Electric Patents (Class 242/390.8)
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Patent number: 7533842Abstract: A clutch 100 of the present webbing retractor has a gear wheel 116 and spring claws 182, and has peripheral direction load receiving portions 120 at the gear wheel 116, and load from the spring claws 182 is applied along a peripheral direction via the peripheral direction load receiving portions 120. Therefore, compactness and weight reduction of the clutch 100 can be aimed for. Further, the clutch 100 has a ring 176, and the ring 176 integrally has a cover portion 178 holding respective clutch structural members at predetermined assembly positions, and the spring claws 182, and is held integrally with a rotor 124 by elastic forces of the spring claws 182. In this way, the respective clutch structural members can be temporarily held (sub-assembled) integrally.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Takuhiro Saito, Katsuki Asagiri, Shinji Mori, Tomonori Kimura
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Patent number: 7533903Abstract: A seat belt retractor, which is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint by an electric motor, warns a vehicle occupant. A seat belt retractor of a seat belt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is structured such that a motor is controlled to repeat an action of increasing and decreasing the tension acting on a seat belt a plurality of times according to a setting that the seat belt tension at the initial stage of each action overshoots a predetermined target tension, for the purpose of warning a vehicle occupant who wears the seat belt.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Masato Takao, Koji Tanaka, Koji Inuzuka
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Patent number: 7516808Abstract: The disclosed seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus may be used to provide a technology effective for reducing the risk of making a vehicle occupant uncomfortable with regard to the seat belt winding action. A seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus may comprise an electric motor, a spool capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint, and a controller configured to perform a control mode in which the electric motor is controlled to rotate in a belt winding direction based on the status of a wearing of the seat belt on a vehicle occupant and the status of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Koji Tanaka
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Publication number: 20090089968Abstract: A light weight vehicle adapted to conduct and assist cleaning and video inspections of sewer lines. The vehicle is configured to be light and maneuverable. The vehicle is equipped with inspection cameras and support equipment that are positioned such that the operator can conduct the inspection from inside the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a telescoping camera boom that enables an operator to inspect the inside of manholes. The vehicles includes sides and a roof that provides protection for the operators, equipment, and paperwork.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Chief Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Rufus Davis, JR.
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Patent number: 7506832Abstract: A motorized retractor which includes a spool with a webbing wound therearound, a reversible motor, a forward and a reverse driving force transmission mechanisms. The forward and the reverse driving force transmission mechanisms are provided between the spool and an output shaft of the motor, respectively. The forward driving force transmission mechanism reduces forward rotation of the output shaft by a predetermined reduction ratio and transmits this rotation to the spool for rotating the spool in a winding direction. The reverse driving force transmission mechanism reduces reverse direction rotation of the output shaft by a reduction ratio which is lower than the predetermined reduction ratio of the forward driving force transmission mechanism, and transmits this rotation to the spool for rotating the spool in the winding direction. The forward and the reverse driving force transmission mechanisms both block transmission to the output shaft of rotations generated at the spool side.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Shinji Mori
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Patent number: 7506833Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a spring for rotating a reel in a belt winding direction to wind up a seat belt, and a motor for generating rotational power capable of rotating the reel in the belt winding direction to wind up the seat belt. A motor control unit controls the motor to generate the rotational power to wind up the seat belt with a desired winding force.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Koji Tanaka
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Publication number: 20090072069Abstract: The present invention utilizes a hoist drum with a three different drum sections, two cylindrical and one tapered, upon which the different ends of a lifting cable simultaneously spool on and off of as a function of counterclockwise and clockwise cable spooling. This combination reduces the amount of shaft torque required to raise or lower a load while increasing the number of hoist drum rotations required to raise or lower that load. These two features are incorporated into the operation of a main crane cable length adjusting device since they offer precise and rapid adjustment capabilities to be made with smaller sized electric motors and clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Dianren Zhang
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Publication number: 20090072068Abstract: The present invention utilizes a hoist drum with a number of different diameter sections upon which the different ends of a lifting cable simultaneously spool on and off of as a function of counterclockwise and clockwise cable spooling. This combination reduces the amount of shaft torque required to raise or lower a load while increasing the number of hoist drum rotations required to raise or lower that load. These two features are incorporated into the operation of a main crane cable length adjusting device since they offer precise and rapid adjustment capabilities to be made with smaller sized electric motors and clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Dianren Zhang
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Publication number: 20090058062Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a frame having a back plate and a side wall protruding from each of multiple side edges of the back plate. The seat belt retractor also includes a spool supported by the frame and configured to rotate and wind a seat belt, a motor configured to rotate the spool, and an electronic control unit configured to drive and control the motor. The electronic control unit is mounted between the side walls of the frame and the back plate is disposed in an inner space of a vehicle body member and faces a vehicle interior direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Daisuke Murakami, Koji Inuzuka, Koji Tanaka, Masato Takao
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Publication number: 20090050728Abstract: A seatbelt retractor integrated with an electronic control unit. A motor is disposed above both side walls of a frame and on the same side as a spool with respect to a back board. The motor is detachably fixed to at least one of the back board and the both side walls and of the frame. The ECU is detachably mounted to an upper stay extending upward from the back board of the frame and to be mounted to the vehicle body. In this manner, the motor and the ECU are integrated with a seatbelt retractor. Since the ECU is mounted to the upper stay, the weight of the ECU is dispersed not only to the main body of the seatbelt retractor but also to the upper stay. Thus, the vibration of the seatbelt retractor may be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Daisuke Murakami, Koji Inuzuka, Koji Tanaka, Masato Takao
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Publication number: 20090020640Abstract: A portable, motorized apparatus for winding flexible hoses, lines, cables and the like into spools for storage. The apparatus includes a motor assembly that drives a spool. The apparatus can receive hoses from either side, and can be mounted on a vehicle hitch receiver at different heights to accommodate different operators and terrains.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: David B. Johnston
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Patent number: 7475842Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: David C. Campbell
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Patent number: 7469853Abstract: A retractor of a seatbelt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is structured such that a motor is accommodated in a hollow cylinder portion of a spool and such that the correlation among the volume V1 of the motor housing of the motor, the volume of the cylinder portion of the spool, and the storage volume within the seatbelt retractor housing is set to achieve the equation V3<V1+V2.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Yasuaki Nomura
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Patent number: 7458535Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt has a frame, a belt reel which is rotatably mounted in the frame, a locking mechanism which is adapted to block a rotation of the belt reel in an unwinding direction of the safety belt in a vehicle sensitive and/or seat belt sensitive manner and a pretensioning drive which is adapted to drive the belt reel in a wind up direction of the safety belt and in the unwinding direction. A locking means is provided which prevents a reverse rotation of the belt reel in the unwinding direction, after the pretensioning drive has driven the belt reel in the wind up direction and has thereby pretensioned the safety belt.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Holbein, Martin Prokscha
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Publication number: 20080223951Abstract: An apparatus includes a handheld element and a remote control. The handheld element has a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal flow conduit. The internal flow conduit extends between the proximal and distal ends. The internal flow conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose. The remote control is integrated with the handheld element. The remote control is configured to transmit wireless data signals for controlling a device associated with the hose. The device may include a reel, a valve system, a valve unit, and/or a plurality of valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: Great Stuff, Inc.Inventors: James B.A. Tracey, James E. Burke, Roy Paul Prosise, Christian Okonsky
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Publication number: 20080217460Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a fixed unit positioned at a predetermined height, a moving unit installed below the fixed unit to be movable up/down, and at least one lifting reel to move the moving unit up/down. The lifting reel includes a body installed to the fixed unit; a drum arranged in the body and rotated in a clockwise/counterclockwise direction; a wire fixed to the drum and connected to the moving unit to be wound/unwound around the drum; a fixed roll spaced apart from the drum and rotated on a fixed roll shaft to guide the wire while the wire taken-up around the drum is wound or unwound; and at least two guide rolls arranged between the drum and the fixed roll to guide the wire, wherein the at least two guide rolls guide the wire substantially perpendicular to the drum while the wire is wound around the drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventor: Jeong-Hun Shin
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Patent number: 7415777Abstract: A power operated tape measure enables measuring tape extension through a drive mechanism, as well as measuring tape retraction. A tape cartridge assembly including an annular reel, a measuring tape wound onto the reel, as well as a spring coupled with the reel, and is positioned within a housing shell of the tape measure. A drive mechanism accomplishes tape extension out of the housing shell, and optionally, tape retraction into the housing shell by engaging with a surface of the measuring tape. A primary actuator initiates input on one or more switches that selectively control operation of the drive mechanism, and includes a lever arm for a user to make selections regarding tape extension and retraction. A retraction actuator is moveable by a user to cause the drive mechanism to become disengaged from the surface of the tape, whereby spring powered retraction of the tape is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: David C. Campbell, Louis August Gibbons, Gavin K F Ng
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Patent number: 7416151Abstract: A webbing retractor has two torque transmitting routes for taking-up, such that rapid and reliable taking-up, and gentle taking-up are possible. When an engaging claw of a pawl restricts rotation of a ratchet plate, due to planetary gears rotating around a sun gear, rotation is transmitted from a drive gear to a carrier plate. On the other hand, when restriction of rotation of the ratchet plate is released, a clutch spring tightens around a tube portion of the carrier plate while rotation of the drive gear pulls one peripheral direction end of the clutch spring in a direction of rotation thereof. Frictional resistance between the tube portion and the clutch spring is increased, and rotation is transmitted from the drive gear to the carrier plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shinji Mori, Teruhiko Koide, Fuminori Komiya
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Patent number: 7416149Abstract: In a webbing take-up device, when the release of a webbing belt is detected from the signal of a buckle switch, a motor starts driving, the webbing belt is taken up, and a computing circuit increases a voltage Eb in accordance with an integrated time after the signal is switched. In this state, a lock current flows due to an output shaft of the motor being stopped, and when the power to the motor is cut off by increasing the lock current, the values of voltages El and Ed respectively corresponding to the integrated time in which the lock current is powered and the integrated time in which the power to the motor is cut off are subtracted from the value of the voltage Eb, and the motor is driven until the computing result reaches a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Teruhiko Koide, Masayoshi Nojiri, Koji Muto
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Publication number: 20080191084Abstract: A power spool device and kit is described for use in conveniently winding up and storing electrical cords, such as, electrical cords for Christmas lights. The power spool device includes a spool housing having of two end caps and an axle; and also includes a detachable motorized drive unit having a handle and a motor. The detachable motorized drive unit is slidably attachable to the spool housing. The device is configured so that a user can be able to control the motorized drive unit with one hand in order to mechanical rotate of the spool housing so that the user's other hand is free to guide the electrical cord around the rotating spool housing. The kit includes the unconnected components of the power spool device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Jorge PRATS
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Publication number: 20080173748Abstract: This seatbelt apparatus of a vehicle is provided with: a seatbelt; a belt reel on which the seatbelt is wound; a motor that drives a rotation of the belt reel; a controller that controls a driving amount of the motor; a winding position detection device that detects a winding position of the belt reel. The controller performs a first control mode in which a substantially constant electricity is supplied to the motor, and a second control mode in which the electricity supplied to the motor is controlled based on a predetermined rule; and sets an initial value for the second control mode based on changes in the winding position detected by the winding position detection device, while changing from the first control mode to the second control mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Shotaro Odate, Yoshitaka Suzuki
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Patent number: 7380740Abstract: A seat belt retractor is provided in which two winding performances are achieved while reduced power consumption of a motor and simplified control of the motor are also achieved. A clutch gear is meshed with a carrier gear by rotation of a motor in the normal direction. Accordingly, a low reduction ratio power transmission mode is set so that a seat belt is wound up at a high speed and with low torque. As slack of the seat belt is removed and the belt load increases, the clutch pawl becomes possible to be engaged with the internal gear. As the motor current increases and exceeds a preset value, the motor rotates reversely so that the clutch gear separates from the carrier gear. Therefore, a high reduction ratio power transmission mode is set so that the belt is wound up at a low speed and with high torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Koji Tanaka, Koji Inuzuka
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Publication number: 20080124059Abstract: A constant voltage power supply circuit includes oscillation means; a step-up or step-down circuit including coil means and capacitive means; detecting means that detects an outputted voltage value of the step-up or step-down circuit, and compares the detected value with a predetermined reference value to output a detected information, at which either the detected value exceeds the reference value or becomes lower than the reference value; and control means that controls, based on the detected information of the detecting means, supply of the pulse signals outputted from the oscillation means to the step-up or step-down circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: c/o Sanyo Tecnica Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoshi Okishima
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Patent number: 7374124Abstract: A portable, hand held winding apparatus, a kit, and a method of using the winding apparatus, for rolling up or winding elongate bandages and the like, are disclosed. The winding apparatus includes a hand held rotary drive device having a motor-driven rotatable connector that is adapted to operatively engage a connecting member, the rotatable connector defining an axis of rotation. The winding apparatus also includes a tensioning member supportable on the rotary drive device, the tensioning member including a tensioning arm extending in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotatable connector of the rotary drive device, the tensioning arm defining a slot therein. The tensioning member may further be configured to include a tensioning mechanism. The winding apparatus further includes a winding peg configured to receive a bandage thereabout and including a connecting member extending axially therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Helene Sue Engelsher
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Patent number: 7374150Abstract: A fish tape reel has an ergonomic pistol grip and ergonomic hand grips at an inner periphery of a hollow housing. Fish tape is wound into the housing cavity by rotating the housing with respect to the pistol grip. This can be done manually by grasping the interior handle(s) or using a ratcheted winder that fits into the housing opening and has a lever handle for ratcheting the housing. The reel is held with the housing beneath the pistol grip which has a retainer shoe slidably sandwiched between halves of the housing. The pistol grip is positioned behind a vertical center line of the reel so that the weight of the reel is balanced in a neutral position in which the pistol grip can be grasped with the user's wrist being essentially straight and horizontal. A method of assembling the reel is also disclosed in which the fish tape is attached and wound after the housing is assembled.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Actuant CorporationInventors: David L. Wiesemann, David A. Huebschen
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Patent number: 7363679Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose storage compartment with a hose drive assembly for automatically extending and retracting a vacuum hose. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and connected to the vacuum hose so that waste can be picked up the vacuum hose when the portable vacuum unit is docked. When undocked, the portable vacuum unit can be used alone.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Johnny W. Zimmerle, Wyatt A. Cline, Todd C. Starr, Jose Velarde-Chan
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Publication number: 20080023579Abstract: A modular reel assembly for winding, dispensing, transporting, or storing hose, cord, or cable, is provided. Such a reel comprises of a pair of substantially similar polymeric support endplates and a pair of substantially similar polymeric spool endplates. The substantially similar support endplates are connected by at least one support endplate connecting member defining a predetermined support assembly width. The substantially similar spool endplates are connected by at least one spool endplate connecting member defining a predetermined spool assembly width. The modular reel assembly can thus be adjusted to particular discrete spool assembly and support assembly widths through appropriately selected interchangeable spool endplate and support endplate connecting members.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: Alemite LLCInventors: Erik Leonard, William P. Sumner
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Publication number: 20080023580Abstract: A tool for removing the fishing line wound around the spool of a fishing reel including a reel de-lining tool including a first flexible arm, a second flexible arm, the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm accepting the line to be wound, a flange to mount the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm and a shank to rotate the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventor: Dorian Steeber
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Publication number: 20080006732Abstract: A dual spool retractor device for seat belts in a motor vehicle including a frame, a motor, and two spools rotatably mounted to the frame. The spools are each attached to one end of a seat belt and configured to retract the belt upon rotation. The motor is mechanically coupled to both of the spools via a differential drive arrangement configured to impart rotation to both of the spools, while allowing the spools to rotate independently if one spool is stalled. The differential drive arrangement may include a differential gear set.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Gunter K. Clute, Jennifer Grove
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Patent number: 7284339Abstract: A power operated tape measure enables measuring tape extension through a drive mechanism as well as measuring tape retraction through at least one of a drive mechanism and spring biasing on a tape reel. A tape cartridge assembly including an annular reel and a measuring tape wound onto the reel is positioned within a housing shell of the tape measure. A drive mechanism accomplishes tape extension out of the housing shell, and optionally, tape retraction into the housing shell by engaging with a surface of the measuring tape. An actuator initiates input on one or more switches that selectively control operation of the drive mechanism, and includes a lever arm for a user to make selections regarding tape extension and retraction. The actuator may be arranged such that lever arm motion in a forward direction enables tape extension and lever arm motion in a rearward direction enables tape retraction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: David C. Campbell, Louis August Gibbons, Gavin K F Ng
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Patent number: 7278600Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a spool for winding up a seat belt; a motor for generating rotational torque to rotate the spool; and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational torque of the motor to the spool. The seat belt retractor winds the seat belt on the spool with the rotational torque of the motor. The power transmission mechanism has a low reduction ratio transmission mode in which the rotational torque of the motor is transmitted to the spool through a low reduction ratio mechanism, and a high reduction ratio transmission mode in which the rotational torque of the motor is transmitted to the spool through a high reduction ratio mechanism. The seat belt retractor further includes a power transmission mode switching mechanism for selecting between the low reduction ratio transmission mode and the high reduction ratio transmission mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Koji Inuzuka, Koji Tanaka
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Patent number: 7216827Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a spool for winding a seatbelt, a motor for generating rotational torque to rotate the spool, a clutch mechanism for connecting a power transmission path to transmit rotational torque of the motor to the spool in a connected mode and for disconnecting the power transmission path in a disconnected mode, and a clutch mechanism disconnection detecting device for detecting disconnection of the clutch mechanism. A motor control device stops the motor according to a detection signal from the clutch mechanism disconnection detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Koji Tanaka, Koji Inuzuka
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Patent number: 7191972Abstract: The belt retractor has a belt spool (12) mounted rotatably in a frame (10) and a drive motor (28) coupled to the belt spool (12) via a belt drive (14, 24, 22). This drive motor (28) is a brushless direct current motor with an internal rotor that has a starting torque of at least 2 Nm.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Cornelius Peter
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Patent number: 7140571Abstract: An electric retractor extracts and retracts a seat belt in response to tension in the seat belt. The electric retractor may include a spool rotatably attached to a retractor frame. A seat belt is wound on the spool. The spool is rotated by a motor via a worm gear system that permits limited axial motion of the worm, but generally prevents the motor from being back-driven by tension in the seat belt to prevent forced seat belt extraction. The gear system may also cut off power to the motor in the event of excessive seat belt tension to prevent further payout of the seat belt. A senses tension in the seat belt and activates the motor to retract or extract the seat belt from the retractor. An emergency control system may override the web guide control in response to abnormal vehicle dynamics to provide reversible pre-crash pretensioning and/or crash pretensioning.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Autoliv, ASP, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Hishon, Samuel D. Engler, Krzysztof W. Karwaczynski
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Patent number: 7108284Abstract: A webbing retractor which, by causing relative rotation between a prime mover rotating body and a rotating disc, connects the prime mover rotating body and a driven shaft which is connected to a take-up shaft of a webbing belt. A planet gear is pivotally supported at a plate having a braking piece and meshes with a sun gear. The plate is supported so as to be swingable around the sun gear. When the sun gear is driven to rotate at greater than a predetermined speed, the planet gear begins to circle around the sun gear against urging force of a spring attached to the plate, and makes the plate rotate such that the braking piece slidingly contacts the friction ring. Due to this braking, the rotating disc connected to the friction ring rotates relative to the prime mover rotating body.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shinji Mori, Fuminori Komiya, Teruhiko Koide
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Patent number: 7090161Abstract: A webbing retractor has two torque transmitting routes for taking-up, such that rapid and reliable taking-up, and gentle taking-up are possible. When an engaging claw of a pawl restricts rotation of a ratchet plate, due to planetary gears rotating around a sun gear, rotation is transmitted from a drive gear to a carrier plate. On the other hand, when restriction of rotation of the ratchet plate is released, a clutch spring tightens around a tube portion of the carrier plate while rotation of the drive gear pulls one peripheral direction end of the clutch spring in a direction of rotation thereof. Frictional resistance between the tube portion and the clutch spring is increased, and rotation is transmitted from the drive gear to the carrier plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shinji Mori, Teruhiko Koide, Fuminori Komiya
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Patent number: 7086625Abstract: A belt retractor for a seatbelt comprising a retractor pawl which blocks the seatbelt from being pulled out of the belt retractor in the event of an accident, and having a tightening device which tightens the seatbelt in a hazardous situation, the tightening device includes a tightening pawl which, in a blocking position, blocks the belt retractor in the belt uncoiling direction and, in a release position, leaves the belt retractor unaffected. The tightening pawl is assigned a sensor which monitors the position of the tightening pawl and transmits a signal indicating the position of the tightening pawl to a control device of the tightening device.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Takata-Petri (Ulm) GmbHInventor: Roland Schnabl
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Patent number: 7083136Abstract: A mechanism of a webbing retractor which can instantaneously apply driving force of a motor to a spool. At a base plate of a prime mover which is driven to rotate, two pawls are disposed at opposing positions at an outer side of an adapter connected to a take-up shaft of a webbing. The adapter includes a plurality of external teeth being formed along a periphery thereof at uniform intervals, a total number of which is an odd number. Accordingly, in a state in which both of the pawls contact the adapter, even if one of the pawls abuts an addendum of a tooth formed at an outer peripheral surface of the adapter, the other pawl does not abut an addendum of a tooth. One of the pawls quickly meshes with the adapter and rotates the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shinji Mori, Fuminori Komiya, Teruhiko Koide
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Patent number: 7080800Abstract: In controlling a seat belt retractor, at least one of signals selected from a state signal showing a movement of an occupant wearing a seat belt and an external signal obtained from detecting means installed in a vehicle during running thereof is received. Then, a rotational torque of a motor is selected to a predetermined reduction ratio corresponding to at least one of the state signal and the external signal from a plurality of torques. The motor is controlled to a predetermined torque, to thereby wind the webbing on the spool.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Fujii, Koji Tanaka, Hitoshi Fujita, Koichi Furukawa
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Patent number: 7044412Abstract: A device for a window lifter of a vehicle door includes a cable winding drum disposed inside a housing of a casing and a seal attached to the casing. The seal includes a stop portion that prevents translational movement of the drum along its rotational axis while still allowing the drum to rotate freely about the axis. The inventive device allows the drum to be held in the housing before the casing is mounted on a dividing panel without requiring auxiliary parts to hold the drum in place and without compromising the seal when the casing is fastened to or removed from the dividing panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems-FranceInventors: Stéphane Hemond, Laurent Arquevaux, Hervé Laurandel, Mark Lawrie, Jens Seibert, Christophe Truffaut
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Patent number: 7021582Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor having a load limiter to control the tensile load on a seat belt webbing, especially when the webbing is withdrawn due to an emergency condition. The load limiter controls the tension by controlling the condition of the motor that drives the retractor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Koji Tanaka, Hiromasa Tanji, Hideaki Yano, Hiroaki Fujii
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Patent number: 6974103Abstract: A device for moving the hose of an automatic pool cleaner in and out of a swimming pool using water power. The device includes a rotatable hose reel in communication with a pool. The hose reel is connected to a rotatable water wheel having vertically-oriented blades disposed around its circumference. During storage, the hose of the pool cleaner is wrapped around the hose reel. To move the hose from the storage position into the pool, a stream of water from a blow out jet nozzle tangentially swipes the coiled hose and is directed at a cleaner head attached to the hose. The water flushes the cleaner head into the pool and rotates the hose reel in a first direction, causing the hose to unwind and travel into the pool.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini
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Patent number: 6935590Abstract: A flexible member sensor for detecting motion and tension of a flexible member includes a rigid member pivotally connected to a base, in contact with the flexible member. A sensor detects pivotal motion of the rigid member in response to movement of the flexible member. The sensor may provide a corresponding signal to a motion control system that adjusts the tension of the flexible member accordingly. In one implementation, the flexible member sensor is integrated with a feedback control system for an electric seat belt retractor that includes a feedback control loop. The flexible member sensor measures tension in seat belt webbing retained by the retractor. A motor coupled to a servo amplifier rotates a spool of the electric retractor to extract or retract webbing in accordance with the output of the flexible member sensor. The seat belt tension may thus be continuously maintained at a desired level.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Krzysztof W. Karwaczynski
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Patent number: 6931742Abstract: Chalk line devices are commonly used in the building and/or construction arts. The motorized chalk line apparatus is particularly useful for automatically reeling in a chalk line wound about a spool that is journaled by a pair of stub axles. A battery powered drive automatically winds the chalk line about the spool. In use, the chalk line is manually pulled away from the apparatus to create the marking, but when the user actuates the switch, the spool automatically rewinds the chalk line.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Michael VanWinkle
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Patent number: 6921041Abstract: A seat-belt retractor is provided wherein no further belt retraction is necessary to unlock the belt spool following a tensioning of the belt webbing. Specifically, the seat-belt retractor has a belt spool that is rotatably mounted in a frame and a coupling pawl that is pivotally mounted on one face of the belt spool. The drive wheel is mounted in the frame co-axially with the belt spool. The drive wheel has an annular internal toothing extending around the coupling pawl. The coupling pawl has a free end shaped with a coupling tooth or a pair of coupling teeth and is movable, in a tension-released condition of belt webbing, from an engagement position where the coupling tooth or teeth is or are engaged in a tooth gap or two adjacent tooth gaps of the internal toothing, to a release position disengaged from the internal toothing.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Dieter Biller
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Patent number: 6918558Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor having a load limiter to control the tensile load on a seat belt webbing, especially when the webbing is withdrawn due to an emergency condition. The load limiter controls the tension by controlling the condition of the motor that drives the retractor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Koji Tanaka, Hiromasa Tanji, Hideaki Yano, Hiroaki Fujii
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Patent number: 6913221Abstract: A safety enclosure for a powered reel apparatus for use with an associated elongated flexible member. The reel is carried by and enclosed within the enclosure and is rotatable by a electric motor. The enclosure has left and right wall panels, front and rear wall panels extending between the left and right wall panels, and a cover. When one of the panels is in an open position, the motor is operationally locked out, and when one of the panels is rotated into a closed position, the motor is operable.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Suncast CorporationInventors: Brian Moon, Lyle Rosine, Torrence Anderson
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Patent number: 6910653Abstract: A seat belt retractor having a force limiter mechanism that can be stably operated when a pyrotechnic pretensioner is activated. As a pyrotechnic pretensioner is activated, a ring gear rotates in the counter-clockwise direction. Accordingly, an external tooth holding an end portion of a stopper is moved, whereby the end portion of the stopper becomes free. Therefore, the stopper expands because of its biasing force. Then, a release spring is released from the restriction of the stopper and thus pivots in the clockwise direction because of its biasing force. The release spring collides with a pin of the clutch pawl to press down the pin. Therefore, the clutch pawl is rotated about a clutch pawl pin in the clockwise direction, thereby canceling the mechanical connection between the motor and the spool.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Hiromasa Tanji
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Patent number: 6877687Abstract: A direct current powered hose rewinding apparatus for use with an associated flexible hose includes a removable, replaceable, and rechargeable battery assembly for motorized rewinding of the hose. The reel is carried by and enclosed within an enclosure and is rotatable by either a direct current powered motor or a folding manual crank. Power from the electrical motor is transferred to the reel via an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly. The enclosure has left and right wall panels, front and rear wall panels extending between the left and right wall panels, and a cover. When the cover is in the open position, the direct current motor is operationally locked out, and when the cover is rotated into the closed position, the direct current motor is operable.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Suncast CorporationInventors: Brian Moon, Lyle A. Rosine
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Patent number: 6848644Abstract: In a belt tensioner of a seat belt in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, a retraction device, which is driven by a motor and has a retraction force that is controllable as a function of parameters, is provided for retracting the belt.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Walter Eberle, Christian Gruber, Markus Woldrich