Abstract: The antenna device A1 includes an antenna 1 configured to transmit and/or receive radio waves, and a dielectric elastomer drive element 2 including a dielectric elastomer layer 21 and a pair of electrode layers 22 sandwiching the dielectric elastomer layer 21. The dielectric elastomer drive element is capable of changing an antenna characteristic of the antenna 1. With such a configuration, the antenna device can be made smaller and lighter while improving its antenna characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides device that replaces the hinge pin in a door hinge to provide a door with automatic closing technology, triggered by the device's detection of an adverse condition in the surrounding environment, such as a fire or gas leak, the device including a lower extension pin that slides into the space conventionally occupied by the hinge pin, first and second arms that apply opposing rotational force to the door and door jam, respectively, when the device is activated, and a condition detection module employing at least one sensor and an activation system to activate the device upon the sensor's detection of an adverse environmental condition to close the door.

Abstract: A worm gear for an electromechanical power steering system of a motor vehicle, includes a worm shaft that meshes with a worm wheel. The worm wheel and the worm shaft are arranged together in a gear housing. An eccentric lever and a bimetallic spring that is operatively connected to the eccentric lever are configured to compensate for a temperature-related play in the engagement between the worm wheel and the worm shaft.

Abstract: An energy dissipating damper includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a first structure, a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, configured to contact a second structure, and a body portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. The body portion includes a plurality leaves. The plurality of leaves may be fixed together at the first end portion and may be separable from each other at the second end portion. In response to the energy dissipating damper being in a loaded state, the plurality of leaves may be in direct contact with each at the second end portion. The energy dissipating damper may further include a contact element coupled to the second end portion, and the contact element may comprise an abradable material.

Abstract: A timepiece mainspring including, in the manufactured state, an eye and a portion formed of coils with an outer coil of radius R, the eye and the portion formed of coils being connected by a neck portion having substantially zero curvature, the timepiece mainspring wherein the neck portion has a length LC comprised between 1.5 and 10 times, and preferably between 2 and 8 times, the radius R. The mainspring having this specific geometry reduces the risk of premature breakage during use, typically for an application with a k factor lower than 10.

Abstract: By configuring a timepiece component to include an intermediate film provided on at least a portion of a surface of a base material formed by using a nonconductive first material as a main component and to include a buffer film stacked on the intermediate film and mainly composed of a second material having a tenacity higher than that of the first material, the timepiece component may be manufactured with high precision, the weight thereof may be reduced, and even when the base material is formed by using a brittle material such as silicon, the timepiece component becomes resistant to breakage and capable of exhibiting high strength when an impact is externally applied.

Abstract: An anchoring system used to anchor a ribbon spring to a guide track. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track that provides access to the internal gap space. A counterbalance spring is provided having an offset tab section proximate a free end. A barb flap is formed by bending a segment of the counterbalance spring from the offset tab section. The offset tab section with barb flap are extended into the gap space through the mounting slot. As the counterbalance spring is unwound, a bias is created that engages both the offset tab section and the barb flap within the gap space. This locks the free end of the counterbalance spring in place without the need of any mechanical fastener.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a plane scroll spring. A torque provided by a working section of a reed of the plane scroll spring is gradually reduced from an outer ring toward an inner ring of the plane scroll spring. The working section includes a first length section and a second length section connected to an inner end of the first length section. In the first length section, the torque decreases by a first decrement value per unit length from the outer ring toward the inner ring. In the second length section, the torque decreases by a second decrement value per unit length from the outer ring toward the inner ring. The first decrement value is less than the second decrement value.

Abstract: An elastic energy storage and deployment system deploys a torsional spring that bias a cam connected to a cable. The cam is coupled to the torsion spring about a shared rotational axis such that the cam directs elastic energy to and from the torsion spring and the cable transforms rotational force into linear motion, with little rotational inertia, and the addition of angular acceleration.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes an input member to receive an input torque from a propulsion source and an output member coupled to the input member to transfer the input torque to a driveline component. The torque transfer mechanism also includes a damping mechanism having at least one spring element to restrict relative rotation between the input member and the output member. wherein the at least one spring element defines a first spring rate corresponding to an initial range of travel that is less than a second spring rate corresponding to a subsequent range of travel.

Abstract: A tension management system employs moveable anchors, tension pins, ports and tuning string within torsion spring and cam elastic energy storage and deployment counteracting block and tackle systems. In conjunction with prescribed methods, launching cords and cables can be installed and replaced in field conditions, with precise tension for dynamic balance, without the need for bulky and expensive external presses.

Abstract: A vibration damping apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a main body extended from one side of a vibrating structure with a predetermined length from one end that contacts the structure to the other end, wherein at least a part of the main body is bent with a gradually decreasing thickness.

Abstract: An elastic energy storage and deployment system deploys a torsional spring that bias a cam connected to a cable. The cam is coupled to the torsion spring about a shared rotational axis such that the cam directs elastic energy to and from the torsion spring and the cable transforms rotational force into linear motion, with little rotational inertia, and the addition of angular acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of physics, material sciences and micro and nano electronics, and concerns a method for producing a rolled-up electrical or electronic component, as can be used for example as a capacitor, or in aerials. The object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, environmentally friendly and time-saving method for producing a rolled-up electrical or electronic component with many windings. The object is achieved by a method for producing a rolled-up component in which at least two functional and insulating layers, alternately arranged fully or partially over one another, are applied to a substrate with a sacrificial layer, wherein at least the functional or insulating layer that is arranged directly on the sacrificial layer has a perforation, at least on the two sides that are arranged substantially parallel to the rolling direction.

Abstract: A seatback portion has a tether passageway defined therein from proximate an upper section to proximate a lower section thereof. A seatbelt tether includes a tensioning mechanism, a tether ring and a connecting portion that extends from the tether ring to the tensioning mechanism. The connecting portion extends through the tether passageway with the tether ring located at the upper section outside the seatback portion. The tether ring is shaped and dimension to slide-ably receive a seatbelt. The tensioning mechanism selectively applies tension to the tether ring. In a non-tensioned state the tether ring is movable to an upper outboard side of the seatback portion. In a tensioned state the tether ring is pulled toward a headrest supporting section of the seatback portion inboard and away from the upper outboard side of the seatback portion.

Abstract: An elastic member can implement functions of buffering and shock absorption while effectively supporting a vehicle body. On end of the elastic member is turned and bent towards the other end, and passes through the body of the elastic member. The turned and bent part forms a curled portion (3). Portions of the curled portion (3) extending towards two ends form a first arm (1) and a second arm (2). The curled portion (3) pre-stores deformation of a material to integrate an elastic capability of the material and specifically gather a weak elastic capability of a rigid material, thereby obtaining a higher elastic bending moment, and providing functions of buffering and shock absorption while bearing is provided. For a flexible material, the flexible material can be restrained by using the curled portion to increase rigidity and reduce randomness of deformation of the flexible material, thereby combining flexibility and rigidity.

Abstract: A mechanical device includes a long, narrow element made of a rigid, elastic material. A rigid frame is configured to anchor at least one end of the element, which is attached to the frame, and to define a gap running longitudinally along the element between the beam and the frame, so that the element is free to move within the gap. A solid filler material, different from the rigid, elastic material, fills at least a part of the gap between the element and the frame so as to permit a first mode of movement of the element within the gap while inhibiting a different, second mode of movement.

Abstract: A vehicle seat fitting has a fitting parts (11, 12) have a sprocket (17) and guide segments (14), a bar (16) guided by the guide segments between a locked and unlocked state that interact with the sprocket. The bar has bar cams (16a, 16b). An eccentric (27) is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis (A) and in a transition from unlocked to the locked, engages the bar with a force for clamping the bar against the sprocket. The eccentric has eccentric cams (28, 128) interacting with the bar cams. The first eccentric cam has a cam section (28.2) which runs in the peripheral direction concentrically around the axis. The cam section is arranged upstream in the closing direction of a further cam section (28.4) that has a cam contour running radially outwards downstream in the closing direction relative to the concentrically peripheral contour for clamping the bar against the sprocket.

Abstract: A spring counterbalance apparatus and method consists of a shade system with a torque profile, where the shade system is connected with a drive shaft. A first spring system is connected with the drive shaft where the first spring system is a standard wound spring system. A second spring system is connected with the drive shaft where the second spring system is a reverse wound spring system and where, in combination, the first spring system and the second spring system produce a counterbalance torque profile approximately equal to the shade system torque profile.

Abstract: A spiral spring for reducing maximum stress value and variations in stress distribution. The spiral spring is elastically deformable from a minimally to maximally deformed state. In maximally deformed state, the spiral spring includes a non-contact section, wherein at least some spring material portions are adjacent in radial direction not contacting each other, and a contact section, wherein all spring material portions are adjacent in radial direction contacting each other. An inner reference portion is corresponding to a central angle of 80° or more and 160° or less about a spiral center along a direction of spiral portion extension with a reference line connecting the spiral center and outer contact portion, wherein the outer end portion and outer fixing member contact in maximally deformed state, the inner reference portion being on a radially spiral portion inner side. The contact section is on a radially inner reference portion outer side.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are spiral torsion springs, non-linear torsion springs, and non-linear torsion spring assemblies. These devices are useful in damping applications, orthotic joint applications and servo control applications.

Abstract: Adjustable constant force spring systems are disclosed. An adjustable constant-force spring system includes first and second rolled metal strips and a spool. The first strip is rolled around a first axis. The first strip has an inner end adjacent the first axis and an outer end configured for selective attachment to a load. The second strip is rolled around the first axis such that the second strip overlaps the first strip. The second strip has an inner end adjacent the first axis and an outer end configured for selective attachment to the load. The spool is located on a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. The spool is sized to enable the first strip to reroll around the spool.

Abstract: A barrel spring (10) for a mechanism driven by a mainspring, in particular for a timepiece, includes a unitary ribbon of metallic glass. The object is to integrate at least one additional function to the spring function, implemented by a functional portion integrated in the spring.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are spiral torsion springs, non-linear torsion springs, and non-linear torsion spring assemblies. These devices are useful in damping applications, orthotic joint applications and servo control applications.

Abstract: A second spiral spring is smaller than a first spiral spring and is housed in an open space in the center of the first spiral spring. A folded portion that is formed in an inner end of the first spiral spring and a folded portion that is formed in an outer end of the second spiral spring are hooked in a latch plate, under tension, that is cut and raised from a side. A receiving space is formed between the latch plate and an initial winding portion that starts winding in a curved shape from the inner end of the first spiral spring so as to house a tip of the folded portion of the outer end of the second spiral spring that is hooked in the latch plate.

Abstract: An end-stop damper including a damper body in the form of a cylinder, wherein a piston is guided so that it is displaceable in the cylinder receiving chamber. An air pressure is formed in the receiving chamber produces a braking force acting on the piston during its displacement. The receiving chamber includes at least one pressure reducing opening and the piston includes a bellows section which is actively connected to the cylinder according to pressure conditions in the receiving chamber. This invention substantially simplifies the structural design of the end-stop damper because the piston and the bellows section are connected to each other so that they are formed in one piece.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

Abstract: A power, motor, or clock spring featuring an integral retainer that prevents the spring from returning to its relaxed state. The integral retainer includes at least two of the coils of the spring being bonded together either through direct bond or via a welding material. The formation of an integral retainer in which the bonded coils of the spring itself acts as the retainer, creates a power spring that is easier and safer to handle and less expensive to create. The bond can be located only at the outermost point of the spring bonding the two outermost coils together adjacent an outer hook of the power spring.

Abstract: Provided are an alloy for spring, a plate material for spring, and a spring member, all of which are high in mechanical strength, also high in fatigue strength, and excellent in corrosion resistance. An alloy for spring of the present invention includes, as composition in terms of weight ratio, 28 to 42% Co, 10 to 27% Cr, 3 to 12% Mo, 15 to 40% Ni, 0.1 to 1.0% Ti, 1.5% or less Mn, 0.1 to 26.0% Fe, 0.1% or less C, and inevitable impurities, and at least one kind selected from 3.0% or less Nb, 5.0% or less W, 0.5% or less Al, 0.1% or less Zr, and 0.01% or less B.

Abstract: A second spiral spring is smaller than a first spiral spring and is housed in an open space in the center of the first spiral spring. A folded portion that is formed in an inner end of the first spiral spring and a folded portion that is formed in an outer end of the second spiral spring are hooked in a latch plate, under tension, that is cut and raised from a side. A receiving space is formed between the latch plate and an initial winding portion that starts winding in a curved shape from the inner end of the first spiral spring so as to house a tip of the folded portion of the outer end of the second spiral spring that is hooked in the latch plate.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

Abstract: A substantially planar suspension spring for supporting a linear compressor housed within a hermetic shell. A hub portion (36) connects to the body of the compressor assembly while a spiral arm portion (38) curves around the hub portion (36) at least one full turn before attaching to the wall of the compressor housing. Provides lateral stability to the reciprocating compressor assembly while maintaining axial flexibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part; a second fitting part which can be rotated about an axis in relation to the first fitting part; an eccentric which is rotationally mounted about the axis and which can be driven; at least two locking devices, which are guided in a radial direction by the first fitting part, can be displaced in a radial direction in an outward manner by the eccentric and which co-operate in a radial manner towards the outside with the second fitting part in order to lock the fitting; and at least one spring arrangement (17) which impinges upon the eccentric. The spring arrangement (17) comprises two springs (27, 28) which are arranged in a central manner and are placed within each other.

Abstract: A force compliant mechanism (750) for a force control system (600) includes a housing (752). A force compliant volute spring member (754) that has an input end (790) and an output end (792) is disposed within the housing (752). A force actuator input shaft (798) operates in response to a force induced thereon. An output shaft (800) is coupled to the output end (792) and to a test object (802). A force transducer (780) is in operative coupling with the force actuator input shaft (798) and generates a force signal in response to the induced force. A method of reducing force transients and increasing stability within a force control system (660) includes applying a force on a test object (666). A force actuator (669) is decoupled from the test object (666). The overall stiffness of the force control system is reduced and dynamic energy is absorbed via a force compliant member (662) coupled to the test object (666) and the force actuator (669).

Abstract: A shock absorber with a shock absorber body having a cylinder. A piston is moveably guided in a receiving space of the cylinder. When the piston is moved, an air pressure generated in the receiving space exerts a braking force that acts on the piston. For air pressure reduction, the receiving space has at least one opening that produces an air-carrying connection between the receiving space and the environment. The shock absorber body has a simple design if the piston or the cylinder contains a receptacle into which an insert piece is inserted in a frictionally engaging fashion and if the opening is positioned between the insert piece and the wall of the receptacle that is touched by the insert piece.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for driving a functional body mounted on a vehicle comprises a power supply, an electric motor, and a driving means. The electric motor is connected to the power supply and is started by a power feed from the power supply. The driving means has a spring motor and is connected to the electric motor and the functional body. The driving means accumulates an urging force by winding up the spring motor by the electric motor and driving the functional body by the urging force. This driving apparatus can automatically drive the functional body, can be manufactured inexpensively, and accumulates a driving force to the functional body without giving burdens to an occupant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical structure of an extendable electrical device comprising a body part (300) and a sleeve-like grip part (301). The smooth longitudinal movement between a retracted and extended position is effected by a clockspring in a spring barrel (302). A belt is wrapped around the barrel, and a slide part (306) is attached to the free end of the belt. When the device is retracted, the slide part with the belt slides along a longitudinal groove (304) made on at least one side of the body part until the slide part is interlocked. In response to pushing a releasing element, the interlocking is released, whereupon the belt is wrapped around the barrel and the body part slides smoothly to extended position.

Abstract: This self-compensating spiral spring for a mechanical balance-spiral spring oscillator for a watch or clock movement or other precision instrument, made of an Nb-Hf paramagnetic alloy possessing a thermal coefficient of Young's modulus (TCE), such that it enables the following expression to be substantially equal to zero: 1 1 E ⁢ ⅆ E ⅆ T + 3 ⁢ α s - 2 ⁢ α b

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical structure of an extendable electrical device comprising a body part (300) and a sleeve-like grip part (301). The smooth longitudinal movement between a retracted and extended position is effected by a clockspring in a spring barrel (302). A belt is wrapped around the barrel, and a slide part (306) is attached to the free end of the belt. When the device is retracted, the slide part with the belt slides along a longitudinal groove (304) made on at least one side of the body part until the slide part is interlocked. In response to pushing a releasing element, the interlocking is released, whereupon the belt is wrapped around the barrel and the body part slides smoothly to extended position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: A method of making a spring are described. The spring is made by etching or cutting at least one spiral arm in a flat substrate leaving residual material around the arm. The intermediate residual material is either pushed or lifted to form a conical spring.

Abstract: An improved electric motor (34) includes a plurality of resiliently deflectable members (144, 146) which are disposed between a base (108) and a stator (100) to reduce transmission of vibration between the base and the stator. The resiliently deflectable members (144, 146) may be tubular spring pins which are disposed between the stator (100) and the base (108). Each of the tubular spring pins (144, 146) may have a cylindrical side wall (186) which defines a slot (184). During operation of the electric motor (34), vibration induced in the stator (100) causes the side walls (186) of the spring pins (144, 146) to resiliently deflect to attenuate the vibration. The stator (100) may be mounted on a tubular section (108) of the base. The spring pins (144, 146) may be disposed between the stator (100) and the tubular section (108) of the base. The tubular spring pins (144a) may be formed by rolled up sheet members (200).

Abstract: A micromachined element mounted to a substrate, the element including a cantilever having a proximal portion attached to the substrate and a coilable distal portion terminating in a free distal end. The coilable distal portion, upon being heated, is capable of bending away from the substrate and at least partially coiling upon itself to form a coiled portion. At least part of the micromachined element may be electrically conductive. In various embodiments, the micromachined element may function as a mechanical microspring, an electrically conductive link, and/or a magnetic coil. A method of fabricating the microelement may include the steps of selectively depositing various layers upon the substrate.

Abstract: A safety device has a grease reservoir for supplying grease to a functional part of the safety device. The grease reservoir includes a capsule containing the grease. The capsule consists of grease-resistant material. The capsule is arranged relative to the functional part such that a designated movement of the functional part during operation of the safety device destroys the capsule and releases the grease.

Abstract: An spring apparatus for use with an automatic swinging door closure system wherein the system includes a motor linked to a door via a gear train and a drive arm, the train including a plurality of gears including a first gear adjacent the motor, the motor driving the gears to move the door in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and the apparatus for driving the gears in the direction opposite motor direction when motor power is cut off, the apparatus including a spring mounted within a housing which is linkable to the first gear in a first orientation to cause clockwise door movement and is linkable to the first gear in a second orientation to cause counter-clockwise door movement, the apparatus is easily modifiable so as to be configured in either of the first or second orientations and also includes a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting spring tension.

Abstract: A volute spring that is particularly adapted to be incorporated in a damper assembly to absorb or neutralize the transient torsional spikes normally occurring at the crankshaft of a vehicle. A volute spring having the improved frictional hysteresis characteristic provided by the present invention utilizes the conventional plurality of telescopically adjacent coils, and each coil has oppositely directed surfaces which present opposed surfaces on the telescopically adjacent coils. At least one of the opposed engaging surfaces has a configuration that obviates the formation of a hydrodynamic oil film. One configuration that obviates the formation of a hydrodynamic oil film comprises a plurality of intersecting grooves recessed into at least one surface of the metallic strip from which the volute spring is wound. The intersecting grooves define a plurality of polygonal lands which cumulatively provide at least one of the engaging surfaces on the adjacent coils of the volute spring.

Abstract: An attenuated hinge spring assembly for a trunk lid of an automotive vehicle includes a coiled spring which is connected to a bracket secured to the vehicle, a threaded stud which is secured to the bracket, a plate which is slidably mounted on the bracket and the stud, a nut rotatably attached to said threaded stud and selectively secured to an arm, and a washer which lies between the plate and the nut. The plate lies adjacent to the coiled spring. The arm is pivotally connected to the trunk lid and to the bracket. The spring is connected to the stud and the arm and uncoils as the arm pivots from a lowered position to a raised position to move the lid between a lowered position and a raised position. When the lid is raised, the arm rotates which causes the nut to rotate and translate along the stud, which in turn causes the washer and plate to translate along said stud.

Abstract: A spring assembly of the kind having a coiled strip spring member (34) supported at one end on an arcuate drum portion (16) about which it is reverse wound and coiled at its other end about an abutment (20) further includes a base plate (10) mounting the drum portion (16) and a second base plate (18) mounting the abutment (20), the base plates (10) and (18) being interconnected by pins (32) attached to base plate (18) running in slots (26, 28) provided on base plate (10) so as to prevent relative movement of the base plates which would allow the spring to coil further about the abutment (20). The base plate (10) is provided with a cover (40) with which it forms a housing portion and the base plate (18) is provided with a cover (38) with which it forms a second housing portion. The assembly can be dropped on to support pins (14, 22) attached to respective halves (42, 44) of a hinge, e.g. of an automobile trunk or lid.

Abstract: A compensation system for a spiral spring hysteresis selectively provides a reactive compressive force to the spring after retractive movement of the outermost spring end relative to a fixed axial center of the spring. Such reactive compressive force reflects what, otherwise, would be the difference between the reactive forces of extension and retraction of the spring and along an axis of greatest transmissibility of force to the spring. The spring constants of extension and retraction of the spring are resultingly compensated.

Abstract: There is provided a two point mounting system for the outside end of a spiral spring. The mounting system induces a torsional load on the outside end of the spiral spring to overcome the tendency of the spiral spring coils to move into a non-concentric position. The mounting system comprises a single piece sleeve which has an elongated slot for contacting the spiral spring on opposite sides and inducing the torsional load.