Abstract:
There is provided a power source device capable of obtaining power not only when springs or the like return but also when a handle for winding up the springs or the like are operated. The power source device comprises a main shaft connected to both the handle and a main power generation device, an auxiliary shaft connected to an auxiliary power generation device arranged side by side in parallel with the main shaft, the main spring and the auxiliary spring requiring less load to wind up than the main spring being installed between the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft via drums such that accumulation and release of elastic force of the springs are alternated on both shafts, wherein when the main shaft is normally rotated by the handle, elastic force accumulated in the auxiliary spring is applied in the direction of rotation of the main shaft as releasing force.
Abstract:
A reversible pull cord mechanism adapted for rotating a shaft in one direction when the pull cord is pulled in a first direction and rotating the shaft in the opposite direction when the pull cord is pulled in a second direction.
Abstract:
Drums 56 wind and unwind cables 18 connected to a passenger carriage 14 of an amusement ride 12 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 48 about an axle 46. The tethers 48 are connected to elastic members 44 that store energy, and a lock 32 is releasable to permit the carriage 14 to travel under the force of the stored energy. The drums 56 have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to launch and accelerate the carriage 14 to a high velocity and/or to provide a dampening effect on the motion of the carriage. Alternative embodiments include ramps with loops, corkscrew sections, and/or inclined sections for carrying the carriage, safety cables strung through attachment members connected to the tethers, and telescopic spring devices with concentric coil springs.
Abstract:
A winch 10 has a drum 26 that winds and unwinds a cable 28 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 30 about an axle 24. The tethers 30 are connected to telescopic spring devices 46 with staged concentric springs 48 that store energy, and a brake 45 is releasable to permit the drum 26 to rotate under the force of the stored energy. The drum 26 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle 24, thereby producing a mechanical advantage. The cable 28 is also connected to a passenger carriage 201 of an amusement ride 200 that travels under the force of the stored energy.
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:
The invention disclosed herein provides a device which a non-linear force/distance relationship of spring or other device and linearizes it in a range of interest. In accordance with the invention, the device comprises a first gear section and a second gear section. The first and second gear sections are pivotally supported in a meshing relationship. The first gear section includes gear teeth extending about an arc of a first circle having a first center, and the second gear section includes gear teeth extending about an arc of a second circle having a second center. The mating pair of sections comprise a non-circular gearing pair. For limited ranges of motion the non-circular gears can be approximated by eccentrically mounted circular gears. The two gear sections thus pivot eccentrically with respect to each other such that a variable torque or force must be applied to one gear section to obtain a constant torque or force from the other gear section, and vice versa. In a disclosed embodiment, the spring tension/winding angle of a torsion-type spring is linearized. The spring has a first end fixed against movement and a second end coupled to one of the gear sections. In a range of interest, a constant torque may be obtained from the second gear section.
Abstract:
A rotation damper comprises a base member, a gear wheel rotatably mounted on the base member via a damper, a spiral spring having one end attached to a cap member and the other end attached to the gear wheel and adapted to be wound up with the rotation of the gear wheel, and a locking member for locking the spiral spring in or releasing it from the wound-up state. When the gear wheel is rotated to the neighborhood of a limit position against the spring force of the spiral spring, the spiral spring is locked in the wound-up state. The spiral spring is released from the wound-up state by further rotating the gear wheel. The rotation damper is applicable to a cassette holder of a cassette tape recorder, for instance, and permits the holder to be opened and closed under braking force while eliminating the need for a separate holder locking mechanism.
Abstract:
A motor driven actuator, providing continuous positioning of an output shaft, and employing energy storage which allows the shaft to return to a predetermined position on failure of the input power source or other predetermined occurrence. Drive motor torque requirements are minimized through sequential application of input torque to the energy storage and actuator load. This arrangement insures that adequate energy storage for return of the output shaft is continuously available during normal actuator operation including alternate output shaft positioning.When utilized to operate a fluid control valve, the valve actuator combination provides a fail-safe valve which under emergency or other prescribed conditions provides return of the valve to a safe condition from any normal operating position throughout the limit of the valve travel.The above functions are provided through the use of a simple highly reliable structure utilizing a reduced number of relatively simple components and a drive motor which can be sized for the output torque alone without additional torque requirements due to the presence of a stored energy device.
Abstract:
A spring drive means for toys comprising a spiral spring, a winding shaft for winding the spiral spring, a driven shaft, and a clutch mechanism for coupling and decoupling the winding shaft and driven shaft and including a plate spring and a gear, said plate spring and gear being provided with respective engagement sections engageable with one another by the spring force of the plate spring and detachable from one another against the spring force of the plate spring by torque applied to the two shafts.