Abstract: A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed.

Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. It includes an opening spring, a closing spring and a damper for the closing. The damper is a rotary air damper with components that rotate relative to each other and has air as working medium for the dampening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism (8) for a device (1) with two operating parts (2, 4), which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position over a certain pivotal angle (?) about a common axis of rotation (6). The drive mechanism (8) has driving means (10) such that, proceeding from the first position, a movement in the direction of the second position can be initiated initially in a manual manner by means of 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, in this case, is possible in an arbitrary direction of movement, clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: An elastic motor having a constant torque characteristic utilizes a reel with elastic divided into unit lengths that are stretched to their maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, constant, and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a regenerative braking device for an automotive vehicle. The device includes a power isolating assembly (14), an infinitely variable transmission (20) interconnecting an input shaft (16) with an output shaft (18), and an energy storage assembly (22). The storage assembly includes a plurality of elastomeric rods (44, 46) mounted for rotation and connected in series between the input and output shafts. The elastomeric rods are prestressed along their rotational or longitudinal axes to inhibit buckling of the rods due to torsional stressing of the rods in response to relative rotation of the input and output shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments of a regenerative braking device for an automotive vehicle. The device includes a plurality of rubber rollers (24, 26) mounted for rotation between an input shaft (14) connectable to the vehicle drivetrain and an output shaft (16) which is drivingly connected to the input shaft by a variable ratio transmission (20). When the transmission ratio is such that the input shaft rotates faster than the output shaft, the rubber rollers are torsionally stressed to accumulate energy, thereby slowing the vehicle. When the transmission ratio is such that the output shaft rotates faster than the input shaft, the rubber rollers are torsionally relaxed to deliver accumulated energy, thereby accelerating or driving the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a regenerative braking device (10) for an automotive vehicle. The device includes an energy storage assembly (12) having a plurality of rubber rollers (26, 28) mounted for rotation between an input shaft (36) and an output shaft (42), clutches (38, 46) and brakes (40, 48) associated with each shaft, and a continuously variable transmission (22) connectable to a vehicle drivetrain and to the input and output shafts by the respective clutches. The rubber rollers are torsionally stressed to accumulate energy from the vehicle when the input shaft is clutched to the transmission while the brake on the output shaft is applied, and are torsionally relaxed to deliver energy to the vehicle when the output shaft is clutched to the transmission while the brake on the input shaft is applied. The transmission ratio is varied to control the rate of energy accumulation and delivery for a given rotational speed of the vehicle drivetrain.

Abstract: A multi-stage energy storage device having a multi-stage construction of energy storage units adapted to uniformly distribute energies stored to each stage, and its embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical energy device comprising a plurality of energy modules operatively interconnected to generate a mechanical energy output in response to a mechanical energy input. Each energy module comprises a central shaft assembly and power assembly which cooperatively generate the power stroke, a crank lifter assembly and crank speed control assembly coupled to the crank lifter assembly to generate the mechanical energy output.

Abstract: A mechanical counterbalance assembly for an overhead, track mounted, aircraft door includes a frame, a shaft mounted for rotation in the frame, and a torsion spring interconnected between the shaft and the frame. As the shaft is turned in a first direction, the spring is wound so that a torque is applied to the shaft in the direction opposite to rotation. The spring rate of the torsional spring is selected so the spring torsional force slightly exceeds the component of the door weight acting along the path of motion of the door throughout the door travel. A cable drum is mounted for rotation on the shaft and is releasably affixed thereto. A cable is wrapped about the drum and has its free end connected to the overhead sliding door. A planetary gear train has its low speed input shaft coupled to the shaft and its high speed output shaft operatively coupled to a centrifugal brake and to a manually rotatable drive wheel.

Abstract: A large gear runs free on a drive shaft rotated by any power source. To this large gear a metal strip is rigidly attached, radial to the drive shaft but not touching the drive shaft. At distances apart on the strip the ends of springs are securely attached. The other ends of the springs are attached at the same distance from the drive shaft to an adjacent strip likewise free running on the drive shaft. Similar strips running free on the drive shaft are attached by springs similarly and adjacently to each other, so that the springs take the form of concentric circles around the drive shaft and are prevented from seeking the center by the radial strips. The last strip, farthest from the large gear, is attached rigidly to the drive shaft. The large gear is firmly braked, so that power applied to the drive shaft stores energy in the elongated springs. The stored energy may be drawn off and used by releasing the brake.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a primary winding spring which is wound up during belt unwinding reel rotation to store energy for biasing the reel in the belt winding direction. An assist spring acts between the reel and an assist spring housing which is mounted for rotation relative both the retractor housing and the reel. A lock lever is pivotally mounted on the assist spring housing and is movable to a first position connecting the assist spring housing with the retractor housing so that the assist spring is wound up during belt unwinding reel rotation to store energy for biasing the reel in the belt winding direction and a second position connecting the assist spring housing with the reel so that the assist spring is maintained at its then existing state of wind up and has no biasing affect on the reel.