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

Abstract: A suspension spring comprises a plurality of spring elements, each comprising a central portion, a pair of torsional helical coils adjacent thereto, and respective arms coupled to the respective helical coils. A load applied to the central portion of each spring element by a load distributor is reacted by the distal ends of the respective arms, thereby causing flexure of the arms and torsional displacement of the helical coils. The helical coils provide a means for increasing spring compliance and for reducing the stress in the respective arms and central portion of the spring elements, while the plurality of spring elements provides for improved lateral stability in comparison with a single element spring having the same vertical compliance.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor (10) includes a spindle (22), a ratchet wheel (30) and a locking pawl (44). The locking pawl (44) is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which it blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel (30) and the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) is moved into its engaged position in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of the spindle (22) in the unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) moves back to its disengaged position in response to rotation of the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The retractor (10) further includes a torsion spring (210) and a leaf spring (250) acting in series between the spindle (22) and the locking pawl (44).