Abstract: A system for handling, storing and transportation of an elongated element, the system includes a basket suitable for rotation about a central vertical axis. The basket includes an interior upright wall surrounding the central vertical axis, an exterior upright wall spaced from and exterior to the interior upright wall. The interior and exterior upright walls are connected to a floor, thereby defining an open-topped chamber for receiving the elongated element. The system further includes a plurality of pedestals and a transportable drive unit. The basket, on a surface of the floor facing the plurality of pedestals and the transportable drive unit, is provided with interfaces which cooperate with corresponding interfaces provided in the plurality of pedestals and the transportable drive unit.

Abstract: Provided is an actuator that has a simple configuration and can stably achieve high output. This actuator has: a movable body provided with a cylindrical magnet section alternately having N-pole faces and S-pole faces on a peripheral surface thereof along the circumferential direction; a fixed body provided with pole tooth surfaces disposed facing the peripheral surface a magnet section and a coil that excites the pole tooth sections; and a spring material holds the movable body to the fixed body in a freely movable manner. The spring material is fixed to at least one of the movable body and the fixed body via a joint section. The joint section has a fixing part for fixing and end section of the spring material, and a stress relaxation part that is disposed in proximity to the fixing part and relaxes stress generated during deformation of the spring material.

Abstract: A front suspension system for an electric wheelchair is disposed between the frame of the electric wheelchair and each of the front wheels, and has two ends pivoted to the front pivot shaft and a corresponding one of the front wheels, respectively. An elasticity resistance member is sleeved onto the front pivot shaft and has two ends connected to the front wheel retainer and the abutting member of the frame, respectively. When the front wheels encounters bumpy road and makes the front wheel retainer pivot, the elasticity resistance member will be compressed to produce a reaction force toward the front wheel retainer and the abutting member of the frame, respectively, so that the front wheel retainer is pressed down to keep pressing against the flat bearing surface, and the frame is also pressed downward to prevent tipping backward.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to an adjustable compliance apparatus. The adjustable compliance apparatus includes a shaft, a sleeve element, and a torsion spring. The sleeve element includes a bore there through, where the shaft is positioned through the bore of the sleeve element. Further, the torsion spring includes a plurality of coils, where the shaft is positioned through the plurality of coils. Moreover, the sleeve element is slidable in an axial direction along the shaft between the torsion spring and the shaft. Accordingly, compliance of the adjustable compliance apparatus is adjustable based on a number of the plurality of coils in contact with the sleeve element as positioned along the shaft within the torsion spring.

Abstract: A sway bar assembly includes a sway bar, a biasing member, and a winder assembly. The sway bar includes a central portion, a left end portion, and a right end portion. The central portion is configured for pivotal coupling to a frame of a vehicle. The left end portion is configured for coupling with a left support arm. The right end portion is configured for coupling with a right support arm. The biasing member is configured to be fixed to a frame of a vehicle. The winder assembly is coupled with the biasing member and configured to facilitate selective movement of the biasing member with respect to the sway bar.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a stationary member, a base member, a linkage mechanism, a movable member, a chain guide and an inner cable fixing portion. The stationary member non-movably attached to a bicycle frame and includes an outer cable receiving portion configured to receive an outer sheath of a control cable assembly. The base member is pivotally coupled to the stationary member about an axis spaced apart from a hub axis of a rear wheel. A movable member at one end of the linkage mechanism is movable relative to the base member in response to an inner cable that is attached to a portion of the linkage mechanism. The base member can move in response to tension applied by the inner cable without moving the chain guide which is coupled to the movable member.

Abstract: A rotatable wheel having a rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle and between a disc brake rotor and the rotatable wheel, for providing enhanced suspension. The rotary shock absorber consists of an air-tight hollow disc structure filled with lubricant, the disc structure further having a central circular opening, a sealing plate coupled to and sealing the central circular opening on one side, a sealing boot portion coupled and sealing the central circular opening on the other side, and a circular hub portion nesting inside the hollow disc structure. The hub portion further has six circular through holes, one or more identical helical springs nested firmly inside each of the six circular through holes, and six lug bolts each having two threaded ends and a smooth body. Each of the six lug bolts is further coupled rigidly and perpendicularly at the center of each of the two corresponding helical springs and secured on both ends at each side of the hollow disc structure.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle between a disc brake rotor and a rotatable wheel of equipment, bicycle or motor vehicle, for providing enhanced suspension. The rotary shock absorber consists of an air-tight hollow disc structure filled with lubricant, the disc structure further having a central circular opening, a sealing plate coupled to and sealing the central circular opening on one side, a sealing boot portion coupled and sealing the central circular opening on the other side, and a circular hub portion nesting inside the hollow disc structure. The hub portion further has six circular through holes, two identical helical springs nested firmly inside each of the six circular through holes, and six lug bolts each having two threaded ends and a smooth body. Each of the six lug bolts is further coupled rigidly and perpendicularly at the center of each of the two corresponding helical springs and secured on both ends at each side of the hollow disc structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of variable rate stabilizer bars are disclosed, including apparatus, vehicle, and kit implementations. Embodiments may have first and second stabilizer bar members. Each stabilizer bar member may be adapted to be operatively coupled to a respective, opposite ground-engaging element of a vehicle. Each stabilizer bar member may be configured to experience a torque about their longitudinal axis upon movement of the respective ground-engaging element relative to the vehicle when operatively coupled to the ground-engaging elements. Embodiments may have a torque transfer regulator, which may be operatively coupled to both stabilizer bar members. The torque transfer regulator may be configured to transfer a portion of the torque experienced by one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member. Some embodiments may provide for active control of the degree of torque transfer from one ground-engaging element's suspension system to the other.

Abstract: Variable tension is applied to a cord as it is drawn from a spool. More tension is applied to the cord as more cord is drawn preventing impulse stress. Cord used to attach user interface device for receiving input and presenting information.

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 non-sectional locking buffer device. The device utilizes a screw ascending and descending principle as a buffering function, wherein ball bearings or outer screw grooves are configured on a central shaft of the buffer device to operate in coordination with inner screw grooves or ball bearings configured on an inner wall of a buffer chamber. The inner and outer screw mechanisms rely on slippage of the ball bearings in the screw grooves, to reduce a jolting force from repositioning or returning of an upright support, thereby reducing buffer malfunction.

Abstract: A roll decreasing structure of a suspension for front and dead axles of a commercial vehicle, wherein an axle is inserted into a body of a mounting member mounted at a frame. A base arm mounted with a wheel attached to an external side of the axle via a key, whereby the axle is mounted at the other end with a torsion bar case to which an end of a torsion bar composed of a straight spring steel is mounted by way of serrations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switchable mirror material comprising (1) a magnesium thin film having a thickness of 40 nm or less, or a magnesium-nickel alloy thin film having an alloy composition represented by MgNix (0.1<x<0.3), (2) a transparent catalyst layer formed on a surface of the magnesium-containing thin film, and (3) a transparent protective layer optionally formed on the catalyst layer. The switchable mirror material has a chromic property which allows the thin film to be switched from a mirror state into a transparent state by means of hydrogenation of the thin film at about 20° C., and to be switched from the transparent state into the mirror state by means of dehydrogenation of the thin film in the range of about 20° C. to 100° C.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A pedal (2), in particular for a motor vehicle, has a pedal arm (6) which can be deflected at its first end region (8) by a force (4), in particular a foot force, is mounted at its second end region (10) in a manner such that it can pivot about a pivot spindle (18) mounted in a housing (16), and is acted upon in a manner such that it can be pivoted back into an initial position by a restoring spring element (20) which surrounds the pivot spindle (18). In this arrangement, the restoring spring element (20) is supported on a first lever arm (36) of a pivotably mounted lever (38). The second lever arm (44) of the lever (38) bears via a friction body (50) against a friction surface (56). The friction surface (56) in turn can be pivoted about the pivot spindle (18) of the pedal arm (6) and is arranged on the second end region (10) of the pedal arm (6).

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical suspension system for cab-over tractors, specifically those used in terminal transport having two front cushion dual suspension components on the front pivot area of the cab to tractor frame connection and a single rear cushion dual suspension component on the rear of the tractor frame at the cab-over latch area, the three point dual suspension system providing a more stable suspension package than the four point and other single suspension systems.

Abstract: A pedal having a pedal arm (3) which is mounted pivotably and is prestressed into an initial position by a restoring spring (5), which is designed as a leg spring, has a frictional damper (7) having a slotted sleeve (8) whose end regions overlap and are prestressed against each other. As the pedal arm is being pressed down, the diameter of the sleeve (8) is reduced by the restoring spring (5), so that the end regions slide over each other and damp the movement of the pedal arm (3).

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

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

Abstract: A crimping tool comprises a pair of handles, crimping jaws, dies, and/or die nests, positioned at one end of the handles and in alignment with each other to receive a connector therebetween, a linkage extending between the handles and joining same together such that one handle pivots relative to the other and forces the jaws, dies, and/or die nests toward each other. A spring is positioned between the handles to facilitate the opening movement of the tool. The spring in the present invention is configured with a fracture zone, and is positioned in such a location that the spring is flexed during each cycle of operation. The fracture zone may include one or more coils, and such coils break, after a predetermined number of cycles, to affirmatively indicate to the user that the tool requires inspection and/or servicing. When the spring breaks, the tool may still be manually opened, but only with some difficulty, so that the operator cannot ignore the need for inspection and/or servicing.

Abstract: The torsion/compression strut spring (60) is disposed about a forked end (54) of a parking brake strut (50) in a drum brake (10). The forked end (54) is received loosely about the web (12A) of an associated drum brake shoe (12) and a parking brake lever (40). The web includes a generally U-shaped recess portion (12B) which is sized to seat fixedly one oval-shaped end portion (64) of the spring. The spring (60) has oppositely disposed oval-shaped end portions (62, 64) which, in a disassembled and at-rest position, have longitudinal centerlines located 90.degree. apart relative to one another. When the spring (60) is assembled on the parking brake strut (50), the one end portion (64) seats fixedly within the recess portion (12B) and the other end (62) engages the strut (50) so that the spring (60) exerts a torsional force upon the strut (50) and causes legs (53, 56) of both forked ends (52, 54 ) of the strut (50) to engage respective sides of the parking brake lever (40) and drum brake shoe web (12A).

Abstract: This device comprises an arm (15) for supporting the load, such as a roller member of a vehicle, articulated about a bearing axle (2), together with a resilient leaf (1) forming a spiral about the axle (2) and a cushioning strip (12) of an elastomeric material interposed between two consecutive turns (1c, 1d, 1e) of the leaf (1); the inner end of the leaf (1) is rigidly fixed to the bearing axle (2) and its outer end (1b) is fixed to the arm (15), these resilient members (1, 12) preferably being accommodated within the arm (15) in a leaktight housing 15a). Cooling element (14, 26) including a liquid which fills the housing (15a) to ensure the cooling of the suspension. The latter is entirely independent and of minimum bulk, and can be used in any terrain by virtue of the cooling element.

Abstract: A coil spring has a series of short length plastic rollers received on the spring coils so that the rollers engage either a cylinder wall in which the spring works or a rod received through the spring, or both. The rollers act as roller bearings to prevent binding, wear and noise.

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 torsion spring assembly particularly adapted for use in closing the throttle valve of an automotive throttle body or carburetor. The spring assembly includes a torsion spring having a series of intermediate coils and having reduced diameter end coils. Telescoped into each end of the spring and gripped by the reduced diameter end coils in the sleeve of a bushing having a radially extending flange which captivates the spring against axial movement.