Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an actuating drive comprising: a drive element; an actuation element; and a restoring spring. The drive element drives the actuation element indirectly about an actuation axis. The actuation element includes a shaft portion concentric to the actuation axis and extends at least partially circumferentially. The restoring spring includes a wound flat spring providing a restoring torque on the actuation element, acting tangentially on the shaft portion, and a free spring end tangentially fastened to the shaft portion. The free spring end is radially externally disposed with respect to the spring axis and fastened tangentially to the shaft portion. The spring is mounted rotatably so the spring axis is radially spaced apart from the actuation axis and aligned parallel to the actuation axis.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle (100), in particular a bicycle, for performing tests for a driver assistance system. The vehicle (100) has a base body (101) and at least one strut (102), which is formed to be dimensionally stable without influence of an impact force, which is generatable upon a collision of the vehicle (100) with a collision body, and is elastically deformable upon influence of the impact force. The strut (102) is connected to the base body (101) such that upon influence of the impact force the strut (102) is non-destructively detachable from the base body (101).

Abstract: A detachable cord rolling device includes a cord rolling unit and an auxiliary driving unit. The cord rolling unit has a first base where first and second torsion spring gears engaged with each other are disposed. A first torsion spring is disposed between the first and second torsion spring gears. The auxiliary driving unit has a second base where third and fourth torsion spring gears engaged with each other are disposed. The second base is detachably disposed on the first base of the cord rolling unit. The third torsion spring gear and the first torsion spring gear of the cord rolling unit are connected by a transmission shaft, thereby rotatable synchronously. As a result, the cord rolling unit of the invention can be used individually, or combined with the auxiliary driving unit by the transmission shaft for increasing the rolling force of the cord rolling unit.

Abstract: In a webbing take-up device, a cover member is disposed on the inner side of a second peripheral wall of a second housing member. Due thereto, an outer side surface of a third peripheral wall of the cover member and an inner side surface of the second peripheral wall of the second housing member oppose each other in a radial direction of urging, which is a radial direction of rotation of rotational urging force of a flat spiral spring, so displacement of the cover member outward in the radial direction of urging can be suppressed.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: A safety device that is useful to release load on a spring found in an actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator can have a housing comprising a pair of housing members and a fastening device coupling the pair of housing members to one another. The embodiment can also have an output shaft extending longitudinally in the housing, the output shaft having an end configured to couple with a process device. The embodiment may also have a spring coupled with the output shaft. The embodiment can further have a safety device coupled to the spring and configured to operate to reduce loading of the spring from a first load to a second load. In one example, the safety device is in position to prevent access to the fastening device at the first load and to allow access to the fastening device at the second load so that the pair of housing members can separate to allow access to the spring in the housing.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: Method for attachment of a last outer coil of a timepiece balance spring inside a groove provided in a balance spring stud, wherein the method includes the step of adhesive bonding the last outer coil of the timepiece balance spring by means of a fluid adhesive whose viscosity is comprised between 200 and 400 mPa·s.

Abstract: A disc pump system includes a pump body having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity for containing a fluid. The cavity having a resonant cavity frequency is formed by an internal sidewall and substantially closed at both ends by a first end wall and a driven end wall. The disc pump system includes an actuator that is driven a frequency (f) that corresponds to the fundamental resonant frequency of the actuator. The internal sidewall is configured to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature, thereby causing the actuator and cavity to have approximately the same resonant frequencies over a range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: An instrument interface of a robotic manipulator and a surgical system including the instrument interface are provided. In one embodiment, the instrument interface includes a spring-loaded input for providing axial load and torque to a sterile adaptor capable of operably coupling an instrument. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly, including a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an integrated instrument interface. The system further includes an instrument operably coupled to the carriage link via the instrument interface, and a processor operably coupled to the manipulator assembly for sensing presence of the instrument.

Abstract: A mainspring including a metallic strip wound on itself. The mainspring includes an excess thickness forming a bridle in one-piece with the strip.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: A V-spring member (18) for use in a driving system for a personal care appliance has regions (34, 36) at the ends of the spring which are large enough to support a contact with an end clamping assembly, the spring member including a cross-piece (40) extending between the longitudinal edges of the spring at the end regions, such that the ends of the spring member define a closed line. End clamping assemblies (16, 24) provided for such a V-spring member include a body portion (64) having a lower support portion (66) on which the V-spring is supported and a mating clamping member (88) positioned in registry with the support portion on top of the V-spring.

Abstract: A barrel including a box for receiving a pivot arbour and at least one spring, wherein the at least one spiral spring is mounted between an internal wall of the box and an external wall of the pivot arbour, and can be wound to supply mechanical energy. The barrel further includes a device for increasing torque of the at least one spring including supplementary energy accumulation curves made on the spring so that the barrel torque is customized according to a winding tension of the at least one spring. The barrel can be a timepiece barrel.

Abstract: A tensioner as well as a method for fitting a safety line cable on the tensioner. The tensioner designed for the safety of personnel attached to the cable while working under dangerous conditions. The tensioner has a fixing element configured to couple to an external element such as a wall and has two sections capable of separating and absorbing energy as a result of a fall of a worker while attached to the safety line cable. A section of the cable passes through and is crimped in a sleeve of the tensioner while the cable is kept under tension.

Abstract: A spring assembly for a roller blind, the assembly including a stationary end, a rotatable end and a spring arrangement located therebetween which is connected at a first end thereof to the stationary end and at a second end thereof to the rotatable end, wherein the rotatable end includes a rotatable body which is adapted to rotate relative to a fixed body about a rotational axis, and wherein the spring assembly further includes a locking pin coupled to the fixed body such that it has a locked configuration in which it engages a portion of the rotatable body and prevents rotation of the rotatable body relative to the fixed body and a free configuration in which rotation of the rotatable body relative to the fixed body is permitted.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: An inexpensive apparatus for powering a toy plane including a rubber band motor which is connectable to the plane's propeller and to a winding mechanism, including a gear mechanism which is activated by a handle. As the handle is repeatedly squeezed and released by the user, the motor is wound up. An anti-reversing ratchet is coupled with the motor to prevent unwinding until the user wishes to launch the plane.

Abstract: The invention provides an operational mechanism for a movable body in which, after a movable body is in an opened state, the movable body can return to a closed position, including a movable body rotatably attached to a support and rotatable between an engaged position, a closed position, and an open position; a rotating member rotatably attached to the support, that rotates due to movement of the movable body to the engaged position; a biasing member, one end of which is attached to the movable body, and the other end of which is attached to the rotating member; and an operation member, which rotates the rotating member, changes the biasing position of the biasing member with respect to the center of rotation of the movable body, and generates in the biasing member a rotational force that moves the movable body to the closed position or the open position.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

Abstract: An actuator comprises an elongated shape-memory element wound around a first element and having one first end connected to the first element and one second end connected to a second element. Heating means are provided for heating the shape-memory element in order to obtain a displacement of one of the ends thereof. The elongated shape-memory element is guided so that it can slide within a closed channel made of a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example defined by a sheath.

Abstract: A mechanical rotational drive has a bar-like torsion element, whereby the torsion element is firmly clamped with a first end in a bearing device. The torsion element can be pivoted with a second free end with respect to the clamped end about the longitudinal axis, forming a rotation axis, of the torsion element between a relaxed position and a tensioned position, whereby the length of the torsion element is reduced with respect to the relaxed position when the torsion element is brought into its tensioned position.

Abstract: A recoil starter including a winding housing and a reel that is rotatably coupled of the winding housing for rotation about a central axis. The winding housing includes a spring tab that is spaced from the central axis. The recoil starter also includes a spirally wound spring having an outer end portion that is coupled to the heel, a coiled portion that extends around the central axis, a guide portion that extends between the central axis and the spring tab, and a hook portions that extends radially outwardly from the central axis and that engages the spring tab to restrict movement of the inner end with respect to the winding housing.

Abstract: In order to position a rotary actuator, a positioning device is coupled to the actuator. The positioning device has a coupling shaft and springs which respectively surround top and bottom portions of the shaft and are coupled thereto by respective coupling rings. The springs apply oppositely directed torques to the shaft such that one spring urges the shaft in a clockwise direction towards a stop position and the other spring urges the shaft in a anticlockwise direction towards that stop position. The stop position corresponds to an intermediate rotary position of the actuator.

Abstract: The device includes a barrel (2) inserted in the kinematic chain between the rotor (11) of the generator (1) and the oscillating weight (3). The barrel includes a spiral coiled spring (4) and a sliding strip (6), wound in the same direction as the spiral coiled spring over the length of a turn, without any mechanical connection with the spring, but forming a protective envelope in the open position in case of shock. The shockproof device can be applied to the generator of a wristwatch.

Abstract: A spring drive system for window covers is disclosed, which includes a so-called flat spring drive and the combination whose elements are selected from a group which includes (1) a band transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) a gear system selected from various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; and (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed. The combination permits the spring drive force at the cover to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of the window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: A motor for controlling the elevating and lowering of a load comprises a storage drum, an output drum and a spring member operatively connected therebetween to provide a spring motor therewith, and a pair of cord drums aligned with and respectively adjacent the storage drum and the output drum. A gear train including an idler gear associated with the storage drum drivingly interengages the cord drums with the output drum, whereby the elevating and lowering of a load attached to the cords on the cord drums is balanced regardless of whether the elevating or lowering force is applied centrally between the points of attachment of the cords to the load.

Abstract: A constant force actuator transforms applied heat to an applied force on an output device. Strips of shape memory alloy are coiled into spirals and trained to have this configuration as a static state. The shape memory alloy springs are attached to the output device to apply a directional force. When one of the springs is heated, the modulus of elasticity within the spring material changes. This change in modulus increases the force which the spring exerts in returning to its static state, which in turn increases the force applied to the output device, upsetting the balance of forces and resulting in a rotation.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising (a) a first and second member in rotational alignment to each another; (b) a torsional resilient mechanism for providing torsional resilience between the first and second members, the torsional resilient mechanism comprising at least two or more coaxial helical springs connected in series with the inner-most spring connected to the first member and the outer-most spring connected to the second member; and (c) one or more stops for preventing at least one of said springs from winding or unwinding beyond a particular point.

Abstract: An actuator for power door locks having a bi-directional spring holder assembly. The assembly has a substantially cylindrical housing having a projection formed on a rim of its cylindrical wall. The projection is provided with first and second abutments facing in opposite directions along the circumference of the rim. A spring is mounted around a shaft which passes through a longitudinal axis of the housing. A first, internal spring end is engaged to the shaft while a second, external spring end projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. The assembly also includes a spring cover provided with a cover abutment which similarly projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. When the holder assembly is assembled, the spring is coiled and the cover abutment pushes against the projection's first abutment while the external spring end pushes against the second abutment.

Abstract: An spring apparatus for use with an automatic swinging door closure system wherein the system includes a motor linked to a door via a gear train and a drive arm, the train including a plurality of gears including a first gear adjacent the motor, the motor driving the gears to move the door in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and the apparatus for driving the gears in the direction opposite motor direction when motor power is cut off, the apparatus including a spring mounted within a housing which is linkable to the first gear in a first orientation to cause clockwise door movement and is linkable to the first gear in a second orientation to cause counter-clockwise door movement, the apparatus is easily modifiable so as to be configured in either of the first or second orientations and also includes a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting spring tension.

Abstract: A door closer includes a casing fixedly fastened to a door leaf, a shaft turned in axle holes in the casing, a spiral spring mounted around the shaft within the casing and having one end fixed to the shaft and an opposite end fixed to the casing and adapted for returning the door leaf to the close position each time it is opened, a rack fixedly fastened to a door frame to which the door leaf is hinged, a bevel gear fixedly mounted on one end of the shaft and turned with it along a 90-degree arc toothed bar section of the rack, and a curved springy holding down plate fastened to the rack and adapted for holding down the bevel gear to keep the door leaf to be retained in an open position.

Abstract: A spring motor having a large number of flat spiral wound springs connected in series is shown which allows storage of large amounts of energy in a small amount of cubic space. Only a small force is required for full wind up of the assembly. Energy can be simultaneously stored and withdrawn.

Abstract: A cordless, balanced venetian blind or shade with a constant variable spring motor includes conventional window covering components without the outside hanging lifting cords or cord locking mechanisms. One or more constant variable force spring motors are employed, preferably comprising springs which vary in thickness or in width along their length as they are wound around storage drums. A cord spool, in the preferred embodiment, is coupled to one of the spring drums to serve to wind the cords to cause the blind to be raised or lowered, simply by manipulation of the bottom bar of the blind system. Due to the difference in thickness or width of the spring, the system compensates for the increasing weight on the cords as the window covering is raised and for the decreasing weight as it is lowered.

Abstract: A spring assembly of the kind having a coiled strip spring member (34) supported at one end on an arcuate drum portion (16) about which it is reverse wound and coiled at its other end about an abutment (20) further includes a base plate (10) mounting the drum portion (16) and a second base plate (18) mounting the abutment (20), the base plates (10) and (18) being interconnected by pins (32) attached to base plate (18) running in slots (26, 28) provided on base plate (10) so as to prevent relative movement of the base plates which would allow the spring to coil further about the abutment (20). The base plate (10) is provided with a cover (40) with which it forms a housing portion and the base plate (18) is provided with a cover (38) with which it forms a second housing portion. The assembly can be dropped on to support pins (14, 22) attached to respective halves (42, 44) of a hinge, e.g. of an automobile trunk or lid.

Abstract: There is provided a two point mounting system for the outside end of a spiral spring. The mounting system induces a torsional load on the outside end of the spiral spring to overcome the tendency of the spiral spring coils to move into a non-concentric position. The mounting system comprises a single piece sleeve which has an elongated slot for contacting the spiral spring on opposite sides and inducing the torsional load.

Abstract: Control device for a valve provided with a spiral spring whose release brings about rotation of the drive shaft of the stopper of the valve. Rotation of the auxiliary shaft of the control device is dependent upon a shock absorbing device, wherein rotation of the auxiliary shaft drives a rotating piston arranged in a sealed housing containing a viscous fluid.

Abstract: A power spring drive apparatus having a power spring on a power spring wind up shaft, an output shaft, and a gear train for winding the power spring and for transferring the rotational force of a wound power spring to the output shaft. The apparatus is in a housing case formed of first and second synthetic resin cases connected together by pins and receiving holes. The housing case has a power spring housing section with a window between the section and externally of the housing. One end of the power spring has a neck shape and extends through the window and is fastened to the housing.

Abstract: A miniature device for moving a reference plane or point on an axis in rotational or x-y directions, particularly useful for two dimensional beam scanning. The device consists of a ferromagnetic ring surrounding a magnetic core which is flexibly mounted and suspended within it. Electric current at various frequencies is supplied to coils wrapped about and mounted within the ring. The core provides a magnetic field within the ring which defines its coordinates with respect to the ring and its coils and interacts with current applied to the coils to produce torque. The flexible mount suspending the core within the coils permits relative movement therebetween in response to the varying current.

Abstract: A thin spiral spring drive unit, in particular for a toy car, employs a crown gear in a gear train between an output shaft and a drive shaft on which a spiral spring is wound as a source of the driving force. The unit can be assembled with a small number of component parts, in a simple structure and at lower cost. Simply by changing the direction of the output shaft when it is assembled into a gear box, the direction of rotation of the output shaft may be changed. The crown gear in the drive unit is arranged at a position substantially centeral to the width of a gear box. A pinion is arranged at two positions where the crown gear intersects with the output shaft to be meshed with the crown gear by means of a positioning mechanism. The crown gear is provided on its periphery with a windup gear and with a driving pinion on the shaft thereof so that the windup gear is engaged with a gear at the time of winding while it is directly engaged with a driving gear at the time of driving.

Abstract: A rope pulley for an internal combustion engine recoil starter using a spiral recoil spring to rewind the starter rope upon the pulley. The improvement consists of the use of a recoil spring end lock defined on the pulley to prevent the spring end from disengaging from its anchor on the pulley during recoiling or due to pulley deformation. The spring end lock consists of a cap plate associated with the pulley slot forming the recoil spring anchor and a retainer wall all related in a manner to achieve the desired result.

Abstract: The barrel, which consists, inter alia, of a casing (10) defining a chamber (100), of a coverplate (20) with an orifice (21), of a hub (30) and of a spiral spring (40), comprises a device (50) for temporarily immobilizing the hub (30) in this chamber (100) which consists of male (51) and female (52) complementary elements which are intended to be engaged in each other and are carried by the base (11) of the casing and the hub (30), where these male elements (51) are fragile and are intended to break as a result of the action exerted upon the hub (30) through the orifice (21), once the spring has been tensioned.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking up and paying out first and second ends of an endless loop of tape that has an intermediate section. A first reel connected to the first end carries a first coil of the tape. The first coil extends from the first reel and is normally self-expanding and unwinding so as to unwind itself from the first reel. A second reel is connected to the second end for carrying a second coil of the tape. The second coil extends from the second reel and is normally self-expanding so as to unwind itself from the second reel. A drum supports both of the first and second reels for rotation in the same direction. Pulleys guide the intermediate section of the tape from the first reel to the second reel for moving a sludge collector. When the drum is rotated in a first rotary direction, the first coil tends to self-unwind from the first reel and the second coil is wound up on the second reel to move the intermediate section of the tape and the sludge collector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spiral spring power source for a toy, which can select a method of winding a power spiral spring 7 by a pulling string type winding cord 25 and a method of winding the power spiral spring 7 by a winding key 43 by removing a mechanism relative to the winding yarn 25, can alter the pulling direction of the winding cord 25 at 360.degree. in case of the method with the winding cord 25, can drive the output shaft through a gear set when uncoiling the energized power spiral spring 7, but can produce outputs not at one position but at a plurality of positions to be connected to a plurality of gears selected from the gear set.

Abstract: A recoil apparatus has a drum rotatably disposed within a casing. A peripheral groove is formed in the drum in such a manner as to open in the outer periphery of the drum. A recoil spring member is formed into a spiral shape and is received within the peripheral groove, with its inner end being secured to the drum and its outer end extending from the casing to the outside. A pulling knob is mounted on the outer end of the recoil spring member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel anchor cone and winding cone apparatus and method for mounting a coil torsion spring to an overhead door. Indicia are provided on the cones to assure proper orientation of the cones to the spring and the cone/spring assembly to the overhead door. The winding cone includes arrow indicia to clearly indicate the direction of rotation for the winding cone to increase tension on the coil torsion spring. A groove break is provided in each cone to substantially reduce chafing and wear of the corresponding coil of the coil torsion spring.

Abstract: A tool for rewinding the recoil starter spring within a recoil starter mechanism for a small engine which allows the repair person to rewind the spring with a minimum of trouble and without the danger of the spring flying out of the central spring receiving recess of the starter pulley.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved seat belt retractor rewind spring assembly. In accordance with this invention, a rewind spring assembly is provided having the "bridling" effect wherein the coiled flat strip spring is retained by a spring cap which exerts an outwardly directed bending load on the end of the spring which engages the cap. This bridling effect has been found to increase the efficiency of the coil spring. The rewind spring assembly according to this invention improves over prior art designs in that completely automated assembly is possible through the provision of a novel spring cap design, assembly fixture and assembly process.

Abstract: The barrel comprises a pre-stressed spiral spring which arms the barrel and further comprises a housing (100), a rotatable hub (200) and the spring (300) which is wound around the hub and anchored to the latter and to the housing. The barrel includes between the hub and the housing an anti-return device (400) which allows a relative rotation between the hub and the housing in only a single direction but is so arranged as to be movable between a first position in which it allows said relative rotation in only the single direction and a second position in which it allows rotation in both directions. The device is accessible from outside the housing for the purpose of shifting the device from one to the other of its positions. The barrel is particularly useful in ground motor vehicle safety belt winders.