Recentering for shafts of locks and other mechanisms
US4641868A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/96
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A recentering device for a shaft is disclosed which includes a return spring means and a recentering spring. The return spring applies a torque which varies directly with the angular displacement of the shaft from the center position over a predetermined range corresponding to the full operating range of the shaft. The recentering spring means applies a torque which varies inversely with the angular displacement of the shaft over the range of displacement. The maximum torque exerted by the recentering spring means is not substantially greater than the maximum torque exerted by the return spring. The torque exerted by each of the springs is a substantially linear function of angular displacement whereby a substantially uniform value of torque tends to return the shaft to its center position and thereby provides accurate recentering when the shaft is released.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.