Torsion Patents (Class 267/154)
  • Patent number: 11820192
    Abstract: A stabilizer includes a main body cylinder portion which is elastically deformable; and a pair of connection portions respectively connected to a pair of left and right suspension devices. Each of the pair of connection portions is provided with a fixed shaft portion which is solid and fixed to the main body cylinder portion. The fixed shaft portion includes a fitting portion fitted into the main body cylinder portion and a large diameter portion connecting the fitting portion and a connection portion of the pair of connection portions and formed to have a diameter larger than that of the fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Inaba, Junichi Nakayama, Yuichiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11400473
    Abstract: A plastic spring, a pump core, a lotion pump and a press-type packaging container. The plastic spring includes at least one spring unit. Each spring unit includes a first support member, a second support member, and at least two torsion arms. The at least two torsion arms are arranged between the first support member and the second support member, and both ends of each of the torsion arms are respectively connected with the first support member and the second support member. Each of the torsion arms includes at least one vertical section, and an end of each vertical section is connected with the first support member or the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: YUYAO CAIYUN COSMETICS PACKAGING CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Jiabin Chen
  • Patent number: 10975956
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a force transmitting device (100) for a transmission (200), particularly of a motorcycle, with a shift assist system, featuring a shift input shaft (30) with a shift lever connection (20) for receiving a shifting motion of a shift lever (300) and a transmission connection (40) for transmitting the shifting motion to a gear shifting gate (110) of the transmission (100), wherein the shift input shaft (30) features an energy accumulator (32) for the intermediate storage of at least part of the shifting force such that the relative motion between the shift lever connection (20) and the transmission connection (40) can be realized by changing the shifting force stored in the energy accumulator (32), and wherein the shift input shaft (30) features a sensor device (60) for detecting the relative motion between the shift lever connection (20) and the transmission connection (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HS PRODUCTS ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Dorschel, Thomas Heckmayr, Ullrich Juling, Martin Specht
  • Patent number: 10732195
    Abstract: A proof mass assembly comprising a first and a second resonator, each resonator comprising a first and a second bond pad, and a pair of elongated tines, wherein the first and the second bond pads are positioned at opposite ends of the elongated tines; a proof mass comprising a first and a second major surface, the first major surface of the proof mass comprising a bond region including at least one channel extending in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated tines of the first resonator; a proof support comprising a first and a second major surface; at least one flexure connecting the proof mass to the proof support; and an adhesive bonding the first bond pad of the first resonator to the bond region and bonding the second bond pad of the first resonator to the first major surface of the proof support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John Strehlow, Mitchell Novack
  • Patent number: 10670097
    Abstract: A disk brake includes a brake disk, a brake caliper, at least one application device lying within the brake caliper on one side of the brake disk, an axially movable device configured to move a brake pad axially toward the brake disk by way of at least one actuating spindle when the brake is actuated, and an adjustment mechanism configured to rotate the actuating spindle because of a rotational coupling acting in the direction of rotation. The adjustment mechanism comprises a thread device, which, at least in the case of rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite a direction of rotation, is configured to mesh with an external thread of the actuating spindle and is configured to screw the adjustment mechanism in relation to the actuating spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: WABCO EUROPE BVBA
    Inventors: Paul Henning, Hans-Christian Jungmann, Marcus Keller, Piotr Macutkiewicz, Bernward Redemann, Gunther Stingl
  • Patent number: 10118665
    Abstract: A pivot bearing arrangement, in particular a pivot bearing for a front wheel suspension system of a motorcycle, is provided that substantially reduces bearing breakaway torque, temperature sensitivity, complexity, space requirements and cost. The pivot bearing arrangement includes a first bearing part which enables a component to pivot about a first pivot axis, and a second bearing part which enables a component to pivot about a second pivot axis. The two bearing parts are connected to each other and form a structural unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Josef Seidl
  • Patent number: 9840215
    Abstract: A lift assist for a bumper pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame for movement between a normally closed upright position and a forwardly projecting open position. The bumper may be an animal protection bumper fitted to a heavy duty truck. The lift assist includes a torsion bar comprising a relatively short length of wire rope extending between first and second end fittings of the torsion bar, a first anchor assembly for securing the first end fitting to the bumper, and a second anchor assembly for securing the second end fitting to the vehicle frame. The second anchor assembly restrains rotational movement of the second end fitting when a torquing force is applied to the torsion bar, at the same time permitting contraction of the length of the wire rope when a torquing force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Magnum Trailer and Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Peter Wubs
  • Patent number: 9836024
    Abstract: A timepiece or watch includes at least one resonator, which includes at least one weight that oscillates with respect to a connecting element fixed to a structure of a timepiece movement. The weight is suspended from the connecting element by resilient crossed strips which extend at a distance from each other in two parallel planes. The projections of the strips on one of the parallel planes intersect at a virtual pivot axis of the weight, and define a first angle which is the apex angle opposite which there extends the portion of the connecting element that is located between the attachments of the crossed strips to the connecting element. The first angle is between 68° and 76°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Gianni Di Domenico, Baptiste Hinaux, Laurent Klinger, Jean-Luc Helfer
  • Patent number: 9822835
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a rotational spring is provided with adjustable stiffness and includes at least one beam arranged about an axis between an input tuning port and an output port, wherein the input tuning port is configured to change an effective bending length of at least one beam so as to change a shear stiffness with respect to the input tuning port and the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew C. Keefe, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Sloan P. Smith, Christopher B. Churchill
  • Patent number: 9751560
    Abstract: The axle assembly has an elongated shaft that is connected to a mounting bracket. A first end of an arm is connected to the elongated shaft. The arm extends rearwardly from the elongated shaft and connects to a bearing bracket at a second end. The bearing bracket has a pair of flanges and a pin that passes through the flanges and is received within an opening of a rotatable arm. The rotatable arm is connected to an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Flander, Jim Dean, Michael H. Dick
  • Patent number: 9365397
    Abstract: Provided is a quay crane which includes a seismic isolation device formed from laminated rubber, and which is capable of withstanding a large-scale earthquake. Particularly, provided is a quay crane including a seismic isolation device with a slide length of 1000 mm or over. In a quay crane including a seismic isolation device, the seismic isolation device includes: laminated rubber formed by laminating a steel plate and a rubber material; and an auxiliary support mechanism. The auxiliary support mechanism includes: a supporting body fixed to one of a top plate side and a bottom plate side of the seismic isolation device; and a contacting plate fixed to the other thereof. The supporting body and the contacting plate constituting the auxiliary support mechanism come into contact with each other at least in the event of an earthquake, and the auxiliary support mechanism supports a weight of the quay crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kinya Ichimura, Satoru Ogawa, Soshi Sato, Nobuya Kayasuga, Hiroshi Kubo, Hiroshi Kasai, Sho Meno
  • Patent number: 9261155
    Abstract: A vertical-motion vibration isolator utilizes negative-stiffness-producing mechanism which includes a plurality of compressed flexures, each having a particular length in the compressed direction of the flexure and being oriented in a horizontal direction, wherein the plurality of compressed flexures are positioned relative to each other such that the length of each compressed flexure substantially overlaps the length of each of the other compressed flexures. At least some of the plurality of compressed flexures can be positioned in a stacked arrangement. The arrangement of compressed flexures forming a portion of the negative-stiffness mechanism can reduce the size of the isolator without compromising vibration isolation performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MINUS K. TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Platus
  • Patent number: 9068594
    Abstract: A pivot bearing for the low-friction bearing of components, including a cylindrical bearing body and a bearing part pivotably arranged therein. The bearing body has a substantially radially arranged rib, on which at least one first rolling surface is formed, and the bearing part has a rolling body having a cylindrical rolling section at the tip, which rolling section rolls on the rolling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: IAT 21 Innovative Aeronautics Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Meinhard Schwaiger
  • Publication number: 20150123328
    Abstract: A torsion bar pack including a plurality of torsion bars, each torsion bar including at least an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, and a joiner bushing fixedly attached to the distal end of the inner tube and to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and concentric nesting positions, and input/output apparatus connected at the proximal ends. Two or more of the torsion bars connected in one of a torsion bar pack parallel connection or a torsion bar pack series connection and the torsion bar pack parallel connection or the torsion bar pack series connection including the input/output apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Todd Michael Whitaker, Adam Cuthbert Pauluhn
  • Publication number: 20140300039
    Abstract: A nodally mounted spring arrangement for a drive train which is used in an electronic toothbrush which includes a housing. A V shaped spring member (15) is secured at both ends thereof, wherein the spring member has a node point (30) along a ridge line, approximately halfway along the of the spring member. A mounting plate (26) member is fixedly connected to the node point of the spring member and also fixedly connected to the housing of the toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: GERRIT JAN DE JONG, MICHIEL ALLAN AURELIS SCHALLIG, HENKDRIK RICHARD JOUSMA, MARTINUS BERNARDUS STAPELBROEK, TYLER G. KLOSTER, SCOTT E. HALL, PATRICK A. HEADSTROM
  • Patent number: 8777194
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a spiral spring assembly that is capable of suppressing lateral force generated in a central shaft. A spiral spring assembly (1) includes a central shaft (2), a spiral spring (3) that is disposed on the periphery of the central shaft (2) and includes an outer end (3a), an inner end (3b), and a spiral portion (3c) that connects the outer end (3a) and the inner end (3b) in a spiral form; an inner end fixing member (4) to which the inner end (3b) is fixed so as to be capable of transmitting torque; and an outer end fixing member (5) to which the outer end (3a) is fixed, and which is capable of moving relative to the inner end fixing member (4) within a predetermined section extending from a first state to a second state. The outer end (3a) is fixed to the outer end fixing member (5) so as to be capable of transmitting torque and suppressing a lateral force that is generated in the central shaft (2) in a predetermined state within the predetermined section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Okura, Toshihiro Suzuki, Itsuo Kojima
  • Patent number: 8740183
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actively controlled valve (1) having a housing (6) and comprising a displaceably supported valve plate (4) having aperture openings (4a) and a counter plate (2) disposed in a fixed manner relative to the housing (6) and having aperture openings (2a), wherein the valve plate (4) is slidably supported relative to the counter plate (2), such that the penetration openings (2a, 4a) form an open or closed aperture (24), and comprising a drive device (8) driving the valve plate (4), wherein the valve plate (4) is connected to the drive device (8) by means of a drive spring (7), and an actuatable clamping device (10) is provided for fixing the location of the valve plate (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Burckhardt Compression AG
    Inventors: Philipp Hauri, Markus Friedl, Andreas Schlegel, Alexandre Voser, Markus Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20140132187
    Abstract: A metal elastic member to be used for beams 4 for supporting a movable unit 3 at respective ends with respect to a fixed unit 2 in a miniature machine including at least one movable unit 3, the fixed unit 2 and the beams 4, and capable of swinging the movable unit about an axis P with the beams 4 serving as torsional rotation axes, includes a metal bar 4a having a predetermined length, a fixed unit pad 4b that is provided at a first end of the metal bar 4a and is fixed to the fixed unit 2, and a movable unit pad 4c formed on the other end side of the metal bar 4a and fixed to the movable unit 3. At least the metal bar 4a is molded to have a sectional area of 1 mm2 or less by using a physical or chemical processing method excluding a mechanical processing method and swings the movable unit 3 within a frequency of 150 Hz to 500 Hz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HOKUYO AUTOMATIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mori, Norihiro Asada, Kazuo Takai
  • Patent number: 8650702
    Abstract: A spring for windshield wiper assemblies is comprised of a resilient rod having a plurality of sections adapted to removably attach to a windshield wiper assembly of a vehicle. The rod includes a first hook section at one end section thereof; a second hook section located at an opposite end section thereof. An intermediate coiled section attached to and located adjacent the first hook section, and a connector section defining an axis along its length and connected between the intermediate coiled section and the second hook section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jean Koch
  • Patent number: 8596299
    Abstract: An externally mounted mechanical device for mechanically closing a pressurized tank or cylinder valve, such as a grill tank, is provided. The device comprises a securing mechanism, a rotatable mechanism having a handle recess to receive a handle of pressurized tank or cylinder valve, and a torsional spring, wherein the torsional spring is configured to store potential torsional force and then release the torsional force by way of a timed release mechanism. The mechanical device comprises a securing device for securing the mechanical device to a tank or cylinder. Torsional force may be stored in torsional spring by way of a ratchet and pawl that also is configured to release the stored torsional force by way of a timed release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Turtle Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Ajay Patel, Alan Kenyon, Arvind A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20130300043
    Abstract: A tubular torsion bar including an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrically shaped joiner bushing fixedly attached to and positioned partially between the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions, external apparatus mounting the joiner bushing to maintain axial alignment of the distal and proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube and for limited rotational movement, and a mounting and output system fixedly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Todd Michael Whitaker, Adam Cuthbert Pauluhn, Mark A. Beran
  • Patent number: 8573091
    Abstract: A compliant mechanism includes a first unit, a second unit, at least one elastic member and a driver for driving the elastic member to rotate through a predetermined angle. The first and second units collectively define a passage about which the second unit is rotatable relative to the first unit. The elastic member has a plate and first and second shafts which are coaxially connected to two opposite ends of the plate respectively and rotatably connected with the first and second units respectively. The elastic member is rotatable about a co-axis of the first and second shafts and elastically deformable when the second unit rotates relative to the first unit. The elastic member can change its resistance to the rotation of the second unit by rotating; therefore the compliant mechanism has a great safety upon receiving load and is widely applicable in many fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Machinery Research Development Center
    Inventors: Che-Chien Chen, Tzu-Min Yi, I-Ping Chang, Cheng-Wei Tung
  • Patent number: 8511657
    Abstract: The invention relates to the torsion springs for micromechanical applications. They can be used if elements are to be pivoted about an axis in an oscillating fashion. According to the object which is set, the torsion springs are to have an improved linear spring characteristic. The torsion springs according to the invention have a square, rectangular or trapezoidal cross section. A slot which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring and another slot which is formed in the torsion spring along its longitudinal axis and which opens into the first slot are formed at a clamping end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Christian Drabe, Thomas Klose
  • Patent number: 8505888
    Abstract: A tubular torsion bar includes an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end. A joiner bushing fixedly attaches the distal end of the inner tube to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions. Mounting apparatus is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the outer tube and a planetary gear system is coupled to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the mounting apparatus and designed to provide a selected torque versus deflection characteristic of the tubular torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Impulse Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Michael Whitaker, Adam Cuthbert Pauluhn
  • Patent number: 8448436
    Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Paul W. Alexander, Hanif Muhammad, Kenneth A. Strom, James W. Wells
  • Patent number: 8382653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for improving diastolic function of the heart comprising elastic elements and attachment elements, wherein said elastic elements and said attachment elements are configured such that they are capable of being interconnected to form a chain formed of an alternating series of said elastic elements and said attachment elements, and wherein said attachment elements are adapted to be anchored in the wall of the heart and with option for drug delivery to the wall of the heart. The invention further provides devices, methods and kits, for mounting the ventricular function assisting device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Corassist Cardiovascular Ltd.
    Inventors: Shay Dubi, Igor Kovalsky, Yair Feld, Amir Loshakove, Boaz Nishri, Amit Tubishevitz
  • Publication number: 20120326370
    Abstract: A nodal-mounted spring arrangement for an electronic toothbrush includes a V-shaped spring member secured at both ends so that it can operate in out-of-phase torsion mode along the axial dimension thereof. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes two extended end regions, which extend below a longitudinal edge of the middle portion of the V-spring. The free ends of the extended portions are joined by a flat cross-piece. This “closed end” region is present at both ends of the V-spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: TYLER G. KLOSTER, HENDRIK RICHARD JOUSMA, MICHIEL ALLAN AURELIUS SCHALLIG, MARTINUS BERNARDUS STAPELBROEK, PATRICK A. HEADSTROM, SCOTT E. HALL, WOLTER F. BENNING
  • Patent number: 8205445
    Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Paul W. Alexander, Hanif Muhammad, Kenneth A. Strom, James W. Wells
  • Patent number: 8191877
    Abstract: A lamp includes a shell with an assembling portion, a main body disposed in the shell, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring includes a spring body, a first supporting part, and a second supporting part. The spring body is assembled to the assembling portion. The first supporting part includes a first arm connected to an end of the spring body, a second arm near another end of the spring body and a first bending part connected between the first supporting part and the second supporting part. A structure of the second supporting part is similar to that the first supporting part and is connected to the spring body. The first supporting part and the second supporting part are suitable for tightly clamping the assembling portion and a fixing end respectively by the force of the spring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Kinpo Electronics, Inc., Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited
    Inventor: Chang-Hsing Lin
  • Publication number: 20120104825
    Abstract: An actuator device for the seat adjustment in a motor vehicle, exhibiting at least one ratchet fitting (1), a transmission element (2) and an actuator element (3), whereby the transmission element (2) is centered in the ratchet fitting (1) with a centering element (4) such that the centering element (4) allows for a limited torsional backlash between the transmission element (2) and the ratchet fitting (1) and creates a restoring force against the rotation, whereby said transmission element (2) is connected in a torsionally stiff manner to the actuator element (3), whereby the actuator element (3) is connected in a form-fitting manner to the centering element (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Naughton
  • Patent number: 8152147
    Abstract: A torsion spring assembly includes a torsion spring body and a fixed base. The torsion spring body has a first coil part and a second coil part. The first coil part connects to the second coil part. The fixed base has a first fixed arm and a second fixed arm. The first coil part is wound around the first fixed arm and the second coil part is wound around the second fixed arm. The winding direction of the first coil part is perpendicular to the winding direction of the second coil part. A portable electronic device with the torsion spring assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Te Yang
  • Publication number: 20120080920
    Abstract: A tubular spring having a longitudinal slot that is attached between a movable member and a fixed attachment device. A recliner hinge assembly for a vehicle seat that includes an inboard recliner and an outboard recliner connected by a connecting rod. A split tube having a longitudinally extending slot is assembled over the connecting rod. The split tube biases the seat back toward a neutral position when the seat back is shifted to a position that is angularly offset from the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mladen Humer, Karl Schafer
  • Publication number: 20120013058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gravity compensator of a motor for naturally compensating load moment according to a rotation angle of a load, wherein the load moment results from the gravity torque in accordance with the rotational angle. The gravity compensator comprises: a supporting frame; a rotational shaft which is prepared to allow the rotation thereof in relation to the supporting frame; a load which is fixed to the rotational shaft and is rotated together with the rotational shaft; a driving motor which provides a rotational force to the rotational shaft to drive the rotation of the rotational shaft; and a torsion bar which has one end thereof coupled to the rotational shaft to form a rotating end that rotates together with the rotational shaft and includes the other end thereof coupled to the supporting frame to form a fixed end that does not rotate with the rotational shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Hyeung sik Choi
  • Publication number: 20120006655
    Abstract: A transport system for cut sheet media has a first and second cylinder to form a nip, a support subsystem to transport edges of cut sheets having at least one image into and out of the nip, and an array of contact points on each cylinder to make contact with the cut sheets without marking the image. A wheel for a print medium transport system has an outer rim having a series of contact points, an inner hub supporting a means to accommodate a drive shaft, and an internal spring connecting the outer rim to the inner hub. A method of transporting cut sheets in a printing system forms a nip between at least one pair of cylinders, each cylinder having an array of contact points, guides a first edge of a cut sheet into the nip, and uses the arrays of contact points to transport the cut sheets through one of either a fusing or drying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David K. Biegelsen, David G. Duff, Lars E. Swartz, Ashish V. Pattekar
  • Publication number: 20110298167
    Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a control stick (e.g., joystick, side-stick, etc.) (20) adapted to control the movement of an object (e.g., an airfoil surface). The improvement includes: a support (21); an intermediately-pivoted upper member (23) mounted on the support, the upper member having an upper portion (24), and lower portion (25); an intermediate member (26) having an upper portion pivotally connected to the upper member lower portion, and having a lower portion; and a lower member (29) having a lower portion pivotally mounted on the support, and having an upper portion; and wherein the intermediate member lower portion is movably mounted on the lower member upper portion such that pivotal movement of the upper member upper portion relative to the support will produce pivotal movement of the intermediate and lower members relative to the support; and a resilient member (31) arranged to bias the direction of relative movement between the intermediate and lower members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: John D. Kopp
  • Patent number: 8056656
    Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: André Todd, Robert Handfield, Robert Bessette, Chad Olson
  • Patent number: 8052161
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and a spring-elastic torsion bar assembly, and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar assembly has a body spring that can be attached to the vehicle body with one end, and a transverse control arm spring that is attached to the transverse control arm with one end. The body spring and the transverse control arm spring are coupled with one another at their free ends. The transverse control arm spring and the body spring are coupled with one another by way of a setting element or a releasable connection, whereby the setting element or the releasable connection, respectively, allows rotation of the ends assigned to one another, for setting purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH, ThyssenKrupp Presta München/Esslingen GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Preukschat, Thomas Brendecke, Luitpold Miller, Siegfried Ellmann
  • Patent number: 8006989
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis, and a body spring configured as a torsion bar spring for absorbing rotational movements of the transverse control arm about the longitudinal axis. The body spring is disposed on the transverse control arm so as to rotate with it, with a first end. An electromechanical actuator for changing the angle of rotation of the body spring is disposed at a second end of the body spring. The wheel suspension has a damping element. The second end of the body spring is connected with a stress relief spring that is configured as a torsion bar spring, disposed coaxially with the body spring, and can be attached to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH, ThyssenKrupp Presta München/Esslingen GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Preukschat, Thomas Brendecke, Luitpold Miller, Siegfried Ellmann
  • Publication number: 20110127705
    Abstract: A tubular torsion bar includes an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end. A joiner bushing fixedly attaches the distal end of the inner tube to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions. Mounting apparatus is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the outer tube and a planetary gear system is coupled to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the mounting apparatus and designed to provide a selected torque versus deflection characteristic of the tubular torsion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Todd Michael Whitaker, Adam Cuthbert Pauluhn
  • Publication number: 20110119848
    Abstract: A V-spring member (18) for use in a driving system for a personal care appliance has regions (34, 36) at the ends of the spring which are large enough to support a contact with an end clamping assembly, the spring member including a cross-piece (40) extending between the longitudinal edges of the spring at the end regions, such that the ends of the spring member define a closed line. End clamping assemblies (16, 24) provided for such a V-spring member include a body portion (64) having a lower support portion (66) on which the V-spring is supported and a mating clamping member (88) positioned in registry with the support portion on top of the V-spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: TYLER G. KLOSTER, HENDRIK RICHARD JOUSMA, MICHIEL ALLAN AURELIUS SCHALLIG, MARTINUS BERNARDUS STAPELBROEK, PATRICK A. HEADSTROM, SCOTT E. HALL, WOLTER F. BENNING
  • Patent number: 7905066
    Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson STrong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Pryor, Lisa M. McGurty, William F. Leek, Richard I. Proctor
  • Publication number: 20110047750
    Abstract: A friction hinge assembly includes a spring that assists the opening of a first member relative to a second member by storing energy in the spring during the closing operation. The spring is of a unique multilayered torsion bar design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventor: Eugene Novin
  • Patent number: 7855820
    Abstract: An oscillator device includes a supporting base plate, a torsion spring, and a movable member, wherein the movable member is supported by the torsion spring, for torsional oscillation relative to the supporting base plate about a torsional axis, wherein the torsion spring has an X-shaped section being perpendicular to the torsional axis and a top surface and a bottom surface each being defined by a (100)-equivalent surface of monocrystal silicon, and wherein a distance L1 connecting bottoms of concavities formed at the top surface and bottom surface, respectively, and a distance L2 connecting bottoms of concavities defined at side surfaces of the X-shaped torsion spring as well as a rate of change ?i of inertia moment of the movable member around the torsion axis, with a change of a thickness t of the supporting base plate, satisfy the following relation: L1/L2=C1?Exp{C2?(?i+C3)}+C4??i+C5 where C1=5.0*10^=?1, C2=?4.4, C3=4.6*10^?2, C4=?6.0*10^?1 and 1.5<C5<1.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahisa Kato, Kazutoshi Torashima
  • Publication number: 20100308517
    Abstract: A spring suitable for use in an acidizing wellbore is disclosed. The spring includes a spring member comprising an Ni-base or a Co-base alloy, the spring member having an outer surface. The spring also includes an acidizing fluid resistant coating layer disposed on the outer surface of the spring member. A method of making a spring suitable for use in an acidizing wellbore environment is also disclosed. The method includes forming a spring member comprising an Ni-base or a Co-base alloy, the spring member having an outer surface. The method also includes disposing an acidizing fluid resistant coating layer on the outer surface of the spring member. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring may include a torsion spring used in a flapper valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: James Edward Goodson, William M. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20100295222
    Abstract: Disclosed are an actuator capable of preventing interference caused by torsion to thereby improve stability and reliability, and a spring used for the actuator. The actuator includes a first molding part, a second molding part being rotatably connected in an end of the first molding part, and a spring member including a first spring arm that is fixed to the first molding part and a second spring arm that is fixed to the second molding part. In this instance, the first spring and the second spring arms are integrally connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Sang Ho Lee, Byung Han Kim
  • Patent number: 7785716
    Abstract: A bearing apparatus includes a coil spring having a center portion in which a wire is wound at a predetermined pitch, and end turn portions arranged at both end portions of the center portion. Each of the end turn portions is formed by winding the wire at least three turns with a pitch which is smaller than the predetermined pitch of the center portion. A bearing member has a main body with an opening for supporting a shaft, and a connecting portion for connecting the coil spring to the main body. The main body and the connecting portion are integrally formed from a resin material by molding, and the end turn portion of the coil spring is connected to the connecting portion through molding of the main body and the connecting portion. The connecting portion of the bearing member has an inner connecting portion which protrudes into an inside of the end turn portion of the coil spring, and an outer connecting portion which surrounds an outside area of the end turn portion of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Sasatani, Hiroshi Toda, Katsushige Uematsu
  • Patent number: 7766311
    Abstract: A device for providing rotational and axial locking capability using a wireform with at least one wrap. The device requires very low actuation forces. The wireform can be constructed with end features that provide a specific tension such that when the device is engaged a differential slip torque in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotational direction is developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Takonix Incorporated
    Inventor: John Alan Kossett
  • Publication number: 20100177369
    Abstract: An oscillator device includes a supporting base plate, a torsion spring, and a movable member, wherein the movable member is supported by the torsion spring, for torsional oscillation relative to the supporting base plate about a torsional axis, wherein the torsion spring has an X-shaped section being perpendicular to the torsional axis and a top surface and a bottom surface each being defined by a (100)-equivalent surface of monocrystal silicon, and wherein a distance L1connecting bottoms of concavities formed at the top surface and bottom surface, respectively, and a distance L2 connecting bottoms of concavities defined at side surfaces of the X-shaped torsion spring as well as a rate of change ?i of inertia moment of the movable member around the torsion axis, with a change of a thickness t of the supporting base plate, satisfy the following relation: L1/L2=C1?Exp{C2?(?i+C3)}+C4??i+C5 where C1=5.0*10?=?1, C2=?4.4, C3=4.6*10??2, C4=?6.0*10??1 and 1.5<C5<1.7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahisa Kato, Kazutoshi Torashima
  • Publication number: 20100145510
    Abstract: A torsion spring comprises an inner mounting segment. An outer mounting segment is located concentrically around the inner mounting segment. A plurality of splines extends from the inner mounting segment to the outer mounting segment. At least a portion of each spline extends generally annularly around the inner mounting segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC, The U.S.A As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Adam H. Parsons, Joshua S. Mehling, Bryan Kristian Griffith
  • Publication number: 20100072684
    Abstract: A nodal-mounted spring arrangement for an electronic toothbrush includes a V-shaped spring member secured at both ends so that it can operate in out-of-phase torsion mode along the axial dimension thereof. A mounting plate is connected between a node point along the V-shaped spring member and the housing of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes opposing slots on opposite sides of the node point, the slots extending in an axial direction, creating an integrated torsion bar node spring, while reducing stress in the vicinity of the nodal point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Jan De Jong, Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig, Hendrik Richard Jousma, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Tyler Kloster, Scott E. Hall, Patrick A. Headstrom