Lift mechanism based on torque equalization principles
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a fixed component and a movable component disposed in sliding or rolling engagement with one another;
a wheel pivotally supported by one of the components; and
the wheel comprising a pulley member and a cam member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for providing an adjustable balancing force are provided. This mechanism can be used as a lifting force, a counter balancing mechanism or as a horizontal or other force mechanism. The force can be designed to be constant or variable over the range of motion by properly calculating the shape of the cam member. A balancing mechanism in accordance with the present invention includes a wheel comprising a pulley member and a cam member. A first cable connects the cam member of the wheel to a energy source for biasing the wheel to rotate in a first direction. A second cable is connected to the pulley member of the wheel for communicating a balancing or load force to the wheel. In some useful embodiments of the present invention, the cam member is shaped and positioned so that a torque applied to the wheel by the first cable is substantially constant while a force applied to the wheel by the first cable varies.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a fixed component and a movable component disposed in sliding or rolling engagement with one another;
a wheel pivotally supported by one of the components; and
the wheel comprising a pulley member and a cam member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus, comprising:
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a wheel pivotally supported by a first component;
the wheel comprising a pulley member and a cam member;
a first cable extending between the cam member of the wheel and a energy source so that the wheel is biased to rotate in a first direction;
a second cable extending between the pulley member and a second component;
the cam member being shaped so that a torque applied to the wheel by the second cable is substantially constant or varied in a pre-determined manner while a deflection of the energy source vanes. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A pivot mechanism, comprising:
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a first structural member;
a second structural member pivotally coupled to the first structural member;
a torsion spring having a first leg engaging the first structural member; and
a second leg of the torsion spring engaging the second structural member.
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Specification