Constant-force spring

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid delivery system comprising a bladder to hold a fluid, the bladder being enclosed in a structure formed from a cap connected to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a piston driven by a constant force spring, the piston resting against the bladder. Activation of the drive mechanism delivers the fluid at a rate pre-determined by the design of the spring.

Abstract: A pusher device for dispensing merchandise is disclosed. The device includes an elongate plastic track having a floor on which a row of articles are positioned for movement therealong, a pusher connected to the track for movement therealong and having a front side for engagement with the rearmost article on the track, and a spring for urging the pusher toward the front end of the track to forwardly move all the articles on the track. The spring is a gradient force, self-coiling spring arranged to exert forwardly directed force on the rear side of the pusher. The force on the pusher gradually reduces as the leading articles on the track successively are removed from the track, and thereby articles on the track are prevented from being subject to excessive force. What is also disclosed is a pusher device including an elongate track, a pusher movably connected to the track, and a self-coiling spring for urging the pusher forward of the track. The spring is formed of a strip of spring material wound at least partially to form a coiled portion that is arranged such that the coiled portion is extended as the pusher is moved backward. The coiled portion, when fully wound, includes an inner set of layers of the strip and an outer set of layers of the strip disposed around the inner set of layers. The inner set of layers forms a constant force spring whereas the outer set of layers forms a gradient force spring. What is further disclosed is a pusher device which includes an elongate track, a pusher movably connected to the track, a spring for urging the pusher forward, and a mooring mechanism for locking the pusher in the rearmost position on the track so as to facilitate loading of articles onto the track. The locking mechanism is provided on the pusher to engage a rear wall upstanding on the track.

Abstract: A multi-functional exercising device comprising spring device employing a plurality of constant load springs. Said springs are chosen individually or in groups to provide a selected constant load force on a foot or hand grip movable bar or mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable reel assembly is provided with a double tear drop (12, 14) shaped housing, a spool (16) disposed in the housing and journaled for rotation about an axis, the spool and housing defining a plurality of chambers (66, 68, 70) within the housing around the axis. The spool and housing define a cable storage chamber with a second length of cable retractably stored therein and a cable expansion chamber with a length of cable stored therein, a spring chamber and a ratchet chamber. The housing also has a spring takeup compartment and cable adjustment compartment located on a second parallel axis. A constant force spring (64) extends from the spring storage chamber to the spring takeup compartment to urge the spool to rotate in a cable retracting direction.