Particular Spool Structure Patents (Class 242/376)
  • Patent number: 11850723
    Abstract: A balancer for tools includes a rotary drum for winding and unwinding a cable, which is adapted with a free end thereof to support a tool. The balancer also includes a spring, wound around the main rotation axis of the drum, which is adapted to develop an elastic reaction contrasting the unwinding of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TECNA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Gubellini, Andrea Lolli, Damiano Bergami
  • Patent number: 11554749
    Abstract: A restraint system includes a retractor housing; a spool rotatably coupled to the retractor housing and defining an axis of rotation; a torsion bar elongated along the axis of rotation and positioned coaxially in the spool; a cylinder elongated along the axis of rotation, extending coaxially around the torsion bar, and positioned coaxially in the spool; and a cutter fixed to the spool, the cutter including a cutting edge engaging the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 11530006
    Abstract: A system for pivoting a coupling component for an outrigger, for a coupling between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer includes a rotation configured to pivot the coupling component between a primary position and a secondary position, and at least one line, which is guided into the coupling component via the rotation device, wherein the system is configured such that the at least one line forms a loop in the primary position in a defined area, and the loop is reduced in size when pivoted to the secondary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Sebastian Köster
  • Patent number: 11505160
    Abstract: A locking web retractor includes a frame including spaced-apart side walls, a spool rotatably mounted between the side walls, the spool rotatable in a web take-up pay out directions, locking components operatively coupled to the spool, a ferromagnetic component movable relative to the locking components between an unlocking position in which the ferromagnetic component does not cause the locking components to prevent the spool from rotating in the web pay out direction and a locking position in which the ferromagnetic component causes the locking components to prevent the spool from rotating in the web pay out direction, a magnet responsive to actuation to cause the ferromagnetic component to move from the unlocking position to the locking position to cause the locking components to prevent the spool from rotating in the web pay out direction, and means for actuating the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris P. Jessup
  • Patent number: 11504259
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for maintain a preselected tension between a first portion and a second portion of an orthotic brace include a controlled tension unit that includes a housing coupled to a first portion of the orthotic brace, the housing having a cavity formed therein, one or more constant-force spring mounted at or near a first end of the cavity, and a connector cable having a first end connected to an end of the one or more constant-force spring and a second end extending out of the housing through a second end of the cavity. The second end of the connector cable is configured to connect with a coupling element coupled to a second portion of the orthotic brace. In this arrangement, the controlled tension unit is configured to maintain a preselected tension between the first portion and the second portion of the orthotic brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Denis J. DiAngelo, Cody Bateman, Chloe Chung
  • Patent number: 10888974
    Abstract: Tooling strips and tools for using tooling strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Robert J. Andruchow
  • Patent number: 10759381
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a core having an outer surface, a cover having an inner surface facing the outer surface. and a plurality of tubes between the cover and the core. The plurality of tubes is deformable relative to at least one of the core and the cover. Each tube has an outer periphery. The entire periphery of each tube is movable relative to the outer surface and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 9789847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt reel (10) for a seat belt of a vehicle, said reel comprising a plastic base body (22) with a receiving chamber (26) that contains a belt strap pin (34) for securing a belt strap (36). In said reel, a first end (52) of the belt strap pin (34) is directly supported on the base body (22) of the belt reel (10) and a second end (56) of the belt strap pin (34) is secured in a separate receiving part (54) that is attached to the base body (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Adolf Foehl Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 9653902
    Abstract: Provided is a flat cable winding device and an assembling method thereof, which can prevent slack of a flat cable and achieve smooth winding and leading out of the flat cable. A flat cable winding device includes a rotating table, a plurality of rollers, and a central shaft rotatably and pivotally supporting the rotating table. The central shaft includes an auxiliary wound portion in which the flat cable is wound for at least one turn. An inner wound portion is formed along an outer circumference of the auxiliary wound portion, and an outer wound portion is formed along outer circumferences of the plurality of rollers, thereby preventing the slack at the inner wound portion when leading out the flat cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Katsuramaki, Ryo Hamada
  • Patent number: 9604593
    Abstract: Safety belt device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a roll-up spindle rotatably supported in a frame, on which roll-up spindle a safety belt is held with its one end, wherein the roll-up spindle is biased into a roll-up position, in which the safety belt is rolled up on the roll-up spindle and the safety belt can be rolled off the roll-up spindle against the bias by rotating the roll-up spindle and wherein a torsion rod is provided in the roll-up spindle which is fastened to the roll-up spindle with a first end and which is fastened to the frame with a second end, wherein a plastic material is molded around the torsion rod in the roll-up spindle, wherein at least the second end of the torsion rod is free from the plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Ulrich Klafke
  • Patent number: 9540200
    Abstract: A retractable strap apparatus includes a reel, an axle and a strap. The reel includes a bore axially made therein, a flat face located by the bore, and a slot made therein along a secant line so that the bore is separated from the slot. The axle includes a flat face. The axle is inserted in the bore so that the flat face of the axle is in contact with the flat face of the reel so that the axle is rotatable together with the reel. The strap includes an end directed through the slot and connected to another portion of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Ping-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 9487112
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a seat part and a backrest structure is provided. The seat part includes a first seat component, at which a second seat component connected with the backrest structure is fixed, when the backrest structure is present in a proper position of use. A deformation device with at least one deformation element fixed at one of the seat components is provided, which in the case of a crash upon exceedance of a specified threshold value of a force acting on the backrest structure permits a displacement of the second seat component relative to the first seat component by deforming the at least one deformation element. The deformation device includes at least one oblong hole which specifies a deformation path along which a displacement of the second seat component is effected after exceedance of the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GmbH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT, COBURG
    Inventors: Peter Schwarze, Joern Reinecke
  • Patent number: 9475454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt tensioner (10) for a seat belt system comprising a belt shaft housing (18), a belt shaft (12) pivoted about an axis (A) in the belt shaft housing (18) as well as a belt shaft inserting element (20) at which one end (14) of the webbing (16) is fixed, wherein the belt shaft (12) includes a recess (22) for receiving the belt shaft inserting element (20) and wherein the belt shaft inserting element (20) is adapted to be introduced substantially radially into the recess (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Betz, Dominik Seitzer, Karl Ruediger
  • Patent number: 9340182
    Abstract: A belt retractor (5) for a vehicle seat belt includes a frame (10) made of plastic material and two side legs (16) between which a belt reel (22) equally made of plastic material is arranged. The belt reel (22) is provided with a flange (26) at each of its end faces and a retaining pin (32) to which the seat belt (7) is fastened is accommodated in the belt reel (22). The retaining pin (32) extends into the flanges (26) of the belt reel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Frederic Michel
  • Patent number: 9045311
    Abstract: An exemplary container for accommodating a cable of an electronic device includes a base, a cover, a winder rotatably connected to the base, a transmission piece fasten to the winder, and a driving apparatus fixed on the cover and engaging with the transmission piece. The cover is placed on the base to cover the winder and defines a receiving space in cooperation with the base to receive the winder. The driving apparatus includes a trigger. The trigger generates a shift signal to the driving apparatus each time the trigger is pressed. The driving apparatus drives the winder to rotate via the transmission piece for winding up the cable on the winder according to the shift signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhou Chen
  • Publication number: 20150048604
    Abstract: A rolling up device for rolling up a belt includes a reel for rolling up a belt around an external surface of the reel rotating around an axis of rotation. The external surface of the reel is tilted or arched at least partially towards the axis of rotation of the reel in the axial direction towards the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Christian Burczyk, Till Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8955783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a wind-on spindle which is mounted rotatably in a housing connected to the motor vehicle body and on which a safety belt is held with its one end, the wind-on spindle being prestressed into a wind-on position, in which the safety belt is wound on the wind-on spindle and the safety belt can be unwound from the wind-on spindle, counter to the prestress, as a result of the rotation of the latter, and the safety belt emerging from its end held on the wind-on spindle through an exit orifice out of the wind-on spindle. According to the invention, there is provision whereby, in the state unwound completely from the wind-on spindle, the safety belt runs, between its end held on the wind-on spindle and the exit orifice of the wind-on spindle, in a sheet-like manner over at least one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ulrich Klafke
  • Publication number: 20150001327
    Abstract: Provided is a flat cable winding device which can prevent slack of a flat cable and achieve smooth winding and leading out of the flat cable. A flat cable winging device includes a rotating table, a plurality of rollers, a central shaft which rotatably and pivotally supports the rotating table, an inner winding portion formed by the flat cable wound around the central shaft, and an outer winding portion formed by the flat cable wound around outer circumferences of the plurality of rollers. By forming the outer winding portion, the plurality of rollers is pushed toward the inner winding portion, preventing slack of the inner winding portion when leading out the flat cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Ryo Hamada
  • Patent number: 8801726
    Abstract: An orthopedic tool having a one-way lock bearing and a one-way actuator bearing for tensioning surgical cables around a bone and a method for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 8763944
    Abstract: A take-up spool may include a first plurality of rollers arranged in a left handed helical pattern, a second plurality of rollers below the first plurality of rollers and arranged in a right handed helical pattern, a third plurality of rollers arranged in an S-shaped pattern, the third plurality of rollers being arranged between the first and second plurality of rollers, a guide configured to move vertically, the guide being arranged at a first side of the first plurality of rollers, and a clamp configured to move vertically, the clamp being arranged at a second side of the first plurality of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC
    Inventors: Robert K. Dorosko, Colin F. Kelemen
  • Publication number: 20140110519
    Abstract: A sheet winding device for vehicle includes a winding shaft, a sheet, a torsion coil spring and a soundproofing tube. The winding shaft is axially supported on a vehicle body. The torsion coil spring rotationally biases the winding shaft in a winding direction of the sheet and elastically deforms such that a meandering is increased relative to an axial direction of the torsion coil spring in response to the rotation of the winding shaft. The soundproofing tube is arranged between the winding shaft and the torsion coil spring and includes at least one slit formed by cutting out at least one part on a circumference of the soundproofing tube over an entire length of the soundproofing tube in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoji NAGASHIMA, Takashi Kitani, Yoshitaka Nakamura, Hirotaka Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8590824
    Abstract: A torsion bar is mounted inside a take-up drum with its one end fixed thereto for disabling its relative rotation with respect to the take-up drum. A slit is formed in parallel to rotational axis of the take-up drum and allows one end of the webbing to pass through. At one end of the webbing, there is provided a slip-off prevention member. Length consisting of the slip-off prevention member's diameter and thickness of the webbing surrounding the slip-off prevention member is longer than distance between outer-diameter-side surface of the slit at the take-up drum and outer diameter surface of the torsion bar inside the take-up drum so as to prevent escape of the slip-off prevention member therefrom. The slip-off prevention member's load to depress the take-up drum in fully-pulled-out state of webbing is received by both the torsion bar and the take-up drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takatoshi Nakaoka
  • Patent number: 8550394
    Abstract: In an insertion hole formed in an adapter, a side wall which presses an insertion piece of a stopper with an urging force of a spiral spring has a wall surface parallel to a virtual straight line passing a center of the adapter and positioned on the virtual straight line. Thus, a direction which the wall surface of the side wall presses the insertion piece of the stopper is along a facing direction which the side wall and another side wall face each other, and is not inclined outward in a radial direction of the adapter with respect to the facing direction. Thereby, a pressing force applied from the wall surface of the side wall to the insertion piece of the stopper does not cause the insertion piece to be extruded from the insertion hole. Thus, insertion state of the insertion piece to the insertion hole can be satisfactorily maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Ono, Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Publication number: 20130099042
    Abstract: A take-up spool may include a first plurality of rollers arranged in a left handed helical pattern, a second plurality of rollers below the first plurality of rollers and arranged in a right handed helical pattern, a third plurality of rollers arranged in an S-shaped pattern, the third plurality of rollers being arranged between the first and second plurality of rollers, a guide configured to move vertically, the guide being arranged at a first side of the first plurality of rollers, and a clamp configured to move vertically, the clamp being arranged at a second side of the first plurality of rollers..
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert K. Dorosko, Colin F. Kelemen
  • Patent number: 8387906
    Abstract: An engaging member supporting structure having a rotating body being connected to a spool, transmitting rotation to the spool and having rotation from the spool transmitted thereto; a support body provided coaxially with the rotating body; an engaging member provided at the support body and rotating in one direction to engage with the rotating body; a shaft potion formed at one of the support body or the engaging member; and a bearing portion formed at the other of the support body or the engaging member in such a manner that the shaft portion is inserted therein, whereby the engaging member is rotatably provided at the support body, wherein, in a state in which the engaging member engages with the rotating body, a clearance is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Tomonari Umakoshi
  • Patent number: 8366033
    Abstract: A cord winding device for a window covering includes a casing, a reel rotatably mounted on the casing, a torsion spring biased between the casing and the reel, a limit ring secured on the casing and abutting the reel to limit the reel between the casing and the limit ring, and a pull cord attached a bottom of the casing. Thus, the lift cord of the window covering is wound around and stored in the reel of the cord winding device so that the lift cord is rolled up to a higher position to prevent the children from being tangled with the lift cord so as to protect the safety of the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Der Jaan Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120306216
    Abstract: An automatic universal cord reeling device capable of consolidating, organizing and storing cords and flexible tubes from any source comprising, a two tiered spool and a spring motor used to drive the mechanism to provide stored energy to the system through the operations of a set of gears and a spring loaded plunger and detent system. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a mini alternator may be attached to the spring motor drum of the system to generate electric current which is stored in a battery pack incorporated within the system. In this embodiment, the stored energy in the form of electric current can be tapped through a plug to drive an electronic mobile or other device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Chukwuka E. Nwabuzor
  • Patent number: 8317120
    Abstract: A mounting for a rope pulley is arranged so that the pulley can rotate on an axle in a housing. The rope pulley has a projection, which points in the direction toward the axle and which engages in a peripheral gap to guide the rope pulley in an axial direction on the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Flexi-Bogdahn Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Bogdahn
  • Publication number: 20120267465
    Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus for a vehicle includes a fixed shaft, a winding shaft rotatably supported at the fixed shaft, the winding shaft including a winding shaft-side fitting portion, a sheet whose end portion is fixed to the winding shaft, a supporting member inserted into the winding shaft, a torsion spring including a coil portion and biasing the winding shaft in a winding-up direction of the sheet, a soundproof tube, a supporting member-side fitting portion formed at the supporting member and engaging with the winding shaft-side fitting portion, a tube-side fitting portion formed at the soundproof tube and engaging with the winding shaft-side fitting portion, a holding portion formed at the supporting member and protruding in an axial direction of the supporting member, and a position-setting portion provided at the soundproof tube and sandwiched and held by the coil portion and the holding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Takashi Kitani, Yoshitaka Nakamura, Jun Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8272155
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic banner roll-up mechanism for automatically rolling up a banner or poster, which includes two tubes, a foldable material cloth, a connecting rod, two plugs, a cylindrical spring, a stopper and two mounting supports. One end of the connecting rod is sheathed by one plug and the cylindrical spring, and it is retained in one of the mounting supports. Ball bearings in one of the plugs are engaged with the connecting rod when the plug is rotated to twist cylindrical spring tight. After rotating the plug in a reverse direction to release the cylindrical spring, the connecting rod rotates in the reverse direction, thereby rolling up the foldable material. Further, the foldable material may be coated or printed with various patterns for decorative or sun-shading purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Chao-Pang Wang
  • Publication number: 20120175449
    Abstract: A pull-cord keeper provided for a window treatment assembly having a length of cord for raising and lowering the assembly, where the keeper comprises a housing configured for secure mounting attachment on a wall near an upper portion of the window treatment assembly, the housing further defining a cavity therein; an opening in communication with the cavity; a spool adapted for rotational movement within the cavity to reel and collect through the opening a length of the cord; and a spring and spindle non-removably sealed in a cavity of the spool assembly for spring biasing the spool in a rotational direction for reeling the length of cord during a constant spring-loaded state to keep the cord out of the reach of children and pets at all times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: William C. Gouda
  • Publication number: 20120097781
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) includes a spool member (46) on which seat belt webbing (16) is wound. The spool member (46) is supported for rotation in a belt withdrawal direction (58) and an opposite belt retraction direction (60). The spool member (46) has an open end (56) and a closed end (54) spaced apart along the axis. A length of the spool member (46) extends from the open end (56) to the closed end (54). The spool member (46) is hollow and has a radially inner surface (102) and a radially outer surface (104). The radially outer surface (104) extends for the length of the spool member (46) and receives the seat belt webbing (16). The radially inner surface (102) extends for substantially the length of the spool member (46). A wall (106) of the spool member (46) is defined between the radially inner and outer surfaces (102, 104). The wall (106) has a thickness that is substantially constant along the radially inner surface (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Michael W. Jagenow, Scott M. Franz
  • Patent number: 8133235
    Abstract: An orthopedic tool having a one-way lock bearing and a one-way actuator bearing for tensioning surgical cables around a bone and a method for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Fritzinger
  • Publication number: 20120012689
    Abstract: A device for winding, storing, tangle prevention, and protecting cords and/or cables is described. The device for winding a cord includes a frame having a cord access aperture for receiving the cord. The frame also includes an inner spool and a concentrically located spring, such as a flat coil spring, operatively connected to a catch mechanism for engaging the cord. The spring is adapted for winding the cord around the inner spool upon engaging the cord with the catch mechanism and releasing a spring control, such as a ratchet and pawl, that serves to secure tension in the spring. Methods associated with such a device are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: David A. ALDEN
  • Publication number: 20120001009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a wind-on spindle which is mounted rotatably in a housing connected to the motor vehicle body and on which a safety belt is held with its one end, the wind-on spindle being prestressed into a wind-on position, in which the safety belt is wound on the wind-on spindle and the safety belt can be unwound from the wind-on spindle, counter to the prestress, as a result of the rotation of the latter, and the safety belt emerging from its end held on the wind-on spindle through an exit orifice out of the wind-on spindle. According to the invention, there is provision whereby, in the state unwound completely from the wind-on spindle, the safety belt runs, between its end held on the wind-on spindle and the exit orifice of the wind-on spindle, in a sheet-like manner over at least one surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Ulrich Klafke
  • Publication number: 20110297778
    Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, Scott C. Casebolt
  • Publication number: 20110290928
    Abstract: In an insertion hole formed in an adapter, a side wall which presses an insertion piece of a stopper with an urging force of a spiral spring has a wall surface parallel to a virtual straight line passing a center of the adapter and positioned on the virtual straight line. Thus, a direction which the wall surface of the side wall presses the insertion piece of the stopper is along a facing direction which the side wall and another side wall face each other, and is not inclined outward in a radial direction of the adapter with respect to the facing direction. Thereby, a pressing force applied from the wall surface of the side wall to the insertion piece of the stopper does not cause the insertion piece to be extruded from the insertion hole. Thus, insertion state of the insertion piece to the insertion hole can be satisfactorily maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takashi ONO, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20110290927
    Abstract: In a webbing take-up device, a housing chamber is provided integrally at an axial-direction end portion of the spool, and opens to an outer-side in a radial-direction of the spool. A lock plate is housed in the housing chamber, and a side surface of the housing chamber is engaged with the lock plate at a predetermined occasion, and rotation of the spool in a drawing-out direction is regulated. An opening-side end portion of the side surface is arranged at a position away from a slit in a circumferential-direction of the spool. Thus, a wall part passing the side surface and being along the axial-direction becomes larger, so strength of the spool can be enhanced. Further, an outer-side of the housing chamber in the axial-direction is closed, so strength of the housing chamber can be enhanced, with the result that the strength of the spool can be further enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi TATSUMA, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20110266098
    Abstract: Elevator hoistway door closer device that increases the closing force on the door as the door approaches the door closed position. A elevator hoistway door closer includes a reel having a groove in its side that terminates in a flat edge beyond a breakover angle. The groove may have a first portion of essentially constant diameter and a second portion having a conical helix shape. The third portion includes the breakover angle and may terminate in a flat edge. There may be an elongate tensile element received by the first and second portions and the third portion defined by the breakover angle flat edge, and that has a free end for attachment to a fixed point. There may be a spring for rotating the reel and attracting the elongate tensile element by wrapping the elongate tensile element around the first and second portions of the channel and over the breakover angle and flat edge of the third portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Four Marshall Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kelly L. Marshall, Chris Marshall
  • Publication number: 20110215185
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat belt retractor with a two-part belt shaft including a first part (1) of the belt shaft, upon which the safety belt (2) is wound, and a second part (5) of the belt shaft, which can be locked in a vehicle-fixed manner in relation to a housing (8) of the seat belt retractor. A load limiting device (3) is located between the first (1) and the second part (5) of the belt shaft. The first (1) and the second part (5) of the belt shaft axially overlap at least in sections, and a bearing ring (13) is provided in the overlapping area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Günter Clute, Jon Burrow
  • Publication number: 20110057065
    Abstract: A torsion bar (23) is mounted inside a take-up drum (6) with its one end fixed thereto for disabling its relative rotation with respect to the take-up drum. A slit (220A) is formed in parallel to rotational axis of the take-up drum and allows one end of the webbing (3) to pass through. At one end of the webbing, there is provided a slip-off prevention member (220). Length consisting of the slip-off prevention member's diameter and thickness of the webbing surrounding the slip-off prevention member is longer than distance between outer-diameter-side surface of the slit at the take-up drum and outer diameter surface of the torsion bar inside the take-up drum so as to prevent escape of the slip-off prevention member therefrom. The slip-off prevention member's load to depress the take-up drum in fully-pulled-out state of webbing is received by both the torsion bar and the take-up drum, which can improve webbing-pull-out intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takatoshi Nakaoka
  • Publication number: 20110057064
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor for a seat belt, with a belt reel (110) for winding up and unwinding the seat belt, and a lockable locking base (100) connected to the belt reel. According to the invention, it is provided that an inner element (10) having a predetermined outer contour (30) is held rotatably in an outer element (40) having a predetermined inner contour (50), the outer contour or the inner contour having at least one deformable section (R1-Rn) by means of which the inner element and the outer element interact and which is deformed in the event of a relative rotation of the two elements, and the inner element being connected to the belt reel and the outer element being connected to the locking base or, conversely, the inner element being connected to the locking base and the outer element being connected to the belt reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Dipl.-Ing. Armin TOTH, Rüdiger Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20110000996
    Abstract: A safety seat belt arrangement comprises a retractor or spool assembly including a spool (20), carrying the seat belt, rotatable in a frame (18) unless blocked by a blocking mechanism (25), the spool assembly including a head member (22) cooperating with the blocking mechanism. A load limiting torsion bar assembly within the spool and acting between the head member and the spool includes a high level torsion bar portion (24), a low level torsion bar portion (26) and an intermediate torsion element in the form of a torsion pipe (36) fixed at its ends with respect to the ends of the torsion bar portion (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Fredrik Wigström, Henrik Götsten, Henrik Friedlander
  • Publication number: 20100314479
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved rewind apparatus for a flexible member. Specifically, the invention provides a retractable spool and a mechanism which allows a user to move a switch so that he/she has a choice of having the spool always pulling on the flexible member, a Tension mode of operation, or using a No Tension mode of operation that allows the flexible member to relax, and then, with a brief tug on the flexible member, retraction forces of a spring causes the flexible member to be wound around the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Louis Kish, Joe Horvath
  • Patent number: 7825334
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a socket with power supply, comprising a housing having a upper cover and a lower cover which are connected together to form a receiving space; a transformer connected with an alternate current source through a plug protruding out of the first opening; at least a socket capable of outputting the alternate current; a rectifying circuit capable of rectifying the alternate current to direct current; and an output power plug coupled with the rectifying circuit and protruding out of the second opening through a power cord to output the direct current to an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Chao Chuan Chien
  • Patent number: 7784726
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek Lindsay, Kenneth Pilcher
  • Publication number: 20100181409
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device attached to an end of a pulling cord of a Venetian blind for storing the pulling cord and a device for adjusting and controlling slats of the Venetian blind. Therein, a reel box is provided for storing a redundant stretch of the pulling cord so as to improve safety and esthetics. The reel box is further equipped therein with a control unit for adjusting angles of the slats via remote control. The control unit drives a speed-reducing driving element at an upper beam of the Venetian blind to effectively adjust and control the angles of the slats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Hsueh Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 7619543
    Abstract: A garage parking mat that assists an individual in properly parking their vehicle in a garage. The parking mat is fabricated from two durable rubber mats, sensors, a warning light box, insulated wiring, and various attached hardware. The rubber mats are adjustable in length and include lateral strips across the front and rear on each mat. Within the strips are pressure sensors that are designed to notify the attached hardware when a vehicle's tires are located on a pressure sensor. The strips also have a series of sensors located on the outer edges of each rubber mat to detect improper steering by a driver. The warning light box includes a series of lights, including a red and green light, to visually signal a driver when the driver is pulling a vehicle into the garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Marius G. Todinca
  • Patent number: 7607687
    Abstract: An airbag integrated into a belt portion of a seat belt assembly for a motor vehicle seat belt system. The seat belt assembly includes seat belt webbing forming the lap belt portion and a shoulder belt portion and a spool assembly engaging the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt webbing. The seat belt assembly incorporates a gas driven pretensioner system incorporating at least one gas generator connected to the spool assembly and the belt airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter K Clute, Robert Mical
  • Publication number: 20090050727
    Abstract: A positioning rod structure for a reel is disclosed. The reel is positioning upon pulling out of cord from the reel and will restore to its original position if the cord is pulled for a second time. When the cord is pulled for one round, a positioning of the cord is done, and the pulling of the cord provides multi control of the cord, accordingly, the pulling of cord is precisely controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: WEN-HAN CHANG