Abstract: A drawbar assembly having a first continuous drawbar having an open end, a closed end, and an elongate body extending therebetween along an axis, and a spring anchor formed at the open end; a second continuous drawbar having an open end, a closed end, and an elongate body extending therebetween along the axis, and a spring anchor formed at the open end; the first and second drawbars oriented with respect to each other such that at least a portion of each elongate body overlaps with the other along the axis and the open end of one drawbar is proximate the closed end of the other; and a compression coil spring positioned over the overlapping elongate body portions and secured at each end by a respective spring anchor; wherein a region of at least one closed end is coined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging method, a transport package, and use of the packaging method for transporting products by means of a drone. According to the invention, a product to be packaged is placed in an open inner wrapping that is pretensioned on elastic traction cables in order to hold the product approximately centrally in an outer package. After insertion, the wrapping is closed and evacuated until it lies tightly against the product, and the traction cables are thereby further tensioned.

Abstract: Extension springs that can be manufactured to a small size with a precise free length are described herein. An extension spring comprises a first drawbar member and a second drawbar member that extend along a same direction. The extension spring further comprises a compression spring coil that surrounds respective portions of the draw bar members. At either end of the spring coil are positioned end caps that surround the drawbar members. The end caps provide flat surfaces on which the ends of the spring coil rest in a resting position of the extension spring. The end caps are held against bent ends of arms of the drawbar members by tension of the spring coil. When the drawbar members are drawn apart from one another, the end caps compress the spring coil. Compression of the spring coil causes forces that resist the motion of the drawbar members apart from one another.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing items with respect to a fixed location using an elongate cord-member include a mounting assembly, a first cylindrical coil having a first radius from a central axis, a second cylindrical coil having a second radius from the central axis and oriented coaxially at least partially around the first cylindrical coil, and the first and second cylindrical coils are each coupled to a surface of the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A linkage system includes a pivot bias assembly at each pivot which removes internal clearances and resultant vibratory wear. The pivot bias assembly includes a cavity which defines an axis transverse to the pivot axis. A spring biased piston is located therein to provide a radial load toward the rotation pivot to close radial clearances. The spring loaded piston reduces all the radial internal clearances to zero to reduce vibratory wear created by engine vibratory inputs. An assembly flat is positioned such that the component is assembled in a non-operating angular position such that the spring biased piston is under minimal or no load then the component is rotated into operating position so as to preload the spring biased piston.

Abstract: A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.

Abstract: Device for absorbing kinetic energy of a moving body includes a plastically deformable helical spring having a stack of convolutions, the inner surfaces of which delimit a passage. At least a part of the convolutions can be pulled successively through the passage. Due to the resulting deformation of the convolutions, energy can be absorbed.

Abstract: A damping spring assembly particularly but not exclusively useful for damping the motion of rake wheels in agricultural wheel rakes. The damping spring includes a pair of extended U-bolts and a coil compression spring. The extended U-bolts are connected to spring holder bushings which bear on the ends of the coil compression spring. As the coil compression spring is compressed, a constrained resilient damping rod located within the extended shafts of the extended U-bolts is likewise compressed in length and expands in diameter to bear against the extended shafts of the extended U-bolts, thus providing a damping action to prevent snapping back of the damping spring.

Abstract: A manipulator comprising a linkage with at least two links (1, 4) which have ball joints (3, 6) at their ends, and a spring device (10) which exerts a tensile force between the links. The spring device (10) comprises a first drawing device (11) with a first angle device (18), a second drawing device (12) with a second angle device (19), which are arranged, displaceable in parallel, side-by-side, and a spring member (13) arranged between the angle devices. The tensile force arises by the spring member exerting a compressive force against the angle devices.

Abstract: A helical spring end retainer and tension adjuster is formed by a centrally apertured relatively thin wall shallow cup-like member having a hexagonal nut axially secured in the aperture for threaded engagement with a spring surrounded rod.

Abstract: This disclosure sets out an improved coil spring responding in compression to a tensile load. The load is applied by load engaging equal and oppositely deployed hooks wherein both hooks have a load engaging throat at the lower end connected with a pair of parallel legs. One leg terminates in a hanger having the form of a J-shaped hook and the other leg terminates in a protruding eyelet sized to engage a tang at the end of the spring. The two hooks are maintained at approximate right angles with respect to each other to distribute the forces more evenly in the coil spring to avoid spring bowing.

Abstract: A suspension component (300) has a pair of elongated slidably coupled in a telescoping arrangement. A pair of attachment plates (305, 306) are fixed to the respective suspension components (311, 314) inside an outer tube of one of the suspension components (314). An elastomeric section (303) is bonded to attachment plates (305, 306), so that collapsing the suspension components (311, 314) results in an extension of the elastomeric section (303). An adjustment mechanism is provided in the form of a rotatable threaded boss (316) mounted on one of the suspension components (314) and rotatably journaled to one of the attachment plates (306). Rotation of the suspension components causes attachment plate (306) to move axially along the length of the suspension component (314).

Abstract: A shock absorber (10) having an elongated first suspension component (12), a tubular second suspension component, (16) slidably coupled to the first suspension component, and an elastic cord loop (20) for restraining relative movement between the first and second suspension components. The second suspension component has an outer end (18) and the first suspension component has an inner end (19) and an outer end (14). An adjustment mechanism (36) is provided in the form of a rotatable threaded tube (38) mounted on first suspension component (12) and rotatably journaled to second suspension component (16). An adjustable lug (44) threads onto threaded tube (38). Elastic cord (20) wraps around lug (44) and inner end (19) of first suspension component (12). Rotation of tube (38) causes lug (44) to move axially along the length of first suspension component (12) to adjust the tension in elastic cord (20), to compensate for various loading conditions on the shock absorber.

Abstract: A shock mitigating tether system includes a helical coil spring mounted within a tubular housing between opposing retention plates. A first cable is folded in half and journaled through the longitudinal axis of the spring such that a loop end projects from a first end of the spring and a pair of opposing ends of the cable are mounted to the tension plate on the second end of the spring. A second cable is also journaled longitudinally through the spring with a second cable loop projecting outwardly through an opening in the second plate and the second cable free ends mounted to the first plate, such that the cable loops project in opposing directions along the longitudinal axis of the coil spring. A pair of pins are mounted through diametric apertures in the ends of the housing outwardly of the plates, to retain the spring and plates within the housing.

Abstract: A spring connector accumulator includes a helical compression spring, and a pair of connector body members that extend in opposite directions through the spring for maintaining the same in a predetermined preloaded partially compressed condition. The body members include first end portions adapted for connection with cable end fittings, respectively, intermediate portions that extend through the spring, and second end portions that abut opposite ends of the spring. In a first embodiment, the body members include main abutment surfaces that are snapped into abutting engagement to maintain the spring in a preloaded partially compressed condition. In a second embodiment, the spring is partially compressed to the desired preloaded condition between a pair of opposed spaced hook portions on each of the body members, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a hitch device for interconnecting two mobile apparatus, such as a hospital gurney and an IV stand. The hitch device comprises a body having first and second ends, each end having a coupling for attachment to a mobile apparatus, and a monoplanarly flexible intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. The intermediate portion includes a chain, which is oriented so that only lateral flexing is permitted when the device is in use. The intermediate portion also includes a resilient tube or spring for biasing the intermediate portion to an axial position. A stop located on the first end prevents upward rotation of the intermediate portion beyond a horizontal position when the device is in use.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for use with a rotatable arm in a robotic manipulator, wherein such arm is rotated about a rotation axis. The assembly further includes one or more compression springs for providing resistance to compressive forces, and converting apparatus for translating the rotational movement of the rotatable arm about the rotation axis into linear deflection of such compression spring, whereby resistance of the compression spring to linear deflection in either direction along its longitudinal axis establishes an effective counterbalancing force which reduces the load bearing on the arm drive regardless of the direction in which the rotatable arm is rotated.

Abstract: A robot including a balancing mechanism or balancer with a compression spring which flexes to compensate for the gravitational moment between an arm assembly and a base of the robot. The compression spring is chosen to have a force-deflection characteristic to account for the gravitational moment and the geometry of the mechanism. The arm assembly has a pivotal connection which pivotally supports the arm assembly on the base of the robot for movement about a pivotal axis. The mechanism can be adjusted for various arm assembly lengths and/or payloads. The mechanism includes a spring support, a connecting rod having a longitudinal axis and connected to the spring support for communicating motion of the spring support to the arm assembly at an attachment point offset from the pivotal axis. The resulting balancing mechanism is relatively compact, which lends itself to robotics applications where space is limited.

Abstract: The invention provides a manually held leash, lead, line or the like for large and strong animals which incorporates a shock absorbing device for diminishing the effect of the force or strain transmitted when the animal suddenly and forcibly pulls, lunges, bolts, jumps, etc. The shock absorber incorporated resilient shock absorbing elements automatically operative to oppose the force exerted by the animal and diminish its effect on the manually held leash. The device is constituted of a pneumatic cylinder the piston of which is connected to the animal and normally is retained in a retracted position by a compressive spring against which the animal pulls. In addition to the restraining force imposed by the spring, compressed air also is utilized to absorb the shock of the animal's pulling force. A command sound, such as a recorded voice, buzzer, or the like, actuated under controlled circumstances and operative to order the animal to halt or obey, may be included.

Abstract: An overtravel spring assembly including a helical-type spring secured in a cylindrical housing in a prestressed state between retaining washers inserted adjacent the opposite ends of the housing. The spring is coaxially disposed in the assembly between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of a sleeve member inserted within the spring, thereby retaining the spring in a symmetrically coiled state, that is, preventing radial distortion or buckling of the spring spring when subjected to operating stress. The entire spring assembly is retained in its assembled state by radially crimping the opposite ends of the housing against the outer radial surfaces of the retaining washers. The overtravel spring assembly is used in an automatic slack adjuster for vehicle brakes for measuring the extent of overtravel of the piston rod due to excessive wear of the brake shoes.

Abstract: A device to be used in pairs for mooring a boat alongside a dock, each device including an elongated cylinder preferably of polyvinyl chloride, a first piston for movement within the cylinder, a first piston rod preferably of stainless steel having one end affixed to the first piston and the other end designed to be removably attached to the boat, a first helical spring surrounding that portion of the first piston rod within the cylinder, a second piston with movement within the cylinder, a second piston rod preferably of stainless steel having one end attached to the second piston and its other end being removably attached to the dock, and a second helical spring floating within the cylinder between the first and second pistons.

Abstract: A railway car comprises a plurality of vertically disposed decks above the floor of the car. The first deck includes a rigid deck section having at opposite ends thereof hinged deck sections which may be moveable from a load carrying position upwardly to a raised position to facilitate loading of the car floor. The hinged deck sections are provided with counterbalancing means and a lock is provided for locking the sections either in the raised or lowered positions whereupon vehicles may be driven onto the deck sections.

Abstract: A vehicle carrying railway car comprises a plurality of vertically spaced decks, at least one of which consists of a rigid central section and at opposite ends hinged deck sections that are adapted to be raised for facilitating the loading of vehicles onto the car. The raised deck sections are counterbalanced by a biasing assembly and may be locked in raised or lowered positions.

Abstract: A railway car for transporting vehicles comprises a floor having a plurality of vertically spaced decks, one of said decks comprising a hinged deck section which may be raised above the floor of the car for facilitating loading. A counterbalancing mechanism is connected to the car structure and to the hinged deck and a locking device is provided for securing the hinged deck in both lowered or raised positions.

Abstract: A reaction type support for a pulley holddown for traverse rods providing a reaction support for the foot of the holddown as a mounting to either a wall or floor surface to take up increase in length of traverse rod cord and permit outward pull of the cord during traverse rod adjustment to prevent damage to or release of the holddown from the support surface.