Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flowable, for example liquid or paste-like, compounds, includes a storage reservoir for receiving the compound, and a preferably modular dispenser pump having an inlet channel and an outlet channel and a pump chamber delimited on the inlet and the outlet side by valves, and also having a head piece, the head piece having a dispensing opening, and a restoring device formed by a spring is further provided between the head piece and the storage reservoir. The restoring device is formed by a plastic spring having a lower spring washer and an upper spring washer, which are arranged substantially coaxially with one another, a respective plane spanned by each spring washer extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plastic spring, and furthermore the spring washers being compressibly connected to one another by sprung struts extending over more than 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for forming tabs on adhesive backed products. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention provides a sequential series of mechanisms to form a tab on an adhesive-backed product, such as adhesive tape, so that the same may be easy to remove from an article at a later date. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention provides a sequential series of mechanisms to form a tab that is formed solely of the adhesive-backed product itself, which may be utilized for the subsequent removal thereof after placement on an article.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device includes a housing, a display within the housing, and exposed through a surface of the housing, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit within the housing, and a processor electrically coupled with the display, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The light emitting unit includes at least one light source for outputting light of at least one wavelength band. The light receiving unit includes at least one region for receiving the light of the at least one wavelength band. The processor is configured to control a function of the light emitting unit and/or the light receiving unit based on at least one mode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A spacer grid includes intersecting straps defining cells with springs and dimples arranged to hold fuel rods passing through the cells. The springs are dual cantilevered springs with a bridge section between the distal end of the spring and the base. The distal portion of the spring is less stiff than the bridge section. The bridge section creates a bump which acts as a stop or travel limiter to prevent loss of grip force due to excessive spring deflection.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments, a system may include a first frame pivotally mounted on a second frame and a latch attached to the first frame. In example embodiments, the latch may include a latch arm pivotally connected to the first frame and a spring attached to the latch arm. In example embodiments the spring may include a wheel configured to engage the second frame so that when the wheel is engaged with the second frame, at least a portion of the latch arm is rotated above an upper surface of the first structure and when the wheel is not engaged with the second frame the latch arm is substantially, if not entirely, below the upper surface of the first structure.

Abstract: A wave washer is used for a shaft supporting device of an electric power steering system. The wave washer has an annular portion and six outward protrusions. The annular portion has first protrusions that protrude in a first axial direction and second protrusions that are formed so as to continuous with the first protrusions and that protrude in a second axial direction. Each outward protrusion protrudes from an outer periphery of the annular portion in a radially outward direction of the radial direction of the annular portion.

Abstract: A damper assembly including a cover having at least one aperture therein, a flange operatively connected to the cover, and a spring having at least one leg engaged with a radially outer surface of the flange, the spring having at least one post engaged in the aperture of the cover, wherein engaging the post in the aperture preloads the spring against the radially outer surface of the flange for exerting a force on the damper.

Abstract: A split mechanical seal for mounting to a housing containing a rotating shaft comprising a gland assembly configured for mounting to the housing and forming a chamber, where the gland assembly includes a top surface having a gland groove formed thereon. The gland groove is formed at least in part by at least one raised wall portion that extends axially outwardly from the top surface. The seal also includes a stationary seal ring having a groove or recess formed in an inner surface.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. A device may include cover glass with a light mask. The light mask may be microperforated to allow light to pass through the light mask. The microperforations may allow light to pass through the light mask. The devices may include sensors and light emitters that receive and transmit light through the microperforations. The devices may include a variable cantilever spring as part of a button assembly. The spring may be flattened against itself without exceeding its elastic limit. The devices may include display modules. The display module may include structures that block light from leaking out of the module. The structures may include opaque tapes, opaque enclosures for the display module, and other suitable structures.

Abstract: A dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress.

Abstract: A spring shoe, and also in particular a spring, as well as a method of returning energy to a user, are provided. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus stores foot strike energy and releases it after a slight delay, when it will exert a force on the user which includes a forward component. This is accomplished in an embodiment by a spring in the sole which has a decreasing spring force, such that the force required to compress the sole decreases for all or part of the compression displacement as the spring is compressed.

Abstract: A bicycle seat support that resiliently supports a bicycle seat and comprises an upper engagement member adapted to support a bicycle seat, a lower engagement member adapted to engage a bicycle frame, and a compliant support assembly coupling the upper engagement member to the lower engagement member. The compliant support assembly includes a first cantilevered beam cantilevered to the lower engagement member, and a second cantilevered beam cantilevered to the first cantilevered beam. The first and second cantilevered beams define a gap, and a resilient member is positioned in the gap. Preferably, the cantilevered beams include convex surfaces, and the resilient member includes concave surfaces shaped to receive the convex surfaces. The resilient member can include a body portion and a strut (e.g., two struts). The resilient member can also include a side surface and a recess in the side surface (e.g., extending all the way through the resilient member).

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.

Abstract: A silicone extruded tubular spring that has the possibility to be folded around an axis perpendicular to its own axis of extrusion, thus creating the compression and release as of a spring. The base has a reach-in hole on its body to allow the user to reach through. The lid is the base's capping object; it is designed to cover the reach-in hole of the base. It should be designed in a way to limit the area of the remaining gaps of the base's reach-in hole. The extruded tubular spring can store and release energy in order to displace the lid. It can be of any material that provides the appropriate stiffness to activate the lid. The retention latch is the user interface on which he acts in order to have the lid pop-up.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spring system comprising at least one bilaterally tapered flexion spring and a spring interface coupled to the at least one bilaterally tapered flexion spring.

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.

Abstract: This invention provides the combined driving spring in the slide cover hinge of the mobile communication terminal. It comprises multiple springs in the same shape, the multiple springs are arranged and combined in turn on the same plane, with their both ends fixed; the driving spring is provided with connections on its both ends to match with the slide in the slide hinge. The shape of the spring is similar to the shape W. The driving spring provided by this invention can be directly used as a driving mechanism in the slide hinge for the mobile communication terminals, simplifying the structure of the driving mechanism. In particular, when the spring in the shape of W is employed, the spring can not only facilitate the combination connection, but also provide a greater force. Besides, when the slide cover slides, less area is occupied when the spring deforms, making it easier to arrange other parts of the mobiles device.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure including an ovoid having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are opposed; a first arch; and a second arch. The arches are inverted with respect to one another such that first arch legs are opposed to second arch legs. The arches are nested into the ovoid such that apexes of the arches intersect, and the first arch legs intersect a first surface and the second arch legs intersect a second surface. The first end of the ovoid is directed towards the first surface and the second end of the ovoid is directed towards the second surface. When a threat encounters either or both of the first and second surfaces, the structure collapses to absorb energy originated from the threat.

Abstract: A complex wave spring, or Beer Spring™, for electrically coupling opposed electrical contact surfaces or generating a relatively constant force. The spring includes a first wave portion shaped to define a first upward undulation and a first downward undulation, and a second wave portion fixedly arranged relative to the first wave portion. The second wave portion is shaped to define a second upward undulation proximate to the first downward undulation, and a second downward undulation proximate to the first upward undulation. The spring may be formed of electrically conductive material suitable for electrically coupling electrical contact surfaces when the spring is in contact between the surfaces. The complex spring provides unusually constant spring forces over a relatively wide range of compression distances.

Abstract: A spring for a composite brake disk. The spring has a planar central region with a hole and two spring regions which are formed symmetrically to one another and which in each case on sides lying opposite one another adjoin the planar central region. The spring regions in each case have an arc and a spring arm. Preferably, the spring arms have in each case an end region with a rounded bearing surface. By such a spring being used, a simple construction of a composite brake disk is made possible, the occurrence of hotspots and the effect of thermal rubbing being as far as possible avoided. At the same time, a functionally appropriate fit of the spring is ensured, the load on the pot due to the bearing surface of the spring being kept extremely low.

Abstract: A slide mechanism includes a main body, a slide body and an elastic member. The slide body is slidably connected to the main body. The elastic member is positioned between the main body and the slide body. The main body includes a base plate and two guide rails fixed on opposite sides of the base plate. The guide rails are elastic. A distance between the guide rails is less than a length of the elastic member in a normal state. Opposite ends of the elastic member are fixed to the guide rails, and a middle portion of the elastic member is fixed to the slide body, so that the elastic member remains bent between the guide rails.

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.

Abstract: A user-selectable force conversion apparatus includes a first and a second connecting member that are pivotally connected to each other between a sliding member and a fixed member. The apparatus also includes a leaf spring holder for removably retaining one or more leaf springs and loading the second connecting member with a substantially linear force response of the leaf springs. A user may change the combination of leaf springs and/or vary a length ratio for the first and second connecting members and thereby change the force response of the apparatus. Movement of the sliding member by the mechanical input may convert the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs to a user-selected force response for the mechanical input. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.

Abstract: A dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress.

Abstract: A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed by notching a base of the tooth in an approximately circular arc shape in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.

Abstract: A clamping spring for a spring-cage terminal includes a spring-steel band having a clamping arm, a supporting arm and a flexural joint joining the clamping arm and the supporting arm. The spring-steel band has a greater width in an area of the flexural joint than in an area of the clamping arm and the supporting arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.

Abstract: A resonant inertial force generator for controlling vibrations of a structure includes a compliant spring comprising a stack of flexures and elastomeric shims in alternating arrangement, a driven inertial mass coupled to the compliant spring to generate a vibration controlling force.

Abstract: A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed in a flat shape or a curved shape at an edge portion of a circular arc portion at the base of the tooth in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.

Abstract: Springing construction for making mattresses where a plurality of resilient modular elements having a central coupling body for coupling to locating bars are extended substantially parallel to the lying plane of the mattress and the central coupling body is associated with a central springing element that adjoins, on opposite sides of the locating bars lying plane, springing side elements, and the modular elements are resiliently yieldable along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the mattress lying plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel assembly having a vase-like compression spring adapted to increase the internal volume thereof wherein when the vase-like compression spring is inserted into a cladding tube, it has a relatively smaller volume occupied inside the fuel rod when compared with the existing coil type compression spring, such that the vase-like compression spring can ensure a sufficient space portion receiving the fission gases generated during the operation of the fuel rod, thereby increasing the burn-up performance of the fuel rod and the mechanical integrity thereof.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an internal spring array of a mattress wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a membrane, and a simplified method for making an internal spring array of a mattress. The springs of the array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. A device may include cover glass with a light mask. The light mask may be microperforated to allow light to pass through the light mask. The microperforations may allow light to pass through the light mask. The devices may include sensors and light emitters that receive and transmit light through the microperforations. The devices may include a variable cantilever spring as part of a button assembly. The spring may be flattened against itself without exceeding its elastic limit. The devices may include display modules. The display module may include structures that block light from leaking out of the module. The structures may include opaque tapes, opaque enclosures for the display module, and other suitable structures.

Abstract: A pinch grip hanger has a hook and a support bar suspended from said hook. A pinch grip is mounted on the support bar along its length, having two jaws, with the first jaw mounted on said support bar in a fixed location, and the second jaw pivotally mounted to the first jaw. The second jaw has a user engagement portion, and garment engaging portion extending downwardly from the support bar. The user engagement portion enables a user to open the pinch grip for insertion or release of a garment. A multi-stage spring with has a plurality of linear portions is mounted on the first and second jaws, biasing the garment engaging portion of said second jaw into engagement with said first jaw. The multi-stage spring has multiple stages of spring engagement, allowing a substantially constant spring bias throughout the range of motion of said pinch grip, and can engage both the first and second jaws. Alternately or additionally, a spring has a safety lock means to maintain spring engagement with the jaws.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector for selectively coupling a first member and a second member that are configured to move relative to each other. Each of the first member and the second member includes an opening. A connector that includes a flexible body that has a projection may be inserted within one of the members. The projection is configured to extend through the openings of the members to couple the first member to the second member. The connector also includes a mechanism that selectively couples the connector relative to the first member.

Abstract: A spring structure of the invention is provided, including a main body having a top portion and two lateral portions extending from the top portion, a plurality of tabs protruding inward from the lateral portions to engage the main body to the device, and a spring extending from the top portion with a curved shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a housing (1), in particular of a motor-vehicle battery to a carrier plate (3), permitting the housing (1) to be fixed rapidly without complex manipulation and the aid of a tool to the plate (3). To achieve this, a spring-loaded curved fixing part (10) is inserted under tension between the wall of the housing (1) that is placed on the carrier plate(3) and a retaining edge (4) that projects vertically from the carrier plate (3). The fixing part (10) is preferably curved in a U-shape and comprises a hook-shaped section (27) that grips the base of the housing (1) by means of an opening (7) in the carrier plate (3), in addition to a wedge-shaped surface (12) that co-operates with the retaining edge (4) and engagement elements (17, 26) that secure the housing in position.

Abstract: A cushion comprises a first surface made of flexible high polymer resin; a second surface made of flexible high polymer resin, in at least partially coextensive relation to the first surface to define a cavity therebetween, the coextensive relation defining opposing corresponding portions of the first and second surfaces; a plurality of support members comprising inwardly directed indentations in both of the first and second surfaces extending into the cavity, a plurality of the indentations in each of the first and second surfaces having a square shape and an outwardly facing recess, a plurality of the indentations in the first surface abutting the indentations in the second surface; a layer of viscoelastic foam substantially overlying the first surface; and, a fabric enclosure surrounding the first surface, the second surface and the foam layer.

Abstract: A tie anchor for strip-type tension members includes an anchor body disposed on at least one side of the tension member. The anchor body includes a plurality of clamping blocks arranged at a distance from each other in a longitudinal direction of the tension member. The clamping blocks are connected to tension member by adhesive and/or friction (clamping friction). An end-most (final) one of the clamping blocks is attached to a fixed abutment. Adjacent clamping blocks are interconnected by expansion members whose spring stiffness becomes progressively stronger toward the end-most clamping block.

Abstract: An automatic shoe clearance adjustment apparatus having a ratchet wheel 124b and a driving member 127 comprising a pawl section 127f making a ratchet engagement with the ratchet wheel 124b and an arcuate leaf spring section 127e developing a resilient force for adjusting the automatic shoe clearance adjustment apparatus. The leaf spring section 127e is made of bi-metal. When the temperature of the leaf spring section 127e exceeds the predetermined degree, the arcuate leaf spring section 127e thermo-deflects so as to weaken the resilient force, thereby the automatic shoe clearance adjusting operation is suspended.

Abstract: A plate spring of a substantially circular-ring-shaped form having a substantially externally conical upper side (12) and a substantially internally conical underside (13) between which there are positioned an outer annular edge (14) and an inner annular edge (15), wherein, in the unloaded condition, the surface layer (17) of the underside (13) comprises a higher inherent compressive stress than the surface layer (16) of the upper side (12).

Abstract: A mechanical spring energized sealing device comprising in combination an elastomeric jacket and variety of resilient metallic springs inserted inside one uniform jacket casing, there are variety of energizer springs which are used for different needs in marketplace, depending on whatever application calls for, this patent allows us to use most spring energizers in addition to some new angular canted type spring which fits inside one uniform jacket.

Abstract: Pseudoelastic elements are shaped in order to form springs which exhibit relatively constant force levels over a major fraction of maximum deflection capacity during loading and also during unloading. The shape of sail pseudoelastic elements is chosen to concentrate at least one of flexural and torsional deformations within limited regions. The element may be braced outside said regions in order to further concentrate deformations within said regions. Loading of said pseudoelastic springs thus produces strains within said regions which are largely corresponding to the upper pseudoelastic stress plateau where strain variations cause relatively small changes in stress. Unloading of said pseudoelastic springs also produces strains within said regions which are largely corresponding to the lower stress plateau of the pseudoelastic stress-strain curve where stress is subject to relatively small changes with strain variations.

Abstract: A diaphragm bellows device comprises a diaphragm bellows with a plurality of successive diaphragms which are welded together alternately at the outer and inner edges, wherein the length of the diaphragm bellows can be adjusted between an expanded state and a contracted state, and a plurality of sleeve parts which surround the successive diaphragms and which, together, enclose the successive diaphragms also in the expanded state of the diaphragm bellows over its entire longitudinal extension and overlap to a greater or lesser extent in axial direction of the diaphragm bellows depending on the adjusted length of the diaphragm bellows, wherein at least one of the sleeve parts is held on the welded outer edges of two adjoining diaphragms by a snap connection.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10). The rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12) having a chamber (18). A portion of the chamber (18) is a relief pocket (22). A pinion gear (26) is rotatably mounted in the chamber (18) of the housing (12). A rack bar (38) is movable relative to the pinion gear (26). The rack bar (38) is at least partially disposed in the chamber (18) of the housing (12) and has teeth (44) in meshing engagement with the pinion gear (26). A spring (60) is disposed in the chamber (18) of the housing (12) for supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (38) relative to the pinion gear (26). The spring (60) extends across an opening to the relief pocket (22). The spring (60) extends into the relief pocket (22) as a load applied to the spring (60) from the rack bar (38) increases.

Abstract: A spring designed to be mounted adjacent and in conformance with a convex or concave surface that has varying radii of curvature. The stiffness against bending of the spring varies along its longitudinal axis. The stiffness against bending of various portions of the spring is proportional to the radii of curvature of portions of the surface adjacent which each portion of the spring is to be disposed. The mounting structure for the spring includes female mounting members that are to be engaged to male mounting members. The female mounting members and male mounting members can be engaged to one another by sliding the two components together. The spring and mounting system are particularly well adapted for holding objects adjacent an inner surface of body panels of a vehicle.

Abstract: The excitations from the engines of launch vehicles and the aerodynamics of flight produce large vibrations which are highly detrimental to spacecraft during launch. Significant dynamic loads often exist in all three translations and for rotations as well, therefore, complete six degree-of-freedom vibration load isolation is often desired. The disclosed device utilizes a previously disclosed passive axial vibration isolation device to simply and effectively create a passive three-axis vibration isolation device suitable for effecting a six degree-of-freedom whole-spacecraft passive vibration isolation system. The vibration isolation system design can be simply tuned to address various dynamic load frequency bands of concern, including isolation for pyrotechnic shock. The resulting system is compact and lightweight and can be easily utilized with existing launch vehicle-to-payload support structures.

Abstract: A circular multi-wave composite compression spring (10) is formed from a carbon fiber (58) reinforced laminate. The circular compression spring (10) is comprised of unidirectional graphite fibers (58) encased in a polymeric resin of generally rectangular cross-section such that adjacent crests (14) and troughs (16) of the waves in adjacent turns (12) of the spring (10) contact each other along a radial line generally extending from the longitudinal axis (30) of the spring (10). The line contact provides for increased fatigue life and more stable loading of the spring (10) under compression. The carbon fiber reinforced laminate provides comparable strength characteristics similarly configured springs fabricated from conventional materials while providing significantly reduced weight. Furthermore, the composite spring (10) offers increased performance parameters such as increased linearity response over a wider spring deflection range and with insignificant hysteresis.

Abstract: A coiled disk spring is prepared by closely winding a strip having a noncircular cross section into a coil shape with the face inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of the coil. The sectional shape of the strip may be appropriately selected in accordance with the intended use and, for example, when it is triangular or trapezoidal, a coiled disk spring having progressive nonlinear characteristics can be obtained. A coiled wave disk spring having progressive nonlinear characteristics can also be prepared by closely coiling the strip while bending the strip into a wavy form in the circumferential direction of the coiled spring.