Abstract:
A cartridge for managing an ear bud cable includes a housing having an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source and a hub electrically connected with the input jack. A spool rotatably mounts on, and is electrically connected with, the hub. A power gear mounts in the housing and in contact with the spool for rotating the spool. The power gear defines a recessed interior. An ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool. A power gear spring mounts within the recessed interior of the power gear to minimize the size and, particularly, the thickness of the cartridge. In an alternate embodiment, the spool includes a recessed portion and a spool power spring mounts within the recessed portion of the hub. In yet another embodiment, the spool and the power gear both have recessed portions that hold a power spring.
Abstract:
A device is disclosed comprising (a) a first and second member in rotational alignment to each another; (b) a torsional resilient mechanism for providing torsional resilience between the first and second members, the torsional resilient mechanism comprising at least two or more coaxial helical springs connected in series with the inner-most spring connected to the first member and the outer-most spring connected to the second member; and (c) one or more stops for preventing at least one of said springs from winding or unwinding beyond a particular point.
Abstract:
An apparatus for effecting actuation of a device. The device has a home position and a set position and the apparatus returns the device to the home position upon loss of power to the apparatus. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a drive motor for providing a driving force to a drive shaft, and a bias member having a cocking mechanism and a release mechanism. The bias member provides a bias force to a bias shaft when the cocking mechanism is cocked and the release mechanism is released; the release mechanism is released when power is lost to the actuator. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus further includes a drive member which delivers an actuating force to an actuating shaft in response to forces received on an input shaft. Still further, the apparatus preferably includes a transmission mechanism coupled with the drive shaft, with the bias shaft, and with the input shaft. The transmission mechanism delivers the driving force to the bias shaft when a clutch gear arrangement is engaged with the transmission mechanism. The transmission member delivers the driving force to the input shaft when the bias shaft is locked. The transmission mechanism delivers the bias force to the input shaft when the power is lost to the actuator.
Abstract:
A belt retractor is provided which comprises a housing, a belt drum mounted in the housing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, and a spring drive for the belt drum. The spring drive comprises an output drive part connected with the belt drum in such a manner as to prevent relative rotation, an intermediate part arranged rotatably in relation to the belt drum and to the housing and being centered on the axis of rotation of the belt drum, a wind-up spring effective between the housing and the intermediate part, an auxiliary spring effective between the intermediate part and the output drive part, and a spring cover. The spring cover and the output drive part are provided with receiving means coaxial to the belt drum and having interlocking means for a pin. The pin is simultaneously engageable with both of the receiving means in such a manner as to prevent relative rotation. The intermediate part is rotatably mounted on the pin. Furthermore, a method for mounting the spring drive of a belt retractor to the belt retractor is provide.
Abstract:
An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.
Abstract:
A spring motor having a large number of flat spiral wound springs connected in series is shown which allows storage of large amounts of energy in a small amount of cubic space. Only a small force is required for full wind up of the assembly. Energy can be simultaneously stored and withdrawn.
Abstract:
An elastic rubber piece is set in a through-hole formed in a connecting member in such a manner that it is clamped by the protruded portions of a handle member. The elastic rubber piece, being held between the end faces of the protruded portions, is deformed and brought into contact with the inner surface of the through-hole. The handle member is so set that it is swingable about the axis of the through-hole of the connecting member.
Abstract:
An electric motor acts through a gear train to rotate an output shaft in one direction while a torsion spring rotates the shaft in the opposite direction when the motor is de-energized. When the output shaft stops abruptly at a limit position after being rotated by the spring, a lost-motion drive connection permits the output gear of the drive train to rotate relative to the shaft in order to dissipate kinetic energy through the gear train and to avoid impact loading of the gear train and the motor.
Abstract:
A driving mechanism includes a rotatable support and a stretchable element which is being wound on the support by rotating the latter in one direction, and when the rotatable support is released the stretched element compresses and forcedly rotates the rotatable support in an opposite direction, thus providing a driving force in the opposite direction.