14302 results about "Torsion spring" patented technology

A latch mechanism selectively retains a first assembly to a second assembly. The first and second assemblies are configured for sliding engagement along an engagement axis. The latch mechanism includes a latch shaft mounted to the first assembly to rotate about a latch shaft axis, a torsion spring to bias the latch shaft relative to the first assembly, and a transverse latch member coupled with the second assembly. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically latch in response to the first assembly being pushed toward the second assembly. The transverse latch member interacts with the latch shaft to rotate the latch shaft in a first direction in response to movement of the first assembly toward the second assembly. Further motion of the first assembly toward the second assembly results in rotation of the latch shaft opposite to the first direction into a retention configuration that retains the transverse latch member.

Described is a prosthetic valve, comprising: an expandable stent including an inner lumen and having a first and a second end; and a spring attached to the first end of the expandable stent; wherein the expandable stent and the spring can expand radially to a desired diametric configuration in order to anchor the prosthetic valve at an implantation position in a body lumen. Related systems and methods.

A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device (10) having an outer housing (12), a lancet holder (32) that engages a lancet (30) and constrains the lancet along a controlled and predefined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off axis torsion springs (80,82) working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Described is a prosthetic valve, comprising: an expandable stent including an inner lumen and having a first and a second end; and a spring attached to the first end of the expandable stent; wherein the expandable stent and the spring can expand radially to a desired diametric configuration in order to anchor the prosthetic valve at an implantation position in a body lumen. Related systems and methods.

The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and natural disc curvature, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior including at least one spring member preferably incorporating a arcuate surface member, a flexible core, the flexible core preferably being a slotted core, a ring spring, a winged leaf spring, or a leaf spring, or The articulating member preferably being attached to one of the endplate by an intermediate shock absorbing element.

A panel locking and regulating device of a drawer with a dump rail comprises the dump rail which is connected with the drawer; a panel of the drawer is connected with a regulating seat by a connecting piece, the regulating seat is internally provided with a conduit ferrule, in which the connecting piece can slide. The conduit ferrule is internally provided with a panel locking mechanism which includes an offset cam, one end of which is articulated on the regulating seat and the other end is articulated with a guide block by a connecting rod; one end of a swing rod is articulated on the guide block by a pin roll; a torsion spring is sheathed on the pin roll, and one end of the torsion spring leans against the swing rod and the other end leans against the guide block or the regulating seat; a sliding bush of the guide block is positioned in the regulating seat and the end part of the connecting piece is connected with the other end of the swing rod. The sliding bush of the guide block is positioned in a location bracket, and the rear part of the guide block is connected with one end of a first spring and the other end of the first spring leans against the location bracket. The invention has the advantages of simple and reasonable structure, flexible operation, high safety, which not only can realize the up and down regulation of the position, but also can realize the left and the right regulation of the position, and the panel can also be separately assembled and disassembled.

This invention relates to a device to monitor the administration of a fluid through a conduit, such as intravenous fluid, and detect the completion of fluid delivery by monitoring the fluid level inside a chamber. The device will monitor, through an optical fluid sensor comprising a radiation source, two sensors, a logic means, and an indicating means, the bottom half of any “user supplied” drip chamber that is normally full during the administration of fluids. When the fluid level in the chamber drops below a predetermined level, the indicating means will initiate an electromechanical device that releases a pinching device to occlude the conduit. The pinching device is a rotary pincher that derives its force from a torsion spring and is held in the open position by the electromechanical device.

A tilter assembly is provided for positioning an electronic device such as a flat panel display. The tilter assembly includes a tilter shaft holder having an opening aligned along an axis and a shaft received within the opening. The shaft is rotatable about the axis, and may be coupled to a support. The tilter shaft holder is coupled to the electronic device. The tilter assembly also includes a torsion spring device in operative association with the shaft to provide a bias or counterbalance to the electronic device, thereby preventing undesired rotation about the axis.

A decoupler assembly for transferring rotary movement between an engine driven shaft and a serpentine belt. The decoupler includes a hub configured to be assembled to the shaft. The hub has a helical first slot formed therein. A pulley is rotatably coupled to the hub. A carrier is mounted on the hub and includes a helical second slot formed therein, as well as an anti-ramp up boss formed thereon. A thrust plate is fixed to the hub and has a slot formed therein. A torsion spring is compressed between a hub end retained in the helical first slot and a carrier end retained in the helical second slot for transferring torque between the hub and carrier. The anti-ramp up boss travels within the slot formed in the thrust plate for limiting rotation between the carrier and thrust plate and preventing rotation of the torsion spring relative to the hub and carrier.

An exercise system is provided in which multiple exercise routines may be conducted with a single system. The exercise system may be used for skiing exercises, rowing exercises, and for weight training / resistance exercises. The exercise system may also be stored in a compact position and may by integrated with articles of furniture for space saving benefits. In one embodiment, resistance to motion is provided by one or more tension transmission members and may be selectively adjusted by controlling the configuration of the tension transmission member relative to a torsion spring. Use of intermediate devices between the spring and the tension transmission member are described that provide a non-linear relationship between force and displacement. In another embodiment, the tension transmission member may be configured in different positions by adjusting the position of movable pulleys, thereby allowing the device to be used for a number of different exercise routines.

An ambidextrous bolt catch device, apparatus, system and methods for using are provided. Four main components include a bolt catch finger, lever system and plunger rod assembly with torsion spring. The lever system includes a right release lever and a left release lever; the left lever is an integral part of the bolt catch finger. The plunger rod assembly abuts and connects the right and left levers; a torsion spring on the rod creates tension causing rotation of the bolt catch finger in a downward or upward position. In an upward position, the bolt catch finger engages the bolt, retains the bolt in a rearward position, and signals the operator that the magazine is empty. The bolt engaged by the finger is held rearward in a safe, reliable manner to allow an unobstructed view of the firearm chamber until manually released using either the right or left release lever.

An exercise machine tension system for improving functionality and linear resistance of a Pilates machine. The exercise machine tension system generally includes an exercise machine including a carriage slidably positioned thereon. A plurality of tension units are connected between the exercise machine and the carriage for creating linear resistance as the carriage is drawn in a first direction and reverting the carriage back to its original position absent application of force. Each tension unit includes a housing, a reel rotatably positioned within the housing, a torsion spring secured to the reel, and a flexible member wound around the reel and extending out of the housing. The housing is secured to the exercise machine and the distal end of the flexible member is secured to the carriage.

An isolator decoupler comprising a pulley, a shaft, a bushing slidingly engaged with the pulley and slidingly engaged with the shaft, the pulley journalled to the shaft by a bearing, a one-way clutch fixed to the shaft and engaged with the bushing whereby the bushing rotates in unison with the one-way clutch, a torsion spring engaged between the pulley and the one-way clutch to resiliently couple the pulley to the shaft, and the pulley non-resiliently directly coupleable to the shaft in a temporary predetermined loaded condition.

A swivel-type computer peripheral device includes a housing and a swivel rack assembly that swivels relative to the housing between a retracted position, in which a PCBA having a plug connector mounted on the swivel rack assembly is disposed inside the housing, and a deployed position, in which the swivel rack assembly is rotated outside of the housing such that the plug connector is positioned for insertion into a host computer socket. A torsion spring is connected between the housing and the swivel rack assembly and arranged to bias the swivel rack assembly either into the deployed position or into the retracted position. A locking mechanism controlled by a push button or another actuating mechanism is used to selectively lock the swinging rack in a retracted position and a deployed position.

A calculator which generally possesses a flat, compact and portable housing construction, and which includes a calculator lid mechanism which pivots a flat cover of the calculator in a predetermined controlled manner between a first position causing the flat cover to form a lid which overlies a calculator display, and a second operational position in which the cover is pivoted towards the rear of the calculator so as to form a stand for tilting the calculator into an upwardly inclined ergonomic position relative to a horizontal support surface during intended use thereof. Upon the actuation of a switch, a release mechanism enables the lid to be pivoted rearwardly in a controlled damped manner about a hinge connection, which articulates the lid to the calculator housing, under the urging of a torsion spring and damping drum arrangement constituting the lid mechanism located within a tubular bore within the hinge portion of the lid structure into an essentially perpendicular orientation relative to the rear surface of the calculator housing so as to form the stand for tiltingly support the calculator when positioned on a horizontal surface.

A wear compensator for use in a vehicle rack and pinion steering assembly and a method of biasing a rack against a pinion shaft gear in a rack and pinion steering assembly are disclosed. The wear compensator may include a rack follower, an adjuster plug, a wear cam and a torsion spring. The rack follower slides on the rack. The adjuster plug is retained by the steering gear housing and includes a plug cam surface. The wear cam includes a wear cam surface operatively engaging the plug cam surface, is mounted between the rack follower and the adjuster plug, and can rotate relative to the adjuster plug. The torsion spring connects between the adjuster plug and the wear cam in order to rotatably bias the wear cam relative to the adjuster plug.

A rotary pulser for transmitting information to the surface from down hole in a well by generating pressure pulses encoded to contain information. The pressure pulses travel to the surface where they are decoded so as to decipher the information. The pulser includes housing containing a stator forming passages through which drilling fluid flows on its way to the drill bit, a rotor, and a replaceable wear sleeve enclosing the rotor. The rotor has blades that are capable of imparting a varying obstruction to the flow of drilling fluid through the stator passages depending on the circumferential orientation of the rotor, so that rotation of the rotor by a motor generates the encoded pressure pulses. The rotor is located downstream of the stator and the rotor blades are shaped so that when the motor is not in operation, a hydrodynamic opening torque is imparted to the rotor that tends to rotate the rotor blades away from the circumferential orientation that results in the maximum obstruction and toward the circumferential orientation that results in the minimum obstruction. A torsion spring provides a mechanical force that also tends to rotate the rotor into the orientation that provides the minimum flow obstruction.

This invention describes a device and method for inserting a large diameter object into a blood filled, pressurized cavity in the body without applying undue trauma to the object as it passes through the device and without loosing significant amounts of blood. The invention comprises the following elements: three rigid hollow cylindrical elements aligned along a common axis, an elastomeric tubular element located within the housings, attachment means to connect the elastomeric tubular element to the three rigid hollow cylindrical elements, independent rotational means such as torsion springs to selectively bias the elastomeric tubular element into a twisted, closed configuration at each boundary between the three rigid hollow cylindrical elements, and a cavity access element to gain access into the anatomical cavity.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a connector conduit to a hollow organ. The method comprises forming a hole in a wall of the organ; inserting a connector conduit through the hole in the wall of the organ until a flange element comes into contact with the wall of the organ, the flange element being positioned on the connector conduit; and engaging a retention means with the wall of the organ to prevent movement of the connector conduit relative to the wall of the organ, the retention means being positioned on the connector conduit. Exemplary retaining means include a plurality of retaining pins positioned circumferentially around the connector conduit, a plurality of prongs positioned circumferentially around the connector conduit, a balloon positioned on the connector conduit, a torsion spring positioned on the connector conduit, a spiral spring positioned on the connector conduit, or combinations thereof.

A latch mechanism selectively retains a first assembly to a second assembly. The first and second assemblies are configured for sliding engagement along an engagement axis. The latch mechanism includes a latch shaft mounted to the first assembly to rotate about a latch shaft axis, a torsion spring to bias the latch shaft relative to the first assembly, and a transverse latch member coupled with the second assembly. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically latch in response to the first assembly being pushed toward the second assembly. The transverse latch member interacts with the latch shaft to rotate the latch shaft in a first direction in response to movement of the first assembly toward the second assembly. Further motion of the first assembly toward the second assembly results in rotation of the latch shaft opposite to the first direction into a retention configuration that retains the transverse latch member.

In a window covering system with a shade roll, a counterbalanced motorized shade roll system includes a shade roll with a hollow interior connected with a window covering system. A motor is located within the hollow interior. A torsion spring is also located within the hollow interior of the shade roll and the torsion spring is connected with the motor on one end and with the hollow interior on another end. Batteries are also located within the hollow interior of the shade roll opposite from the motor and after the connection of the torsion spring with the hollow interior of the shade roll such that the torsion spring does not surround the batteries.

A spring-loaded feed mechanism for a paintball loader. The feed mechanism includes an inner spool and an outer spool. A torsion spring is positioned between the inner and outer spools. The outer spool includes a pressure wall, from which the torsion spring is located on one end of the spring. A retaining wall is attached to the inner spool and is located at the opposite end of the torsion spring. When an operator of a paintball gun using the spring-loaded feed mechanism discontinues firing paintballs, the feed mechanism is stopped. Simultaneously, during the deceleration of the feed mechanism, the torsion spring is compressed, which allows the mechanical energy of the rotating feed mechanism to be stored within the compressed spring. When the operator desires to fire the paintball gun, the feed mechanism is accelerated to the requisite rotational speed. The compressed spring is release, thereby allowing the spring to assist in accelerating the feed mechanism to the necessary rotational speed.

The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a torsion spring operatively connected to a dose setting member being adapted to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. A rotatably mounted display member adapted to display the dose to be ejected in accordance with a setting of the dose setting member is also provided. The rotatably mounted display member is adapted to be rotated over an angle corresponding to at least one revolution of the display member. The display member may be implemented as a dose indicator barrel having numerals arranged along a helical path on an outer surface thereof, or alternatively, as a counting device having two or more display wheels having numerals arranged on an outer surface thereof.

A lens housing including an anti-flare aperture device in the form of a thin planar aperture member. In one embodiment, a plurality of guide pins extend from a group-3 lens element, with a compression spring on one of the guide pins to bias the group-3 lens in the direction of its optical axis. The aperture member, the position of which is defined by two guide pins, is sandwiched between the group-3 lens and the compression spring, thereby being supported. The aperture member moves backward and forward together with the group-3 lens supported by the guide pins. In a second embodiment, the aperture device is attached directly to one side of the lens elements.

A rotary pulser for transmitting information to the surface from down hole in a well by generating pressure pulses encoded to contain information. The pressure pulses travel to the surface where they are decoded so as to decipher the information. The pulser includes housing containing a stator forming passages through which drilling fluid flows on its way to the drill bit, a rotor, and a replaceable wear sleeve enclosing the rotor. The rotor has blades that are capable of imparting a varying obstruction to the flow of drilling fluid through the stator passages depending on the circumferential orientation of the rotor, so that rotation of the rotor by a motor generates the encoded pressure pulses. The rotor is located downstream of the stator and the rotor blades are shaped so that when the motor is not in operation, a hydrodynamic opening torque is imparted to the rotor that tends to rotate the rotor blades away from the circumferential orientation that results in the maximum obstruction and toward the circumferential orientation that results in the minimum obstruction. A torsion spring provides a mechanical force that also tends to rotate the rotor into the orientation that provides the minimum flow obstruction.

An umbrella light that can be attached to most common outdoor umbrellas using a pair of opposing semi-circular housings permanently joined by a hinge and a single torsion spring. The spring is biased inward towards the central aperture thereby creating an effective means of attachment. Within the housings are a plurality of LED's, batteries and an optional IC charging monitor. An optional solar panel is attached to the umbrella via an attachment clip. All components are wired in a standard way. The housings each include a centrally located hemispherical cut out area creating a circular aperture to allow for attachment to the support pole of a standard outdoor umbrella, and a self contained flat clip for non-pole use. The floor of the housings has a plurality of apertures that allow light from the enclosed LED's to exit.

A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion limiting outward expansion of the torsion isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.

A clamp includes a first member, a washer, a nut, a threaded bolt, a spring and a torsion spring. The first member may include side portions and have a first opening. The washer may include a second opening and at least one portion protruding in a downward direction from an upper surface of the washer. The nut may have an upper surface, a lower surface and a threaded opening. The threaded bolt may be disposed through the first opening, the second opening and the threaded opening. The spring may be located between a portion of the first member and the washer. The torsion spring may be located between the washer and the nut, where the torsion spring causes the nut to rotate when force is applied to an upper part of the first member.

A cannula insertion device is disclosed. The device includes a needle carriage, a rail device on which the needle carriage is slidable, a yoke having a channel, a linkage connected to the needle carriage and extending into the channel, a torsion spring with one end connected to the linkage, and locking device for locking the torsion spring in tension and maintaining the needle carriage and the linkage in a locked position prior to activation. Upon release of the locking device, the tension of the torsion spring is released, which causes the linkage to move in the channel and slide the needle carriage along the rail device. A catheter carriage may also be provided for actuation by the linkage.