Centrifugal Patents (Class 242/381.5)
  • Patent number: 10893660
    Abstract: A retractable leash device (e.g., for pets, children, or the like) having a length control system for limiting the extendable length of a main line is provided. The device includes a cover plate mounted on a wind-up spool and having at least one ridged channel that interacts with a length control switch during line extension to control the extendable length of the main line while simultaneously maintaining the retractability of the main line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Kevin A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10005424
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device includes a second clutch that transmits rotation of a motor to a spool. The second clutch includes a base including a first spring catch portion, a clutch gear, a clutch spring including a coil portion, having an end portion at one side caught to the first spring catch portion, and a lever that includes a second spring catch portion catching an end portion at another side of the clutch spring, and that enlarges diameter of the coil portion to abut the clutch gear by moving the end portion at the another side of the clutch spring toward one side in the circumferential direction of the base. A terminal end of the end portion at the one side of the clutch spring abuts the first spring catch portion when the lever is rotated toward the one side in the circumferential direction of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takahiro Osaki, Tomonari Umakoshi, Yuya Nagata, Takuhiro Saito
  • Patent number: 10000184
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device includes a spool that takes up webbing worn by an occupant, an input gear that is rotated by rotation force being transmitted, a spool gear that rotates the spool by being rotated, and a second clutch that is provided between the input gear and the spool gear, and that transmits rotation force of the input gear to the spool gear by being rotated by the input gear. The webbing take-up device further includes a sub clutch spring that is provided between the input gear and the second clutch, that transmits rotation force of the input gear to the second clutch when the input gear is rotated toward one side, and that shuts off transmission of rotation force of the input gear to the second clutch when the input gear is rotated toward another side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Yuya Nagata, Takahiro Osaki, Takuhiro Saito, Tomonari Umakoshi
  • Patent number: 9751495
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. When the reel assembly experiences the force of a major incident, rotation of the webbing shaft may be first partially arrested by the engagement of a first of two locking teeth on a locking dog with a first of two engagement surfaces on a geared end plate and subsequently completely arrested by the combined engagements of the first and second locking teeth with their respective first and second engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ford
  • Patent number: 9656832
    Abstract: The invention is a centrifugal brake device that is a speed control means for spring motor hose and cable reels. This brake device is mounted to a shaft of a hub associated with the reel, such that the device controls the reel rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: REEL-TECH PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Sean Morgan, Stuart Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140263799
    Abstract: A retractor mechanism for a pet collar. The mechanism includes a case with a cavity, a spool assembly with a spool plate, a line wound on the spool assembly with a free end exiting the case that is attached to a leash handle, a power spring that biases the spool assembly to a wound state, and a centrifugal/inertial brake having with a lock member with a heavier distal end a lighter proximal end, and lock member spring. The lock member pivots on the spool plate. When the spool assembly is spun above a threshold rotations speed, a centripetal force acting on the distal end of the lock member exceeds a spring force of the lock member spring acting on the proximal end of the lock member, thereby pivoting the lock member into contact with a catch in the cavity of the case to prevent the spool assembly from rotating further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: David Francis Baerwald, Mark A. Presser, Neal B. Rosenblum
  • Publication number: 20140117136
    Abstract: The invention is a centrifugal brake device that is a speed control means for spring motor hose and cable reels. This brake device is mounted to a shaft of a hub associated with the reel, such that the device controls the reel rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Spray Nozzle Engineering Pty Limited
    Inventors: Sean Morgan, Stuart Morgan
  • Publication number: 20130341451
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device includes a spool and a spiral spring that biases the spool in a take-up direction and a motor provided with an output shaft. The webbing take-up device further includes a first clutch that transmits forward direction rotation of the output shaft to the spool, rotating the spool in the take-up direction. The webbing take-up device further includes a second clutch including: weights that are rotated by the output shaft and that open out under their own centrifugal force; a connection-disconnection mechanism that receives force from the weights opening out and connects so as to enable rotation of the output shaft to be transmitted to the spool; and projection portions serving as load limiting portions that limit the load imparted to the connection-disconnection mechanism so as not to become a specific value or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Takuhiro SAITO, Tomonari UMAKOSHI
  • Patent number: 8474743
    Abstract: A ski-lift seat return device having a supporting structure; a reel mounted to rotate about an axis with respect to the supporting structure; a cable wound about the reel; a spring mechanism for opposing unwinding of the cable, and for rewinding the cable unwound off the reel; and a contactless magnetic brake connected to the reel and the supporting structure to adjust the brake torque as a function of the rotation speed of the reel; and wherein the magnetic brake has a first wall integral with and preferably defining part of the supporting structure; and a second wall connected movably to the reel and moved towards the first wall by the rotation speed of the reel; the first and second wall being coupled magnetically to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rolic Invest S.AR.L.
    Inventors: Otto Pabst, Christian Bacher
  • Patent number: 8430207
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate. Further disclosed is a centrifugally-operated safety device comprising the preassembled and pretorqued friction brake, and methods of making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Kurt D. Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20120298784
    Abstract: The invention is a centrifugal brake device which is a speed control means for spring motor hose and cable reels, This brake device is mounted to a shaft of a hub associated with the reel such that the device controls the reel rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Spray Nozzle Engineering Pty Limited
    Inventors: Sean Morgan, Stuart Morgan
  • Publication number: 20120298451
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a centrifugally-operated apparatus that comprises at least a shaft with an axis of rotation and a pawl that is coaxially mounted on the shaft with at least a portion of the pawl being movable radially inwardly and outwardly from the shaft. The axis of rotation of the shaft passes through the pawl, at a location that is radially offset from the center of mass of the pawl. Rotation of the shaft and pawl above a predetermined speed can cause at least the movable portion of the pawl to be moved radially outward from the shaft, in which position an engaging end of the movable portion of the pawl may engage with a component such as a ratchet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Kurt D. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 8251304
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: John Boyer, Daniel Meggs, Alan Lane
  • Publication number: 20110315483
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed fall-protection safety devices comprising a load-bearing housing comprised of a composite polymeric material, and also comprising a load-bearing anchorage plate connected to the load-bearing housing by at least one load-bearing connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Kurt D. Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20110315482
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Kurt D. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7967233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake device for webbing or belt cartridges built as a flexible one piece body (1), preferably made of a material like rubber, doted with a characteristic design. Said single flexible body comprises an ellipsoidal central portion (2), having in its center two symmetrical openings (3) for coupling to a reel, and two radially spaced rods (4), said rods having a rounded shape finishing, conforming two brackets (5) in circumference arcs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Ricardo Augusto de Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 7475841
    Abstract: A spring retractable reel having a pneumatic retraction governor or air motor for regulating the rewind speed of a spool for taking up a line of material. For example, an air motor includes a rotor having vanes, a first port opening onto one side of the rotor, and a second port opening onto a second side of the rotor. A valve adjustably restricts a continuous flow of ambient air through the second port, and the valve defines an opening sized smaller than the first port. The rotation of the spool and the rotor are fixedly coupled together, for example, with a chain. When the spool rewinds the line of material, the rotor rotates, which in turn draws ambient air through the first port, a portion of which ambient air is restricted from exiting the second port due to the valve thereby compressing air within the air motor to regulate or limit the speed at which the spool rewinds the line of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hannay Reels, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Fancher
  • Patent number: 6942078
    Abstract: A cable reel makes possible a diversion of a braking pulse onto a housing by using elastic elements that mount the cable reel inside the housing, whereby the braking energy is converted into heat. The cable reel is, in particular, also suited for reel bodies that hold long cable lengths. In particular, the cable reel is used in a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Silvio Hamm, Heinrich Komesker, Manfred Prell
  • Publication number: 20040035971
    Abstract: A deceleration device of a tape rule is equipped with a speed reduction gear wheel in the tape rule housing. The speed reduction gear wheel is in mesh with a transmission gear wheel of a reel for coiling a measuring tape such that the rotational speed of the reel when retrieving the extended tape is retarded thereby preventing the danger of scratching the user's finger or damaging the tape itself by abrasion or impingement. Engagement of the speed reduction gear wheel and the transmission gear wheel can be released by operating a flat pusher plate provided on the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Shin-Lin Li
  • Patent number: 6168107
    Abstract: A restraining assembly for use in conjunction with a linear transducer. The restraining assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart magnets positioned on a stationary frame, where the magnets provide a reverse torque and restrict excessive rotational speed on a spool when a copper disc or equivalent magnetic flux medium is rotated at a close proximity to the face of the magnets. When a cable is suddenly released and allowed to freely return on the rotating spool, the restraining assembly restrains the high rotational speed at which the cable can accelerate when returning or retracting to the spool, such that the restraining assembly prevents the cable from self-destruction and/or damage to the linear transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Celesco Transducer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bishop, Jack H. Malek, Glen M. Ennis