With Particular Drive (e.g., Ratchet Drive, Motor Drive) Patents (Class 242/389)
  • Patent number: 11970137
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment, a belt conveyor located in the storage compartment and having a slat belt supported by a pair of rollers, and a shelf operatively coupled to the slat belt and configured to move between a lower stowed position within the storage compartment and an upper deployed position extending outward from the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Jeff Robert Seaman, Annette Lynn Huebner, George Abram Thornton, Michael John Harmon
  • Patent number: 11904798
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device including: a spool; a tube-shaped cylinder; a fluid supply unit; a rotating member including thrust teeth in a radial pattern about a rotation central axial line formed to faces that oppose one another in an axial direction, and including a tapered portion formed to a rotation outer peripheral side end portion of each of the thrust teeth and having a rotation axial direction dimension that decreases on progression toward a rotation radial direction outside, the spool being rotated in the take-up direction by the rotating member rotating toward one side; and a moving member that is moved toward the axial direction leading end side of the cylinder under pressure of the fluid to cause the rotating member to rotate toward the one side by being moved in an engaged state with the thrust teeth of the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hayato Uchibori, Yoshiteru Sakaguchi, Yuta Suzuki, Tomoya Yokoi
  • Patent number: 11849810
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a case unit including a receiving space, a spool located within the receiving space and configured for a lace to be wound therearound, and a knob covering on the case unit. The knob includes a main body and an outer annular portion surrounding the main body. The main body includes a top portion, and the top portion is made of a composite material. The outer annular portion is made of a metal material. A rotation of the knob drives the spool to rotate in a tightening direction for tensioning the lace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 11684122
    Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a spool positioned within the housing, and a knob that is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the knob causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing. The spool has an upper flange, a lower flange, and a cylindrical wall disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange. The spool is rotatable in the first direction to wind a tension member about the spool's cylindrical wall when the spool is rotated in the first direction. The tension member has a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. The cylindrical wall has three holes through which the first end of the tension member is inserted to secure the first end of the tension member to the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 11524188
    Abstract: A tensioning device could be used in many different applications such as but not limited to a combination safety harness and tensioning device. The tensioning device could be a positioning device and a strap tensioner for the safety harness. The combination safety harness and tensioning device could be used with any suitable tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: CHECKMATE LIFTING & SAFETY LTD
    Inventor: Oliver Auston
  • Patent number: 11129607
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a target body to a bone mass with a loop-in-loop suture anchor. The system generally includes suture material passing through a substrate (e.g., suture anchor). The suture material includes a splice that allows the suture material to be passed through the splice and around a target body, ultimately creating three loops in the suture material. By tensioning the loops and/or ends of the suture material, the loops bring the target body into a desired position relative to the bone mass and secure it in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventor: Ryo Isshiki
  • Patent number: 11014531
    Abstract: A belt tensioner (10) for a seatbelt system comprises a tensioner tube (20) having an open outlet end and a force transmission element (22) which is guided in the tensioner tube (20) and which leaves the tensioner tube (20) via the open outlet end, a gas generator (18) providing compressed gas for displacing the force transmission element (22) within the tensioner tube (20) as well as a drive wheel (16) rotated by the force transmission element (22) leaving the tensioner tube (20). There is provided a guiding component (24) surrounding the drive wheel (16) into which guiding component the force transmission element (22) enters upon leaving the tensioner tube (20). At the guiding component (24) an energy-dissipating structure (50) is provided which the force transmission element (22) contacts when it has at least substantially completely left the tensioner tube (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Mödinger, Bruno Arbter, Steffen Seiffert
  • Patent number: 10787338
    Abstract: Implementations of spool devices may include a frame including an anchor, the anchor configured to directly couple to a belt of a user, an axle coupled through the frame, and a first spool coupled over a first portion of the axle. The first portion of the axle may extend entirely through the first spool. The spool device may also include a second spool coupled over a second portion of the axle. The second portion of the axle may extend entirely through the second spool. The spool device may also include a first spool handle directly coupled to an outer wall of the first spool, a second spool handle directly coupled to an outer wall of the second spool, a first hose roller directly coupled to the frame, and a second hose roller directly coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Blazing Spools LLC
    Inventors: Charles Mack, James Mack
  • Patent number: 10780363
    Abstract: This invention concerns a line reeling device for reeling front and back lines of a kite. The device includes a reeling mechanism comprising a first reel and a second reel which are located in an enclosure and on which the front and back lines are, in use, wound respectively. The reels are arranged so that their rotation in one direction retracts the lines and their rotation in the other direction deploys the lines. The reeling mechanism further includes reel connecting means which is operable to cause the reels to rotate in harmony in one configuration and rotate independently in another configuration. The reeling mechanism also has a braking mechanism for controlling rotation of the reels and a control mechanism which is in connection with the braking mechanism. The control mechanism is operable between a first, locked position wherein rotation of the reels is obstructed and a second, released position wherein rotation of the reels is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Johannes Petrus Van der Westhuizen
  • Patent number: 10525932
    Abstract: A pretensioner includes a driving wheel and a power transmission unit. A spool is rotatably disposed in the driving wheel. The spool winds a webbing. The power transmission unit transmits power to the driving wheel. The power transmission unit includes a resin-made long body and a passage of the resin-made long body. The resin-made long body rotates the driving wheel. The passage is formed in an outer circumference of the driving wheel. The passage includes a wall surface, a cover member and a stopper. The wall surface is disposed on one side surface of the driving wheel. The cover member is fixed in the wall surface from the other side surface of the driving wheel. The stopper stops a tip portion of the resin-made long body which has rotated the driving wheel. The stopper is configured by a fastening member connecting the cover member and the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS JAPAN K.K.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 10336413
    Abstract: A kite control bar having a line guide extending with a fixed pawl towards one end. A reel is pivotally mounted towards one end of the control bar and extending into the line receiving channel. The reel has a fixed shaft with a knob on the shaft to enabling manual rotation of the reel. The reel has a ratchet gear. The reel is pivotally movable from an engaged positioned in which the ratchet gear of the reel is engaged with the pawl on the control bar thereby preventing rotation of the reel and a disengaged position in which the ratchet gear of the reel is disengaged from the pawl on the control bar thereby allowing rotation of the reel. The reel is biased into the engaged position. The reel is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by pushing the knob away from a center of the control bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: OCEAN RODEO SPORTS INC.
    Inventors: Anton Rudolf Enserink, Richard Kerr Myerscough
  • Patent number: 9758340
    Abstract: A capstan includes a lift motor, a flexible lifting member, and a tether assembly. The lift motor is operatively connected to a shaft. The flexible lifting member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the shaft. The flexible lifting member connects a lift assembly to the lift motor via the shaft. The tether assembly includes a switch arranged between a portion of the flexible lifting member and a portion of the capstan. The second end is connected to the tether assembly. The switch acts as a safety in case of a broken flexible lifting member and allows for an automated unloading cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Charlie W. Reese, Donald E. Murphy, Albert Elder
  • Publication number: 20150144727
    Abstract: A seatbelt retractor has: a holding plate arranged at a housing outer side and including a shaft receiving hole which rotatably supports a cylindrical shaped boss portion formed at a take-up drum side end of the driven body; and a restricting member arranged at take-up drum side of the holding plate to restrict movement of the boss portion in radial direction so that the boss portion projecting from the hole is positioned co-axial with the take-up drum. The boss portion which faces an inner peripheral surface of the hole includes a pair of radially projecting portions provided on both sides with reference to rotation axis direction projecting radially outward at full periphery of the boss portion. The pair of radially projecting portions project radially outward over the hole so at least a peripheral edge portion of the hole is inserted in clearance defined by the pair of radially projecting portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Tomoe Nakayama, Masataka Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140130989
    Abstract: A window dressing control device includes a housing defining a base, an axially extending hollow cylinder, and an axially extending central shaft, the cylinder and shaft each projecting from the base so as to be substantially parallel and coaxial. The device also includes at least one resilient member between the cylinder and the shaft; a rotatable spool coupled to the housing about the cylinder, and a clutch device mounted on the spool. The resilient member engages the spool and the clutch device, providing a friction brake that bears on the inner wall of the cylinder (or a reinforcing insert within the cylinder) to resist rotation of the spool and clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Louis Chan, Zhao Jun, Ding Chun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140124607
    Abstract: A single pull rope driving device for a window shade includes a rotation driving device (3) mounted to a bracket (1) and having a pull rope (12). A gear (7) is jointly rotatable with a reeling drum (2) for releasing/winding a curtain cloth (26). A rack (9) is movable in a vertical direction and includes teeth (10a) releasably engaged with the gear (7). A return spring (11) biases the rack (9) to disengage the teeth (10a) of the rack (9) from the gear (7). An actuating member (13) mounted on the pull rope (12) can move the rack (9) downward by pulling the pull rope (12), driving the gear (7) and the reeling drum (2) to rotate in a winding direction. The gear (7) and the reeling drum (2) are rotatable in the winding or releasing direction by pulling the pull rope (12) downward without actuating the rack (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Xiang-Rong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140084100
    Abstract: A control unit for curtains includes a frame connected with a shaft and a torsion spring is mounted to the shaft. Two extension sections extend from two ends of the torsion spring at an angle. At least one of the two extension sections of the torsion spring has a contact section extending therefrom at an angle. The contact section contacts the end of the protrusion of the socket in a form of face-to-face. By the contact section of the torsion spring, the extension section and the contact section of the torsion spring does not shift to the underside of the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNI-SOLEIL ENT. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YU-TING KAO
  • Publication number: 20140035268
    Abstract: A lap pretensioner includes a wire to be connected to a belt, a sleeve-shaped cover covering the wire, an actuator configured to pull the wire to pull the belt, and a limiting member configured to limit a displacement of the cover, the limiting member extending inside the cover in a longitudinal direction of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu NAGANUMA
  • Publication number: 20140034771
    Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus includes a frame assembly that is adapted for being attached to a lifting device, such as a forklift. A roller assembly extends laterally from the frame assembly. A tarp may be loaded onto the roller assembly by rolling the tarp onto a roller body. The tarp may be deployed in a desired position on a load of cargo on a flatbed trailer. The tarp is deployed on the cargo by driving the forklift alongside of the flatbed trailer and allowing the tarp to unroll off the roller body being pulled off the roller body by the weight and friction of the tarp on the load. The roller body may include hooks that help in loading the tarp onto the roller body, and allow the tarp to automatically fall off of the roller body during deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERTS & DYBDAHL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dean Hecker, Mark Anthony Corso, Scott Leroy Messamaker
  • Publication number: 20140014758
    Abstract: In a belt retractor (10) having a belt tensioner (16) and a force-limiting device, the belt tensioner (16) includes a pivoted pinion gear (24) associated with a belt reel (14), a drive unit (18) and an oblong force-transmitting element (22) movable by the drive unit (18) supported at least partly in a tubular portion (21) and adapted to be engaged in the pinion gear (24) so as to rotate the pinion gear (24) in a tensioning direction (A). The force-transmitting element (22) includes a bending portion (30) which is provided at the rear end of the force-transmitting element (22) viewed in the tensioning direction and which is designed to be pressure-resistant in the longitudinal direction (L) of the force-transmitting element (22) but to be flexible in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Bernd Gentner, Andreas Pregitzer, Thomas Moedinger, Scott M. Franz
  • Publication number: 20140008480
    Abstract: The frame of a large heavy duty ratchet supports a spool about an axis of rotation. A handle, pivotable about the axis of rotation, includes protrusions engageable with toothed wheels on opposed sides of the spool to urge incremental rotation of the spool upon repetitive pivotal movement of the handle. A pair of spring-loaded pawls engage the toothed wheels to limit the direction of rotation of the toothed wheels. A cam, formed as part of the handle, disengages the pair of pawls from the toothed wheels upon pivotal movement of the handle to a certain extent to permit rotation of the spool in either direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Kingery
  • Publication number: 20130256444
    Abstract: A winding drum with a webbing wound thereon has one axial end rotatably supported by one sidewall section of a housing, and a shaft section raised from the other axial end is rotatably supported through a cover member mounted on the outer end of the other sidewall section of the housing. The housing has an opening formed in the other sidewall section through which a ratchet gear is inserted with gap therebetween, the ratchet gear being formed on the outer peripheral edge of the winding drum at the other axial end side thereof; and inner teeth formed on the inner peripheral edge of the opening. When pretensioner mechanism is activated and tensile force greater than predetermined level acts on the webbing, the cover member is plastically deformed through the shaft section and locks the ratchet gear into engaged state wherein the ratchet gear is engaged with the inner teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Inagawa, Hiroyuki Miyoshi, Do Shik Kim, Insu Choi
  • Publication number: 20130208407
    Abstract: An earphone holding structure is for positioning an earphone including a cable and a head. The earphone holding structure includes a driving member, a first gear, a second gear, and a ratchet. The first gear is driven by the driving member to rotate. The second gear engages with the first gear, and the ratchet rotates along a single direction relative to the second gear. When the driving member drives the first gear to rotate, and rotates the second gear and the ratchet along a counterclockwise direction; when the ratchet is rotated along a clockwise direction, the second gear cannot rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY, FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
  • Publication number: 20130168482
    Abstract: An innovative and advantageous ratcheting system having a housing, a corresponding ratcheting member, and a primary ratcheting member. Wherein the members provide dependent interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member whereby the dependent interlocking behavior takes place on the adjoining surfaces orthogonal to the axis in which the ratcheting mechanism is rotatably mounted. Such interlocking behavior is dependent upon the direction of relative torque between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member thereby allowing relative rotary motion in the first predetermined direction while preventing relative rotary motion in the second predetermined rotary direction. Further, the interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and primary ratcheting member can be disabled whereby relative rotary motion between the ratcheting members can be achieved in the second predetermined rotary direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Hamilton Grant Moore
  • 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: 8365887
    Abstract: A retraction apparatus comprising a support housing comprising one or more generally cylindrical spindles, and a retraction assembly mounted on each of the spindles is provided. The retraction assembly comprises a spring member, a generally cylindrical spool member, a retractable cable, a latch member, and a contact wheel member. The spring member is mounted on each of the spindles and affixed to the support housing. The spool member comprising serrated plates is affixed to the spring member. The retractable cable is circularly wound around a cylindrical section defined between the serrated plates of the spool member and extends outwardly from the support housing. The latch member, in engageable communication with the spool member, controls rotation of the spool member. The contact wheel member, in engageable communication with the spool member, via selective drive mechanisms, is rotated to rotate the spool member for retracting the retractable cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fischer Consumer Electronics
    Inventor: Daniel Gerard Fischer
  • Publication number: 20120262115
    Abstract: In a cord reel capable of housing a power cord for transmitting electric power from an external power source to a vehicle that can be externally charged, pulling-out of the power cord wound around the cord reel from the cord reel is suppressed based on a temperature of the power cord. This can prevent a hot charging cord from exerting influence on the surroundings, such as breakage of equipment or the like which touches the hot charging cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji Ichikawa, Daisuke Ishii
  • Patent number: 8286273
    Abstract: The toilet foot flushing apparatus quickly converts a hand-flushed toilet to a foot-flushed toilet, without the need of tools. The included lever of the apparatus replaces the existing toilet lever, by hand. The pedal is about 1 foot in length, thereby providing sufficient leverage to the lever via the cable. The lever is attached to flush mechanism on the exterior of an existing toilet reservoir. The spring-loaded pedal returns to a position slightly above the base when released, thereby releasing lever pressure. The geared pedal to base action provides sturdy long-lived flush function. The apparatus does not require any form of floor invasion, as the base need not be mounted to the floor. The cable retainer provides length adjustment for the cable so that a plurality of toilet reservoirs and flush mechanisms can be successfully converted to foot flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Cory M. Toomer
  • Patent number: 8096317
    Abstract: A water powered hose reel operated by household water pressure. The hose reel has a traversing hydraulic motor for use in retrieval of a flexible hose. The hose reel includes a spool carried by and enclosed within an enclosure, the spool having a hub with a pair of flanges at opposing ends configured for proper alignment of the hose during storage, take-up and pay-out of the hose. The enclosure is configured for receiving the spool so as to rotate within the enclosure. A hydraulic motor allows take-up of the hose by use of a reciprocating traversing motor driving a rack attached to the spool by a series of gears. Disengagement of the motor allows for manual pay-out of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Uffner, Michael R. Vogler
  • Publication number: 20110308122
    Abstract: A manual banner roll-up mechanism has a first tube, a second tube, a foldable material, a securing base, a washer, a linking member, a rope, a securing cylinder, a first plug and two mounting supports. The first tube is rolled up with a foldable material. Another end of the foldable material is connected to a second tube. One end of the first tube is jacketed by a securing base, and the washer, the triggering member and the rope are locked onto the securing cylinder by a bolt. Another end of the first tube is jacketed by the first plug that has a base, a positioning member, a spring, and a cover. A first positioning member of the securing base and a second positioning member of the first plug enable the first tube to be hung between the two mounting supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Chao-Pang Wang
  • Publication number: 20110121122
    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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Tomonari UMAKOSHI
  • Patent number: 7901241
    Abstract: Network cables are provided via spool cartridges remove ably held inside snap-in cassettes that again are slideably inserted and snap arrested in a rack mountable chassis. The network cables are spring loaded spooled such that they autonomously retract upon unplugging and such that they are straightened while plugged in. Each snap-in cassette has a rear connector that is snap connected to the spooled network cable via an externally releasable connector pair inside the snap-in cassette. The network cables are spooled around a continuously rotating contact hub configured for high frequency signal transfer. The rear connectors reach through the chassis for a centralized network connection. The chassis is dimensioned in conjunction with well known computer rack standards for simple integration into server station architectures. The dual level modularity of spool cartridges inside the snap-in cassette inside the chassis provides for maximum system flexibility and maximum network connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin B. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20100176236
    Abstract: A self stopping seat belt retractor is provided with a spindle for winding a seat belt thereonto and unwinding a wound seat belt therefrom and a housing rotatably supporting the spindle and having a locking device that includes a locking means for the spindle that can be controlled in a vehicle sensitive and/or belt sensitive manner into engagement with a toothed gearing system on the side of the housing. A tightening device operating on the spindle includes a drive wheel, which is, prior to the release of the tightening device, secured in a force-transmitting manner on the housing, is connectable upon release of the tightening device with the spindle, whereby the drive wheel of the tightening device is connectable via the locking device with the spindle for the transmission of force to the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: GUNTER CLUTE, Jon E. Burrow
  • Patent number: 7698037
    Abstract: A seatbelt device for a vehicle includes a belt reel for winding a belt for restraining a target object, a motor for driving the rotation of the reel, and a control unit. The control unit determines whether the target object to be restrained is a child seat or a vehicle occupant on the basis of a winding position of the belt while no electricity is being supplied to the motor and the winding position of the belt when electricity is being supplied to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shotaro Odate
  • Publication number: 20090302144
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable strap roll up device. The strap roller can be moved to any location on a semi-trailer or flat bed truck and mounted quickly and easily to roll up a load securing strap. Once the strap is rolled up, it can be easily slid off the roll up tool and placed in storage. With this roll up tool one can easily and quickly roll up straps for storage in a neat manner, ready for their next use. The present invention avoids the need for fixed roll up tools for each strap and at the same time the tiresome burden of hand rolling the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Baer
  • Patent number: 7559501
    Abstract: This invention discloses a hose or cable reeler that can retract a hose or cable without the need for a retracting coil spring. The reeler generally comprises a reeling wheel assembly and a reeling wheel drive. The reeling wheel assembly is detachably coupled with the reeling wheel drive by means of a clutch. The reeling wheel drive mainly comprises a gear transmission chain, and is operated through a lever by manpower (e.g., treading of a foot). Since manpower is used to retract the hose or cable, this invention avoids the related problems that may occur when the retraction is achieved completely relying on the coil spring. For example, the disordered brandish, which may occur owing to an excessive retractive force, can be avoided during the retraction of the hose or cable, and a combined drive of manpower and retractive force of the coil spring is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Huang Jian
  • Publication number: 20090134261
    Abstract: In a device for guiding and tensioning supply lines for working tools movable along a straight guide, e.g. supply lines of a hydraulic hammer drill on an advance mounting, the advance of the working tool is implemented by means of a revolving transport chain driven by a sprocket wheel, and the supply line(s) are guided between the connections on the fixed guide and the connections on the working tool by a tension roller which causes a deflection about 180° and is movable in advance direction downstream the working tool conjointly therewith in the same direction but at half the advance speed, wherein the tension roller is slidably guided on the guide for the working tool transversely to its rotation axis, and wherein a pinion engages the transport chain for driving the movement of the tension roller and interacts with a fixed chain on the opposite side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Alois Wimmer
  • Publication number: 20090084883
    Abstract: A retrieval assembly is configured and arranged for use with a retractable lifeline assembly including a cable assembly. The retrieval assembly is releasably engagable with the cable assembly to pay out or retract the cable during rescue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, Vincent G. Meillet
  • Publication number: 20090072567
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing objects in a loading space (11) of a motor vehicle (1, 101) having a storage container (2, 702, 802) which can be attached to the loading space (11) of the motor vehicle, wherein the storage container (2, 702, 802) has a supporting surface (21, 821) and a wall (20) which can deform at least partially elastically and/or inelastically, characterized in that in order to change the volume of a storage compartment a height of the wall (20) can be changed at least in certain sections by an adjustment device comprising at least one winding shaft (61, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d), the adjustment device has at least one detachable securing device (8, 108, 208, 308, 408), and a rotational movement of the at least one winding shaft (61, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d) can be locked by means of the detachable securing device for the purpose of transportation, with the result that at least a lengthening of the wall (20) is prevented during transportation, and/or the adjustment device comprises an
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Hartmut Bohlke, Andreas Goebbels, Juergen Salewski, Wolfgang Sitzler, Olaf Bueschgens
  • Publication number: 20090039192
    Abstract: A magnetic tape reel that has a plurality of gear teeth capable of engaging with a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion of a recording and reproducing apparatus and upon which magnetic tape can be wound, comprising: a hub portion including a cylindrical portion upon which the magnetic tape can be wound and the plurality of gear teeth; and a positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion and provided for aligning a specific gear tooth from the plurality of gear teeth with a specific engagement gear tooth from the plurality of engagement gear teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Teruo SOGABE
  • Publication number: 20090014485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier device having an adjustable strap comprising a carrier body, at least one strap and a reel device is provided. At least one strap movably disposed on one side of the carrier body. The reel device disposed at one side of the carrier body, the reel device having at least one spool, at least one retractable wire and a latch. The retractable wire is coiled on the spool and the latch is disposed on the reel device and releasably limits a relative movement between the retractable wire and the spool which allows an user to quickly and easily adjust the length of the strap to the desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tony YEUNG
  • Publication number: 20090014576
    Abstract: A device for unidirectionally reeling and unreeling a power supply line includes: an upper bearing; a lower bearing; an upper cover; a lower cover; a rotary disc; a plug; a coil spring installed in the coil spring receiving space, on an outer wall of which a plurality of reeling-unreeling control grooves arranged uniformly; a clip body being installed on the rotary disc and used for clipping the power supply line; a conductive unit located in the clip body; and a reeling-unreeling control assembly installed on the lower cover for controlling a reeling-unreeling length of the power supply line. The device for reeling and unreeling a power supply line can be unreeled unidirectionally, can adapt to different voltages and apply to two-core or three-core power supply line, as well as has high safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Huibo Jiang
  • Publication number: 20080251624
    Abstract: A window covering positioning system including a tube to facilitate raising and lowering of a window covering. The system further includes a rotational drive mechanism attached to the tube to drive rotation of the tube about an axis of the tube and an axial drive mechanism connected to the tube to drive movement of the tube in an axial direction. The axial drive mechanism is circumferentially disposed within the tube. A kit is further provided. The kit includes a tube around which a cord of a window covering is positioned and a rotational drive mechanism to rotate the tube about an axis of the tube. The kit further includes an axial drive mechanism to advance the tube in an axial direction and a connector to rotatably connect the tube to the axial drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Richard R. Fraczek, Gerald F. Burke
  • Publication number: 20080217459
    Abstract: A tape feeder 1 includes a carrying sprocket 4 for carrying a carrier tape 3 at inside of a cabinet 2, a motor 5 for driving to rotate the carrying sprocket 4, a driven sprocket 6 driven to rotate by a movement of the carrier tape 3 carried at inside of the cabinet 2, and an exfoliating roller 7 rotated cooperatively with rotation of the driven sprocket 6 for reeling to exfoliate a cover tape 12 pasted onto the carrier tape 3 for sealing a part, in which driving of the motor 5 is transmitted as an operation of carrying the carrier tape 3 and is transmitted to the driven sprocket 6 by way of the carrier tape 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Akifumi Wada
  • Patent number: 7392958
    Abstract: A belt retractor for a safety belt has a brake surface (38), a blocking mechanism (18), a brake element (24) which can prevent a steering in of the blocking mechanism (18), and a magnetic actuator (28). The brake element (24) is pressed against the brake surface (38) by means of the magnetic actuator (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holbein, Martin Butz, Daniel S. Helbich
  • Publication number: 20080128541
    Abstract: A fastener includes a frame, a collar connected to the frame and a reel inserted through the collar and the frame. A strap can be reeled in and reeled out when the reel is rotated in a direction and an opposite direction. A first switching device is provided between the reel and the collar so that the first switching device is operable to switch the reel between a reel-out mode and a reel-in mode. A second switching device is provided between the reel and the frame so that the second switching device is operable to switch the reel between a reel-in mode and a reel-out mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20080079254
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a winding device for winding and unwinding a webbing by rotation and a winding state detection mechanism for detecting the winding state of said webbing onto the winding device. The winding state detecting mechanism includes a first gear which is connected to a rotary shaft of the winding device; a second gear which has a large-diameter gear portion meshing with the first gear and a small-diameter gear portion having a number of teeth smaller than that of the large-diameter gear portion; a ring cam which is provided with an internal gear portion, formed in the inner periphery thereof, meshing with the small-diameter gear portion of the second gear and is also provided with a cam portion formed in the outer periphery thereof; and a signal output device which receives a cam action of the ring cam to output a signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hayato Uchibori, Kazuyoshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 7309834
    Abstract: An extendible and retractable electrical extension cord device is disclosed, which includes a housing adapted to be secured to a wall of a structure, and a reel mounted in the housing for rotation. An extension cord is wound about the reel, and has a first plug end in the housing and a second plug end extending outwardly through the housing and winding relative to the reel upon rotation thereof in a first direction, and unwinding relative to the reel upon rotation thereof in a second direction. An electric-powered drive assembly is mounted in the housing and is movable between an active condition rotating the reel in the first direction and an inactive condition permitting the reel to rotate freely in at least the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Danny L. Byrd
  • Publication number: 20070284868
    Abstract: Vehicle seat belt apparatus includes: a belt reel; a motor for driving the belt reel to take up a belt; a rotation detection section for detecting rotation of the belt reel; and a failure determination section for determining, on the basis of a detection signal output from the rotation detection section, whether or not the rotation detection section is currently in a failed state. The rotation detection section includes Hall ICs for generating first and second pulse signals that have characteristics such that temporal relationship between the first and second pulse signals is reversed in accordance with the rotating direction of the belt reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shotaro Odate
  • Publication number: 20030116670
    Abstract: A Motorized Hose Reel includes a structure having spaced apart side walls and a top wall which could be fitted to a solar panel to store energy, to recharge the batteries or direct power to the motor to rotate the hose reel forward or reverse by remote control or the power to the motor could be plugged in to a house receptacle or other available power by manual switches forward and reverse. A reciprocating hose guide carried on support rods is also driven by the same motor. A fluid connection is provided through the other side wall to supply fluid to a hose carried on the reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Dalvin Marshell Gentry
  • Patent number: 6260803
    Abstract: A multi-tether kite control device uses a racheting mechanism to rewind the tether reels. The mechanism is activated by a pull-string attached to the belt or torso of the operator. By repetitively moving the device away from and toward his body, the operator can rewind one or both tethers without releasing his grasp upon the device handles. Separate reels are used to coil the tethers attached to the leading edges of the kite to provide a controlled braking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Rick E. Hunts