Patent ID: 8689942

Claim:
An energy storage and release system, comprising: a shaft member having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one torsion spring positioned about the shaft member, the at least one torsion spring having a first end and a second end; a drive assembly positioned about the proximal end of the shaft member and coupled to the first end of the at least one torsion spring, wherein the drive assembly loads the at least one torsion spring with stored energy during rotation of the drive assembly in a first rotational direction about the shaft member, the drive assembly including a drive pawl and gear assembly including at least one pawl and at least one gear configured to prevent rotation of the drive assembly in a second rotational direction during loading of the at least one torsion spring; a locking assembly comprising a stop member, the locking assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft member and including a ratchet pawl and gear assembly including at least one pawl and at least one gear configured to prevent rotation of the lever member in the second rotational direction during loading of the at least one torsion spring; and a lever member affixed to the shaft member between the drive assembly and the locking assembly and coupled to the second end of the at least one torsion spring, the lever member engaging the stop member to allow loading of the at least one torsion spring when the drive assembly is rotated in the first rotational direction, wherein a release of the stored energy of the torsion spring rotates the lever member in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.