Abstract: A seat belt retractor for winding a seat belt includes a spool for winding the seat belt, a motor connected to the spool for generating driving torque to rotate the spool, a driving torque transmission mechanism disposed between the motor and the spool and formed of a gear for transmitting the driving torque of the motor to the spool, and a torque limiter mechanism disposed in the driving torque transmission mechanism for preventing a load greater than a predetermined level from being transmitted to the driving torque transmission mechanism.

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: The present invention relates to portable hose carts for handling and storage of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The cart is primarily constructed of plastic components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, an enclosure for supporting the spool, wheels at one end of the base of the enclosure, and a handle assembly for tilting the frame onto the wheels to facilitate moving the device. The handle assembly is telescoping mounted and includes a handle mounted near the top of the handle assembly. The spool is rotatable by either a direct current powered motor or a folding manual crank. Power from the electrical motor is transferred to the spool via an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly. 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.

Abstract: Provided is speed-adjustable life-saving apparatus which comprises a housing, a drum disposed in the housing, a life rope and a resistance wheel hub motor. One end of the life rope is fastened and wound on the drum. The resistance wheel hub motor disposed in the drum comprises a wheel hub, a speed-variable damper assembly, a shift and a rotor, and is supported in the housing by a main shaft. The wheel hub is fixedly connected to the drum and drives the rotor through the speed-variable damper assembly. A unilateral diode is connected to the circuit of the rotor through external leads. The speed-adjustable life-saving apparatus provided herein is safe, reliable and convenient to use.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a rotatably mounted belt spool, a drive wheel coupled coaxially with the belt spool, an electric motor which can drive the drive wheel at a variable drive force, and an electronic control unit which can control the electric motor. The belt spool is rotatable to a limited extent with respect to the drive wheel and a sensor is provided that on rotation of the belt spool relative to the drive wheel generates a signal which is representative of the belt force acting in the safety belt and is supplied to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of protecting a passenger in a vehicle from a series of collisions. The method includes detecting that the vehicle is in danger of being involved in a first collision; winding up a webbing of a seat belt to restrain the passenger; permitting the passenger to move forward and the webbing to withdraw; winding up the webbing to restrain and return the passenger to a normal seated position; maintaining the passenger in a restrained condition; determining that the vehicle is in danger of being involved in a second collision; permitting the passenger to move forward and the webbing to withdraw; winding up the webbing to restrain the passenger and return the passenger to a normal seated position; maintaining the passenger in a restrained position; and releasing the restraint on the passenger.

Abstract: A webbing winding device in which a breadth dimension of a torque limiter is less than an axial direction dimension of an external gear. A rotation disc, the torque limiter or the like is wholly disposed, along a radial direction of the external gear, between the external gear and a peripheral wall of a baseplate. Further, members such as pawls, a rotation disc and the like are disposed, along a radial direction of the peripheral wall, between the peripheral wall and an adaptor, and these members are accommodated at an inner side of the external gear. Consequently, a thickness dimension (axial direction dimension) of a clutch is practically the same as an axial direction dimension of the external gear, and this is extremely thin.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame, a belt spool which is rotatably arranged in the frame, and a drive motor which can cooperate with a drive wheel which is coupled with the belt spool. The retractor further comprises a locking catch and locking teeth into which the locking catch can be guided in order to lock the belt spool. The drive wheel is rotatable relative to the belt spool to a limited extent and the locking catch is controlled as a function of this relative rotation.

Abstract: In a belt tensioner of a seat belt in a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, for the return movement of the belt, a return spring is provided which is able to be tensioned by a motor as a function of parameters. The motor may also be used for a reversible tightening of the belt.

Abstract: 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 rotation of a spool for a webbing is controlled by switching a rotational torque of a motor to a predetermined reduction ratio corresponding to at least one of the state signal and the external signal, or a driving state of the motor is controlled to a predetermined torque, to thereby wind the webbing on the spool. After fastening the seat belt, the seat belt is automatically wound, and after a predetermined time from completion of winding of the webbing, it is determined whether the winding of the webbing is further needed, and if necessary, the webbing is wound again.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The hose reel apparatus includes a tube motor having a housing that at one end is bolted to a mounting bracket leg to extend within the reel drum and a motor shaft extending within and connected to one end portion of a sheath tube which is also extends within the drum. The opposite end portion of the tube is connected to the reel side plate which is adjacent to the above mentioned leg to rotates the reel. Swivel mechanism is mounted to the other mounting bracket leg, and extends into the drum and is adapted to be non-rotatably connected to a conduit and to a hose that is to be wound onto and unwound from the reel drum.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a base frame, a spool having a spool shaft journalled to the base frame, a webbing wound around the spool, a return spring connected to the spool for winding the webbing by a return force thereof, a motor connected to the spool for winding the spool, and a speed-reduction mechanism interposed between the motor and the spool. The speed-reduction mechanism winds the webbing at a low speed for fitting the webbing to an occupant, and includes a contrate gear with a predetermined reduction gear ratio. Thus, the webbing is wound by operation of the motor via the contrate gear.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor configured to be activated in response to a signal generated by a dangerous state detection device indicating that a vehicle is in a dangerous state. The retractor is configured so that in response to the signal the retractor operates to retract a seat belt webbing prior to a collision thereby restraining an occupant positioned in a seat in the vehicle. The retractor is activated every time a signal indicating that the vehicle is in a dangerous state is received from the detector.

Abstract: A powered fish tape reel system for efficiently pushing and drawing fish tape within an elongate tubular structure. The powered fish tape reel system includes a hub member for receiving and dispensing a length of fish tape, a first cover and a second cover surrounding the hub member, and a motor unit mechanically connected to the hub member for rotating the hub member in a desired direction at a desired rotational speed. A first handle and a second handle are preferably attached on opposing sides of the covers for grasping.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor having a function of taking up a seat belt using a motor. A spool is fitted in a base frame such that a torsion bar functions as a shaft of the spool. Two gear-clutch casings are disposed on the left and right sides of the spool via a pretensioner and a locking mechanism, respectively, wherein two motors are disposed to the gear-clutch casings, respectively. The two motors achieve respective functions which are different from each other and rotate at respective constant speeds.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A reel (10), particularly for an electric cable (12), has a rotatable drum (14) supported at (16) and optionally swivel-mounted on a plinth (30) or other member. A removable motor module (60) can be attached to convert the drum to a motorized reel controlled by a switch (82), which allows the user to rewind the cable (12) onto the drum (14), when required.

Abstract: The seat belt module is electronically controlled using magneto-rheological fluid. A CPU delivers a signal to an electromagnetic coil within the module at the beginning of a crash to cause the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to increase sufficient to lock the spool on which the seat belt is wound against rotation. Thereafter, a subsequent signal is delivered by the CPU to the coil to reduce the magnetic field and the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid allowing the spool to be unwound in a programmed manner so as to reduce the forces imposed on an occupant by the seat belt. The CPU may be pre-programmed in response to signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that deliver signals corresponding to the characteristics of the occupant and may be programmed in response to signals from these sensors and from an air bag to respond in real time.

Abstract: An auto-feed/rewind electric cord reel device for controlling a power supply cord of an appliance includes a reel bracket on which a cord reel is rotatably mounted. A motor bracket is movably mounted in relation to the reel bracket and a linkage connects the reel bracket to the motor bracket. A first motor is included for selectively actuating the linkage and moving the motor bracket in relation to the reel bracket. A second motor is included and is spaced from the first motor. An assembly is driven by the second motor for selectively rotating the cord reel in at least one direction.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame, a belt spool which is rotatably arranged in the frame, and a drive motor which can cooperate with a drive wheel which is coupled with the belt spool. The retractor further comprises a locking catch and locking teeth into which the locking catch can be guided in order to lock the belt spool. The drive wheel is rotatable relative to the belt spool to a limited extent and the locking catch is controlled as a function of this relative rotation.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a base frame, a spool journalled to the base frame, a webbing wound around the spool, and a motor for rotating the spool. A speed-reduction mechanism is interposed between the motor and the spool. The speed-reduction mechanism includes at least one transmission train with a predetermined gear ratio, a common transmission element connected to the transmission train, and a resistant torque device connected to the transmission train. The common transmission element transmits rotation of the motor to the spool when the torque of the rotation is smaller than the preset value. Winding of the webbing is made based on the wearing condition of the webbing and the running condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: The torque developed at a belt shaft of a belt retractor coupled to an electric motor via a drive belt is controlled so as to avoid a hysteresis. For this purpose, the direction of rotation of the belt shaft is detected and, depending on the direction of rotation as detected, the electric current supplied to the electric motor is changed from a first value to a second value that is different from the first value by an amount required to compensate for hysteresis.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for retracting a seat belt is formed of a first motor for retracting a seat belt with a force not providing a pressing feeling to a passenger, a second motor having a torque greater than that of the first motor for retracting the seat belt with a force forcibly holding the passenger to a seat, and a control circuit connected to the first and second motors for controlling the same. Thus, the seat belt retractor can perform a forced retraction and a normal retraction with an economical structure.

Abstract: 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 rotation of a spool for a webbing is controlled by switching a rotational torque of a motor to a predetermined reduction ratio corresponding to at least one of the state signal and the external signal, or a driving state of the motor is controlled to a predetermined torque, to thereby wind the webbing on the spool.

Abstract: Provided is a seatbelt device capable of realizing a comfortable seatbelt-wearing environment as well as appropriately securing and protecting a passenger. The seatbelt device is further capable of realizing an immediate escape or rescue of a passenger after a vehicle accident, thereby providing extra safety and a swift escape by protracting the webbing in accordance with the state of the vehicle accident. This seatbelt device is provided with a retractor which uses a motor for retracting and protracting the webbing that secures a passenger to his/her seat, and a controller for rotating the motor and at least retracting the webbing. The controller is capable of altering the protraction mode of the webbing in accordance with the state of the webbing fastened by the passenger.

Abstract: 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 rotation of a spool for a webbing is controlled by switching a rotational torque of a motor to a predetermined reduction ratio corresponding to at least one of the state signal and the external signal, or a driving state of the motor is controlled to a predetermined torque, to thereby wind the webbing on the spool.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a base frame, a spool journalled to the base frame, a webbing wound around the spool, and a motor for rotating the spool. A speed-reduction mechanism is interposed between the motor and the spool. The speed-reduction mechanism includes at least one transmission train with a predetermined gear ratio, a common transmission element connected to the transmission train, and a resistant torque device connected to the transmission train. The common transmission element transmits rotation of the motor to the spool when the torque of the rotation is smaller than the preset value. Winding of the webbing is made based on the wearing condition of the webbing and the running condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reel which is driven by a motor is disposed in a casing. First and second restraining mechanisms for restraining movement of a cable are located at first and second openings formed in the casing for insertion of the cable. The cable extends between said first and second openings and is wound around the reel. One end of the cable is secured by the first restraining mechanism, and the motor is activated to rotate the reel, thereby winding the cable around the reel. When a pressure sensor located on the surface of the reel detects that the pressure between the cable and the reel reaches a given value, the motor is stopped. The other end of the cable is secured by the second restraining mechanism.

Abstract: A belt retractor for an occupant restraint system comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, an electric motor drive coupled to the belt reel, a locking mechanism for selectively blocking the belt reel, and a vehicle-sensitive sensor. The locking mechanism is actuated by an actuator. An electronic control unit is provided with an input interface and an output interface. The vehicle-sensitive sensor is connected to the input interface, and the actuator and the electric motor drive are connected to the output interface.

Abstract: A covering equipment for use on sports arenas for protection against precipitation is shown. The equipment comprises a driving motor (6, 9) and a longitudinal drum (14) for coiling and uncoiling a covering sheet, such as a tarpaulin or plastic coversheet. The casing (6) for the driving motor is arranged so as to rotate independently relative to the elongate drum (14), the motor drive shaft (9) is rigidly connected to the drum (14) for rotation therewith, and the motor casing (6) is fixedly connected to a reaction arm (2) which makes contact with the gound, so that during motor operation the casing (6) of the driving motor remains stationary with respect to rotation while the drum (14) is driven round.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a base frame, a spool journalled to the base frame, a webbing wound around the spool, and a motor for rotating the spool. A speed-reduction mechanism is interposed between the motor and the spool. The speed-reduction mechanism includes at least one transmission train with a predetermined gear ratio, a common transmission element connected to the transmission train, and a resistant torque device connected to the transmission train. The common transmission element transmits rotation of the motor to the spool when the torque of the rotation is smaller than the preset value. Winding of the webbing is made based on the wearing condition of the webbing and the running condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a winding reel rotatably mounted in a frame, an electric motor and a switching mechanism, with which varying torques can be transmitted to the winding reel to adjust the comfort of a wearer of the seat belt or to tighten the seat belt. The switching mechanism is automatically directed into a switch position set for the comfort perceived by the wearer of the seat belt and into a switch position for belt tightening, in which if necessary an adjustable load limitation is also achieved.

Abstract: The Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter is a labor and time saving device which allows small diameter cables to be retrieved and wound with an electric drill. The electric drill provides the torque required to retrieve and wind the cable. The Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter can be modified to work with any brand or type of hand operated down hole instrumentation as well as to retrieve and spool any hand operated cable, wire, tube, line, filament, fiber, thread, string, twine, cord, rope or hose. More specifically, the Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter significantly reduces the cost, time and effort required to retrieve Slope Indicator Company's Water Level Indicator (meter) cable and wind it back on its spool. Use of the Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter on a water level meter makes sounding wells significantly faster and requires much less physical labor. The Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter extends the range of applications for the water level meter and, in some cases, may preclude the use of more expensive technologies.

Abstract: 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.