Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base (20), a pivot arm (30), a pulley (90) journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring (10) engaged between the base and the pivot arm, the torsion spring biasing the pivot arm, the torsion spring comprising a cross-sectional form having a major axis (Z-Z) and a minor axis (X-X), the major axis having a length (h) greater than a minor axis length (b), the torsion spring comprising planar portions (15,16) which are substantially parallel with the major axis, and the major axis oriented in a direction that extends substantially radially and normally from a torsion spring winding axis (Y-Y).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an actuator, an output member, and a spring arrangement having at least one spiral return spring. The output member has a neutral position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position. The neutral position is between the first actuated position and the second actuated position. The output member capable of being driven by the actuator from the neutral position to the first actuated position and to the second actuated position. The spring arrangement is arranged to bias the output member towards the neutral position from the first actuated position and is arranged to bias the output member towards the neutral position from the second actuated position.

Abstract: A damper spring having a torsion coil spring-like shape is placed on outer peripheries of bosses respectively formed on a rope reel and a cam. The ends of the damper spring are engaged with the rope reel and the cam, respectively, so that the rope reel and the cam are rotatingly coupled with each other. A wire member constituting the damper spring is formed so as to have a section shape in which at least one side is linearly formed, and the damper spring is formed by winding the wire member into a coil-like shape so that the linear portion of the wire member is placed on an inner peripheral side, thereby enabling the inner side face of the damper spring to be tightly wound in a wide area around outer peripheral faces of the bosses.

Abstract: A sheet separator for an automatic document feeder of the invention is capable of separating an outmost sheet from a stack. The separator includes a separating roller driven by a driving device, a friction roller, a first shaft, and a force-applying mechanism for pushing the separating and friction rollers against each other. The friction roller has a first rotating state, in which the friction roller is driven by the separating roller, a stationary state when the separating roller feeds a first sheet, and a second rotating state, in which the friction roller is driven by a second sheet fed by the separating roller. The first shaft is inserted into the friction roller to provide a damping torque for stopping the rotation of the friction roller.

Abstract: A spring holding cone (1) for a spring end of a spiral torsion spring (13), especially a sectional door spring for an industrial door or a garage sectional door, has an outside surface (2) for supporting the spring end of the torsion spring (13) at its inside diameter and fixing means for fixing the spring end to the spring holding cone (1) in a torque resistant way. The fixing means comprise a flank (5) which protrudes from the outside surface (2) and engages between the first spring turn (12) and the second spring turn of the torsion spring (13) at the spring end. The flank (5) extends over less than 180° of the circumference of the outside surface (2); and a securing element (6) extends over a flank-free area of the outside surface (2).

Abstract: Wiper spring is made of a length of spring wire having hook-like end portions at opposite ends. One of the end portions is shaped to slide over the drive arm of a vehicle wiper assembly from one side. The other end portion is shaped to hook over the wiper arm of the vehicle wiper assembly for applying additional spring force to the wiper arm to maintain better contact of the wiper blade against the surface being wiped during operation of the wiper assembly.

Abstract: A sheet feeding system in which the idler roller shafts are loosely mounted between opposing side walls of a slot for limited movement relative to their mating sheet feeding rollers, and spring biased theretowards to provide sheet feeding nips with the desired normal force, wherein the spring biasing is nonsymmetrical to additionally provide an orthogonal spring biasing of the idler shafts towards only one of the side walls of their mounting slots. This nonsymmetrical spring biasing may be provided by a torsion spring with a central coil wrapped around the idler shaft and extending legs anchored in nonsymmetrical anchoring positions and/or with nonsymmetrically shaped legs.

Abstract: A spring clutch has an arbor, a spring, and a sleeve. The spring at least partially surrounds the arbor and has a first portion coupled to the arbor to confine relative rotation of the first portion and arbor about an axis. The sleeve at least partially surrounds the spring and cooperates with the spring. The cooperation is sufficient so that an initial relative rotation between the arbor and sleeve in a first direction about the axis tends to uncoil the spring and bias the spring into firmer engagement with the sleeve. The cooperation is sufficient such that relative rotation in an opposite direction tends not to uncoil the spring and maintains the clutch in a disengaged condition.

Abstract: A spring clutch has an arbor, a spring, and a sleeve. The spring at least partially surrounds the arbor and has a first portion coupled to the arbor to confine relative rotation of the first portion and arbor about an axis. The sleeve at least partially surrounds the spring and cooperates with the spring. The cooperation is sufficient so that an initial relative rotation between the arbor and sleeve in a first direction about the axis tends to uncoil the spring and bias the spring into firmer engagement with the sleeve. The cooperation is sufficient such that relative rotation in an opposite direction tends not to uncoil the spring and maintains the clutch in a disengaged condition.

Abstract: A winding stem (10) is connected to an inner end (11a) of a mainspring (11), and an outer end (11b) of the mainspring (11) is connected to a barrel drum (12). A braking plate (15) is placed inside a braking case (14), and the braking case (14) is filled with a fluid (16). An uneven joint portion (10b) is formed at the lower end of the winding stem (10), and is engaged with an uneven joint portion (15b) of the braking plate (15) placed in the braking case (14). By adopting the above configuration which can simplify the structure of the mainspring mechanism having the braking plate and which can reduce the number of components, the size and production cost of the mainspring mechanism can be reduced.

Abstract: A preloaded spring arrangement, in particular for spring loading office chair synchronizing mechanisms, comprises a pair of leg springs, which are coaxially positioned on a common axis, each having a supporting leg and a positioning leg; and a preferably manually operated adjusting unit of the type of an eccentric, which the two positioning legs are coupled with and by which they are displaceable for adjustment of the preload of the spring arrangement; wherein, for stepwise locked spring load adjustment, the adjusting unit of the type of an eccentric comprises a pair of eccentric cams sitting axially side by side, the cam surfaces of which, related to the direction of rotation of the eccentric arrangement, successively comprise plane locking sections, eccentric cam control sections and holding sections that are concentric of the axis of rotation of the eccentric arrangement; and wherein the respective locking, cam control and holding sections of the two eccentric cams are offset in the direction of rotation o

Abstract: An electronic throttle body uses a spring and an insert to generate a force tending to oppose the motion of opening a throttle. The insert locates and centers the coils of the spring and also acts during assembly to place the proper amount of torsion on the spring and the throttle body system. Once a throttle body motor or other force ceases to exert force against the spring, the spring causes the throttle to close.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a back mounted to pivot on a seat proper by a locking mechanism, and urged forwards by a torsion bar formed by a metal wire which has two ends fixed respectively to the back and to the seat proper. The metal wire constituting the torsion bar forms at least one spiral comprising a plurality of adjacent turns.

Abstract: A supplementary spring assembly (104) is fitted to three consecutive turns (86.1, 86.2, 86.3) of a vehicle suspension coil spring (102). The spring assembly (104) includes a central torsion-producing portion (105) having a pair of half-turn torsion springs (106, 108). The half-turn torsion springs (106, 108) are connected to each other by a C-shaped bight portion (109) which engages an intermediate turn (86.1) of the coil spring (102) in a clamping fit. First and second arms (110, 112) extend from opposite ends of the torsion springs (106, 108) and pass slidably through complemental apertures (114) formed in mounting blocks (116). The mounting blocks (116) include a clamping arrangement in the form of a C-shaped recess formed in the block (116) which is sized to fit around non-adjacent turns (86.2, 86.3) of the coil spring (102).

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a spring on a shaft, such as for counterbalancing a roll-up door, includes a housing that carries a transmission which is positionable over the shaft. The transmission is configured to be coupled via a connector to one end of the spring, while the other end of the spring is fixed to the shaft. Rotation of the transmission results in a turning of the connector and a winding and/or elongation of the spring.

Abstract: An energy absorber comprises a helically coiled stores of at least partially yielding material that is drawn over a roller, or two rollers on perpendicular rotational axes, and securely fixed to a base that is attached to fragile structure such as a roof so that when an external force of sufficient size is applied to the roller or rollers through a connecting attachment eye the coil together with roller or rollers moves away from the attachment to the base whilst the coiled material is deployed over the roller or rollers. The absorber may be housed in a casing that is fixed to the base such that the strength of the fixing to the base is sufficient to withstand a pre-determined load after which the fixing fails and the housing moves with the coiled store providing protection for both the coiled store and fragile structure.

Abstract: A reclining chair comprises a telescopic tube assembly connected to a seat for adjusting the inclination of the seat and a backrest, and a lock unit mounted on the telescopic tube assembly for locking releasably an inner tube against an outer tube of the telescopic tube assembly. The lock unit includes a torsion spring which has a coiled portion tightly sleeved around the inner tube to lock it against the outer tube adjacent an opening provided on the outer tube, and two arms extending out of the outer tube through the opening from two ends of the coiled portion. An operating unit is connected to the arms for moving the arms so as to unwind the coiled portion and unlock the inner tube, thereby the seat may be pushed forwardly or rearwardly.

Abstract: A spring door opener comprising for a helical torsion spring coil body with two legs extending therefrom. One of the legs contains two substantially 90-degree bends such that the legs are configured to exit the coil body on the same side. The door opener is attached to the hinge pin on a door hinge to maintain a door in an open position.

Abstract: A torsion spring which is coiled or wound from spring steel wire is provided for counterbalancing weight, particularly in sectional doors. At least one of the two spring ends of the torsion spring has a connection diameter which is reduced with regard to the operational diameter of the torsion spring in a main portion between the spring ends. This connection diameter is adjusted to the outer diameter of a shaft on which the torsion spring is to be arranged in such a way that the torsion spring is guided on the shaft in a radial direction by means of any portion of the torsion spring having the connection diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved arrangement for the operation of an overhead garage door that comprises an adapter utilized for installation and periodic maintenance of the support arrangement. Also disclosed is an adapter for use with existing garage door structures, improved wrenches for use in tensioning coil springs usually found in such arrangements and a method for tensioning such coil springs when they are originally installed or during periodic maintenance of the springs. The adapter comprises a body that may be mounted upon a rotatable shaft that supports the coil springs and be non-rotatabley attached to an end of the coil spring and the rotatable shaft. The attachment to the shaft is a releasable connection and the body has splines or projecting abutment surfaces so that two of the improved wrenches according to the present invention may have their jaws closely surround and engage the splines on the body.

Abstract: A plug mounted at one end of a torsional spring operatively connected to an overhead shaft of a counterbalancing mechanism of a garage door, wherein the plug comprises projecting interlocking means able to cooperate with corresponding matching means of a mating part of the counterbalancing mechanism, so that when the interlocking means of the plug are inserted into the corresponding matching means and when tension is applied to the torsional spring, the interlocking means interlock with said matching means of the mating part, thereby preventing the plug from being readily removed therefrom. The projecting interlocking means thus act as safety means because they provide an automatic locking mechanism which make the plug operate as a safety device as well.

Abstract: The friction damper includes a hollow cylindrical member having an axially movable non-rotational member within the cylindrical member. A spring is disposed between the movable and cylindrical members. A rotating member lies within the cylindrical member in opposition to the movable member. A frictional resisting element resists relative rotation of the rotating member and the cylindrical member and causes the movable member to move axially away from the rotating member against the bias of the spring to increase the spring force of the spring and the frictional resisting force.

Abstract: A torsion spring which is coiled or wound from spring steel wire is provided for counter-balancing weight, particularly in sectional doors. At least one of the two spring ends of the torsion spring has a connection diameter which is reduced with regard to the operational diameter of the torsion spring in a main portion between the spring ends. This connection diameter is adjusted to the outer diameter of a shaft on which the torsion spring is to be arranged in such a way that the torsion spring is guided on the shaft in a radial direction by means of any portion of the torsion spring having the connection diameter.

Abstract: A friction damper includes: a hollow cylindrical member with a bottom; a movable member disposed in said hollow cylindrical member in such a manner as to be movable in an axial direction of said hollow cylindrical member but immovable about an axis of said hollow cylindrical member; a coil spring disposed between said movable member and the bottom of said hollow cylindrical member, one end of said coil spring abutting against the bottom of said hollow cylindrical member and another end thereof abutting against said movable member; a rotating member disposed in said hollow cylindrical member in such a manner as to oppose said movable member and to be relatively rotatable about the axis of said hollow cylindrical member; and a frictionally-resisting-force generating mechanism for generating a frictionally resisting force to the relative rotation of said rotating member with respect to said hollow cylindrical member, and for causing said movable member to move away from said rotating member in the axial directio

Abstract: A friction damper includes: a hollow cylindrical member with a bottom; a movable member disposed in said hollow cylindrical member in such a manner as to be movable in an axial direction of hollow cylindrical member but immovable about an axis of hollow cylindrical member; a coil spring disposed between movable member and the bottom of hollow cylindrical member, one end of said coil spring abutting against the bottom of hollow cylindrical member and another end thereof abutting against movable member; a rotating member disposed in hollow cylindrical member in such a manner as to oppose movable member and to be relatively rotatable about the axis of hollow cylindrical member; and a frictionally-resisting-force generating mechanism for generating a frictionally resisting force to the relative rotation of rotating member with respect to hollow cylindrical member, and for causing movable member to move away from rotating member in the axial direction against the resiliency of coil spring and to approach the botto

Abstract: A multiple torsion spring assembly according to the present invention may be provided with a coiled helical torsion spring. The spring has first and second end coils, and a plurality of intermediate coils between the first and second end coils. The first end coil inner diameter is less than the inner diameter of the intermediate coils. The second end coil inner diameter is less than the inner diameter of the first end coil. The spring may be used to control a throttle return of a throttle body. Methods of manufacturing spring assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine comprising an engine housing, a crankshaft mounted for rotation within the housing, a camshaft mounted for rotation within the housing, a flexible element (e.g., a chain) coupling the camshaft to the crankshaft, and a tensioner mounted adjacent the flexible element. The tensioner includes a support member, a shoe made of a polyimide polymer (e.g., Vespel), and a biasing member biasing the support member so that the shoe is in contact with the flexible element. The biasing member is made from a wire having a quadrangular (e.g., square) cross section. Preferably, the camshaft is supported by a cam support plate, and the support member is pivotally mounted to the cam support plate.

Abstract: A lift spring assembly is disclosed for small computers and similar electronic devices of the type that has a base and an upper component assembly that raises when a release is pressed to provide access to computer devices such as printing, data storage and other devices mounted in the assembly. The lift spring is a closed linkage that is held into the base between supports and stops so that the assembly may be removed for service without disconnecting or otherwise disassembling the lift spring mounting.

Abstract: An actuator for power door locks having a bi-directional spring holder assembly. The assembly has a substantially cylindrical housing having a projection formed on a rim of its cylindrical wall. The projection is provided with first and second abutments facing in opposite directions along the circumference of the rim. A spring is mounted around a shaft which passes through a longitudinal axis of the housing. A first, internal spring end is engaged to the shaft while a second, external spring end projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. The assembly also includes a spring cover provided with a cover abutment which similarly projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. When the holder assembly is assembled, the spring is coiled and the cover abutment pushes against the projection's first abutment while the external spring end pushes against the second abutment.

Abstract: A spring module having a shaft movable in first and second directions and a biasing element for urging the shaft into a normal position upon loss of power. The spring module also includes motion limiting means for limiting the deenergization of the biasing element and a speed reduction apparatus intercoupling the motion limiting means and the shaft. The biasing element is energized upon movement of the shaft in the second direction and deenergized by shaft movement in the first direction. Similarly, the motion limiting means are coupled to the shaft for movement in third and fourth directions. The speed reduction apparatus moves the motion limiting means at a slower rate in the third and fourth directions than the shaft moves in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A torsion spring having a central coiled portion and a pair of resilient arms projecting from the coiled portion in different directions is incorporated in a workpiece so that the coiled portion is fitted on a support pin on the workpiece and the arms are engaged with first and second engagement portions on the workpiece. A center pin is inserted into the coiled portion of the torsion spring, and the coiled portion is held by attraction of an attracting portion provided around the center pin. A pair of forming pins are moved relative to the center pin in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center pin to abut against the respective arms of the torsion spring and deflect them.

Abstract: A flexible shaft structure comprises: a core wire having flexibility; holding portions provided on the core wire; a first wire wound around the core wire substantially at right angles with respect to an axial line of the core wire; and a second wire which is spirally wound around the first wire and of which both ends are respectively fixed to the holding portions. Accordingly, when an input-side holding portion rotates about a shaft, the rotational torque is transmitted to an output-side holding portion by the second wire. In this case, since the second wire is wound around the first wire wound around the core wire, the winding diameter of the second wire for transmitting rotational torque can be enlarged. As a result, tensile force acting on the second wire becomes smaller and stress acting on the core wire via the first wire or the holding portions accordingly becomes smaller.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for safely arresting moving bodies. Applications of the device include fall protection systems that protect workers on elevated structures from accidental falls. The energy absorbing device includes a coiled strip capable of dissipating energy when a tensile force applied across the device generates an internal bending strain that exceeds the elastic limit of the material. The tensile load developed on the safety track during an accidental fall unwinds the strip, thus progressively taking-up the kinetic energy of the moving body.

Abstract: A coil spring (10) for an overrunning spring clutch assembly wherein the coil spring (10) includes a crossover coil (20) having a longitudinal crossover gap (24) formed therein, and a dynamic balance weight (40) secured in combination with one of the internally opposed surfaces (24s) of the longitudinal crossover gap (24). The dynamic balance weight (40) is configured such that, when assembled in combination with a central arbor (32) and coaxial clutch members (34) of the overrunning spring clutch assembly, the dynamic balance weight (40) is spaced apart from the central arbor (32) and each of the clutch members (34). Furthermore, the dynamic balance weight (40) is fabricated from a material having a density .rho..sub.BW which is greater than the density .rho..sub.CC of the base material from which the crossover coil (20) is fabricated.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a vehicle cargo area includes a roller containing a bungee cord, operative as a retraction mechanism. The covers are fabricated of an opaque cloth or vinyl material, or a transparent or screen material. The covers may be deployed longitudinally across the cargo area, or vertically towards the top of the vehicle. A housing may enclose multiple rollers and provide openings to deploy the covers. The retractable cover is simple and inexpensive, and provides multiple capabilities for varying users' needs.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper with an essentially cup-shaped hub ring made of metallic material, an annular casing and a rotating ring. The hub ring and annular casing and the rotating ring are spaced from one another by a radial clearance and are joined in a torsionally flexible manner by a spring element made of elastomeric material. The spring element is arranged in the opening formed by the clearance. The casing of the hub ring is provided at least radially externally with an adhering first coating made of thermosetting plastic, which coating may have a pulley-type of surface profiling. The first coating may be reinforced with fibers for dimensional stability, and the second coating may expand and contract with temperature variations to ensure constant prestressing in the spring element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing circumferential separation between the meshing teeth of a first gear and a second gear of a gear train. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a first torque transmitting gear coaxially fixed to the first gear, a second torque transmitting gear in meshing engagement with the first torque transmitting gear, a third torque transmitting gear in meshing engagement with the second torque transmitting gear, and being rotatable about a shaft fixedly connected to a fourth torque transmitting gear which in turn is in meshing engagement with the second gear. The third torque transmitting gear is drivingly connected to the shaft via a pre-loaded resilient element formed by a first torsion spring and a second torsion spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the torsion springs are arranged such that windings of the first torsion spring are located within spaces formed between adjacent windings of the second torsion spring.

Abstract: A coil spring wherein the external surfaces of the convolutions have cylindrical major portions and flats which abut the neighboring convolutions when a spring is compressed flat under load. This reduces the likelihood of radial displacement of one or more convolutions under load and the likelihood of a reduction of the axial length of the coil spring when in its unstressed condition subsequent to being repeatedly compressed flat under load. The external surface of each convolution can be provided with one or two flats, and the planes of the two flats preferably make a small acute angle if the coil spring is caused to assume an arcuate shape when in actual use.

Abstract: Interference between a spring and a shaft is prevented in a torque shock absorber device which uses a coil spring. The torque shock absorber device has a shaft which is fixed on a base plate, and a sleeve is installed which is free to rotate against the shaft. On the sleeve, a torque transmission part is installed. One end of the coil spring is inserted and fixed in a slot of the shaft. The coil spring is wound on a peripheral part of the shaft and sleeve, and the other end is fixed on the torque transmission part. When torque is applied on the torque transmission part, the sleeve is rotated with the wound coil spring and no friction is generated between the sleeve and shaft.

Abstract: A compact torsion spring assembly is functionally disposed between a first member and a second member. The first member is rotatable relative to the second member and has a first spring engagement notch therein. A bracket fixed relative to the second member has a second notch therein. A tension spring is formed as a continuous coil of steel wire, defining an enlarged diameter first catch plate portion at a first end and a second catch plate portion at a second end. The spring is disposed between the first member and the second member, with the first catch plate portion engaging the notch in the first member and the second catch plate portion engaging the notch in the bracket, wherein the spring rotatively biases the first member relative to the the second member.

Abstract: A flexible spindle suitable for transmitting a torque as well as an axial thrust is constituted by a plurality of helical spirals of wire all of the same length. Each spiral has opposite winding directions to the winding direction of the adjacent spirals and the outer diameter of each spiral is equal to the inner diameter of the spiral which surrounds it. The terminal ends of the spirals are assembled integrally with each other and with the terminal ends of a flexible member situated inside the innermost spiral. Each sprial has a length which is equal to that of the other spirals as measured along their axis when these are in their bent operating position and under those conditions under which they are designed to transmit torque and thrust, with the flexible spindle resulting not to be radially or longitudinally deformable when under stress, thus transmitting the forces without loss.

Abstract: A foundation spring module especially adapted for easy assembly in an interlocking spring and grid bedding foundation structure has a short generally vertical section which extends down from an interlockable wire grid-engaging horizontal top portion to position an upper end of each of two contiguous legs of the spring away from the area of intersection of the top portion and legs of the spring with the wire grid to greatly ease manipulation and assembly of the spring into the interlocked position in the wire grid of the foundation structure.

Abstract: A pedal return device is provided for controlling operation of a pedal member. In particular, the pedal return device imparts a resistive force which resists movement of the pedal member. In the case of an automobile accelerator pedal, this feature allows the driver to more easily maintain a given level of pedal actuation. However, the resistive force is made dependent on whether the pedal member is actually being depressed. Accordingly, once a force applied to the pedal member is removed, the resistive force is correspondingly and assuredly eliminated to permit the pedal member to be reliably returned to an initial rest position by a restoration force generating device provided.

Abstract: A helical torsion spring is provided having an adjustable spring rate. The torsion spring includes a main spring formed from a coil of wire having a first end and a second end. The wire extends away from the first end to form a first arm and away from the second end to form a second arm. The main spring is loaded torsionally by angular displacement of the first arm with respect to the second arm about a central axis passing through a geometric center of the coil. An inside diameter of the coil defines a core. An adjustment spring is oriented within the core. The adjustment spring is formed from adjustment spring wire configured in a manner similar to that of the main spring. The adjustment spring exhibits an exterior diameter not less than the inside diameter of the main spring. The adjustment spring is rotatable to threadably adjust a proportion of the core of the main spring that includes the adjustment spring therein.

Abstract: In order to be able to completely eliminate the axial play of an armature spindle of an electric motor, especially for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle, even though conditions change over time, a prestressing member acted upon by a spring leg continuously presses against the end of the armature spindle. The prestressing member does not necessarily have to abut directly on the end of the armature spindle, but rather a cap is inserted onto the end of the armature spindle and non-rotatably fixed to the motor housing or a gear housing. An eccentric formed as the housing of the prestressing member abuts on the outside of the bottom of the cap. In an alternative embodiment, a mushroom shaped prestressing member having a mushroom head presses against the end of the armature spindle.

Abstract: There is provided a belt tensioning apparatus for maintaining the tension in the belt of a serpentine belt drive system. The belt tensioning apparatus utilizes a double wrap spiral spring which will approximately double the amount of travel of the tensioning apparatus for a given outside diameter. This significant increase in travel allows the tensioning device to be preset at a variety of initial loads to enable the same tensioner to be used over a broad range of applications.

Abstract: A torsion spring assembly particularly adapted for use in closing the throttle valve of an automotive throttle body. The assembly includes two bushings formed with sleeves adapted to telescope into the end portions of a torsion spring. As an incident thereto, the bushings automatically interlock with one another to hold the bushings and the spring in assembled relation.

Abstract: A constant force spring system having a coil spring with first and second arms, a ramp for the second arm to contact and a pin mounted on a base. The coil spring is mounted on the pin and the ramp is positioned such that the second arm of the spring contacts the sloped surface of the ramp. When a force is applied to the first arm of the spring it tends to move the second arm up the sloped ramp. This interaction of the second arm and sloped surface produces a reaction force. The slope angle and ramp configuration is configured such that there are equal and opposite forces produced by the spring system.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch includes a spring consisting of a single wire member and adapted to hold a pair of clutch shoes in mutual relation to each other. With this simple structure, the centrifugal clutch helps to facilitate the production, assembly, etc. thereof and reduce the vibrations and noise during its operation. The spring, which consists of a single spring wire member, includes a pair of ring-shaped sections and a pair of clutch shoe holding sections extending in parallel each other and in opposite directions from each of the ring-shaped sections.