice therein which smoothes the operation of the actuator and provides positive stops for the output shaft with a minimization of impact between the piston and the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: A driving device for a moving body comprises a drive shaft normally rotated in one direction by a drive source, a follower shaft in engagement with the drive shaft to transmit the drive to the moving body, one-way connecting means loosely mounted on the drive shaft to connect and disconnect the drive of the drive shaft to the follower shaft, and accumulator means for accumulating the returning force of the moving body by utilizing the movement of the moving body resulting from the normal rotation of the follower shaft. The follower shaft may be reversed in rotation by the accumulator means upon disconnection of the one-way connecting means and the speed of the reverse rotation of the follower shaft is controlled by operation of the one-way connecting means so as not to exceed the driving speed of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power unit having an increased capacity for utilizing the potential energy of a stressed spring over periods of extended duration. The power unit is characterized by a housing, a drive shaft projected from the housing and supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis, a radially expansive spring unit of a substantially circular configuration disposed within the housing and connected to both the shaft and the housing, and an expansion control unit including a fluid-actuated ram radially oriented with respect to the spring unit having a pressure pad of an arcuate configuration forcibly engaging the periphery of the spring unit for selectively accommodating radial expansion of the spring whereby energy is released at a selectively controlled rate.

Abstract: An improved override and hold-down mechanism for use with a reflex camera of the type incorporating a four bar linkage for effecting movement of a reflex member between viewing and exposure positions. The override mechanism includes a ramp surface configured to multiply the hold-down torque generated by a pair of override springs and secures the reflex member in the viewing position against inadvertent movement.CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 355,685 filed on Apr. 30, 1973 and entitled, "Reflex Member Hold-Down Mechanism"now U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,545.