Abstract: A portable expandable device with a contracting mechanism which allows for many forms of recreational products and structures to be expanded, reinforced in the expanded shape, and then contracted easily to regain its portable form. The expansion means is exercised by the use of at least one of the following, resiliently extending, unfolding, inflating, as to become an expanding form which can then be easily retracted to the redeployed form. The retraction mechanism reverses the expansion process utilizing a mechanism which sequentially exerts the forces needed in the proper locations in order to ensure proper contraction. Disclosed embodiments utilized supplemental structural reinforcement of the expanded form through the use of joints, releasable interlocks, latching mechanisms, air bladders, to ensure the form is stable and usable. The objective being a stable structure with a rapid and easy deployment and a supplemental retraction means as to be easily transportable.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided for displaying a sample product with a display shelf. Included in the display apparatus is an upper housing member having an upper surface and a socket disposed on the upper surface. The socket is configured for accommodating an insertion of the sample product for loosely supporting the sample product during display. A lower housing member is attached to the upper housing member, and has a tethering device configured for connecting the sample product to the display apparatus under the action of a windup reel. The upper housing member includes a mounting block configured for being removably mountable under the display shelf and attachable on and depending from a front edge of the display shelf, such that the sample product inserted into the socket is accessible by a customer.

Abstract: A spacecraft with a linear extension boom, an antenna feed, and a rigid antenna reflector is provided. The rigid antenna reflector may be connected with one end of the linear extension boom, and the other end of the linear extension boom may be connected with the spacecraft main body. In a launch configuration of the spacecraft, the linear extension boom may be retracted into a stowed configuration, and in an on-orbit configuration of the spacecraft, the linear extension boom may be extended into a deployed configuration, thereby moving the rigid antenna reflector away from the yaw axis of the spacecraft and positioning the rigid antenna reflector such that the focal point of the rigid antenna reflector may be oriented to align on, and be collocated with, the antenna feed. The rigid antenna reflector may be connected with the linear extension boom by a positioning mechanism that provides for adjustment in the angular orientation of the rigid antenna reflector relative to the linear extension boom.

Abstract: An electronic device cover provides a protective cover for an electronic device and also extends and retracts a plurality of audio and data transfer modules at varying speeds and lengths. The electronic device cover is configured and shaped to receive myriad types and models of electronic devices. A proximal end of a communication cord extends from the electronic device cover to provide communication modules such as ear buds, or head phones to a user. A distal, shorter end of the same cord extends more slowly and at a slower speed from a different end of the electronic device cover to provide connections to the more proximal electronic device, power sources, and other electronic ports. The cords extend at different speeds and lengths due to a differential affect.

Abstract: A sheet driver for use in a medicament dispenser with blister pockets includes: (a) a base, extending from the base, (b) a shaft defining a rotational axis; at the base, (c) a drive surface for receipt of drive to rotate the base about the rotational axis; about the shaft, (d) a torsion spring defining first and second spring legs; mounting about the shaft and the torsion spring for rotation about the rotational axis, and (e) a hub defining a hub surface for receipt of a sheet of the medicament carrier, the hub surface being adapted to provide an initial effective winding surface which provides uniform indexing of the medicament carrier.

Abstract: A window cover system includes an extendible window cover with a pair of lift cords. A lift cord pulley shaft is coupled to a pair of spaced apart lift cord pulleys. A spring drive unit has a beveled gear system with a first gear that is spring biased to resist rotation of first gear in one direction of rotation, and a second gear meshed with the first gear. The lift cord pulley shaft extends through the second gear and is configured to rotate therewith.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a patient side-system is provided that includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.

Abstract: A method for operating a window cover utilizes an extendible window cover having a first rail, a second rail and a pair of lift cords. The first and second rails of the window cover are movable relative to each other. According to the method, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a first direction to cause the lift cords to unwind from the lift cord pulleys, thereby rotating a lift cord pulley shaft and a set of gears. Further, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a second direction to cause the lift cords to wind on the lift cord pulleys, with the lift cord pulley shaft rotating in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A difference in limiting torques of rotation between a spring and a rotary member is increased without increasing a number of coils of the spring. In a webbing winding device, an outer diameter of a clutch wall of a clutch wheel increases from a flange side to a stopping flange side of the clutch wall. When a clutch spring is tightly wound on the clutch wall, the clutch spring is subjected to a movement force toward the stopping flange side. Thus, a winding force of the clutch spring onto the clutch wall is effectively increased. Therefore, a difference in limiting torques of rotation between the clutch spring and the clutch wheel between when the clutch spring is not tightly wound on the clutch wall and when it is wound on the clutch wall is increased, without increasing a number of coils of the spring.

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: The present invention discloses a socket with power supply, comprising a housing having a upper cover and a lower cover which are connected together to form a receiving space; a transformer connected with an alternate current source through a plug protruding out of the first opening; at least a socket capable of outputting the alternate current; a rectifying circuit capable of rectifying the alternate current to direct current; and an output power plug coupled with the rectifying circuit and protruding out of the second opening through a power cord to output the direct current to an electronic device.

Abstract: As an occupant releases the latching between a buckle and a tongue, a seat belt retractor winds up the seat belt at a winding-up speed S1 as a first high speed. Accordingly, the seat belt moves away from the occupant immediately. As a time period (T1-T0) elapses from the buckle release, the seat belt retractor winds up the seat belt at a winding-up speed S2 as a low speed. Accordingly, the seat belt is slowly wound up so that the tongue is less likely to strike and thus scratch an interior panel. As a time period (T2-T1) further elapses, the seat belt retractor winds up the seat belt at a winding-up speed S3 as a second high speed. Accordingly, the winding of the seat belt is promptly completed so that the seat belt is less likely to be caught by a door when the occupant gets out of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable reel, which comprises a casing, a movable latch member pivotally coupled into the casing, a protrusion disposed at one end of the latch member, a turntable disposed under the latch member and pivotally coupled into the casing, a volute spring disposed on a turntable, a cable disposed in the in the turntable, and an adapter can be connected to one end or both ends of the cable. Further, the turntable has a groove, and an inclined guide groove and an arc indented groove are disposed proximate to the groove such that the protrusion on the latch member in conjunction with the inclined guide groove and the arc indented groove can fix the cable at the currently located position and will not retract the cable into the cable reel when the cable is pulled. On the other hand, the cable is pulled gently again if it is necessary to rewind the cable.

Abstract: Variable tension is applied to a cord as it is drawn from a spool. More tension is applied to the cord as more cord is drawn preventing impulse stress. Cord used to attach user interface device for receiving input and presenting information.

Abstract: An anti-theft device, comprising at least one spool (2) made of electrically insulating material that is mounted rotatably on a support (3); a cable-like element (4) that can be wound onto, and unwound from, the spool or a respective spool and has a free end (5) that can be detachably anchored to an item (6) to be restrained, elastic loading means for the or each spool in order to ensure the automatic tensioning and rewinding of said cable-like element on its own spool, detachable engagement means for an item to be restrained which are located at the free end of said cable-like element or of each cable-like element and are suitable to open or close an electrical contact, and a control unit (8) that is meant to act in response to the opening-closing of the electrical contact.

Abstract: A spring drive system useful for window covers is disclosed, which comprises one or more coil spring drives or flat spring drives and the combination whose elements are selected from one or more of a group which includes (1) a band or cord transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed; (4) crank mechanisms; (5) brake mechanisms; and (6) recoiler mechanisms. The combination permits the spring drive force to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of an associated window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: An elastic motor having a constant torque characteristic utilizes a reel with elastic divided into unit lengths that are stretched to their maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, constant, and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: A spring drive system useful for window covers is disclosed, which comprises one or more coil spring drives or flat spring drives and the combination whose elements are selected from one or more of a group which includes (1) a band or cord transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed; (4) crank mechanisms; (5) brake mechanisms; and (6) recoiler mechanisms. The combination permits the spring drive force to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of an associated window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. In contrast to earlier motors which use springs wound on spools, the present invention utilizes a reel with elastic stretched to its maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax back to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease the design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, stable, and constant torque output characteristic.

Abstract: A strap tightener has an auto-pulling device connected to a seat. The auto-pulling device includes a housing and a reversing device. The reversing device is rotatably received in the housing. The reversing device has a reel received in the housing to connect with one end of a strap. A spiral power spring is connected between the housing and the reel. Consequently, the strap can be automatically wound around the reel after the strap tightener is used. To collect the strap is convenient and the operating time of collecting the strap is saved.

Abstract: A unidirectional wire-winding box comprises a box body, a wire-winding disk, a communication wire, and a scroll spring. The box body has a receiving room therein to receive the communication wire, the wire-winding disk, and the scroll spring. The box body has two wire holes. A disk body of the wire-winding disk has a wire-winding shaft with a wire groove thereon. The wire-winding disk is pivotally disposed in the box body. The communication wire is wound around the wire-winding shaft. One end of the communication wire protrudes out from a wire hole, and the other end thereof penetrates into the wire-winding shaft form the wire groove and then protrudes out from the other wire hole. The wire groove has locating parts therein to fix the communication wire. The scroll spring is connected between the box body and the wire-winding disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unidirectional wire-winding box comprising a box body, a wire-winding disk, a communication wire, and a scroll spring. The box body has a receiving room therein to receive the communication wire, the wire-winding disk, and the scroll spring. The box body has two wire holes. A disk body of the wire-winding disk has a wire-winding shaft with a wire groove thereon. The wire-winding disk is pivotally disposed in the box body. The communication wire is wound around the wire-winding shaft. One end of the communication wire protrudes out from a wire hole, and the other end thereof penetrates into the wire-winding shaft from the wire groove and then protrudes out from the other wire hole. The wire groove has locating parts therein to fix the communication wire. The scroll spring is connected between the box body and the wire-winding disk.

Abstract: A wire reeler enables the auto collection of communication wire, and has a wire collector, an elastic element, and a switch inside a shell body. The wire collector has one end of the communication wire wound on the rotation axle, while another end is wound on the axial column of the wire collector, which axial column is pivotally connected with the switch. The bottom end of the wire collector is engaged with the elastic element. The communication wire will be collected in order without twisting, and the users can take it out easily by pulling or reel it back in automatically.

Abstract: A retractor having a retractable tether and a spring biased reel providing a retracting force throughout the full extension of the tether to take up any slack in the tether and to return the tether to its normal wound storage position on the reel. The retractor having a housing and a swivel attachment component extending from the housing which enables the housing of the retractor to pivot relative to the surface to which the retractor is connected. The general structure of the swivel attachment component permits ready assembly of any one of various configured swivel attachment components to the retractor housing.

Abstract: A retractor having a retractable tether and a spring biased reel providing a retracting force throughout the full extension of the tether to take up any slack in the tether and to return the tether to its normal wound storage position on the reel. The retractor having a housing and a swivel attachment component extending from the housing which enables the housing of the retractor to pivot relative to the surface to which the retractor is connected. The general structure of the swivel attachment component permits ready assembly of any one of various configured swivel attachment components to the retractor housing.

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 spring motor with an improved take-up drum and idler gear assembly is disclosed. The spring motor includes a take-up drum proximate a drive drum with a coil spring interconnected between the two. First and second cord spools are mounted for rotation laterally adjacent the drive drum and take-up drum. The take-up drum is mounted about an idler gear which transfers torque from the first cord spool to the drive drum. Both the take-up drum and the idler gear are independently rotatable and are supported for rotation on first and second respective sides of each to thereby minimize binding between the idler gear and the take-up drum.

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 retractable reel assembly comprises double tear drop shaped housing, a spool disposed in the housing and journaled for rotation about an axis, the spool and housing defining a plurality of chambers within the housing around the axis. The spool and housing define a cable storage chamber with a second length of cable retractably stored therein and a cable expansion chamber with a length of cable stored therein, a spring chamber and a ratchet chamber. The housing also has a spring takeup compartment and cable adjustment compartment located on a second parallel axis. A constant force spring extends from the spring storage chamber to the spring takeup compartment to urge the spool to rotate in a cable retracting direction.

Abstract: A retracting system especially for use with operating room equipment and adapted to permit a vinyl tube to be removed from a storage spool to a desired length. The spool system is then locked into position so that the tubing is not retracted. By pulling slightly on the tubing, the apparatus retracts the tubing onto the storage spool for future utilization.

Abstract: A portable lock has a housing, a locking member connected to the housing, and a lock control mounted on the housing for selectively locking and unlocking the locking member. The housing is formed with a base and a tip, first and second sidewalls each extending from the base to the tip, and front and back walls each extending between the base, tip, and first and second sidewalls. The base is wider than the tip and the first and second sidewalls are farther apart from each other near the base than near the tip. When the housing is grasped by a hand having any orientation relative to the housing, the lock control is reachable for manipulation by at least one digit of the same hand. A light is mounted on the housing, and a wheel is mounted within the housing and has a hollow portion defining a compartment.

Abstract: The invention is a dual reel cord take-up device for flat wire cable which has a generally semi-cylindrical upper and lower case half which snap together over a dual-purpose shaft to make two compartments. The first compartment is a cord extension and take-up compartment which is divided in two by a slotted disk on the dual-purpose shaft in that compartment. Flat wire cable is wound on the dual-purpose shaft in both compartments, and extends through two apertures in the walls of the compartment. The cable in one aperture is fixed so it does not move in and out of the aperture. The wire cable in the second aperture is free to extend or retract through the aperture. A spring provides the power to retract cable into the take-up device.

Abstract: The invention is a dual reel cord take-up device for flat wire cable which as a generally semi-cylindrical upper and lower case half which snap attach together over a dual-purpose shaft to make two compartments. The first compartment is a cord extension and take-up compartment which is divided in two by a slotted disk on the dual-purpose shaft in that compartment. Flat wire cable is wound on the dual-purpose shaft in both compartments, and extends through two apertures in the walls of the compartment. The cable in one aperture is fixed so it does not move in and out of the aperture. The wire cable in the second aperture is free to extend or retract through the aperture. A spring provides the power to retract cable into the take-up device.