Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission with a first adjustable pulley on an input shaft, a second adjustable pulley on an output shaft, and an endless chain or belt trained over the pulleys employs at least one coil spring which biases one flange of one of the pulleys axially of the respective shaft. The coil spring has larger-diameter end convolutions and smaller-diameter intermediate convolutions. A plenum chamber of a torque sensor or of at least one of several piston-cylinder units—which serve to adjust the axially movable flanges of the pulleys—is bounded in part by a check valve in the form of a composite seal having a rigid annular element and an elastic annular element. One of the annular elements surrounds the other element.

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 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 fuel injector for use in a diesel engine which is equipped with an engine brake governed by a hydraulic circuit includes an injector body with a hollow interior, a plunger located within the injector body, a moveable coupling positioned within the injector body, a nozzle for the dispensing of fuel, and a variable rate return spring which is positioned between the injector body and the moveable coupling. The variable return spring is designed with a variable pitch between adjacent coils such that the pitch between coils near the end(s) of the spring is reduced over that near the center of the spring. The use of the variable rate spring is intended to address the problem of premature fatigue failures caused by the return spring oscillating at or above its natural frequency. The oscillations are induced due to the exhaust valve opening and closing events and are transmitted directly through the engine brake hydraulic circuit to the injectors by way of the injector push tube.

Abstract: A spring apparatus for use with hauling elements such as mooring ropes. The apparatus has a spring element (1) in the shape of a tension screw spring which has an intermediate section having a diameter considerably larger than that of its end sections (3). A certain predetermined maximal tension load, and a certain predetermined maximal stretch of the spring element are positioned at the intermediate portion, which, due to its larger diameter, has a lower spring constant, while the end-sections with their smaller diameters and larger spring constants are not stretched. The apparatus also comprises an attachment element (6) attached to an end section and preferably attachment elements attached to each of the end sections. The attachment elements are designed to hold sections of the hauling elements (10). In addition, the hauling element acts as a stretch limiter which prevents the spring from being deformed by overload.

Abstract: A coiled disk spring is prepared by closely winding a strip having a noncircular cross section into a coil shape with the face inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of the coil. The sectional shape of the strip may be appropriately selected in accordance with the intended use and, for example, when it is triangular or trapezoidal, a coiled disk spring having progressive nonlinear characteristics can be obtained. A coiled wave disk spring having progressive nonlinear characteristics can also be prepared by closely coiling the strip while bending the strip into a wavy form in the circumferential direction of the coiled spring.

Abstract: An elastic element useful for constructing shock-absorbing devices, is elongated and continuously curved into an endless double-loop formation including an outer loop merging with an inner loop located within and offset from the plane of the outer loop. Also described are a number of applications for such elastic elements, including a non-pneumatic vehicle tire having an outer elastomeric body, and a plurality of said elastic elements within the outer elastomeric body for cushioning the shock applied thereto.

Abstract: By controlling the thickness of the nitrization layer formed on the surface, the coil spring made of spring steel may be made highly resistant to permanent set and fatigue. By carbonitriding the material of the coil spring to a depth of 20 to 50 .mu.m from the surface thereof so as to have an internal hardness of Hv 540 or higher, the coil spring can be made to endure 10.sup.7 cycles of repeated high stress without suffering any significant permanent set.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to cancel the turn signal of an automobile when it fails to cancel due to a defect in the turn signal switch or the turn signal canceling cam.

Abstract: A linear compressor (60) includes a reciprocating piston (20) for varying the volume of a compression chamber (12). A moving coil motor (26) causes the piston (20) to reciprocate against the force of an integrally machined double-helix spring (62) about a position in which the spring (62) is in a free state. The spring (62) includes a retainer (72) which is attached to the piston (20), a fixed flange (66) and two resilient helical members (78,80) which extend between the flange (66) and retainer (72) along a longitudinal axis (82). The helical members (78,80) are configured such that lateral reaction forces thereof are mutually canceling. The helical members (78,80) have the same twist direction, are interspersed with each other along the longitudinal axis (82) and are rotationally displaced from each other about the longitudinal axis (82) by substantially 180.degree..

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines having, a valve member, which is axially displaceable in a valve body and which on one end has a valve sealing face with which it cooperates with a stationary valve seat in order to control an injection cross section, and having at least one valve spring, which urges the valve member in the direction of the valve seat and is braced on its other end on a stationary stop. To increase the spring force of the valve spring while the outer diameter remains the same, the windings of the valve spring, embodied as a helical spring, have a circular basic cross section (Y), which in a region pointing radially outward from the axis (X) of the valve spring has a ground face oriented parallel to the spring axis (X).

Abstract: A helical spring for a spring clutch including:(i) at least one right hand wound section (B);(ii) at least one left hand wound section (A); and(iii) tabs (2,3,4 & 5) projecting from both the right hand wound section and the left hand wound section.

Abstract: A conical spring is formed by a steel wire, which is coiled into a series of rings in opposite directions. The wire is first coiled from the base thereof in one direction and in accordance with a predetermined rotating angle and is then coiled in a reverse direction according to a predetermined rotating angle.

Abstract: A coiled wave spring obtained by winding a corrugated wire into a coil shape, wherein mutually overlapping top portions and mutually overlapping base portions of the spring are in mutual contact and predetermined gaps are defined between mutually overlapping slope portions which connect the top and base portions, the first loop of the spring, that is, on the upper side, and the second loop, that is, on the lower side, are in mutual contact in an axial direction thereof only between the top portions and between the base portions, and the gaps are defined between the slope portions to prevent mutual contact. When the spring receives a load and undergoes deformation, the top portions and the base portions come into mutual contact, respectively, but hardly generate friction. Since the gaps are defined between the mutually overlapping slope portions, friction does not occur at these portions, either.

Abstract: A damper apparatus which includes a first disc member, at least one coil spring, and a second disc member. The first disc member includes at least one window generally trapezoidal in shape, with at least one coil spring disposed within each window. The coil spring comprises a plurality of wire coils that spirally extend at a generally constant pitch and include first and second end portions, with the end portions being tapered and disposed in the same plane as the last coil on each end of the coil spring. The overall shape of the coil spring when in a torsion and stress free state is generally trapezoidal. The second disc member is disposed on one or both sides of the first disc member and includes a portion which engages with the first and second end portions of the coil spring.

Abstract: In a brake for an electric motor, stepped helical coiled separator springs (302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312) urge separation of pressure plates (36, 36a) and friction discs (26, 26a) in the released position of the brake, to reduce brake drag. Each separator spring is an integrally continuously coiled spring (312) having an open coil section (314) extending axially from an abutment surface (336) of the pressure plate (36a). Each separator spring has a closed coil section (318) meeting the open coil section (314) at a step transition (338) in diameter at the pressure plate abutment surface (336) and extending through an aperture (330) in the pressure plate (36a) in the opposite axial direction and press-fit therein.

Abstract: A sheet film pack has a pack housing containing a plurality of sheet film units in a stack therein, a lid slidable relative to the pack housing to open or close an open top of the pack housing, and a plate spring mounted on an inner bottom surface of the pack housing to urge the stack of sheet film units toward the open top. Each sheet film unit consists of a sheet of photographic film and a plastic film sheath backing and fringing the sheet film. The plate spring has a pair of arched arms which extend parallel to each other along side zones of a bottom one of the sheet film units, such that peak areas of the arms contact the bottom sheet film unit at positions within 15 mm from side edges of the sheet film unit.

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: Spring apparatus is provided which includes coil springs having intermediate and end coils suitable for interconnection in order to form a continuous spring which maintains a constant load-deflection characteristic over all intermediate coils unaffected by the joint end coils. This configuration therefore finds particular utility in providing bias without compromise of sealing, electromagnetic shielding and/or conductivity.

Abstract: A coil spring including a plurality of coils connected to one another in series. Each of the coils has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of at least one of the coils includes a first section disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the spring centerline and a second section disposed at a second predetermined angle relative to the spring centerline. The coil spring is suitable for use in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, seals.

Abstract: Spring apparatus is provided which includes coil springs having intermediate and end coils suitable for interconnection in order to form a continuous spring which maintains a constant load-deflection characteristic over all intermediate coils unaffected by the joint end coils. This configuration therefore finds particular utility in providing bias without compromise of sealing, electromagnetic shielding and/or conductivity.

Abstract: A gasket assembly for sealing electromagnetic waves includes a canted-coil spring for blocking the propagation of electromagnetic waves therepast. The canted-coil spring includes a plurality of individual coils canted along a centerline thereof. A groove is provided for supporting the coil spring in a position enabling loading of the coil spring along a selected direction. The groove is provided with a selected surface for causing individual coils to always turn in a selected angular direction in order to control electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the coil spring.

Abstract: This invention is a device for holding a flexible fine mesh fluid filter 30 in a container 12 while a fluid, such as paint, is being drawn from the container by spraying equipment 8. More specifically, the invention comprises a ring of flexible material 20 and a purality, preferably two, of elongate flexible members 18, ends of which are secured to the flexible ring, with their intermediate parts depending from the said ring, and secured together where they cross at their intermediate depending portions, and together with the flexible ring, forming a pocket over which a fine mesh fabric fluid filter is to be positioned and held. When so assembled in use the suction pipe of the spraying equipment with its filter is received within the pocket and held in the container to filter the paint, or other fluids as it is drawn from the container. In the best and preferred form of the invention, all of the parts above mentioned are in the form of coil springs, but it should not be considered so limited thereto.

Abstract: A spring system comprising an axially movable, generally conically shaped plug having a flange on its larger diameter end, and a coil spring, within which the plug is axially arranged, formed in two co-axial integral inner and outer coil spring sections. The spring inner section coils having diameters which are sized to closely conform to the portions of the outer surface of the plug which they overlay, and the spring outer section coils surrounding and being radially spaced from the inner section of the spring. The free end of the inner section is fixedly anchored to a support member and the free end of the outer section engages a support surface. The sections are integrally connected by a common coil arranged to engage the plug flange. When the plug is initially moved endwise within the spring, the coils of the inner section are tightened and stretched around the conically shaped plug surface. Further movement of the plug compresses the outer spring section between the plug flange and the support surface.

Abstract: This is an all-plastic protective sleeve for the needle of a medical device. It comprises, a plastic base carrying a bottom end of the needle; a plastic end-cap slidably mounted on the needle adjacent a tip end thereof; a plurality of longitudinal plastic slats extending from the base to the end-cap; a cylindrical plastic locking collar disposed over the plurality of longitudinal slats adjacent the end-cap; and, a plastic spring disposed over the plurality of longitudinal slats between the base and the end-cap. The spring is a unitary plastic helical compression spring comprising a cylindrical collar portion disposed over a center portion of the plurality of longitudinal slats with first and second portions of helical compression spring turns extending therefrom toward the base and the locking collar, respectively. The locking collar has an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the spring and is of a thickness sufficient to produce a textured grippable area at the periphery thereof.

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 coil spring for a torsion damper in a motor vehicle has a non-circular cross section. The cross section of the wire of the coil spring is generally ovoid in shape, with its narrow end defined by a point directed outwardly of the spring, and two lateral convexities, the profile of the cross section consisting of two symmetrical multi-arc curves in the form of splines (in the mathematical sense) joined to each other.

Abstract: A coil spring is provided for use in biasing opposing piston portions of a brake cylinder away from each other. The spring includes a body portion formed of a length of alloy wire and including adjacent coils spaced from each other defining a cylindrical helix. A pair of end portions are formed integrally with the body portion and include a plurality of coils positioned in contact with each other and defining a conical helix shape for engaging the opposing piston portions of the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A display system comprising a transparent display face, a frame detail surrounding the display face, a concealed hinge for internally hinging the display case to the frame detail, a concealed magnetic catch for securing the display face to the frame detail in a closed position, and a plurality of spaced apart compression springs mounted within the frame detail for pressing a sheet to be displayed flush against the display face at a plurality of pressure points.

Abstract: A length of canted coil spring is disclosed which is suitable for forming a stable, when unsupported, circular axially loadable spring. The length of spring includes a plurality of elliptical coils canted along a coil centerline with the coil centerline following a helical path about a helix centerline. The length of canted coil springs is approximately equal to a distance, or pitch, along the helix centerline necessary for one complete revolution of the helical path thereabout.

Abstract: A rotary compressor comprising a cylindrical chamber, a vane slidably mounted in the peripheral cylinder wall and a torsion spring to bias the vane into contact with an eccentrically mounted roller. The spring includes an elongated central portion and a pair of arms extending from the central portion in parallel planes. The arms are curved or radiused in opposite directions. The central portion is connected to the outer edge of the vane while the ends of the arms are connected to opposite side of the cylinder so that the arms exert a torsional force on the central portion.

Abstract: A canted coil spring assembly includes a plurality of coils having a major and a minor axis and canted along a centerline defined by an intersection of the major and minor axis. A trailing portion of each coil is defined by a back angle which determines the load deflection characteristics of the canted coil assembly. A leading portion of each coil is defined by a front angle and a plurality of coils are non-invasively supported in a preselected orientation for controlling the resilient characteristics of the coils.

Abstract: A system for movably positioning a first member relative to a second member. The system has a hole in the first member and a coiled spring/plunger member positioned in the hole. The coiled member has a section that extends out of the hole that does not possess significant spring properties and thus can act as a plunger. The plunger section of the coiled member can be moved in and out of an aperture to the hole without risk of damage. Thus, the second member can be moved relative to the first member by compressing the coiled member or moving away from the coiled member and, the coiled member can position the second member relative to the first member while at rest.

Abstract: An arcuate spring having a plurality of helical coils which are configured and dimensioned to provide an arcuate shape to the spring and being substantially free of internal stressses which would tend to urge the coils into linear alignment. The spring is designed to function under load conditions while maintaining its natural arcuate shape. The spring is adapted for use in a channel having an arcuate shape approximately matching that of the spring itself, for providing resilient force in a direction tangential to the arcuate centerline of the spring at its contact ends.

Abstract: A canted-coil spring includes a plurality of coils having a major and a minor axis and canted along a centerline defined by an intersection of the major and minor axis. The coils are interconnected in a manner forming a garter-type resilient canted-coil spring and a back angle of each coil, both defines the disposition of a trailing portion of each coil and determines the load-deflection characteristics of the canted-coil spring. A front angle defines the disposition of a leading portion of each coil and the garter-type resilient canted-coil spring is oriented for enabling the loading thereof to be generally radial in direction and along the major axis thereof.

Abstract: A coil spring has a strand having a width w and a thickness t, such that 1.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1.7, where c is a ratio determined according to c=w/t. Further, the strand has a cross-sectional shape defined by a plurality of partial curves, which are portions of a clothoid, a curve whose radius varies inversely in proportion to its length. Further, the partial curves are combined to form a closed loop. The tangent lines of any adjacent two of the partial curves of the coil spring, at their boundaries where they are combined, are oriented in the same direction.

Abstract: Wire of an oval type cross sectional shape having a surface formed of a semicircle and semiellipse tangent to each other has been used for coiled springs. Stress distribution in wire of such a shape can be improved by increasing the dimension of the spring wire in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spring. One such cross sectional shape is formed by semicircle and semiellipse portions connected by straight lines.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly of the blind-cable-connection type including a backing plate containing an opening, a helical guide spring arranged to guide a flexible resilient inner cable member toward a ramp surface on a parking brake lever for the blind connection to the inner cable member to the lever, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the ramp surface relative to the cable axis is contained in a plane that is both parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lever and that is inclined at an acute angle relative to the axis of the inner cable member. This construction permits the parking brake lever to be simply and economically formed from a blank of flat metal stock, the cable-retaining slot being defined by a slot contained between bifurcated portions of the ramp surface. The helical guide spring includes portions having tightly wound turns, thereby to assist in connecting the spring with the backing plate and/or with the parking brake lever.

Abstract: A non-circular cross-section coil spring, wherein a spring wire having a non-circular cross-section shape is coiled into such configuration that a major diameter of the cross-section is directed in the direction intersecting with a center line of the spring. Torsion is preliminarily given to at least a part of the spring wire so that the coil spring inner circumferential surface side of the above-mentioned major diameter may be deviated to a free end side of the spring with reference to the reference plane of extension and contraction of the coil spring in the case where the coil spring is a compression coil spring, but to the side of the aforementioned reference plane of extension and contraction in the case where the coil spring is a tension coil spring. In a coil spring comprising a larger pitch portion and a smaller pitch portion, a large angle of torsion is preliminarily given to the larger pitch portion and a small angle of torsion is preliminarily given to the smaller pitch portion.

Abstract: A garter-type axially resilient coil spring includes a plurality of coils canted along a centerline thereof with each coil having a trailing portion and a leading portion. Specific resilient performance, or load-deflection characteristics, of the spring is obtained by interconnecting the coils in a manner such that the trailing portion is disposed along an outside diameter of the garter-type axially resilient coil spring and the leading portion is disposed along an inside diameter of the garter-type axially resilient coil spring.

Abstract: In a method of the present invention, a wire stent, having a cylindrical shape defined by a series of alternating longitudinally overlapping opposing loops, is fabricated from a wire formed into a planar serpentine configuration. The wire is centered over a semi-cylindrical trough in a flat plate and then pressed into the trough by a forming bar so that a portion of the wire assumes the semi-cylindrical shape. A pulling tool, having a hook at one end, is engaged at the hook with the exposed loops of the serpentine configuration for pulling the exposed loops over the exposed portion of the forming bar to form a generally cylindrical shape from the wire. Once the wire is extracted from the trough and the forming bar is removed, a folded balloon catheter is inserted through the cylindrical shape and the wire is tightly pressed about the catheter.

Abstract: Annular coil spring apparatus is provided which includes a first annular spring with a plurality of coils canted along a centerline with a trailing portion of each coil and a leading portion of each coil defined by a back angle and front angle, respectively. Coils are interconnected in order to form a garter-type coil spring and a second annular spring is provided and disposed within the first annular spring. The second annular spring may include a plurality of coils canted along a centerline thereof and the first and second annular spring may be canted in either the same direction or opposite directions in order to provide different force-deflection characteristics of the annular coil spring apparatus.

Abstract: A wheel suspension having a helical spring leg and transverse control with a shock absorber located inside of the spring arm is shown and described. The spring when in its unloaded state has an "S" shaped center line and may be curved in more than one plane. The center line of the spring when relaxed is not of a constant radius.

Abstract: An ice discharging apparatus of an ice dispenser comprises an openable door normally urged resiliently to a closed state by means of a torsion coil spring and adapted to be openable by a door actuator under the control of a control apparatus. The torsion coil spring includes an intermediate coil portion substantially of a cylindrical form and at least one end coil portion having an inner diameter greater than an average diameter of the intermediate coil portion in the unloaded state. The torsion coil spring has at least one arm extending from an end of the coil spring and having an extension secured in contact with a stationary part of the apparatus or a part of the openable door at an intermediate portion thereof and subsequently bent to constitute an inactive portion in which an annular mounting member for mounting the torsion coil spring is formed at the free end thereof.

Abstract: A radially resilient canted coiled springs includes a plurality of coils canted along a centerline thereof with each coil having a trailing portion and a leading portion. The disposition of the trailing portion is defined by a back angle between the trailing portion and a line normal to the centerline and the disposition of the leading portion is defined by a front angle between the leading portion and a normal line. Specific resilient performance, or load-deflection characteristics of the radially resilient canted coiled springs is determined by controlling a turn angle of the coil spring.

Abstract: A helical spring composed of a plurality of parallel, coiled strands of spring wire with such strands being unconnected along most of their length but being joined together at least at one end of the spring. In a preferred embodiment, such strands or wires are welded together at opposite ends of the spring. Such a spring is formed by incrementally advancing a plurality of wires in contiguous, parallel relation towards a wire-coiling station and then, at the termination of a coiling step, interrupting such advancement to sever the wires through, or immediately adjacent to, a first welded zone while at the same time welding such wires together in a second zone spaced a precise distance from the point of the severing operation.

Abstract: A device to be used as a vascular stent comprising a cylindrical open-ended wire component made of a low memory metal such as copper alloy, titanium, or gold, providing a radial support from within a blood vessel after implantation therein. The coronary stent is characterized by its ability to be expanded radially to a larger diameter after initial implantation and means for causing said stent to expand to a larger diameter and a method for transporting, positioning and implantation of such coronary stent transluminarely to have said stent act as a permanent prosthesis to assure vascular patency. And method for simultaneous angioplasty and stent implant procedure.

Abstract: A length of hose made out of an elastic material that readily recovers its shape, especially intended for covering the coiled section of a helical compression spring with a progressive characteristic of the type employed in motor vehicles and similar machines. At least one terminating section of the length of hose has a shorter inside diameter and communicates with the remaining, cylindrical, section of the length of hose through an intermediate section that tapers conically at least inside.

Abstract: The brush holder comprises an electrically insulating body having a pair of apertures through which extend first and second brushes, which are movable by means of a single resilient member acting simultaneously on both brushes. This solution enables the wear on the brushes to be reduced significantly, particularly on the negative brush which normally tends to be worn away more rapidly.

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.