Abstract: A flat cable winding device includes: a base plate in which a central shaft for holding one end side of the flat cable is erected on the center of the upper surface; a rotation table disposed on an upper surface of the base plate and rotatably supported around the central shaft; a spiral spring for rotationally energizing the rotation table in the winding direction of the flat cable since the energizing member is interposed between the base plate and the rotation table; and a tubular wall body mounted on the base plate while the spiral spring and the rotation table are accommodated therein, wherein a rib is formed on an inner periphery wall surface of the tubular wall body for preventing the rotation table from popping out of the base plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a distance-learning safety retraction device (DLSRD) mechanically coupled to a fixed anchor point on a boundary-mapped surface, the DLSRD including two receivers in operable communication with a transmitter borne on a user. In an illustrative example, the DLSRD may determine an angle between a lanyard coupled to the user and a vertical plane between the two receivers. The DLSRD may include, for example, an extraction detector detecting an extracted length of the lanyard. The DLSRD may determine user proximity to a safe operating area boundary based upon a difference of a current extracted length of the lanyard to a learned extracted length associated with a current angle of the lanyard, for example. Various DLSRDs may be configured in a run-mode to apply a braking effect to the lanyard and/or to activate a warning device based upon the user's proximity to the boundary.

Abstract: A wire type window regulator includes a guide rail, a wire driving mechanism, and a wire guide member. The guide rail guides a slider base to freely move up and down. A window glass is fixed to the slider base. The wire driving mechanism moves the slider base up/down along the guide rail via a drive wire. The wire guide member is disposed on at least one of an upper end and a lower end of the guide rail. The wire guide member changes a routing direction of the drive wire wound around the wire guide member. The wire guide member supports a fixing member that is inserted through the guide rail and that fixes the guide rail and the wire guide member to the vehicle door panel.

Abstract: A flat cable winding device includes a case, a flat cable guide portion provided in the case and that introduces the flat cables into the case separately, a rotary table that is rotatable around a central shaft portion, a biasing unit that rotates and urges the rotary table in a winding direction of flat cables, a plurality of rollers that are rotatable around the central shaft portion on the rotary table, a separation guide path that guides the flat cables introduced into the case from the flat cable guide portion to the winding start position separately, and a slack absorption unit provided in the separation guide path and that absorbs slack of a flat cable located at an inner peripheral side.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for use with a seat belt webbing includes a spindle, a tread head part, a torsion bar, a stop nut and an energy management element. The spindle is configured for winding the seat belt webbing around the spindle. The tread head part is configured for having a locked condition or a free condition. The torsion bar is engaged with the spindle and the tread head part and configured to deflect torsionally by allowing relative rotation between the spindle and the tread head part when the tread head part is in the locked condition. The stop nut is operatively coupled with the tread head part and the spindle and configured to move in axial direction. Furthermore, the energy management element placed between the stop nut and the tread head part is configured to be deformed by the axial movement of the stop nut.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a distance-learning safety retraction device (DLSRD) mechanically coupled to a fixed anchor point on a boundary-mapped surface, the DLSRD including two receivers in operable communication with a transmitter borne on a user. In an illustrative example, the DLSRD may determine an angle between a lanyard coupled to the user and a vertical plane between the two receivers. The DLSRD may include, for example, an extraction detector detecting an extracted length of the lanyard. The DLSRD may determine user proximity to a safe operating area boundary based upon a difference of a current extracted length of the lanyard to a learned extracted length associated with a current angle of the lanyard, for example. Various DLSRDs may be configured in a run-mode to apply a braking effect to the lanyard and/or to activate a warning device based upon the user's proximity to the boundary.

Abstract: In a webbing take-up device, an angle from one end portion toward another end portion of a second clutch spring in a direction of winding of a coil portion from the one end portion toward the another end portion of the second clutch spring is 270°. Therefore, in a case in which the one end portion of the second clutch spring is rotated toward a side of the direction of the winding of the coil portion, one end side portion of the second clutch spring is displaced so as to bulge-out toward a side opposite to a side toward which another end side portion bulges-out.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuating device for actuating a cable. The actuating device comprises a housing defining an interior and a motor assembly including a shaft. The actuating device also comprises at least two planetary gears and a flex gear having an inner surface and an outer surface with the inner surface partially engaged with the planetary gears. The actuating device additionally comprises an output member having a drive portion and a mounting interface with the drive portion engaged with a section such that the output member is rotatable relative to the housing when the shaft rotates. The actuating device additionally comprises a connector coupled to the mounting interface for securing the cable to the mounting interface. The connector moves relative to the housing and in unison with the output member during the rotation of the output member for activating the cable during operation of the actuating device.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seat belt retractor used with a seat belt assembly of a motor vehicle. The seat belt retractor includes a reel for winding and unwinding the seat belt and an elongated shaft, with the reel attached to the shaft. In one example, a movable disc is connected to and moves longitudinally along the shaft. At least one of the reel or movable disc includes a friction layer providing a friction surface such that when the movable disc is driven axially toward the real there is frictional engagement between the reel and movable disc that absorbs impact energy on the occupant and limits the load applied to the seat belt.

Abstract: The technology relates to assisting in the closing of a vehicle door by automatically pulling a door closed. One or more computing devices having one or more processors may receive, from one or more sensors, information indicating that a door on the vehicle is not closed. In response to the received information indicating that the door is not closed, the one or more computing devices may determine to send a triggering signal to close the door. The one or more computing devices may send the triggering signal to the actuator and the actuator may receive the triggering signal. In response to receiving the triggering signal the actuator may be activated to close the door of the vehicle without user input.

Abstract: An assembly in which a button is secured to a badge reel, the assembly comprising a first structure configured to hold the button against a side of the badge reel and a second structure configured to prevent the button from being sheared from the side of the badge reel.

Abstract: A deformation sensor package includes a housing having a base and a peripheral wall extending from the base. The base and peripheral wall define two cavities each configured to receive a potentiometer, such as a string potentiometer. The peripheral wall defines two apertures formed between a respective cavity and an exterior of the housing. Each aperture is configured to allow for the passage of a moveable sensing end of an associated potentiometer therethrough.

Abstract: A holder to maintain elongated flexible materials in a coiled orientation, has at least one coil support assembly. Each coil support assembly has a first support and a second support. At least one roller is supported by the first support. The second support is positioned in spaced linear relation to the first support. The first support and the second support are capable of relative linear movement toward each other and away from each other. At least one roller is supported by the second support. A linear stop limits movement of the first support and the second support away from each other. A retraction mechanism biases the first support and the second support away from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a flat cable winding device and an assembling method thereof, which can prevent slack of a flat cable and achieve smooth winding and leading out of the flat cable. A flat cable winding device includes a rotating table, a plurality of rollers, and a central shaft rotatably and pivotally supporting the rotating table. The central shaft includes an auxiliary wound portion in which the flat cable is wound for at least one turn. An inner wound portion is formed along an outer circumference of the auxiliary wound portion, and an outer wound portion is formed along outer circumferences of the plurality of rollers, thereby preventing the slack at the inner wound portion when leading out the flat cable.

Abstract: A retractable electrical conductor cord reel assembly comprising a single continuous round cord from a display fixture cord end to a device cord end, wherein the cord includes a coiled portion disposed between a cord retention ring and the display fixture cord end to accommodate and/or compensate for torsional forces in the cord associated with the pay out and gathering of the cord.

Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus has a sheet, a winding axis to which one end of the sheet is fixed and having a cylindrical shape, a spring that is arranged in the winding axis and gives a biasing force to the winding axis in an opposite direction of drawing-out direction of the sheet, and a soundproof tube that is arranged between an outer periphery of the spring and inside the winding axis. The soundproof tube has first projected portions projecting outward from an outer periphery of the soundproof tube.

Abstract: An retractable tether device is used to alert the driver of a fallen athlete and to return the athlete, primarily a wake surfer, back to position behind the watercraft. The tether consists of a coil spring with a storage reel for the line and an audible alert notification. When a wake surfer falls off the surfboard, the tether will pull out from the device. Simultaneously, the boat stops and the coil spring will retract the tether to reposition the wake surfer behind the boat. As the tether is reeled out, an alert such as an audible noise and/or vibratory signal will cue the driver that the wake surfer has fallen. To further ensure safety, each end of the apparatus would have break away clips. The safety break away clips would release in the case where the driver did not stop the boat. The tether could be connected to the tower, pylon or back of the boat's towable hook. As a result of this device, the surfer can efficiently engage in an increased number of wake surfing sessions.

Abstract: A system for retaining a leash or other equipment or implement to a structure, such as a building, includes a clamp, a spool connected to the clamp, a leash wrapped on the spool, the leash has a first end connected to the spool and a second end extendable from the spool, a spring connected to the spool, the spring biases the spool to retrieve the leash when extended from the spool, and a leash clutch connected to the clamp. The leash clutch is engaged to brake the leash to limit extension and retraction of the leash on the spool. The leash is attachable to a fixture of the structure to maintain the ladder or other equipment or implement positioned in respect to the structure.

Abstract: A seatbelt device of a vehicle includes: a webbing reel around which a webbing is rolled up; a motor; an acceleration detection unit detecting an acceleration applying to the vehicle; an electric current control unit controlling a driving current of the motor; and an acceleration condition determination unit determining whether or not an acceleration greater than or equal to a set value has been applied to the vehicle within a predetermined amount of time after an acceleration greater than or equal to a first threshold acceleration value has been applied to the vehicle. When the acceleration condition determination unit determines that an acceleration greater than or equal to the set value has been applied to the vehicle within the predetermined amount of time, the electric current control unit controls the driving current of the motor so that a set amount of the webbing is wrapped up.

Abstract: A retractable storage system for handheld electronic device comprises a removable panel with one or more storage chambers for storing an accessory item, such as a wireless earbud, cabled earbud, headphone cable or e-cigarette, and a retractable mechanism to retrieve and dispense the stored accessory item through an accessory station. The removable panel can be replaced with another removable panel configured with different structure to store different accessory item, such as a battery to charge a wireless earbud or e-cigarette.

Abstract: A power spring passively applies tension to a cable connected to an aircraft refueling boom. The power spring has a first end engaging a fixed arbor and second end engaging a rotatable spooling drum around which a portion of the cable is wound. The power spring biases the drum to rotate in a winding direction to apply tension to the cable, and the power spring stores energy when the drum rotates in an unwinding direction. The power spring may be located inside the drum or outside the drum. The drum may be actively driven by a motor that may be uncoupled from the drum to permit freewheeling rotation of the drum, wherein the power spring continues to apply tension to the cable. The invention eliminates reliance on one or more powered motors for removing unwanted slack in the cable.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for a sunscreen for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle includes a winding tube which is rotatable around a central axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the sunscreen. At least one spring member biases the winding tube in a direction for winding the sunscreen thereon. A sleeve protects the spring member from causing noises and is manufactured of a flexible layered material, having at least a first and a second layer connected to each other and having different properties so that the layer in contact with the spring is wear resistant and the other layer has an elastic ability.

Abstract: A retractable pulling button with a chest card base, wherein the retractable pulling button may include a chest card base body, a resetting device and a button body. The chest card base body may include a chest card identifying device, and can be internally provided with a cavity, and the cavity may be internally provided with a rotary shaft. The data of departments and positions of individuals can be placed on the chest card. The data may be presented so as to be convenient to identify by others. Additionally, access cards, job cards or keys and the like may be hung on the chest card using the retractable pulling button.

Abstract: There is described a carrier, such as a backpack, waist bag or bum bag, which includes a retractable towing belt assembly, suitable for towing children along a ski slope.

Abstract: A retractable storage system for handheld electronic device comprises a removable panel with one or more storage chambers for storing an accessory item, such as a wireless earbud, cabled earbud, headphone cable or e-cigarette, and a retractable mechanism to retrieve and dispense the stored accessory item through an accessory station. The removable panel can be replaced with another removable panel configured with different structure to store different accessory item, such as a battery to charge a wireless earbud or e-cigarette.

Abstract: A flat harness winding device includes: a case; a rotor rotatably disposed in the case; a shaft of the case inserted into a hole in the center of the rotor; a plurality of harness split rollers rotatably disposed in the rotor; and a plurality of flat harnesses each of which one end is fixed to the shaft, said flat harnesses independently bent along respective harness split rollers and guided out from an opening of the case allowed to be wound. Harness support rollers are rotatably disposed on the rotor in spaces between the harness split rollers. Curve-shaped harness guide ribs are disposed on the rotor close to an out side in a radial direction of each harness split roller.

Abstract: A webbing retractor that can alleviate the load on a reducing balance spring without increasing cost and weight is obtained. When a ring inertially rotates in a retraction direction together with a ratchet gear, a ring-side pressing portion of a load receiving portion accommodating portion formed in the ring presses a spring-side load receiving portion of a clutch spring in the retraction direction. Due to this, the clutch spring is loosened, whereby the ring can easily inertially rotate in the retraction direction together with the ratchet gear, and the load acting on a reducing balance spring can be alleviated.

Abstract: A window shade comprises first and second rails, and a shading structure and a suspension cord connected between the first and second rails. The second rail includes a resistance balancing unit and a cord winding unit to which the suspension cord respectively connects. The resistance balancing unit comprises a housing having an abuttal surface, a pulley pivotally connected with the housing, and a torsion spring. The pulley has a winding portion around which the suspension cord is wrapped, and a shaft portion extending coaxial to the winding portion from a side thereof. The torsion spring is tightly mounted around the shaft portion and has at least one end. The pulley when rotating in one direction drives the end of the torsion spring to push against the abuttal surface of the housing, whereby the torsion spring loosens to allow rotation of the pulley relative to the torsion spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stroke-restricting device of a linear actuator and a wire-reeling mechanism thereof The linear actuator includes a base and a telescopic pipe. The stroke-restricting device includes a box, a movable member, a block, a pair of switches, and a wire-reeling mechanism. The box is fixed to the base and has a wall plate. The wall plate is provided with a through-hole. The movable member includes a rod penetrating the through-hole and movable with respect to the box. The block is fixed to the rod. The pair of switches is fixed to the box to correspond to the block. Each of the switches has a trigger portion for generating electrical signals by means of contact of the block. Each of the trigger portions is located at two opposite ends of a moving path of the block. The wire-reeling mechanism includes a wire disposed in the telescopic pipe and moving therewith. One end of the wire is connected to the movable member.

Abstract: A spring drive device is for use with a sunshade assembly which includes a coupling shaft coaxial to and rotatable with a winding shaft and formed with a guided path. The spring drive device includes a spring member disposed in and connected to a shell unit. A connecting shaft is formed with a guideway which has an initial region engaged with the spring member, such that when the connecting shaft is moved along a coupling route, the guideway is kept in slidable engagement with the spring member until a relay region of the guideway reaches the spring member. The connecting shaft is engageable with the coupling shaft to align the guided path with the guideway such that when the movement of the connecting shaft is continued after the relay region reaches the spring member, the guided path is brought to take over the slidable engagement with the spring member.

Abstract: A base capable of containing a data cable includes a housing, and a winding mechanism. The data cable has a first connector plug, a second connector plug and a transmitting wire connecting between them. The housing defines an opening. The winding mechanism is received in the housing and has a winding member and a driving member. The winding member is rotatably mounted inside the housing, the driving member is fixed on the driving member. The first connector plug is passed through the housing via the opening, the driving member generates an elastic force if the transmitting wire is pulled out to connect to another device. The driving member automatically rewinds the transmitting wire when the external connection is not required.

Abstract: A cartridge for managing an ear bud cable includes a housing having an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source and a hub electrically connected with the input jack. A spool rotatably mounts on, and is electrically connected with, the hub. A power gear mounts in the housing and in contact with the spool for rotating the spool. The power gear defines a recessed interior. An ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool. A power gear spring mounts within the recessed interior of the power gear to minimize the size and, particularly, the thickness of the cartridge. In an alternate embodiment, the spool includes a recessed portion and a spool power spring mounts within the recessed portion of the hub. In yet another embodiment, the spool and the power gear both have recessed portions that hold a power spring.

Abstract: A retracting lifeline system, includes: a housing, a first connector attached to the housing, a lifeline, and a hub to which the lifeline is attached at a first end of the lifeline and around which the lifeline is coiled within the housing. The housing includes an opening through which the lifeline exits the housing. The hub is tensioned to rotate in a first direction to cause retracting of the lifeline and coiling of the lifeline around the hub. The retracting lifeline system further includes a second connector attached to a second end of the lifeline. At least a section of the lifeline has an initial ultimate tensile load of at least 8000 pounds and is abrasion resistant (that is, satisfying the abrasion test requirement set forth in the ANSI/ASSE Z359.13-2009 standard) such that the section of the lifeline is available for tie-back anchoring using the second connector. The section of the lifeline is at least partially retractable within the housing.

Abstract: An auto winding mechanism for a window blind includes two guide rollers pivotally mounted between an upper seat and a lower seat and connected by an elastic winding tape, and two pull cords wound around the pull cords. Each of the guide rollers has a gear and a bottom disk. The upper seat has a covering edge surrounding the gear of each of the guide rollers. The lower seat has a surface provided with two annular grooves to receive the bottom disk of each of the two guide rollers. Thus, each of the pull cords is protected by the bottom disk of each of the guide rollers so that when the pull cords swing or bump during movement, each of the pull cords will not be jammed between the lower seat and each of the guide rollers.

Abstract: The cable retractor mainly contains a housing member, a coil spring, a rotary disc, a cable, and a winding disc. The rotary disc has a top circular indentation where the coil spring is accommodated in the indentation. A number of gear teeth are provided around the rotary disc and the winding disc. The winding disc has a central axle for the winding of the cable. The winding disc is positioned such that its teeth engage those of the rotary disc. A spiral track and a centrifugal track are provided on the rotary disc and the housing member, respectively. A positioning ball, together with the spiral track and the centrifugal track, provides a positioning function. The cable can be configured to be pulled in a single direction with a connector or multiple directors at a free end.

Abstract: A pull-in device for a towline (31) arranged to connect a towable object (2) to a towing vessel (1), in which a reel (323) which is arranged to receive the towline (31) is arranged in a reeling device (32) fixed to the towing vessel (1), and in which the reeling device (32) is provided with a pull-in controller (325) arranged to selectably provide a rotationally rigid connection between a tensioning handle (33) and a pull-in spring (324), alternatively a rotationally rigid connection between the pull-in spring (324) and the towline reel (323).

Abstract: A cord dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a length of cord including an L-shaped housing. The apparatus includes a first spool and a second spool disposed within a pair of guide channels within the housing. At least one of the first spool and the second spool includes a central shaft and a free spinning exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface of one of the spools is configured to freely rotate. The apparatus includes a bias member coupled to the first spool and positioned and oriented such that the bias member resists displacement of the first spool in the direction of the second spool. The apparatus includes a cord wound between both the first spool and the second spool, wherein a head of the cord extends outside of the housing. The apparatus includes a mounting structure coupled to the housing and configured to mount the housing to a surface.

Abstract: Embodiments may relate to a means for retrieving one or more infant items when thrown by an infant. According to some embodiments, a retrieval means can include a manual or spring-loaded means. Furthermore, embodiments can comprise a means for attaching the system to a support structure, or the embodiment may be built into the support structure instead. Suitable support structures may include, without limitation, one or more of an infant car seat, an infant high chair, an infant walker, an infant playpen, an infant stroller, an infant carrying device, or an infant cradle.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline is provided. In one embodiment, the self-retracting lifeline includes a housing, a drum, an activation assembly, a lifeline and a connector, the drum is received in the housing. The activation assembly is received in the housing. Moreover, the activation assembly is operationally coupled to the drum to selectively rotate the drum. The connector is coupled proximate an end of the lifeline. The connector has a connector passage. The connector passage is configured and arranged to selectively couple the lifeline to the drum.

Abstract: A rope braking device includes a housing having a chamber and an orifice communicative with each other, an eyelet engaged in the orifice of the housing and having a bore for engaging with a rope, a pulley having a hub mounted on a shaft, a follower gear mounted on the shaft and coupled to the hub, an internal gear rotatably mounted on the shaft, a number of pinions engaged with the follower gear and the inner teeth of the internal gear for resisting the rotational movement of the pulley and the rope relative to the housing, and for allowing the rope braking device to be easily carried with the user and to be easily operated by the user.

Abstract: A mobile device, particularly a wireless headset, includes a cord to which an earpiece is fixed and a module having a spring-actuated retractor reel into which the cord is retracted for storage. A fastener on the module makes the device wearable. A rotary encoder generates a position data output according to the rotational position of the reel, and a controller receives the position data output from the sensor, and, in response, controls a function such as placing the device in an on-hook or off-hook state.

Abstract: A single free-end wire reel includes a leveled area disposed on a rotary member to level arc tracks and a gap formed at the intersection of the arc tracks to change the motion track of a limit block. The present invention not only keeps the limit block to have a dual-positioning function when doing a circular motion but also controls the length of a wire exactly, providing a smooth operation when extending or extracting the wire.

Abstract: In a power feeding device which absorbs a surplus length by enlarging or reducing spirally the diameter of a flat wire harness, a wire harness surplus length absorbing performance is improved, a structure is simplified and a cost is decreased. A power feeding device 1, 31 is used in which a flat wire harness 8 is wound a plurality of times and arranged about a boss part 3 as a center, a spring member 7, 22 is arranged from the boss part to an inside diameter part 9a of a winding part 8 of the flat wire harness, the winding part is urged outward by the spring member and the flat wire harness is arranged at narrow pitches in the diametrical direction in the winding part. The spring member 7, 22 is formed with a plurality of bent flat springs arranged in the radial directions or spiral springs bent in the forms of loops. The boss part 3, the winding part 9 and the spring member 7, 22 are accommodated in an annular wall 2 of a housing 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a component whose position can be changed and which is provided with a cable. For this cable, the motor vehicle has a cable store with a force and/or torque storage means, of which the stored force and/or stored torque changes with the position of the component.

Abstract: A rope braking device includes a housing having a chamber and an orifice communicative with each other, an eyelet engaged in the orifice of the housing and having a bore for engaging with a rope, a pulley having a hub mounted on a shaft, a follower gear mounted on the shaft and coupled to the hub, an internal gear rotatably mounted on the shaft, a number of pinions engaged with the follower gear and the inner teeth of the internal gear for resisting the rotational movement of the pulley and the rope relative to the housing, and for allowing the rope braking device to be easily carried with the user and to be easily operated by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for delivering oxygen from an oxygen supply to a person in a convenient, sanitary and organized manner. The oxygen delivery system includes a rail attached to a surface of the room and a sliding trolley attached to the rail. An oxygen supply tube is attached to the oxygen supply and the trolley for transferring oxygen from the oxygen supply to the trolley. The system enables the person to move to various locations in the room while receiving oxygen from the oxygen supply through the oxygen supply tube, the trolley, a drop tube and a nasal cannula, or other breathing device connected to the trolley. The person may guide the trolley around the room by pulling the drop tube in the desired direction of travel.

Abstract: A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, several of the parts are separable to facilitate installation or replacement of a cable.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of novel line dispensing devices and methods for dispensing and retracting a line of a line dispensing device.

Abstract: An equipment element for transportation means, in particular an airplane, includes, but is not limited to a retractable line, the length of which can be set using a retraction mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable animal leash combined with a pepper spray dispenser includes: a housing having a first side and a second side; a handle at the first side of the housing; a dispenser region in the handle, adapted to retain the spray canister; and an attachment for the leash at the second side of the housing. A tube provides a path for spray from the spray canister to pass through the housing and out the second side of the housing. A trigger activates the spray canister and has a safety cover. A reel with a brake allows the leash to extend and urges the leash to retract.