Abstract: A boom deployer to deploy or retract a deformable boom includes a boom deployer frame. An integrated motor-spool assembly is translatably mounted in the boom deployer frame. At least one belt tensioning assembly is also translatably mounted in the boom deployer frame. The belt tensioning assembly tensions at least one recirculating belt which rolls over a roller of the belt tensioning assembly. The at least one recirculating belt is configured to roll over a rolled deformable boom, the deformable boom clamped to and rolled on the integrated motor-spool assembly. A boom deployer with a tensioned stationary belt is also described.

Abstract: The Automatic Extending Device is an internally powered controlled automatic extension and retraction device of lengths of twelve meters or more in extended length that can support up to one hundred eighty one kilograms or more positioned on the far end away from the operator. The device is comprised of: a plurality of telescoping nested sliding extensible pole segments attached to an internally powered pole extension and retraction device comprised of a one way bearing with friction clutch; a tapered push/pull strip; a high friction drive wheel; a push/pull strip friction pinch wheel assembly; a strip guide to maintain push/pull strip location/position; and a push/pull strip spool which contains the push/pull strip when not extended into the pole. The device of the present invention does not conduct electricity, so it is safe for use in, around, and with powered lines, devices, or fixtures.

Abstract: A tape drive comprises a roll of a tape that can be extended from a rolled state to an extended state. The tape includes a rigid material that supports the tape and a pliable material disposed at least partially on one side of the tape. A compression roller is disposed on a side of the tape and is biased toward the tape. A drive roller is disposed on the other side of the tape. The drive roller comprises an uneven surface that mechanically engages the pliable material of the tape, without protruding through the tape, as a result of the bias of the compression roller forcing the tape toward the drive roller. A motor turns the drive roller to extend the tape from the roll as the protrusions of the uneven surface of the drive roller mechanically engage the pliable material of the tape as the drive roller turns.

Abstract: An exercise device consisting of a housing having a rope extending therethrough and wherein the rope is wound about a spool mounted on a driveshaft driven in a forward direction by a motor. The spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging the driveshaft in the forward direction and freely rotating on the driveshaft in the reverse direction. A recoil mechanism is coupled to the spool to rotate the spool in the reverse direction and rewind the rope.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, tethered vehicle system is comprised of a communication network interface, a system command and control module, a power source, a tether cable spooling apparatus and a remotely controlled vehicle that is tethered to the communication, control and power source by a cable that is controlled to be dispensed from or retracted into the spooling apparatus. The spooling apparatus has a spooling mechanism that is controlled to move the cable into and out of the spooling apparatus without using a slip ring device.

Abstract: Example string reels with level wind apparatus are disclosed herein. An example level wind apparatus includes a guide to direct a line onto or away from a reel when the reel is rotating. The reel is rotatable in a first direction to wind the line onto the reel and the reel is rotatable in a second direction to unwind the line from the reel. The level wind apparatus also includes a tensioner to create tension in the line while the reel is rotating the second direction.

Abstract: A boom deployment mechanism is disclosed. The boom deployment mechanism may include a boom, a root plug, and a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the boom may have a proximal end and a distal end. The boom may have a deployed configuration where the boom has a tubular shape with a slit that extends along the longitudinal length of the boom from the proximal end of the boom to the distal end of the boom. The boom may have a stowed configuration where the boom is flattened and rolled. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured to secure the proximal end of the boom to the root plug when the boom is in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to spooling and unspooling linear material. Such apparatus and methods can assist the user in deploying and/or retracting linear material.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is a device for simply and inexpensively tarping the payload of any truck bed without placing the tarper, the tarp, or the payload in danger of injury. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed device generally comprises: (1) a rolled or bunched tarp that is installed on a first portable and adjustable riser; (2) a cable and cable crank installed on a second portable and adjustable riser; (3) wherein the cable may be attached to the tarp so that cranking the cable crank will unroll or unbunch the tarp and suspendedly draw the same toward the second riser; and (4) wherein the risers are removable from the truck bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieval and dispensing tubing, particularly useful for oxygen tubing.

Abstract: A combination of a drive mechanism associated with a fall arrest device. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a rope drive wheel, and a freewheel having a sleeve with axial recesses and clamping faces on an inner surface, which the clamping bodies are guided in a cage and are located in the recesses. The fall arrest device includes a drum onto which a safety rope is wound, a return spring configured to be tensioned during the unwinding of the safety rope from the drum, and a locking device configured to lock the drum against rotation in the safety rope in an unwinding direction in the event of a fall of a person carried by the safety rope.

Abstract: The invention presents a power transmission device comprising a cable, and a duct at least partially surrounding the cable, a reel, into which the cable with its duct can be reeled, a guide for feeding the cable onto and/or off the reel, and a crank in connection with the head end of the cable for rotating the cable. The power transmission device is mainly characterized in that the crank is a hydraulic crank.

Abstract: A device for paying out and retracting an electric power cord (4) comprising two driven cord winder members, the first member being a cord winding reel (1) and the second member being a drive element (7, 8) for engaging the cord (4) at a distance from the reel (1). An electric motor (20) can drive one of the two cord winder members in two directions and is connected with driving force to the other cord winder member (7, 8) by way of a slipper clutch (13) and a one-way clutch (12).

Abstract: A motorized system for reeling and unreeling a flexible member on a roller tube between fully open wound and fully closed unwound conditions to minimize sound pressure level has a rotatable roller tube and a flexible member that winds on the tube. A d-c motor drives the tube through a gear reduction. The motor has a motor speed versus torque characteristic extending linearly from high maximum RPM, low minimum torque, to low minimum RPM high maximum torque with peak efficiency at a given RPM. The motor moves the member between the two positions at a motor speed less than the given peak efficiency RPM and less than 50% of high maximum RPM with efficiency less than 25% of peak efficiency, intentionally at a high torque and low efficiency. The motor has two or more modes each moving the member at predetermined different linear speed.

Abstract: A pool cover winding system has first and second end supports rotatably supporting a shaft for receiving a pool cover wound around it. A bidirectional piston motor operates under control of a valve arrangement connecting a source of water pressure to a first inlet to generate rotation in a first direction for winding a pool cover around the shaft, and to a second inlet to generate rotation in a second direction for unwinding a pool cover from the shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of the primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the primary surface. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to spooling and unspooling linear material. Such apparatus and methods can assist the user in deploying and/or retracting linear material.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of the primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the primary surface. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a track mounted on or in a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the tracks. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: A system for storing, rotating and feeding a high pressure hose. A first portion of the hose is disposable about the drum and a guide arm engages a second portion of the hose. An actuator assembly rotates a cage and the guide arm so that the guide arm rotates relative to the cage such that the hose is rotated. Relative rotation in one direction causes the first portion of the hose to uncoil from the drum and displace along the guide arm and causes a third portion of the high pressure hose in an output port to displace out of the output port away from the guide arm. Relative rotation in an opposite direction causes the second portion of the high pressure hose to coil about the drum and causes the third portion of the high pressure hose to displace into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a tarping material to trucking cargo are provided. The tarping material may be formed into a roll with a rod disposed therethrough. The roll may be supported by a frame. The roll can be configured to move vertically with respect to the ground. A trailer carrying trucking cargo can be stationed beneath the frame. The tarping material may be unwound and dispensed from the roll. In order to drape the trucking cargo with the tarping material, the roll may be moved horizontally over the frame in addition to or alternatively to having the trucking cargo driven horizontally with respect to the roll.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: A tether continuous energy supply system for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: a ground station, a ground station energy system, a spool coupled to the ground station energy system at a rotating joint, a tether that is wound about the spool, wherein a first end of the tether is coupled to the rotating joint, a tension control motor coupled to both the spool and the ground station energy system, an unmanned aerial vehicle coupled to a second end of the tether, a UAV energy system, a fluid that moves throughout the tether continuous energy supply system, a tension control system that receives and transmits signals from a plurality of sensors contained within the tether continuous energy supply system, and a distributed controls system that receives and transmits signals from the plurality of sensors contained within the tether continuous energy supply system.

Abstract: A device for paying out and retracting an electric power cord (4) comprising two driven cord winder members, the first member being a cord winding reel (1) and the second member being a drive element (7, 8) for engaging the cord (4) at a distance from the reel (1). An electric motor (20) can drive one of the two cord winder members in two directions and is connected with driving force to the other cord winder member (7, 8) by way of a slipper clutch (13) and a one-way clutch (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a crash safety device having a safety rope (105) wound onto a drum, a recuperating spring tensioned by the drum during the winding of the rope, and a locking device for blocking the drum from rotation in the rope unwinding direction during the crash of a person secured by the rope. A rope drive mechanism is provided in order to unwind the rope (105) from the drum and to slowly move the rope end having a hook (290) attached thereto toward such that a person can hook onto the safety rope (105). The drive mechanism has a motor (140) driving a rope drive wheel (210) via a freewheel (200) for lowering the rope end having the hook (290). In order to rewind the rope, the motor (140) is operated in a reverse direction of rotation at a controlled rotational speed in order to limit the speed at which the rope (105) is pulled up by the tensioned recuperating spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a surface such as a swimming pool, a sports field, a glazed surface, a vehicle body, including: (a) a drum rotatingly mounted and capable of winding or unwinding a cover, said drum being mounted on longitudinal translation mechanisms including rails provided on either side of said surface; (b) an attachment system for said cover at one transverse end of the surface to be covered so that the translation and the rotation of the drum results in the winding/unwinding of the cover above the surface to be covered; (c) a system for continuously locking the longitudinal edges of the cover onto said rails that is progressively fitted during the unwinding operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to quickly and easily employ a thermal/wind barrier over the surface of a mechanical dock leveler. Dock levelers used in structures with loading docks allow air transfer and thermal conductivity into the loading dock area from the outside environment through joints and openings in and around the dock leveler, when the leveler is not in use, causing economic loss of climate controlled air. The present invention provides a system to employ a thermal/wind barrier over the surface of a dock leveler when it is not being used, so as to prevent this loss. The barrier is deployed and retracted by use of a detent clutch operated spooling mechanism. The spooling mechanism is enclosed in a housing which is mounted to the inside, bottom surface of a loading dock door. An alternative embodiment uses an electric motor to deploy and retract the barrier.

Abstract: A recording medium feeding device feeding by a feeding roller a recording medium which is wound in a roll form and supported by a support axis, includes, a motor that generates a driving force, a driving force transmission section that enables the support axis to rotate by transmitting the driving force to the support axis, and a rotational resistance changing section that changes a rotational resistance given to the support axis, wherein the driving force transmission section includes a driving force changing section that changes a transmission state where the driving force is transmitted to the support axis and a non-transmission state where the driving force is not transmitted to the support axis, by changing a rotational direction of the motor, and wherein the rotational resistance changing section includes a torque limiter connected to or released from the support axis by the change of the motor's rotational direction.

Abstract: A recording medium feeding device for feeding a recording medium, which is wound in the shape of a roll and is supported by a support shaft, by means of a feeding roller includes a motor for generating a driving force and a driving force transmission unit for rotating the support shaft by transmitting the driving force. A rotation resistance switching unit switches a limitation state of giving the support shaft a rotation resistance and an open state of not giving the rotation resistance. The rotation resistance switching unit includes a torque limiter which enters the limitation state by being rotatable around the rotation shaft and enters the open state by being opened. A torque limiter fixing unit connected with the driving force transmission unit fixes the torque limiter by rotating the motor in a first direction and opens the torque limiter by rotating the motor in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A frame structure adapted for carrying a cable drum (13), where the frame structure (1) includes a reeling device (7) for guiding of the cable, wherein the reeling device (7) is arranged rotatable in relation to the frame structure (1) in such a way that the cable drum (13) can be removed from the frame structure (1). Also, a method for use of the frame structure.

Abstract: A very lightweight long-range extending member formed from assembled tapes. The strength of an extended structure can be greatly increased by forming a composite structure from individual single tapes. This invention describes various composite structures and the means for forming them.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieval and dispensing tubing, particularly useful for oxygen tubing.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor may include: a motor that generates a driving force for retracting and unreeling a seat belt by rotating a shaft, a gear case has an interior portion that houses a gear that converts a rotary force of the shaft into a driving force, a harness connected to a side of the motor including the shaft that is disposed opposite the gear case, a motor case having an opening disposed in only one end thereof, and a motor cap disposed on a side of the motor including the shaft opposing the gear case. The motor cap may include a passage portion through which the harness passes to an exterior thereof. The opening in the motor case may be sealed by attaching the motor case to the motor cap and the gear case in a sandwiched manner.

Abstract: The disclosed seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus may comprise: an electric motor; a spool that is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint in association with the driving of the electric motor; and a controller for controlling the electric motor. A starting condition can be defined by the state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and the state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt and, in cases where a starting condition is satisfied, the controller can be configured to control the electric motor to rotate in the belt winding direction such that the motor output of the electric motor is varied according to a satisfaction pattern of the starting condition.

Abstract: A toy for use with any helium balloon comprised of a hand held device with an internal motorized reel that releases and retracts the balloon string when activated by a switch. The user enjoys lifting the balloon at the push of a button and retracting it back from the higher altitude at will and all the time being able to stop the balloon at a given elevation height.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile turf, are provided. The system includes a core onto which the secondary flooring surface is rolled, the core being coupled on both ends to a frame that moves along a track mounted on or in a primary surface. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as frame adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the movement of the frames along the tracks. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor reduces the temporary weight during seatbelt withdrawal to increase an occupant's comfort. When a seatbelt is not being worn by an occupant (off), projections of an internal gear are placed in a circumferential center between adjacent projections by the spring force of springs. When a spool rotates in the belt withdrawing direction, the internal gear also rotates in the belt withdrawing direction. This arrangement disables a reduction mechanism's power transmission to cut off the direct connection between the spool and electric motor connected to a sun gear to reduce the temporary weight during withdrawal of the seatbelt. When the internal gear rotates at a predetermined angle, the projections come into contact with the projections to thereby stop the rotation of the internal gear. This enables the power transmission of the reduction mechanism, whereby the spool and electric motor are brought into direct connection via the reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor according to the present invention is configured in such a manner that a cylindrical rotor (24) of an electric motor in a spool is formed into two members in the axial direction, that is, a two-piece member including a first rotating member (24a1) and a first rotating shaft member (24b1), and a second rotating member (24a2) and a second rotating shaft member (24b2), and these two members are coupled. A torsional portion (42a) of a torsion bar (42) is penetrated through an inner hole (24b11) of a rotating shaft member (24b) including first and second rotating shaft members (24b1), (24b2) in the axial direction. Accordingly, even though the maximum outer diameters of first and second head portions (42b), (42c) of the torsion bar (42) are set to be larger than the inner diameter of the inner hole (24b11), the torsion bar (42) can be integrated into the rotor (24) easily.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor is provided with a reduced size and reduced man-hours required for installation to a vehicle body. A motor for rotating a spool of winding a seat belt and an ECU for the motor are united to form a combined motor/ECU unit. The motor/ECU unit is supported on a frame just below the spool. In this case, the motor and ECU are accommodated in a unit casing of which a casing body is flatly supported on a unit stay. The unit stay is supported by the frame.

Abstract: A modular rotating carousel assembly for storage and unspooling of pipe or cable is provided that comprises a plurality of triangular subassemblies; each triangular subassembly comprises a base member and at least one pair of connecting members; the connecting members are connected together at one end to form an apex and are connected at the other end to the base member; the base members of the plurality of triangular subassemblies are rotatably connected together to form a first circle; wherein the apexes of the connecting members extend outwardly from said first circle; and a plurality of rotating caster members is positioned beneath the rotatable connection of a plurality of said base members. Additional sets of triangular subassemblies are built up on concentric circles until the desired size of carousel is formed. A drive mechanism is provided that includes a motor that rotates a perimeter drive chain that engages sprocket pads spaced about the circumference of the carousel.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device provided with a clutch disposed between a take-up shaft and a motor, the clutch coupling and releasing coupling of the take-up shaft to the motor. When a gear wheel of the clutch is rotated in a take-up direction by the motor, a friction spring mounted to a spring housing portion of the clutch housing moves a pawl with a first protrusion of the friction spring, causing the pawl to mesh with a ratchet wheel. Relative rotation of the gear wheel with respect to the ratchet wheel (spool) in the take-up direction is thereby restricted, and the spool rotates with the gear wheel in the take-up direction. Since the pawl is directly moved by the friction spring mounted on the clutch housing, the configuration for moving the pawl can be simplified.

Abstract: A roll storage module comprises a storage roll (4) and a band roll (1). A band (3) extends between the storage and band rolls, the rolls being rotatable so that the band can be rolled around and unrolled from each roll. A storage roll motor (5) applies a rotational torque directly to the storage roll (4), a band roll motor (2) applies a rotational torque directly to the band roll (1). A control system (6) controls the motors (2,5) so as to cause the band (3) to roll on and unroll from the storage and band rolls (1,4) respectively in a determined manner. The control system includes a processor (6) for monitoring rotation of the band roll (1), and for calculating one or more parameters relating to the band (3) based on the monitored band roll rotation thereby to control the band and storage roll motors to rotate their respective rolls in the determined manner.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.

Abstract: A power operated tape measure enables extension of a tape via a drive mechanism, as well as retraction of the tape through a mechanical decoupling within the drive mechanism. The tape measure has a housing within which is positioned a spring-biased tape assembly, the drive mechanism and a clutch. The spring-biased tape assembly includes an annular reel onto which is wound a tape having indicia for taking length measurements. The drive mechanism includes a driving gear and a driven gear, and is adapted to engage with a bottom surface of the tape to extend the tape out of the housing. The clutch is adapted to displace the driven gear out of engagement with the driving gear and thereby decouple the driving and braking force provided by the drive mechanism from acting upon the bottom surface of the tape to permit the spring-biasing of the tape assembly to retract the tape into the housing.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.

Abstract: Fiber-optic cable is dispensed underwater into a trench from a vehicle moving along the bed of the body of water. The cable is wound on a stationary spool and dispensed over the end of the spool by a rotary arm driven by a motor controlled to maintain a desired tension in the cable. The cable has a fiber optic core, metal wires wound around the core, and a tensioned laminate of copper tape adhered to plastic tape wound around the wires.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for high-place work which includes a moving supporting leg having a guiding case with opposite open ends and plural walls, guiding grooves attached to said walls, plural elastic strips, a plurality of connecting pieces transversely attached to said elastic strips with the connecting pieces having a proportional number composed of shorter and longer lengths with the longer connecting pieces having fitting grooves on ends thereof, which matingly engage the ends of the shorter connecting pieces. The elastic strips are rotatably wound about respective winding drums disposed on the loading box of a vehicle and driven a driving force originating from the power source of the vehicle such that by unwinding the respective elastic strips an integrated column is formed at a desired elevated high location.

Abstract: A water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system is disclosed. The system includes a reel having a quantity of tow rope wound therearound. The reel is powered by an electric motor through a drive shaft which is also coupled to an electrically controlled brake or clutch. The brake or clutch acts to keep the drive shaft, and thus the reel, from rotating freely when the electric motor is not being used to pay out or retrieve tow rope. An embodiment of the water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system having radio remote control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.