Plural Springs Patents (Class 242/372)
  • Patent number: 11628798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger receptacle for an amusement ride (50), comprising a receiving portion (12) for receiving a passenger, a retaining device (20), which is adjustable between an open position, in which the access to the receiving portion (12) is possible for the passenger, and a closed position, in which the received passenger is held in the receiving portion (12), and a securing device (26), which interacts with the retaining device (20) in such a way that whenever the retaining device moves away, or wants to move away, from the closed position by a selectable degree, a further movement of the retaining device away from the closed position is blocked. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a passenger receptacle (10) and to an amusement ride (50) having such a passenger receptacle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: MACK RIDES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Frank Sornik, Markus Becherer, Stephan Schrade
  • Patent number: 11565775
    Abstract: The diver's floating marker assembly is a marker buoy. The diver's floating marker assembly is configured for use in water. The diver's floating marker assembly is a safety device that marks an area in the water where one or more divers are operating. The diver's floating marker assembly is comprises a marker structure, a reel structure, and a tether. The tether attaches to the marker structure. The marker structure is a buoyant structure that visibly marks the area in the water where one or more divers are operating. The reel structure stores, pays out, and retracts the tether. The tether is paid out and retracted by the one or more divers while underneath the water. The use of the reel structure allows the position of the marker structure to be set by the one or more divers while underneath the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Lawrence Strom
  • Patent number: 11231261
    Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The spring-based retraction system includes at least two springs that drive a tape spool during tape retraction. The springs are indirectly coupled to each other via a single center post, in one embodiment, two center posts on a single spool, in another embodiment, or two center posts that are on different spools, in another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Abhijeet A. Khangar, Jonathan F. Vitas, Collin J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10946511
    Abstract: A technician's work chair having a frame, an air cushion assembly, a seat assembly, and air hose and a pivoting hose support. The air cushion assembly is attached to the frame and supports the frame on an air cushion formed above a floor surface. The seat assembly has a cushion portion on the frame and a seatback portion with a mechanism that changes an angle of inclination of the seatback portion. A technician seated in the seat assembly can ergonomically operate tools and complete tasks with arms raised over the technician's head. The air hose having a first end connected to a compressed air source and a second end connected to the air cushion assembly. The pivoting hose support biases the air hose to move in a rearward direction relative to the technician's work chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammed Jamila
  • Patent number: 10730476
    Abstract: An occupant protection device includes a drive unit which adjusts a degree of tension of a seat belt and a control unit which controls the drive unit to tension the seat belt to remove looseness of the seat belt when a vehicle has been switched from an automated driving to a manual driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akaba
  • Patent number: 10605579
    Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The spring-based retraction system includes a motor spring system that drives a tape reel during tape retraction. The output drum of the motor spring system is coupled to the tape reel such that rotation of the reel causes rotation of the output drum. The output drum is located adjacent to the tape reel, and the output drum and tape reel may have a common axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Earl McKinster
  • Patent number: 10029647
    Abstract: A belt retractor includes a retractor frame (10) having first and second end faces (10a, 10b) between which a belt reel (12) is pivoted. The belt retractor further includes a belt tensioner and a spring cassette (30) having a helical spring (26) coupled to the belt reel (12). The spring cassette (30) is arranged between the first end face (10a) of the retractor frame (10) and at least one component of the belt tensioner. A method of fitting such belt retractor includes mounting the spring cassette (30) on a component of the belt tensioner, especially on an inside of a tensioner casing (22) and mounting the belt tensioner including the spring cassette (30) on the retractor frame (10), especially on an end wall (10a) of the retractor frame (10). An alternative fitting method includes mounting the spring cassette (30) on an end wall (10a) of the retractor frame (10) and attaching the belt tensioner to the spring cassette (30) mounted on the end wall (10a) of the retractor frame (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Gentner, Thomas Moedinger, Andreas Pregitzer
  • Patent number: 9925852
    Abstract: A wire harness winding device includes a fixing member and a tubular winding member. The surrounding wall of the winding member is provided with wire harness insertion portions at an interval in a circumferential direction. The wire harnesses are individually inserted with excess lengths in the wire harness insertion portions, and other ends are led out to an outside of the winding member. When the wire harnesses are at a first position of a winding position at which the wire harnesses are wound by the winding member and a leading position at which the wire harnesses are led from the winding member, a portion of the excess length is wound by the fixing member. When the wire harnesses are at a second position of the winding position and the leading position, the portion of the excess length is slacked between the fixing member and the winding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Kogure, Masataka Nishijima
  • Patent number: 9789849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt retractor that has a two-spring comfort function, a belt shaft which is rotatably mounted in a housing and on which a safety belt can be wound, and at least two return springs that are spring-loaded in the winding direction of the belt and act between the housing and the belt shaft. The return springs being able to be connect by one end to the belt shaft or the housing by means of a shift device that shifts as a function of the extraction length of the safety belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventor: Ronald Jabusch
  • Patent number: 9688239
    Abstract: The present invention provides a webbing take-up device that can effectively suppress tilt of a rotation body when an actuation member has been actuated. In a webbing take-up device, tilt restricting portions are provided at a V gear. The tilt restricting portions are provided at a radial direction inner side than a place of engagement between a W pawl and ratchet teeth of a sensor holder and project further toward a sensor holder side than an end surface at the sensor holder side, which end surface is at the outer side in the radial direction than the place of engagement. For this reason, tilt of the V gear with respect to its axial direction can be restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamada, Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Patent number: 9675750
    Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the unstored length of tubing directed to improving the use of infusion sets that deliver fluids to a user. The device includes a storage module and other features for adjusting, storing and securing the length of the tubing. The method of adjusting the length of the tubing to a desired length typically comprises removably attaching the tubing to the adjuster, adjusting the tubing by wrapping the tubing around a hub or post of the adjuster, and fixing the length of the unstored tubing by attaching the tubing to a securing device such as a friction structure or fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Larry B. Gray, Matthew C. Harris, Jeffrey L. Klein, Craig R. Steinfels, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 9606319
    Abstract: A fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region and a bearing mount disposed in the interior region of the housing. A cable spool is connectedly engaged with the bearing mount such that the cable spool selectively rotates within the housing. A termination module disposed on the cable spool so that the termination module rotates in unison with the cable spool. A method of paying out a fiber optic cable from a fiber optic enclosure includes rotating a cable spool, which has a subscriber cable coiled around a spooling portion of the cable spool, about an axis of a housing of the fiber optic enclosure until a desired length of subscriber cable is paid out. A termination module is disposed on the cable spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Jonathan Walter Coan, Jonathan R. Kaml
  • Patent number: 9523834
    Abstract: A fiber optic enclosure includes a housing including a base and a cover that cooperatively define an interior region of the housing; and a cable spool assembly rotatably disposed in the interior region of the housing. The cable spool includes a drum portion; and a tray assembly engaged to the drum portion and configured to rotate in unison with the drum portion when the cable spool assembly is rotated relative to the base. The tray assembly includes at least a first tray. Each tray includes optical adapters disposed in a row along a first end of the tray. Certain types of trays are pivotal relative to the drum portion along a pivot axis extending generally parallel to the row of adapters along a second end of the tray opposite the first end. Other types of trays include a second row of optical adapters that pivot relative to the first row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Oscar Fernando Bran de León
  • Patent number: 9212731
    Abstract: A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis. The tensioner also includes an outer spring and at least one inner spring. The outer spring has an outer coil that defines an outer diameter. The inner spring has an inner coil that defines an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the inner coil is less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner spring is received by the outer spring. The outer spring and the inner spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis and into tensioning engagement with the power transmitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: James Kevin Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 9145107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt tightening drive for tightening a safety belt which can be wound up around a winding shaft, said belt tightening drive comprising an electric motor, a spindle shaft and a output wheel coupled with the winding shaft and a worm gear, by way of which the output wheel is driven by the spindle shaft, wherein for the formation of the worm gear an external helical gear of the output wheel is combing with a worm drive supported torsionally rigid on the spindle shaft and it is provided according to the invention that the external gear of the output wheel comprises at least two gear sections, wherein a first gear section comprises a gear with constant geometry and a following second gear section is designed with an increasing root circle diameter and/or increasing tip circle diameter and/or increasing tooth thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: IMS GEAR GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Lucht, Matthias Koop
  • Patent number: 9101704
    Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the unstored length of tubing directed to improving the use of infusion sets that deliver fluids to a user. The device includes a storage module and other features for adjusting, storing and securing the length of the tubing. The method of adjusting the length of the tubing to a desired length typically comprises removably attaching the tubing to the adjuster, adjusting the tubing by wrapping the tubing around a hub or post of the adjuster, and fixing the length of the unstored tubing by attaching the tubing to a securing device such as a friction structure or fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Larry B. Gray, Matthew C. Harris, Jeffrey L. Klein, Craig R. Steinfels, Brian D. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20150034752
    Abstract: The object of invention is a dual self-winding retractable device for headphone cords, designed in particular for thinner, more delicate cords, and especially adapted for cords of mobile phone headsets, cords of iPod headphones, etc. As invented, the dual self-winding retractable device has two independently moving winding reels (1, 1?) with gearing, whereby each one carries a part of the headphone cord. The winding reels (1, 1?) are housed by a housing case, which consists of two housing lids (2, 2?). A reliable contact is ensured between the two contact discs (7, 7?) which provide electrical contact between both free ends of the headphone cord. Controlled winding/unwinding of each individual part of the headphone cords in enabled through a system of two spiral torsion springs (4, 4?), two buttons (5, 5?) with gearing or two buttons with related retraction (9,9?) and a special spring (8,8?) and two compression springs (6, 6?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Miha Homar, Rok Habjan, Igor Angelovski
  • Patent number: 8931723
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device is obtained that is capable of reducing the load on a reduction balance spring without using special components, and without performing special processing on a spiral direction inside end of the reduction balance spring. When the reduction balance spring rotates in a take-up direction as winding of the reduction balance spring loosens, an inside engagement portion turns in the take-up direction inside an engagement groove. Accordingly, a load absorption portion which is further to a main body portion side of the reduction balance spring than the inside engagement portion curves into a concave shape that is open towards a pull-out direction as the load absorption portion stands up. In this state, when further load in the take-up direction acts on the reduction balance spring, this load is absorbed by the load absorption portion undergoing resilient deformation so as to curve further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Atsushi Tatsuma, Takahiro Osaki
  • Publication number: 20150008273
    Abstract: A spring-driven reel is adapted to include a gear assembly, and a reel assembly operatively coupled to at least one gear of the gear assembly. The spring-driven reel can also include at least one spring assembly. The spring assembly can include a screw member and a non-rotatable nut moveably mounted to the screw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Hiebenthal
  • Patent number: 8925849
    Abstract: A webbing retractor that can alleviate the load on a reducing balance spring without increasing cost and weight is obtained. When a ring inertially rotates in a retraction direction together with a ratchet gear, a ring-side pressing portion of a load receiving portion accommodating portion formed in the ring presses a spring-side load receiving portion of a clutch spring in the retraction direction. Due to this, the clutch spring is loosened, whereby the ring can easily inertially rotate in the retraction direction together with the ratchet gear, and the load acting on a reducing balance spring can be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takuhiro Saito, Shinji Mori, Takahiro Osaki, Tomonari Umakoshi, Satoshi Kurata
  • Publication number: 20140291431
    Abstract: A cord-winding device for a Venetian blind includes: a first reel; a driving unit including a driving wheel and a spring-winding wheel; and a brake unit including a driven gear, a driving member, a ratchet wheel sleeved on the driving member, a plurality of friction members disposed between the driving member and the ratchet wheel, and at least pawl biased to engage the ratchet wheel. When the driven gear is driven by the first reel to rotate in a direction, rotation of the ratchet wheel is stopped by the pawl so that the driving member drives the friction members to rotate, and when the driven gear is driven by the driving wheel to rotate in an opposite direction, the driving member drives rotation of the friction members and, thus, the ratchet wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Taicang Kingfu Plastic Manufacture Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 8763943
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device which can improve the workability of the assembly work of a tension reducer is obtained. In this webbing take-up device, a take-up spring unit is arranged closer to the opening side of a case than a reduction spring unit within a case. For this reason, when a clutch is arranged inside the reduction balance spring and the inner end of the reduction balance spring in a spiral direction is locked to a spring case of the clutch, the clutch and the reduction balance spring can be easily and visually recognized from the opening side of the case. Thus, the other end of the reduction balance spring can be easily locked to the spring case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takahiro Osaki, Shinji Mori
  • Publication number: 20140084098
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device is obtained that is capable of reducing the load on a reduction balance spring without using special components, and without performing special processing on a spiral direction inside end of the reduction balance spring. When the reduction balance spring rotates in a take-up direction as winding of the reduction balance spring loosens, an inside engagement portion turns in the take-up direction inside an engagement groove. Accordingly, a load absorption portion which is further to a main body portion side of the reduction balance spring than the inside engagement portion curves into a concave shape that is open towards a pull-out direction as the load absorption portion stands up. In this state, when further load in the take-up direction acts on the reduction balance spring, this load is absorbed by the load absorption portion undergoing resilient deformation so as to curve further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi TATSUMA, Takahiro OSAKI
  • Publication number: 20140075772
    Abstract: A measuring tape rule device includes a tape rule housing, the housing having a connection portion. The device also includes an axle within the housing, the axle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The device also includes a reel within the housing, the reel configured to rotate about the axis of rotation and the axle. The device additionally includes an elongated tape having gradations thereon and wound on the reel. The device further includes a first spring coupled between the axle and the connection portion of the housing, and a second spring coupled between the axle and the reel. Rotation of the reel relative to the housing in a direction tending to tension the second spring transmits rotational movement to the axle through the tensioning of the second spring. Such rotational movement of the axle is applied to the first spring to tension the first spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventors: John DELNEO, John C. MURRAY
  • Patent number: 8380035
    Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Trevor D. Smith, Jonathan Kaml, Thomas G. LeBlanc, Ronald A. Beck
  • Patent number: 8162026
    Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for an upward acting door that travels on a travel path while opening. The assembly includes a shaft, a torsion spring and a second spring. The torsion spring is connected to the shaft and provides a lifting force for the door throughout the travel path. The second spring is connected to the shaft and provides a lifting force for the door during only a portion of the travel path. In another aspect, a spring assembly is provided for an upward acting door that travels on a travel path while closing. The torsion spring is connected to the shaft and provides a weight supporting force for the door throughout the travel path. The second spring is connected to the shaft and provides a weight supporting force for the door during only a portion of the travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Spring Company
    Inventor: Karl Harvey Lundahl
  • Publication number: 20120061502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a limiting mechanism for lifting and lowering a blind. The limiting mechanism includes a carrier; a resilient unit movably disposed at an end of the carrier; a recoiling roller movably disposed in the carrier and positioned proximate to the resilient unit; and a tractional unit movably disposed in the carrier and driven by the recoiling roller. The limiting mechanism is integrated into a blind body when in use, so as for a shade to be lifted or lowered when an external force is exerted thereon by a user, wherein the lifting or lowering of the shade is effectuated by the resilient unit, the recoiling roller, and the tractional unit in conjunction with the external force exerted by the user, so as to dispense with a tractional cord and enhance ease of use and use safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: CHICOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Patent number: 8131126
    Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Trevor D. Smith, Jonathan R. Kaml, Thomas G. LeBlanc, Ronald A. Beck
  • Publication number: 20120032019
    Abstract: An activating device for a cordless blind includes a driving reel, a first transmission reel rotatable by the actuation of a cord connected between the driving reel and the transmission reel, and a second transmission reel rotatable by an actuation of a constant torque spring connected between the first and second transmission reels. As a result, when the cordless blind is lowered, the driving reel can be driven to rotate by two strings, which in turn leads a rotation of the first transmission reel by the cord and a rotation of the second transmission reel by the constant torque spring. When the cordless blind is lifted, the first and second transmission reels can be driven to rotate reversely and synchronously by the rebound force of the constant torque spring, causing the driving reel to rotate reversely through the cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Fu CHEN
  • Patent number: 8087445
    Abstract: The lift motor comprises at least one motor unit releasably connected to at least one spool unit. The spool unit comprises a spool for winding a cord and a gear operatively connected to the spool. The motor unit comprises a spring motor having a gear for engaging the gear of the spool. A window covering comprises a head rail supporting a motor as set forth above that supports a shade panel by the cord. A method of assembling a window covering comprises constructing a head rail having an internal space for receiving a motor. A motor is assembled based on the shade panel to be supported. The motor is inserted into the head rail and the cord is attached to or near the bottom or top of the shade panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua L. DeWard, Patrick Eugene Foley, James McCauley, Daniel R. Pierson, Alejandro Martin Rossato
  • Publication number: 20110186675
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device with a small difference in a frictional force between an outermost layer portion of a spiral spring along a circumferential direction of a rotating body and an inner peripheral portion of the rotating body is obtained. A reduction sliding spring is formed in a curved shape, such that the radius of curvature becomes gradually larger in a predetermined ratio toward a longitudinal central portion from both longitudinal ends in a state where the reduction sliding spring has not been elastically deformed in a circular shape. The amount of elastic deformation accompanying a minute change in a position from the longitudinal central portion to both longitudinal ends becomes approximately equal in a state where the reduction sliding spring has been elastically deformed in the circular shape. Therefore, a radially outward elastic force having substantially a center of the reduction sliding spring as its center becomes approximately equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takahiro OSAKI, Shinji MORI
  • Publication number: 20110114779
    Abstract: In a power feeding device which absorbs a surplus length by enlarging or reducing spirally the diameter of a flat wire harness, a wire harness surplus length absorbing performance is improved, a structure is simplified and a cost is decreased. A power feeding device 1, 31 is used in which a flat wire harness 8 is wound a plurality of times and arranged about a boss part 3 as a center, a spring member 7, 22 is arranged from the boss part to an inside diameter part 9a of a winding part 8 of the flat wire harness, the winding part is urged outward by the spring member and the flat wire harness is arranged at narrow pitches in the diametrical direction in the winding part. The spring member 7, 22 is formed with a plurality of bent flat springs arranged in the radial directions or spiral springs bent in the forms of loops. The boss part 3, the winding part 9 and the spring member 7, 22 are accommodated in an annular wall 2 of a housing 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 7823824
    Abstract: Device for winding a safety belt onto a shaft, with a principle mainspring (7), which prestresses the shaft (4) in the winding direction (a) of the safety belt (2); a ratchet wheel (12) that rotates relative to the shaft (4); a blocking device (15) for blocking the rotational movement of the ratchet wheel (12) in the winding direction (a); a balance spring (20) which transmits to the shaft (4) a prestressing force that opposes the prestressing force of the principle mainspring (7) when the ratchet wheel (12) is blocked; and a free-wheel clutch that exhibits a blocking ring (34) with teeth (35, 39) and a blocking element that interacts with said teeth (35, 39). The blocking element has two ends having an angular spacing which differs from a whole-number multiple of the divisional spacing of the teeth (35, 39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hugo Kern und Liebers GmbH & Co. KG Platinen- und Federnfabrik
    Inventor: Markus Benner
  • Patent number: 7715679
    Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Trevor D. Smith, Jonathan Kaml, Thomas G. LeBlanc, Ronald A. Beck
  • Publication number: 20090250673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a barrier and securing post as is used either in fixed or movable form to fence in and/or block off or secure areas and for guiding human, animal and/or traffic movements. It consists of a basic body which comprises at least one storage compartment for accommodating at least one flexible barrier arrangement. The one or more flexible barrier arrangement can be automatically retracted into the storage compartment using a band retractor. One or more storage compartments for the one or more flexible barrier arrangements are arranged inside the lower end and/or outside the lower end of the basic body of the barrier and securing post. The basic body comprises a guide for guiding the one or more flexible barrier arrangements from its lower end to its free end. This makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the barrier and securing post, thus providing it with additional stability. Elevated wind engagement surfaces are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Torsten Menzel
  • Patent number: 7445175
    Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a flexible cord into a wrapped configuration around a reel. The apparatus has a housing and a reel that is movable around a first axis relative to the housing. The apparatus further includes a spring system through which a rotational force is exerted on the reel tending to rotate the reel around the first axis to thereby cause a flexible cord associated with the reel, that is drawn away from the housing by turning of the reel in one direction around the first axis, to be wrapped around the reel by turning of the reel oppositely to the one direction around the first axis. The spring system permits a user to selectively vary at least one of a) the nature and b) the magnitude of the rotational force exerted on the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Leyden, Kris Michael Southerland
  • Patent number: 7434758
    Abstract: A construction kit for a spring-driven cable drum includes a pre-assembled drum core, the housing of which constitutes a winding surface for the cable and containing at least one spiral spring and at least one spring anchor hub. The pre-assembled drum core is provided with an axle channel passing right through it but no axle. The spring anchor hub is maintained to all intents and purposes coaxial with this axle channel by the spiral springs. The construction kit further includes a separate axle which can be inserted from either side into the axle channel of the pre-assembled drum core, insertion of the axle into the axle channel establishing a form-fit rotary coupling between the spring anchor hub and the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: IPALCO B.V.
    Inventor: Christoph Gieseke
  • Publication number: 20080156922
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for secure display of a portable electronic device wherein the device has an attached electrically conductive cable that is integral to the device and essential to the operation thereof, the device cable having a first end connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally supporting the device and means for extending and retracting the device cable. The means for extending and retracting the cable includes pulley means having a first set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly movable spring loaded pulleys. As the device is moved from the device support the second set of pulleys is urged towards the first set of pulleys thereby extending the device cable against the resistance of the spring loading, thereby creating retractive force for retraction of the cable. When the device is released the cable is retracted to the device support until halted by a cable stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Rabinowitz, Richard Ryczek
  • Publication number: 20080156921
    Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for storing seatbelt webbing that can be utilized to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle. The retractor includes a retractor frame and a plurality of spools rotatably coupled to the retractor frame and spaced a distance apart from each other. Seatbelt webbing can be withdrawn from the seatbelt retractor to extend about an occupant of a seat of the motor vehicle and releasably coupled to a buckle provided to the motor vehicle in a withdrawn state, and collected by the seatbelt retractor in a retracted state. A length of the seatbelt webbing adjacent to a terminal end thereof is collected at least partially around the plurality of spools in the retracted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Derek Lindsay, Kenneth Pilcher
  • Publication number: 20080128542
    Abstract: A reel assembly of the invention includes a first elastic member capable of axial and circumferential deformation at the joint between a motor shaft and a reel. A motor exerts torque on the reel through circumferential deformation of the first elastic member, which absorbs circumferential vibrations of the reel at a stop position. A fastening member coupled to the shaft includes a second elastic member capable of axial deformation. The fastening member presses the second elastic member against the reel in the axial direction to secure the reel on the shaft and compress the first elastic member. The second elastic member absorbs axial vibrations of the reel at a stop position. When the first elastic member is made of elastomer, its circumferential elasticity varies with axial compressions, and accordingly, the circumferential elasticity is easy to optimize in order to absorb the circumferential vibrations of a reel of whatever size and weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: KONAMI GAMING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shiro MAJIMA, Masayuki SETO
  • Publication number: 20080093494
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a spool for winding a seat belt, a spring device for always biasing the spool in the belt winding direction, and a locking device which allows rotation of the spool when it is not activated and locks the spool from rotating in the seat belt withdrawing direction when it is activated. The spring device has a first spring always acting on the spool to bias the spool in the seat belt winding direction, and a second spring capable of acting on the spool to bias the spool in the seat belt winding direction. The seat belt retractor has a clutch for switching a mode of the second spring between an effective mode and an ineffective mode. The seat belt retractor further includes a control device which changes the winding torque during the seat belt winding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro KAWAMURA
  • Patent number: 6715214
    Abstract: A retractable tape measure includes a cover, a base and a calibrated tape. The internal configuration of the retractable tape measure allows a much longer calibrated tape to be used than a conventional measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Shin-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20030102397
    Abstract: The invention comprises a winch, including a chain wheel (10, 11) mounted on a spindle (1). A clutch (11) provided to selectively engage or disengage the chain wheel (10, 11) with the spindle (1). A clutch nut (27) having a central aperture, is movable rotationally and longitudinally on the spindle (1) by way of mutually engaging threads (4) on the spindle (1) and central aperture. A stop (30) is provided on the spindle, to prevent longitudinal movement of the clutch nut (27) away from the chain plates beyond a predetermined position. A carrier (24) rotates on the spindle (1) and a rotational direction limiting means is provided between the carrier (24) and the spindle (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Chambers
  • Patent number: 6513746
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device which, when a webbing belt is pulled out, can reduce the rewind urging force applied to the vehicle occupant by the belt. The take-up device includes a spool 20 for winding a webbing belt, a take-up shaft that is connected to the spool, a shaft member connected to the take-up shaft via adapters 30, 44, a torsion coil spring 56 connected between a ratchet wheel 52 and adapter 44, another torsion coil spring 60 connected between the adapters 30, 44 and a spiral spring 48 connected to the shaft member. When the belt is pulled out and secured over an occupant, a plunger 70 engages ratchet wheel 52, and torsion coil spring 56 is wound tighter on the adapter 44. The resultant frictional force and urging force of the torsion coil spring 60 is greater than the urging force of the spiral spring 48. Thus, slack is present in the torsion coil spring 60, and the adapter 30 rotates relatively to the adapter 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Keiichi Katoh
  • Patent number: 6454198
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt roller having a wind-up spring disposed between a housing part and a shaft onto which the belt is wound, the wind-up spring effecting wind-up rotation of the shaft, and a comfort spring serially actuable in connection with the wind-up spring via a ratchet gear and exerting a lesser spring force than the wind-up spring. A reduction drive is provided for switching between the wind-up spring and the comfort spring, the reduction drive having a follower gear for controlling a switch lever, whereby the reduction relationship of the reduction drive is arranged such that the rotation which begins with uncoiling of the belt and continues until the reaching of the switch point for switching the wind-up spring effects less than a complete rotation of the follower gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Jordi Pereira Girones, Pere Serravi{umlaut over (n)}als Garcia, Gil Casanovas Font, Jordi Lombarte Meseguer
  • Patent number: 6431485
    Abstract: An automotive seatbelt take-up device has a primary spiral spring biasing a take-up shaft in a seatbelt take-up direction. A spring clutch transfers rotation of the take-up shaft in a seatbelt drawing-out direction to a ring. A secondary spiral spring is capable of generating rotational biasing force on the take-up shaft in a direction opposite that of the primary spiral spring. Thus, the present invention provides an automotive seatbelt take-up device that can reduce both the drawing-out force and the take-up force of a seatbelt when the seatbelt is being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: Suncall Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Sadaaki Mitsuo, Masahito Wakahara, Norikazu Akamatsu, Kazuhiro Osaki
  • Patent number: 6305632
    Abstract: A telecommunications cord reel design in which the telecommunications cord is automatically and neatly rewound in a structure that is comprised of a housing internally containing on a reel, a rewinding mechanism, and other components. The reel consists of an upper reel plate and a lower reel plate that are engaged together for assembly and, furthermore, the telecommunications cord is routed through insertion notches in the center of the reel, enabling the telecommunications cord to be wound around the upper and lower end faces of the reel, with the rewinding mechanism anchored on an annular wall at the top end of the lower reel plate. As such, the structure of the present invention provides for the automatic rewinding and storage of the telecommunications cord on the reel and, furthermore, cord extension requires minimal force and overall operation is simpler and more convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Lih-Jiuan Hwang
  • Publication number: 20010022330
    Abstract: An automotive seatbelt take-up device has a primary spiral spring biasing a take-up shaft in a seatbelt take-up direction. A spring clutch transfers rotation of the take-up shaft in a seatbelt drawing-out direction to a ring. A secondary spiral spring is capable of generating rotational biasing force on the take-up shaft in a direction opposite that of the primary spiral spring. Thus, the present invention provides an automotive seatbelt take-up device that can reduce both the drawing-out force and the take-up force of a seatbelt when the seatbelt is being worn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Sadaaki Mitsuo, Masahito Wakahara, Norikazu Akamatsu, Kazuhiro Osaki
  • Publication number: 20010015391
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device which, when a webbing belt is pulled out, can reduce urging force applied in a direction of taking up the webbing belt. When a spiral spring 48 rotates an adapter 44 with a plunger 70 engages a ratchet wheel 52, a torsion coil spring 56 is wound tighter on the adapter 44. A resultant force of frictional force at this time and urging force of the torsion coil spring 60 which is fit tightly to adapters 30, 44 is greater than urging force of the spiral spring 48. Thus, the torsion coil spring 60 is slack, and the adapter 30 rotates relatively to the adapter 44. In this way, until the torsion coil spring 60 is fit tightly to the adapters 30, 44, even if the webbing belt 26 is pulled out, urging force of the spiral spring 48 is not applied to a spool 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Keiichi Katoh
  • Patent number: 6149093
    Abstract: A tension reducer for relieving the drawing force of a retractor for an automobile safety seat belt comprises a clutch apparatus cooperated with a retractor for inducing the smooth operation of a webbing upon the pulling out and retracting of a web, the clutch apparatus including first and second coil springs mounted therein which have different elastic force assisting in the webbing to be changed directly into a rotation force thereof, thereby reducing the friction and noise of the coil springs and removing the eccentric rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Sungwoo Corporation
    Inventor: Tae-Bong Kwag