Abstract: A child seat (56) detecting means employing a magnet and sensor (141) for detecting whether a child seat (56) is mounted on the passenger seat (14, 15). A controller (40) in response to a signal from the sensor (141) will prevent activation of a pretensioner or belt tightener (65) from tensioning the seat belt or webbing (55) which is often positioned about or through the child seat (56) and/or for preventing an inflator (34) from expanding an airbag (26) when a child seat (56) is detected on either the front or rear passenger seat (14, 15).

Abstract: The invention involves an improved wire spool guide including a frame that comprises adjacent legs for coupling with a support rod that typically traverses the center of a wire spool hub. Each leg includes a terminal end comprising a spring arm and rod-registering area configured to capture a portion of the rod while allowing the rod to rotate therein. In exemplary embodiments, each leg extends from an anterior support of the frame that is roughly perpendicular to both legs. A wire-guiding element extends substantially form a center portion of the anterior support. The wire-guiding element may be defined by a helical structure configured for allowing a portion of the wire to be weaved into the helical structure rather than having to be threaded through. The helical structure may include an incongruous element, which prevents the wire from tangling at an exit point of the wire-guiding element.

Abstract: A retractable leash having an internal spooling mechanism, active damping/braking mechanism and sensor activated ultrasonic whistle. The spooling mechanism is contained in a handle and oscillates linearly up and down when the leash member is unwound. A finger separator is contained in the handle, the finger separator having an internal channel with openings to permit the leash member to be unwound therethrough.

Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.

Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.

Abstract: A self-supporting extendable material, such as tape used for sealing, tape for adhering two surfaces together. More specifically, coated extendable self-supporting materials such as adhesive tapes, papers, and adhesive sheets may be used in the manufacture of adhesive tapes and papers, wherein a length of tape or other material extends rigidly a certain distance and does not coil or curl onto itself, or curl or coil prematurely onto the receiving substrate. Yet, the material maintains flexibility to be pliable and generally to conform to a surface to which it may be applied. The material is available in sheet form or as roll goods.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a robot having a robot arm that supports a device powered by supply lines. The arrangement includes at least one guide element that is fastened to the robot arm, and the supply lines are moveably held against at least one segment of the robot arm by the at least one guide element. At least one storage element is provided for receiving a supply line provision. The at least one storage element releases the supply line from the supply line provision with an increasing tensile load of the supply lines and retracts the supply line into the supply line provision with a decreasing tensile load of the supply lines.

Abstract: A payout spool for a cable includes a base, a spool, and a disconnect/reconnect device. The cable extends between a first and a second end. The payout spool pays out the cable when the first end of the cable is pulled away from the payout spool. The base includes a terminal for transmitting and/or receiving a signal to and/or from the cable. The spool is rotatably mounted to the base about an axis. The spool is adapted to unwrap the cable about a wrapping area of the spool when the spool is rotated about the axis. The disconnect/reconnect device may be adapted to disconnect the second end of the cable from the terminal when the payout spool pays out the cable and reconnect the same when the payout spool is not paying out the cable.

Abstract: A wire-winding device comprising: an upper cover having a bottom surface and a slot deviating from a center of the bottom surface; a rotary base having an annular track on a top surface thereof, the annual track and the slot of the upper cover constituting an orbit; a spiral spring received in the rotary base; a transmission line winding around the rotary base; a lower cover assembled with the upper cover; and an elastic positioning element having a base and a positioning part extruding from the lower surface of the base, the base having an elastic part and a respective fixed part at each of two ends thereof, the elastic positioning element being moveable along the orbit in response to a rotational movement of the rotary base to avoid the transmission line to be tied a knot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a wind-on spindle which is mounted rotatably in a housing connected to the motor vehicle body and on which a safety belt is held with its one end, the wind-on spindle being prestressed into a wind-on position, in which the safety belt is wound on the wind-on spindle and the safety belt can be unwound from the wind-on spindle, counter to the prestress, as a result of the rotation of the latter, and the safety belt emerging from its end held on the wind-on spindle through an exit orifice out of the wind-on spindle. According to the invention, there is provision whereby, in the state unwound completely from the wind-on spindle, the safety belt runs, between its end held on the wind-on spindle and the exit orifice of the wind-on spindle, in a sheet-like manner over at least one surface.

Abstract: A retractable cable system for coiling and uncoiling a cable. The system preferably includes an axle, a first drum having a spring nested inside the drum, a second drum, and a pulley assembly. The first drum is configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the axle while the second drum is configured to rotate around the axle. A cable is configured to wrap around the first and second drums and the pulley assembly, in which one of the ends of the cable is fixed to the system. The system prevents the cable from being twisted and allows the cable to maintain its geometry as the cable is being coiled and uncoiled.

Abstract: A take-up spool may include a first plurality of rollers arranged in a left handed helical pattern, a second plurality of rollers below the first plurality of rollers and arranged in a right handed helical pattern, a third plurality of rollers arranged in an S-shaped pattern, the third plurality of rollers being arranged between the first and second plurality of rollers, a guide configured to move vertically, the guide being arranged at a first side of the first plurality of rollers, and a clamp configured to move vertically, the clamp being arranged at a second side of the first plurality of rollers.

Abstract: A take-up spool may include a first plurality of rollers arranged in a left handed helical pattern, a second plurality of rollers below the first plurality of rollers and arranged in a right handed helical pattern, a third plurality of rollers arranged in an S-shaped pattern, the third plurality of rollers being arranged between the first and second plurality of rollers, a guide configured to move vertically, the guide being arranged at a first side of the first plurality of rollers, and a clamp configured to move vertically, the clamp being arranged at a second side of the first plurality of rollers..

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a reserve lifeline portion and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, and a lifeline. A stop member is operatively connected to an intermediate portion a distance from a first end of the lifeline. A bumper portion is operatively connected to the housing and includes a bore through which the lifeline extends, the bore being smaller than the stop member to prevent passage of the stop member through the bore and out of the housing. At least a portion of the bumper portion disconnects from the housing when a predetermined force is exerted on the bumper portion to allow the stop member to exit the housing.

Abstract: A cable retractor for paying out and retracting an electrical cable providing electrical power to an electrical load on a movable window element comprising a first assembly having a rotatable cable spool for receiving the electrical cable for winding on the cable spool, the first assembly including a first housing having an opening therein for paying out a first end of the electrical cable wound on the spool and at least one electrical terminal for connecting a second end of the electrical cable on the spool to one of an electrical power source or the electrical load; a second assembly having at least one electrical connection connected to the first end of the electrical cable and further being connected to the other one of the electrical load or the electrical power source; thereby to provide power to the electrical load from the electrical cable; one of the first and second assemblies being mounted for movement with the movable window element and the other of the first and second assemblies being fixed; and

Abstract: A spool for a telecommunications cable. The spool winds-up and pays-out the cable without accumulating twist in the cable. The spool can also pay out a distal end of the cable and mount a proximal end of the cable. Because no twist is accumulated in the cable, the first end and/or the second end of the cable can remain connected while the spool is winding-up or paying-out. The spool includes a base, a cable wrap reverser, and a hub. The spool is adapted to wrap the cable about the base in a first wrapping direction and is adapted to wrap the cable about the hub in an opposite second wrapping direction. The cable wrap reverser is adapted to transition and guide the cable from the first to the second wrapping direction.

Abstract: A rescue line apparatus is configured as a horizontal tether for being readily connected between a door and a portion of the door jamb or other entry location and extending a line as the user moves within the structure. The device allows the user to readily locate their way back for egressing the structure, and can be readily disengaged by the user, which activates a braking system that prevents unit “run-away”. A multi-attach anchor head couples the far end of the line to any desired structure, and has a beacon assembly which outputs a light pattern of sufficient brightness to be seen by the user when visually locating their attachment point within the structure. A multi-element visual indicator is configured for indicating line extension distance, and displaying tether line status. Many options promote safety and a fully cooperative environment.

Abstract: A garage parking mat that assists an individual in properly parking their vehicle in a garage. The parking mat is fabricated from two durable rubber mats, sensors, a warning light box, insulated wiring, and various attached hardware. The rubber mats are adjustable in length and include lateral strips across the front and rear on each mat. Within the strips are pressure sensors that are designed to notify the attached hardware when a vehicle's tires are located on a pressure sensor. The strips also have a series of sensors located on the outer edges of each rubber mat to detect improper steering by a driver. The warning light box includes a series of lights, including a red and green light, to visually signal a driver when the driver is pulling a vehicle into the garage.

Abstract: Provided is a seat belt retractor capable of having its assembly readily performed to increase assembly efficiency, simplifying shapes of components to readily manufacture the retractor and reduce manufacturing cost, and preventing a webbing from being hooked when the webbing is rewound. The seat belt retractor includes a housing constituting a main body of the seat belt retractor, a guide drum rotatably installed in the housing, a connector inserted into one side of the guide drum, a base member surrounding the connector, a gear member inserted into the base member, a cylinder for operating the gear member, a torsion bar inserted into the guide drum, a locking member fixedly inserted between the torsion bar and the guide drum, a locking clutch installed at one surface of the locking member, a mechanism cover installed at one surface of the locking clutch, and a friction spring installed in the mechanism cover to stop operation of a lock arm fixed to the locking clutch.

Abstract: A gimbal assembly strain relief may be used to provide management of the power cord of a power tool. The power cord extends through the gimbal assembly to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes while providing strain relief.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat belt system having an active system for avoiding bunching of webbing in a D-ring during a rapid deceleration event. The system includes a controlled locking mechanism engageable with a rotatably mounted D-ring to restrict backward rotation of the D-ring.

Abstract: A tethering apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated flexible line, a spool and a biasing member adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible line. A locking device is attached to an end portion of the elongated flexible line to assist in tethering the watercraft to a mooring structure.

Abstract: A support assembly is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the power cord. Embodiments of the assembly include a quick release electrical connector deployed between and configured to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the tool from a power supply and/or a gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes, the cord extending through the gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A reel assembly for storing a hose, an electrical cord, or other items. The reel assembly includes a base, a spool rotatably mounted to the base, and a guide arm adjustably mounted to the base for guiding the direction in which a hose, for example, is extended from the reel and for guiding the hose onto the reel as the hose is wound upon the reel. A spring is operably connected between the spool and the base to bias the spool in a rotational direction in which the hose is wound onto the spool, thereby automatically retracting the hose after use. A pawl mechanism is mounted to the guide arm, and cooperates with a pair of ratchet teeth sets on the spool to selectively lock the spool against rotation in a hose-winding direction, thereby maintaining the hose in a desired extended position for use. The relative orientation of the ratchet teeth sets and the pawl mechanism, which is mounted to the guide arm, prevents “latch-out” when the hose is disposed in its fully extended position.

Abstract: A device for storing a cable, especially an electric cable in a cable drum of a vacuum cleaner. The device including a pendulous body with rollers mounted on an axle and a supply space. The supply space has the rollers arranged on the entry side to guide the cable to the pendulous body. The pendulous body having at least a first and at least a second roller between which the cable can be guided as the pendulous object swings around the axle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically retracting cardholder or accessory holder which, when worn, retains and automatically reestablishes the desired orientation of the card or accessory to user. A longitudinally flexible tape is used, with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry having a long and short axis and lateral stiffness. The tape passes through an orifice in the housing that geometrically corresponds to the shape of the tape, thereby obviating the tape from passively rotating about its long axis, or, due to the inherent memory of the long axis rotation of the tape, automatically reestablishing the desired orientation of the tape rotation if the tape is twisted by the user. The means for attaching the card or other accessory to the tape is such that the orientation of the accessory to the tape is fixed. Thus, the orientation of the card or accessory to the housing, and consequently the user wearing the housing, is fixed thereby.

Abstract: A battery charger supporting 3C (computer, communication, consumer electronics) products such as a mobile telephone, a PDA, a notebook computer, a digital camera, a digital video camera, etc. The battery charger is constructed to include a body, a circuit board, a reel assembly, an outlet lead wire, a rotable reel, a securing axle, a slide switch, and a two-pinned plug. Apart from a terminal at one end of the retractable outlet lead wire being adapted to enable connecting to a jack of a mobile phone and thereby charge the mobile phone, the battery charger is also configured with a battery recess that supports inserting of a mobile phone battery therein, whereby charging of the mobile phone battery can be accomplished.

Abstract: A reel assembly for storing a hose, an electrical cord, or other items. The reel assembly includes a base, a spool rotatably mounted to the base, and a guide arm adjustably mounted to the base for guiding the direction in which a hose, for example, is extended from the reel and for guiding the hose onto the reel as the hose is wound upon the reel. A spring is operably connected between the spool and the base to bias the spool in a rotational direction in which the hose is wound onto the spool, thereby automatically retracting the hose after use. A pawl mechanism is mounted to the guide arm, and cooperates with a pair of ratchet teeth sets on the spool to selectively lock the spool against rotation in a hose-winding direction, thereby maintaining the hose in a desired extended position for use. The relative orientation of the ratchet teeth sets and the pawl mechanism, which is mounted to the guide arm, prevents “latch-out” when the hose is disposed in its fully extended position.

Abstract: A support assembly and method is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the cord. Elevation of the object may be adjusted within a predetermined range of motion. The assembly exerts an upward force on the object that varies depending upon the elevation. This variable force is calibrated to provide the object with a uniformly weightless or virtually weightless “feel” nominally throughout the range of movement. The assembly is provided with low friction and low inertia, so that an object may be rapidly and easily moved between various elevations with little effort and little drag. The amount of force exerted on the object by the assembly may be adjusted.

Abstract: A safety system including a web guide comprising: a load-bearing member; a roller rotationally supported in relation to the load-bearing member; a one-way clutch for permitting the roller to rotate in a first direction and for prohibiting the roller from rotating in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: A gas tubing reel includes a housing having a tubing-reel rotatably positioned therein for unwinding and retracting tubing. The tubing-reel is biased in a retracting direction and includes ratcheting and releasing means for selectably paying out or retracting the tubing. One side wall of the housing defines an opening through which the tubing-reel may be slidably removed. The cable reel includes a line guide engaged with a worm gear for reciprocative movement between side walls of the housing whereby to evenly distribute the gas tubing on the tubing-reel. A swivel housing is coupled to the tubing-reel in a bearing relationship and includes an inlet port for receiving an end of the tubing and an outlet port for coupling to a nasal cannula. Thus, a gas may be delivered from a gas source through the gas tubing, swivel coupling, and cannula to a patient without tangling or twisting the tubing.

Abstract: A safety system including a web guide comprising: a load-bearing member; a roller rotationally supported in relation to the load-bearing member; a one-way clutch for permitting the roller to rotate in a first direction and for prohibiting the roller from rotating in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: A structure of an automatic suspender reeling device, and especially a device in which an engaging member and a ratchet wheel are mutually engaged with or separated from each other to control pulling out or retracting of a wound suspender. The reeling device includes a receiving box, a cover, a ratchet wheel and an engaging member. The receiving box has a receiving space therein. One side of the receiving space is an opened side to place in the ratchet wheel and the engaging member. An engaging portion on the bottom of the engaging member engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel. A suspender is wound onto the ratchet wheel. One end of the suspender extends through a through hole on the engaging member and out of the receiving box, after which, a cover is put on the opened side of the receiving space to complete the reeling device.

Abstract: A traction device has a casing, a drum mounted in the casing for undergoing rotation, and a traction rope having a first end connected to the drum and a second end extending through an opening in the casing. A roller is disposed in the casing for guiding the traction rope and a biasing member for resiliently biasing the traction rope onto the roller. A spring has a first end connected to the drum for urging the drum in a direction of rewinding the traction rope on the drum. A rope coupling is connected to the second end of the traction rope for preventing the second end of the traction rope from passing through the opening of the casing. A tension meter is disposed between the traction rope and the rope coupling for measuring a tension of the traction rope. A shaft is supported by the casing for undergoing rotation relative to the drum and is connected to a second end of the spring. A ratchet mechanism rotates the shaft to apply an initial load to the spring.

Abstract: A reel mounted at the midpoint of a telescoping mast for antennas. The reel winds a multi-celled ribbon cable in two directions at once. The cable passes through the hub of the reel to feed in both winding directions. The reel is mounted on the mast with a clamp that fits a range of existing mast sizes, and distributes the stress of the reel on the mast sufficiently to avoid distortion of the mast. The reel preferably has a cable tensioner wheel on both cable feeds to prevent the cable from slipping off the reel. A selection of cables can be pulled through the multi-celled ribbon sheath by an installer to support a given installation. The outer plate of the reel can be easily removed to remove the cable sheath from the hub for changing the selection of cables in the sheath.

Abstract: The fiber slack storage device of the present invention for storing a slack length of a fiber optic strand comprises a spool comprising a pair of diametrically-opposed cylindrical barrels, and a cylindrical housing for at least partially enclosing the spool. The spool is disposed in the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto and the minimum radius of curvature of each of the cylindrical barrels is equal to or greater than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic strand.

Abstract: A retractable wire removal device for capturing wire cable and the like which is being run through walls or other enclosed spaces. The device comprises a flexible "tape" which forms a loop within a wall. Once the wire cable or other material is positioned within the loop, the tape is retracted, thus capturing the wire within it. The device along with the wire is then removed from the wall at the same time.

Abstract: A self-adjusting deceleration device comprises a rewind spool-laden base and pneumatic chamber. A linear medium, attached to the spool, passes into the pneumatic chamber, attaches to a piston, and passes back through the base and out of the device. An energy storage or dampening device is disposed within the pneumatic chamber. The linear medium is attached to the water craft or other item and the spool tenses the linear medium. A water craft shift pulls on the linear medium and causes downward pull on the piston which is gradually decelerated by pneumatic pressure developed within the pneumatic chamber and the energy storage device. A swivel assembly assists in lateral movement of the secured water craft and assists in holding the linear medium outwardly.

Abstract: A retractor for a seat belt includes a retractor base, a bobbin fixed to a winding shaft rotatably supported to the retractor base for winding a webbing, and a webbing guide having a first positioning portion located on the side of the bobbin and a second positioning portion located on the side of the upper end of the retractor base. The webbing guide is fixed to the retractor base for regulating a webbing moving path so that the webbing wound around the bobbin is drawn out from a prescribed position on said retractor base. The first and second positioning portions each has a protrusion portion provided with a plurality of protrusions abutting on the surface of said webbing and the surface of each protrusion abutting on said webbing forms a smooth bending face.

Abstract: A cord reel assembly is provided which includes a housing including a funnel-shaped port, a spool journalled within the housing, and a cord wound about the spool and having an end portion exiting the housing via the funnel-shaped port. The housing typically includes first and second opposing walls generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the spool, and a bridging wall connecting the first and second walls. The funnel-shaped exit port extends outwardly from the bridging wall.

Abstract: A safety belt reeling device has a housing and a belt reeling shaft rotatably supported in the housing. A safety belt is connected with one end to the belt reeling shaft so as to be reeled onto and withdrawn from the belt reeling shaft. A safety belt guide is movably connected in the housing between an assembly position and an operational position. The safety belt guide has a guide slot through which the safety belt is threaded during assembly of the safety belt reeling device and in which the safety belt is guided during operation of the safety belt reeling device. The belt reeling shaft has a belt slot and the safety belt is guided through the belt slot and is secured thereat. The safety belt guide during assembly is moved into the assembly position at the periphery of the belt reeling shaft and is secured in the assembly position such that the guide slot is aligned with the belt slot and such that the guide slot and the belt slot are directly adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A retractor for a seat belt includes a retractor base, a bobbin fixed to a winding shaft rotatably supported to the retractor base for winding a webbing, and a webbing guide having a first positioning portion located on the side of the bobbin and a second positioning portion located on the side of the upper end of the retractor base. The webbing guide is fixed to the retractor base for regulating a webbing moving path so that the webbing wound around the bobbin is drawn out from a prescribed position on said retractor base. The first and second positioning portions each has a protrusion portion provided with a plurality of protrusions abutting on the surface of said webbing and the surface of each protrusion abutting on said webbing forms a smooth bending face.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for safety belts having: a plate member (22) adapted to be mounted relative a cooperating structure, including a top (30) and sidewalls (24, 26) and a bottom (28, 50, 98) situated about an opening (47,47'). A roller is rotated by the shoulder belt (92) and is also supported by a flexible shaft (82) such that during a high level vehicle deceleration the shaft deflects and the roller is permitted to rest upon the bottom of the D-ring.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor having a webbing guide (22) which slides along guide holes (2p and 2q) in side walls (2a and 2b) in accordance with the roll diameter of a webbing (3) taken up on a reel shaft (4), thereby allowing the webbing (3) to be wound up and unwound smoothly and also protected. Since guide portions (22d and 22e) abut on the upper end surfaces of the two side walls (2a and 2b) at all times, the webbing guide (22) will not rotate to tilt when the webbing (3) is wound up and unwound. Accordingly, the webbing guide (22) can slide smoothly along the guide holes (2p and 2q), and the webbing (3) can be wound up and unwound even more smoothly.

Abstract: A winding apparatus with a guidance device comprises a winding drum, a guidance device, and a case. The winding drum can provide spring back force by installing a spiral spring so as to recoil a wire to lap over the winding drum. The guidance device which comprises a driving guide axle, a driven guide axle, and a transmission installation and the winding drum are disposed in the case. The driving and driven guide axles each provides a helical groove spiralling in opposite direction for the guidance of the wire passing through to spirally lap over the winding drum during recoiling. In which, the spring back force of the winding drum during reverse rotation will be transmitted to drive the driving and driven guide axles to rotate in opposite direction by the transmission installation.