Abstract: A counterbalance system may include an outrigger support structure, a first elongated outrigger member, and a second elongated outrigger member. The outrigger support structure is adapted to be mounted in an operating position on a walking beam of a pumping unit. The first elongated outrigger member is connected to the outrigger support structure at a first lateral side of the counterbalance system. The second outrigger member is also connected to the outrigger support structure, but is connected at a second lateral side of the counterbalance system. A first suspension element may be connected to the first outrigger member and a second suspension element may be connected to the second outrigger member. Suitable counterbalance weights may be connected to the first suspension element while additional counterbalance weights may be connected to the second suspension element.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly comprises a housing having a central axis. A ram assembly moves along a shaft fixed inside a hollow interior of the housing. Downstream movement of the ram assembly increases the size of the valve opening, allowing additional exhaust gases to pass through the interior of the housing. Springs maintain the ram assembly in a position in which exhaust gases may pass around the ram assembly. Sufficient force on the ram assembly from exhaust gases compresses at least one spring allowing the ram assembly to move downstream, thereby allowing additional exhaust gases to pass through the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a hatch of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive device comprises two drive sections that are linearly moveable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the drive sections are spring biased against each other into the extended position by a spring arrangement, wherein an end stop is provided to limit the drive motion between the drive sections to the extended position. It is proposed that the end stop comprises a damping arrangement with a deformation zone, wherein during a drive motion into the end stop, depending on the speed of the drive motion, the damping arrangement damps the drive motion mainly based on plastic deformation of the deformation zone.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism including: a housing having a first aligned pair of through holes and a second aligned pair of through holes; a pivot nose having a third aligned pair of through holes, a fourth aligned pair of through holes and an aligned pair of arcuate slots; an energy storage device having first and second spring mounts and at least one spring, the first spring mount having at least one first flange and a pivot flange having a fifth through hole, the second spring mount having at least one second flange and a sixth through hole and the at least one spring includes first and second ends, the first end is secured to the at least one first flange and the second end is secured to the at least one second flange; a first pivot pin disposed in the first aligned pair of through holes and the third aligned pair of through holes; a stop member disposed in the second aligned pair of through holes and the aligned pair of arcuate slots; a second pivot pin disposed in the fourth aligned pair of through holes

Abstract: An elastic device structure includes two identical connection seats and multiple elastic members. Each connection seat is defined with a central line and has a protruding connection section and a connected section. The connection section and connected section are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the central line. A laterally protruding lateral hook is disposed on the connection section. The connected section is formed with a receiving channel for receiving the connection section of the other connection seat. A stop raised block is disposed in the receiving channel and positioned at a dead end of slide paths of the lateral hook. Multiple receiving sockets are disposed beside the connection section and connected section. Two end sections of the elastic members respectively extend into the receiving sockets, whereby the two connection seats are elastically slidable relative to each other.

Abstract: A spring housing unit connected to a switch actuator for a switchgear, which is compact and easily installed, the spring housing unit comprises a main spring housing configured as a hollow cylinder, having a flange portion formed at one end portion thereof to support one end portion of a spring, and accommodating the spring therein such that the spring is compressed or elongated; a sub-spring housing connected to the other end portion of the main spring housing such that it is separated therefrom; and a compressing cover insertedly positioned in the main spring housing and compressing the spring.

Abstract: A counterbalance device for weight training includes a brake unit and a control unit. The brake unit includes an outer cylinder, a resistant spring received in the outer cylinder, and a screw rod extending through the outer cylinder and the resistant spring. The screw rod is connected with a steel cable of a weight training apparatus. An adjusting member is coupled around the screw rod and movably threaded into the resistant spring. A gear is provided at a front end of the resistant spring. The control unit includes a transmission gear which can be driven by a motor and is engaged with the gear. When the motor is actuated, a position of the adjusting member relative to the resistant spring can be changed, so that a number of spring coils of the resistant spring for compressing are changed, therefore a counterbalance of the weight training apparatus can be adjusted.

Abstract: A constant preload device of a ball bearing is provided. The preload device includes an elastic member having a hollow shape with openings at both sides in an elastic direction, and two holders inserted into the openings at the both sides of the elastic member, respectively. Each holder includes a flange part configured to contact an end portion of the opening, into which the holder is inserted, to regulate an extension of the elastic member in the elastic direction, and a claw part configured to engage with the other holder to regulate separation from the other holder. The holders are engaged to each other by the claw parts such that the elastic member is exposed from the holders. When the preload device applies preload to the ball bearing, the ball bearing contacts the preload device only at an outer ring of the ball bearing.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes an antivibration element (1) for vibrationally decoupling a handle sub-assembly (6) from another sub-assembly (5) that vibrates along a vibration axis (A), and having a coil spring (7) oriented along the vibration axis (A), and a threaded plug (3) provided with an outer thread (4) longitudinally extending therealong, with the coil spring (7) having a plurality of windings (2) extending along a preload region (V) and screwed on the outer thread (4) under an axial compressive preload, and with the outer thread (4) having a between-flight width (Z) greater than a diameter (D) of the spring wire of which the coil spring (7) is formed.

Abstract: A spring seat to define a spring height for a vehicle suspension system including a base cylinder defining an interior cylindrical surface and an exterior cylindrical surface, an external attachment mechanism coupled to the exterior cylindrical surface of the base cylinder to receive a coil spring on either of two opposing surfaces of the external attachment mechanism, and an internal attachment mechanism coupled to the interior cylindrical surface of the base cylinder, the internal attachment mechanism to engage a shock absorber on either of two opposing surfaces of the internal attachment mechanism, the internal attachment mechanism offset along a longitudinal axis of the base cylinder from the external attachment mechanism to provide two separate height settings for the coil spring relative to the shock absorber in the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical element, commonly referred to as a “Jack Spring” that is based upon the concept of adding and subtracting coils from a spring. In particular, with the method and apparatus of the present invention, by changing the number of coils in a spring, the actual or intrinsic stiffness of the spring is structurally changed. A very simple and practical method is used to adjust the number of coils. The Jack Spring actuator of the present invention is based upon adjusting the effective structure of a spring.

Abstract: A spring retainer is made from an iron-based material to improve the strength and abrasion resistance of the spring retainer and reduce the thickness and weight thereof. The spring retainer includes a retainer body having a tapered support hole to be supported with a valve stem and a flange-like spring seat circumferentially formed on a periphery at a first side of the retainer body to receive and support a valve spring. The retainer body and spring seat are integrally formed from resilient steel with grain flows continuously formed from the retainer body to the spring seat.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve has a valve portion for conducting and regulating the pressure of an operating medium, such as oil, a magnet portion for actuating the valve portion for regulating the pressure of the operating medium and having a magnet housing, in which a magnet core is located that as needed exerts magnetic force on an armature, located in the magnet housing, a spring with a spring force generating a pressure activation threshold to be overcome upon regulation and located between the armature and an adjusting ball that is located in a pole piece of the magnet housing, and the spring has regions of different diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical element, commonly referred to as a “Jack Spring” that is based upon the concept of adding and subtracting coils from a spring. In particular, with the method and apparatus of the present invention, by changing the number of coils in a spring, the actual or intrinsic stiffness of the spring is structurally changed. A very simple and practical method is used to adjust the number of coils. The Jack Spring actuator of the present invention is based upon adjusting the effective structure of a spring.

Abstract: A spring retainer is made from an iron-based material to improve the strength and abrasion resistance of the spring retainer and reduce the thickness and weight thereof. The spring retainer includes a retainer body having a tapered support hole to be supported with a valve stem and a flange-like spring seat circumferentially formed on a periphery at a first side of the retainer body to receive and support a valve spring. The retainer body and spring seat are integrally formed from resilient steel with grain flows continuously formed from the retainer body to the spring seat.

Abstract: A support mechanism includes a coil spring that generates a tensile force, a hook, and a support member. The hook includes a first position extending from the coil spring, an open end, and a second position that is closer to the open end than the first position. The support member includes a first edge facing the first position and a second edge facing the second position. The second edge is convex in a direction away from the first edge, the direction crossing a plane passing through the first edge, the first position, and the second position.

Abstract: A safety relief valve is provided that comprises a body comprising a chamber therein and an inlet and an outlet, the inlet comprising an inlet valve seat; a disk member closable on the inlet valve seat; and a mechanism in the body biasing the disk member to rest on the inlet valve seat with a set force such that when the pressure in the inlet exceeds a set pressure resulting from the set force, the disk member is lifted from the inlet valve seat, the mechanism comprising a combination of a coil spring and one or more disk springs stacked in series with the coil spring. A method of preparing a coil spring for use in a pressure relief valve comprises measuring the spring rate of the coil spring and; modifying the spring so as to modify its spring rate to be within ±2% of a desired spring rate.

Abstract: A spring-pressurizing unit includes a pair of screw members which are respectively formed with male and female screws to be screwed to each other and in which after the male and female screws are fastened to each other, a shaft having a predetermined length is formed, a spring disposed as to be wound around the shaft, a pressing member which is disposed on one end of the spring and which is pressed toward the spring after the pair of screw member are fastened to each other, thereby compressing the spring, and a support member which supports the pressing member in a state where the pressing member compresses the spring.

Abstract: A coil spring reduces Hertzian stress on a first turn and bending stress on a coil end. A coil end 11 is shifted in a diametral outer or inner direction of a coil spring relative to the first turn 13, to form a vertical gap between the coil end 11 and the first turn 13 in a free state without load on the coil spring. Due to the gap, the coil spring including the coil end 11 and first turn 13 can be entirely processed by shot peening as well as the remaining portion. The first turn 13 receives a combination of torsional stress and Hertzian stress (contact stress). Since the coil end 11 that receives high Hertzian stress is shifted in a diametral outer or inner direction of the coil spring relative to the first turn 13, a contact point on the first turn 13 is shifted in the diametral outer or inner direction to reduce the torsional stress on the first turn 13.

Abstract: An assisting ejection device is provided for assisting ejection a hatch of a hatchback. The assisting ejection device includes spring-biased rod to act on the hatch. The spring is in a compressed condition when the hatch is closed so that when the hatch is released from the closed condition, the spring that is allowed to extend provides a springing force to help pneumatic cylinders that are originally provided to automatically lift the hatch to eject the hatch toward a flip-up position. The springing force effectively reduces the load applied to the pneumatic cylinders in opening the hatch so as to extend the service life of the pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle with suspension springs having a rigid member with a face and back. An upper stop is on the face of the stabilizer near an upper aperture passing through the stabilizer from the face to the back, and a lower stop is on the face of the stabilizer near a lower aperture passing through the stabilizer from the face to the back. An upper L-shaped bolt is fastened in the upper aperture with the shorter leg of the bolt oriented toward the upper stop in order, together with the rigid member, to create a channel within which a first portion of a suspension spring is retained. A lower L-shaped bolt is similarly fastened in the lower aperture with the lower leg of the bolt oriented toward the lower stop to create a channel within which a first portion of the suspension spring is retained.

Abstract: A spring device consists of a coil spring case formed of right, left, back and front side plates and a spring receiving plate, a coil spring having a liner spring property, and a spring urging member for urging the coil spring into the coil spring case. A distance between the right and left side plates of the spring case is set a little larger than an outer diameter of the coil spring. A distance between the back and front side pates of the spring case is set about 1.5 to 2 times larger than the outer diameter of the coil spring, and a length of the spring case is set smaller than a free length of the coil spring. The coil spring is deformed and a non-linear spring property is obtained when the coil spring is urged through the spring urging member.

Abstract: A linear compressor includes a cylinder part and a piston part. A spring connects the cylinder part and the piston part and operates in the direction of reciprocation of the piston part relative to the cylinder part. The piston part includes a radially compliant but axially stiff linkage and piston. The cylinder part includes a cylinder and a cylinder liner therewithin. A bore runs through the cylinder liner and the piston reciprocates in the bore. Gas bearing passages are formed between the cylinder and the cylinder liner leading to opening through the wall of the cylinder liner to the bore. A gas bearing manifold receives compressed gases and supplies the compressed gases to the gas bearing passages. The gas bearing passages follow a tortuous path to the openings.

Abstract: A torsion spring assembling construction includes a base member including an engaging hole, a movable member rotatably supported at the base member and rotatable about an axis for defining a first position and a second position, a long hole formed at the movable member, a torsion spring, and a fixed guide for setting a second end of the torsion spring at the second hole by moving the second end of the torsion spring from the first hole to the second hole upon rotation of the movable member. A first end of the torsion spring is inserted into the engaging hole and a second end of the torsion spring is inserted into the long hole. The long hole includes a first hole extended diagonally radial direction relative to the axis and a second hole in communication with the first hole relative to the radially external direction.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly reduces impact forces on a terminal of a spark plug that is mounted within a spark plug bore of an internal combustion engine when a pencil ignition coil is mounted thereto. The shock absorbing assembly includes a plug cup that is fixedly secured to the terminal end of the spark plug. A case cup is movably mounted to the plug cup. The case cup includes a resistor receptacle for receiving an end of a resistor therein. The shock absorbing assembly also includes a cup spring that extends between the plug cup and the case cup. The cup spring absorbs the impact forces of mounting the pencil ignition coil to the terminal of the spark plug.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant in a side impact or rollover event. The restraint apparatus includes a deployment guide that includes a housing having a channel with a substantially smoothed interior and longitudinal slot. A guide member is slidably retained in the channel and has an extension protruding from the slotted side of the channel. The extension is attachable to a restraint device deployable laterally of a vehicle occupant. An actuator is provided and is operable to drive the guide member from a first end of the channel toward a second end. A driving of the guide member facilitates deployment of the restraint device and supplies at least a longitudinal tensioning force to the restraint device to provide lateral support thereto.

Abstract: A centrifuge that includes a centrifugal drum having a drum part, a centrifuge chamber bottom, a drum cover, solid matter discharge openings in a jacket area of a drum bottom part, and a piston valve axially movably disposed in the drum bottom part. The piston valve is held in a closed position by springs supported at the drum bottom part. The piston valve is movable by a control medium introduced into an opening chamber between the piston valve and the centrifuge chamber bottom. The control medium can overcome the springs and open the solid matter discharge openings. The springs are made from an unalloyed spring steel and are substantially encapsulated by sleeves made of corrosion resistant material. The sleeves project on one side into the piston valve and, on the other side, into bores of a bottom area of the drum bottom part.

Abstract: A vibration inhibiting mechanism for a scanner including a base installed in a chassis of the scanner for resiliently biasing a roller support formed with a roller assembling portion on the top thereof; a roller being mounted on the roller assembling portion for abutting against a glass panel disposed on a top side of casing for receiving the chassis by an upward urging force exerted by the roller support, so as to prevent the chassis from vibrating along a direction perpendicular to the glass panel during the movement of the chassis and to prevent damage to or dislocation of the chassis during a drop test.

Abstract: A spring system includes an axially moving center attachment located between two static attachments. Bi-directional axial center deflections cause push-pull restoration forces. There is little mechanical fixturing preload stress acting on material also subjected to high cyclic stresses. The spring material includes an unbroken path between the two static attachments, going through the center attachment. In one embodiment, the unbroken path is a length of wire bent into substantially parallel side-by-side helices clamped statically at the bottom of each helix. A moving attachment grips the center of the wire bridging diagonally between the tops of the helices. In a second embodiment, the unbroken path is a length of wire bent into end-to-end helices sharing a common axis and clamped statically at the axially opposite ends of the spring.

Abstract: A pulley tensioner for applying torque or tension to a pulley includes a spring system configured to encircle the periphery of the pulley. The spring system is anchored to the pulley housing or some other fixed location. The spring system is made up of one or more coil springs which are wrapped around the periphery of the pulley. Where multiple springs are used, preferably each spring has a different spring constant and length. This allows the operator to select the desired tension depending upon the operating parameters of the printer. The applied tension may be further modified/tuned by using an additional spring member to anchor the spring system to the pulley housing or some other fixed location.

Abstract: A non-linear non-circular coiled spring comprises a first coil portion of rectangular cross-section having a lateral length “a” and a longitudinal length “b”, a second coil portion of rectangular in cross-section having a lateral length “b” and a longitudinal length “a”, and a transition coil portion connecting the first coil portion and the second coil portion by gradually twisting one of first and second coil portions toward the other of first and second portions. The non-linear non-circular coiled spring is adapted to be used as a car suspension or a machine spring.

Abstract: A tilt-adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a stationary mast, a tilt housing supported on the mast jacket for up and down pivotal movement, an articulated steering shaft having a lower portion rotatably supported on the mast jacket and an upper portion rotatably supported on the tilt housing, a steering hand wheel on the upper portion of the steering shaft, and a long composite balance spring preloaded in compression flexure between the tilt housing and the mast jacket. The composite balance spring consists of a hinge and a pair of short helical coil springs on opposite sides of the hinge. To preload the composite balance spring in compression flexure, the short coil springs are first arrayed as straight sides of a "V" between respective ones of a pair of spring seats on the mast jacket and the tilt housing.

Abstract: A tilt-adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a stationary mast jacket, a tilt housing supported on the mast jacket for up and down pivotal movement, an articulated steering shaft having a lower portion rotatably supported on the mast jacket and an upper portion rotatably supported on the tilt housing, a steering hand wheel on the upper portion of the steering shaft, and a balance spring preloaded in compression flexure between an inboard spring seat on the mast jacket and an outboard spring seat on the tilt housing. The tilt housing has a spring bore therein facing the inboard spring seat. The outboard spring seat is a screw thread in the spring bore defined by a raised boss in the spring bore. The balance spring is a helical coil spring having a helix angle matching the screw thread in the spring bore. Rotation of the balance spring in the spring bore advances an inboard end of the balance spring toward the inboard spring seat.

Abstract: The vertical stack of trays in a movable tray sorter for sheets of paper exiting a copies is moved in a manner to enlarge the spacing between consecutive pairs of the trays to accept consecutive sheets of paper by moving the trays along a pair of helical coils, each of which has a turn of relatively coarse pitch. The turns of relatively coarse pitch are located at the copier paper chute and causes an increased separation of adjacent trays only at that position as the coils are turned.

Abstract: A spring assembly particularly adapted for use in vehicular automatic transmissions comprising a pair of annular plates having a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced, parallel-oriented compression springs mounted therebetween. The annular plates are interconnected at circumferentially spaced points around their periphery so that the compression springs are held in a precompressed state. The interconnection means are designed so as to permit the overall axial length of the spring assembly to constrict as the springs are compressed. Two alternative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed: a first embodiment wherein the annular plates are made from stamped sheet metal and a second embodiment wherein the annular plates are made from injected molded plastic.

Abstract: A self-locking valve spring retainer (30) operatively retaining a return spring (28) on the stem (20) of a poppet valve (16) comprises an annular base ring (48) from which three flexible arms (52) upwardly extend. A locking step (66) projects radially inwardly from each of the arms (52) to provide an engaging ledge (70) which interlocks with a corresponding mating projection (68) of the valve stem (20). An annular waisted hinge (86) is formed between the three arms (52) and the base ring (48) to ease stresses on the retainer (30) as the arms (52) are blossomed outwardly during installation and removal. The annular base ring (48) is fabricated from a first organic polymeric material capable of deformation thus permitting the arms (52) to flex outward therefrom.

Abstract: A compression spring assembly which includes a compression spring and a pair of identical but oppositely disposed guide members. The guide members have cooperating transversely extending keyways which are aligned to receive a key to maintain the assembly in a retracted, inoperative, condition. When placed in its operative environment, the spring assembly is suitably oriented and the key is removed from the keyway, thereby permitting the spring to expand to the greatest length possible under the circumstances. The spring assembly is capable of a broad range of movement along the axis of the spring. Subsequently, the spring assembly can be removed and returned to its retracted, inoperative condition by reversing the procedure just described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expansion device to permit the conductor to be extended beyond its normal operational length without breaking the electrical connection between the objects. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a spring maintains the conductor at a predetermined length. The spring permits the conductor to be moved away from one of the objects for a predetermined distance without breaking the electrical connection between the objects. Preferably, the spring itself is conductive and connects two portions of the conductor which are relatively non-expandable. Alternatively, the spring in its relaxed state may merely maintain some slack in the conductor, the slack being taken up when the spring is compressed. In either embodiment, the spring tensioning mechanism may be contained entirely within one of the objects.

Abstract: The rotary actuator includes at least a precompressed spring assembly comprising a compression coil spring the ends of which are engaged by flanged cups adapted to limit the spring extension and carried slidably on a pin provided, at each end, with a circlip which prevents the cups from coming off the pin itself.

Abstract: Vibration-damped spring for dynamic tension rollers, consisting of a tubular vibration damper with freedom of linear movement and a helical spring closely surrounding the damper wherein the helical spring has a middle section with turns of a larger diameter and in that, starting from that section, a continuous transition is provided toward the two ends with turns of a smaller diameter.

Abstract: A protective device for use on a wheeled vehicle such as a tractor pulled trailer equipped with an air brake is provided. The air brake includes a housing generally disposed lengthwise of the trailer and comprises a transversely disposed diaphragm in a medial portion thereof with air pressure communicating with the front side of the diaphragm and further comprises a heavy coiled spring positioned in opposition to the air pressure on the rear side of the diaphragm. A protective device in the form of a perforated plate is mounted adjacent to and rearwardly of the housing so as to be in the path of the coiled spring in the event of rupturing of the housing, as from corrosion, and releasement of the spring therefrom, to prevent the spring from being projected rearwardly away from the housing.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for clamping an object to a structural member. The clamping mechanism is particularly adapted for clamping a wheelchair wheel to a loading rack of a wheelchair loader. The clamping mechanism comprises a mounting bracket used for attachment to the structure, such as the wheelchair loading rack, and has a pivot pin fixedly attached thereto. Pivotally mounted with respect to the pivot pin is a handle assembly including a hollow handle with a spring biased actuation plate positioned therein. An actuation button is attached to the plate. The pivot pin extends through a transverse hole in the handle and has a key portion which lockably engages a keyway in the actuation plate. By depressing the actuation button, the keyway in the plate is moved with respect to the key on the pivot pin to an unlocked position so that the handle assembly may be pivoted.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an adjustable element for use in a filter or valve. The element comprises a coiled spring, tension or compression, which can be extended or contracted by suitable means to vary the degree of filtration and flow-through cross-section. The present invention provides an adjustable element with the individual spring coils having a generally square or rectangular transverse cross-section, the surface of the coils being surface-hardened. The interengaging surfaces of the individual coils can be flat so that the coils engage squarely, or curved for tangential contact. The smooth outer and inner surface of the element reduce the rate of filter cake build-up, and together with the surface hardening, facilitate the accurate control of the adjustment of the element.

Abstract: The mechanism is used to dampen the recoil or kickback effects of a machine, such as a machine gun, jack hammer, or the like which generates short duration, high-amplitude unidirectional forces. The mechanism includes an ancillary mass interposed between the base and the recoil mass. A relatively stiff spring is engaged at one end to the recoil mass, which is in contact with the ancillary mass at the other end only over part of the recoil cycle. A constant force spring mechanism is interposed between the ancillary mass and the base and is engaged at one end to the base and may be engaged to the ancillary mass at the other end. The mechanism prevents motion of the recoil mass and reduces the maximum recoil force transmitted to the base by transferring the original short-duration, high-amplitude recoil driving force impulse first to the ancillary mass, in the form of momentum of the ancillary mass, and subsequently to the base as a longer duration, lower amplitude recoil force.

Abstract: A well logging sonde adapted to be lowered in a wellbore which incorporates an improved shock isolation system is set forth in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. An electronic support wafer or circuit board mount within the sonde is enclosed within the outer steel case or housing. Shock mounting is achieved by imposing a spring member having oval cross section turns between the support wafer and the surrounding housing. The wafer has a shallow circumferential groove cooperatively shaped for receiving the spring member. A preferred material for the spring member is beryllium copper alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic rim brake for bicycles with a triggering mechanism which is attached to the handlebar of the bicycle and is actuated by a hand lever, with two brake cylinder housings which are attached to the frame of the bicycle in oppositely located relationship to each other and enclose between them a wheel rim, the brake cylinder housings being connected by pressure lines to the triggering mechanism, with pistons displaceable in the brake cylinder housings, and with brake shoe supports arranged on these pistons for supporting brake shoes engaging the rim. In order to protect the piston from the effect of harmful bending moments, provision is made for the brake shoe supports to be in the form of flanges which are connected to the piston and are each displaceable parallel to the motion of the brake piston in a slide guide provided on the brake cylinder housing, and for the slide guide to simultaneously constitute abutments for absorption of the braking forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.

Abstract: Thermal actuator apparatus for controlling or adjusting the position of a surface or other object as a function of temperature. The principle of operation is the rate of change, as a function of temperature, in the modulus of rigidity or elasticity of counterbalanced springs of differing materials resulting in a change in equilibrium position. An actuating surface is coupled to the spring system, and its movement with temperature change can be used to change or otherwise control the position of an object.A simple adjustment is also provided to permit varying thermal coefficients of the actuator (magnitude of the response to temperature change).

Abstract: A clutch release assist mechanism for avoiding excessive clutch pedal efforts. The assist mechanism includes a spring-loaded apparatus to bias the clutch toward a release disposition, but the assist function is not activated until after initial movement of the release mechanism has been effected by the operator through pedal displacement. The amount of spring bias to assist the mechanism is less than that of the clutch to permit the clutch to revert to a closed or engaged position once the release mechanism has been deactivated. This mechanism includes a rack operated in conjunction with a piston and cylinder arrangement to provide for "free travel" before activation of an assist spring. The rack in turn operates through a sector or pinion to rotate a clutch release shaft between a clutch disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: The vertical stack of trays in a movable tray sorter for sheets of paper exiting a .?.copies.!. .Iadd.copier .Iaddend.is moved in a manner to enlarge the spacing between consecutive pairs of the trays to accept consecutive sheets of paper by moving the trays along a pair of helical coils, each of which has a turn of relatively coarse pitch. The turns of relatively coarse pitch are located at the copier paper chute and causes an increased separation of adjacent trays only at that position as the coils are turned. .Iadd.The coils support the trays approximately midway between the ends of the trays in a sheet feeding direction and the sorter has vertically extended guides at opposite sides of the trays adjacent one end in which side portions of said trays slide to maintain the trays substantially parallel. .Iaddend.