Abstract: An emergency release mechanism for use with a door operator of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle for manually opening a door of this mass transit vehicle is provided. The emergency release mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism having a first and second fixed pivot and a movable pivot positioned between this first and second fixed pivot. The first fixed pivot is secured to a wall portion of the vehicle. A target member, capable of moving in a vertical direction, is provided. A clamping lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the clamping lever is pivotally attached to the second fixed pivot of the toggle mechanism and the second end of the clamping lever is capable of engaging the target member. An element is provided for mounting the clamping lever such that the clamping lever is capable of pivoting in a first and second direction to one of an engaging and disengaging position with respect to the target member.

Abstract: An electric door operator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a door pivotally mounted to a door frame of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle. The electric door operator comprises a pinion and an energy source for rotating or driving this pinion in opposite directions through opening and closing cycles of the door. A gear sector is also provided which is mounted for rotation in an opposite direction from the pinion. The gear sector is engageable with the pinion and capable of being driven by the pinion such that it rotates in one of an opening and closing direction upon rotation of the pinion. A shaft member having a first and second end is provided. The first end of the shaft member is secured to the gear sector and the second end of the shaft member is engageable with one of a base plate and a wall portion of the vehicle. A push bar is suspended from the gear sector for one of opening and closing the door upon rotation of the gear sector in one of the opening and closing directions.

Abstract: A latch door operator if provided for use with an electrical door operator for improving the sealing capabilities of a plug door commonly used in multi-passenger mass transit vehicles. The essential components of the latch door operator comprise a striker member suspended within the door frame which cooperates with a catcher member which is pivotally mounted to the door. The striker member is capable of moving in one of a first and second direction upon the application of a force thereto. An actuating device is provided for applying one of an actuating and retracting force to the striker member. The striker member also includes a nose portion located at a first end thereof. The catcher member, which is mounted to the door, has a first end portion which is capable of cooperating with the nose portion of the striker member upon the application of an actuating force to the striker member.

Abstract: An electric door operator for controlling the opening and closing of a door pivotally mounted to a door frame of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle is provided. The electric door operator comprises a gear sector having an aperture extending through a center portion thereof. The gear sector is mounted for rotation in opposite directions through opening and closing cycles of the door. A first supporting ring having a aperture extending through a center portion thereof is positioned adjacent to the gear sector such that the aperture of the first supporting ring is in alignment with the aperture of the gear sector to form an actuating assembly. A shaft member extends through the apertures of the gear sector and the first supporting ring. A push bar is suspended from the first supporting ring and is pivotally secured to a door lever.

Abstract: An emergency release mechanism for use with a door operator of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle for manually opening a door of this mass transit vehicle is provided. The emergency release mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism having a first and second fixed pivot and a movable pivot positioned between this first and second fixed pivot. The first fixed pivot is secured to a wall portion of the vehicle. A target member, capable of moving in a vertical direction, is provided. A clamping lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the clamping lever is pivotally attached to the second fixed pivot of the toggle mechanism and the second end of the clamping lever is capable of engaging the target member. A means is provided for mounting the clamping lever such that the clamping lever is capable of pivoting in a first and second direction to one of an engaging and disengaging position with respect to the target member.

Abstract: The invention is a rotary transfer apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from the shackles on one conveyor line to the shackles on another conveyor line. In particular, the apparatus of the invention can be used for transferring carcasses between a kill line and an evisceration line, a rotary member of the apparatus being positioned between those lines. The transfer apparatus may include a knife mechanism for removing the lower part of the legs of each carcass. The knife mechanism is fixed to the frame of the apparatus at one position on the periphery of the rotary member and acts on the carcasses as they pass that position. The apparatus of the invention is intended in part to replace what is at present in many poultry plants a manual operation.

Abstract: The invention is a rotary transfer apparatus for transferring poultry carcasses from the shackles on one conveyor line to the shackles on another conveyor line. In particular, the apparatus of the invention can be used for transferring carcasses between a kill line and an evisceration line, a rotary member of the apparatus being positioned between those lines. The transfer apparatus may include a knife mechanism for removing the lower part of the legs of each carcass. The knife mechanism is fixed to the frame of the apparatus at one position on the periphery of the rotary member and acts on the carcasses as they pass that position. The apparatus of the invention is intended in part to replace what is at present in many poultry plants a manual operation.