Patent ID: 6508429
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A linear drive apparatus comprising:a movable device; a first high-speed thrust device coupled to said movable device, wherein said first high-speed thrust device exerts an acceleration force on said movable device to move said movable device from a ready position; a movable retaining device coupled to said movable device, wherein said retaining device is structured and arranged to hold said movable device in the ready position against the acceleration force, wherein a release of said movable retaining device triggers immediate movement of said movable device via the acceleration force; and a second high-speed thrust device which comprises said retaining device, wherein said second high-speed thrust device further comprises at least one deflecting device and a flexible line coupled to said at least one deflecting device, and wherein one end of said flexible line is coupled to said movable device and the other end of said flexible line is held stationary, so that said flexible line is under tension in the ready position.