Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a first hinge half, a second hinge half, a spring, and a pin passing through the spring joining the first hinge half and the second hinge half. The spring in turn comprises a coil body, a first spring arm extending from the coil body having a first distal end portion, a second spring arm extending from the coil body having a second distal end portion, a first support extending from the first distal end portion towards the first hinge half and bearing on the first hinge half, and a second support extending from the second distal end portion towards the second hinge half and bearing on the second hinge half.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a main shaft (2), a torsion spring (6) and a housing (8). The main shaft has a first shaft end (20) and an opposite second shaft end (21). The main shaft includes a stopping mechanism (26) provided at the first shaft end. The torsion spring surrounds the main shaft. The torsion spring has two ends and a substantially hollow interior. The housing is cylinder-shaped and hollow, having a first housing end and a second housing end with a shaft-receiving opening. The main shaft and the torsion spring are inserted into the housing. The stopping mechanism stops the main shaft from becoming disassembled from the housing. The main shaft is inserted into the torsion spring and received in the shaft-receiving opening of the housing. Also included is an electronic device having such a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism is easily manufactured and has a nice interchangeability.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a first hinge half, a second hinge half, a spring, and a pin passing through the spring joining the first hinge half and the second hinge half. The spring in turn comprises a coil body, a first spring arm extending from the coil body having a first distal end portion, a second spring arm extending from the coil body having a second distal end portion, a first support extending from the first distal end portion towards the first hinge half and bearing on the first hinge half, and a second support extending from the second distal end portion towards the second hinge half and bearing on the second hinge half.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) includes a housing (12), a shaft (11), a fixing pin (14), a transposition mechanism (13) and a first spring (16). The housing has a circumferential wall defining a manual slot (121) and an automatic slot (123). Each of the manual slot and the automatic slot runs through a circumferential wall thereof. The shaft defines a pin hole (1141), and the shaft is engaged in the housing. The fixing pin passes through the pin hole of the shaft. One end of the fixing pin is alternatively received in the manual slot or the automatic slot. The transposition mechanism is configured for switching the pin from the manual slot to the automatic slot. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the housing to move relative to the shaft when the pin breaks away from the manual slot.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a main shaft (50), a fixing seat (80), a follower (44), a cam (42) and a first elastic element (30). The fixing seat is fixed with the main shaft. The follower is placed around the shaft, and the fixing seat selectively locks with the follower. The cam is placed around the shaft, and engages with the follower. The first elastic element provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other and provides a torsional force to make the cam and the follower rotate together.

Abstract: A hinge (20) is for joining housings of a foldable electronic device together. The hinge includes an axle (22), a clip (220) at one end of the axle, a spring (24), and a block (26) at an opposite end of the axle. The axle has a screw thread (224) thereon. The block has a screw hole (262) therein. Through engagement of the screw thread in the screw hole, the block is retained on the axle. The spring is retained between the clip and the block. The structure of the hinge is stable, by reason of the connection provided by the axle between the clip and the block. The mobile phone using the hinge can reduce or eliminate damaging impact that would otherwise occur when the cover is opened up from the main housing and reaches an open state.

Abstract: A swing hinge apparatus of a portable terminal is provided. In the portable terminal, a pair of housings is rotatably assembled while facing each other. The swing hinge apparatus includes a lower casing mounted and fixed to a first housing from among the pair of housings, a cam member mounted and fixed to a second housing from among the pair of housings and rotatably received in the lower casing, a guide groove formed on the lower casing and extending along a circumference, and a guide protrusion formed on a first surface of the cam member and moving along the guide groove according to rotation of the cam member, wherein both ends of the guide protrusion have inclined outer walls, both ends of the guide groove have inclined inner walls, and the guide protrusion is engaged with one of the inclined inner walls of the both ends of the guide groove, so as to limit a range of rotation of the cam member.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalance spring, a friction mechanism, and an independent pop-up element attached to a shaft. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalancing spring and an independent pop-up element attaches a display assembly to a base assembly of a portable computer.

Abstract: A damper apparatus is disclosed for damping movement between a first and a second element. The apparatus includes an elongate housing secured to the first element, the housing having a first and a second end. The housing defines a bore which extends between the ends of the housing. A rotor is connected to the second element, the rotor including a first and a second portion. The first portion of the rotor is rotatably disposed within the bore of the housing. A biasing device has a first and a second termination, the biasing device extending between the second portion of the rotor and the housing for rotationally biasing the rotor relative to the housing. A seal is disposed between the first and second portions of the rotor. The seal cooperates with the bore for sealing the bore relative to the second portion of the rotor such that in use of the apparatus, damping fluid sealed within the bore by the seal dampens rotational movement of the rotor relative to the bore when the rotor is rotationally biased.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle, two barrels and a coil spring. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. The coil spring has a central end secured on the pintle, and a free end secured on a monitor of the computer. When the computer is closed, the coil spring is compressed to provide an elastic force to automatically raise the monitor.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle, a resilient sleeve, and two barrels. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. The resilient sleeve is provided outside a middle part of the pintle between the barrels. The resilient sleeve has an elongated opening longitudinally defined therethrough, and two protrusions formed at two ends thereof. The barrels each have a lug abutting the respective protrusion. When the computer is closed, the resilient sleeve is compressed to provide an elastic force to raise the monitor from the body of the computer.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion. Accordingly, the hinge device has effects of a simple assembly and an easy maintenance. Also, the hinge device plays a role of a hinge which can freely adjust a torque transferred to the upper bracket to thus generate a proper frictional force constantly and adjust a rotational angle according to an angle formed by the upper and lower contacting portions of the holder.

Abstract: A shaft part (3A) of a second hinge member (3) is press-fitted into a support hole (23) of a first hinge member (2). By this, frictional resistance is generated between an inner peripheral surface of the support hole (23) and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft part (3A). A coiled spring (4) is disposed between the first hinge member (2) and the second hinge member (3). The coiled spring (4) biases the first and second hinge members (2, 3) such that when the first and second hinge members (2, 3) are turned in normal and reverse directions from a predetermined neutral position, the first and second hinge members (2, 3) are returned towards the neutral position side.

Abstract: A hinge construction for pivotably connecting a pair of members together, such as for connecting the access cover of a power inlet box used in connecting an auxiliary generator to the electrical system of a building. The construction includes a mounting member including a knuckle fixed to the power inlet box. An access member includes a pair of spaced apart, pivot lugs disposed one on each side of the knuckle for movement between a closed position in which the access cover engages the mounting member to prevent access to the power inlet box, and an open position for providing access to the power inlet box. A hinge pin passes through aligned apertures in the mounting member knuckle and the access cover lugs, and forms a rotational axis about which the access cover pivots. A torsion spring surrounds the hinge pin and has a first end retained in the mounting member knuckle and a second end disposed outside the access cover lugs.

Abstract: A free positioning hinge is especially used to a notebook computer, an electronic dictionary, a personal digital assistant, etc. for opening covers of these devices, or is used to a rear view mirror of a car. The free positioning hinge is formed by pivotally engaging a rotary shaft with a sleeve. The sleeve is formed by a plurality of stacking closed pads. Each pad has an axial hole. A hollow neck extends from the axial hole and two hollow shoulders are extended from the neck, thereby, two flexible arm portions being formed between the axial hole, the two shoulders, and the neck. The friction surface of the sleeve has a preferred flexibility so that it is difficult to damage the components assembled thereto. Furthermore, oil stored in the holes may provide a proper lubrication ability so as to prolong the lifetime of the device.

Abstract: A door closure mechanism is described including a base and a resilient element wherein the base includes surfaces which converge toward each other and wherein the resilient element, such as a torque rod, engages the converging surfaces so that the torque rod is more securely held in the base.

Abstract: A rotary damper is adapted to exert braking force to an upswung door, a toilet lid or the like when the door is closed and dampen the impact produced by the closing door by a damping force far greater than the one obtained by a conventional rotary damper using viscous shearing resistance. The rotary damper can also make the door open by a force far smaller than a conventional rotary damper. A movable shaft is rotatably housed in a casing and has a cylindrical shaft section including an arcuate non-resilient section extending from a peripheral edge thereof to an axial base line close to the other free peripheral edge thereof and an eccentric resilient section extending from the axial base line to the other free peripheral edge thereof with its eccentricity increasing as a function of the distance from the base line relative to the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface so as resiliently abut the inner peripheral surface.

Abstract: There is provided a hinge device for a foldable apparatus which comprises a first member provided with a first hinge sleeve rigidly secured thereto and with a first abutment peripheral edge and a second member provided with a second hinge sleeve with a second abutment peripheral edge slidably held in abutment with the first abutment peripheral edge; wherein said hinge device further comprises a first disk unrotatably fitted into said first hinge sleeve and a second disk unrotatably fitted into said second hinge sleeve; and either the first abutment facet of the first disk or the second abutment facet of the second disk being provided with a plurality of engaging recesses arranged at predetermined angular positions thereof; the other being provided with a plurality of engaging projections adapted to become engaged with the each engaging recesses under the effect of resilient force of a coil spring, the engagement of said engaging projections and said engaging recesses being switched by an opening or closing mo

Abstract: A hinge which includes a first leaf member, a second leaf member, and a pin rotatably connecting the first leaf member to the second leaf member. The hinge also includes a first contact member connected to the first leaf member and a second contact member connected to the second leaf member. A contact portion of the first contact member and the second contact member establish an electrical connection with each other.

Abstract: The device serves for storing energy. A spatial work range is defined by a displacement path upon compression of at least one spring of the spring storage. Along the work range in the working direction, at least two springs are arranged which are impinged in temporal succession upon compression and relaxation, respectively. For impinging the springs, at least one stationary retaining element and a mobile runner are provided. A spring loaded at a first point of time is immobilized in such a way that during a further displacement of the runner no further force is exerted by this spring between runner and retaining element. Reactivation of the immobilized springs is provided in temporal succession upon a reverse movement of the runner.

Abstract: An armrest assembly comprising a bin defining a storage compartment and a cover hinged to the bin for movement between open and closed positions. A shaft rotatably supports the cover on the bin for pivotal movement of the cover relative to the bin. A helical torsion spring is coiled about the shaft and has one end reacting with the bin and the other end reacting with the cover for continuously urging the cover to the open position. A detent, having at least one caming surface, is disposed on the shaft for engaging the bin and is rotatable with the cover for retaining the cover in at least one detent position. The detent is located between the bin and the spring. Accordingly, the spring continuously biases the detent axially against the bin and also continuously biases the cover to the open position.

Abstract: A hinge axle device for a LCD monitor has two springs each respectively disposed on a sleeve covering a pivot and between a carrier and a seat to provide a suitable resistance force for turning the LCD monitor either upwards or downwards. It is, therefore, convenient for users to use the hinge axle device in a LCD monitor to acquire satisfied performance.

Abstract: A compound torque hinge comprising a first rotating shaft rotatably mounted through a partition wall within a hinge case having the partition wall; a first rotation control working on the first rotating shaft and mounted on one side of the partition wall of the hinge case; and a second rotation control mean coaxially mounted on the other side of the partition wall of the hinge case. The first rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating shaft of the second rotation control. The first rotating is a cam mechanism provided with spring and the second rotation control is a fluid damper.

Abstract: A wind deflector for reducing noise at a vehicle roof opening has a wind deflector blade (1) which is pivotally mounted by at least one pivot bearing to pivot about a pivot axis C extending crosswise to the direction of travel. The pivot bearing has two partial bearing shafts (6, 7) which are spaced apart axially on a longitudinal edge (8) of the wind deflector blade and are mounted in bearing blocks (12, 13) on the roof which, for axial insertion of the partial shaft (6, 7), are open at their respective axial ends and are closed at the opposite ends (14, 15) for axial supporting of an end of the partial shafts (6, 7). Between the two partial shafts (6, 7) there is a coil spring (16) which is biased at one end on a first spring housing (17) fixed to the roof in the region of a first partial shaft (6) and at the other end on a second spring housing (18, 19) on the wind deflector blade side in the region of the second partial shaft (7).

Abstract: A tilt hinge supports a cover so that the cover can lightly be opened and can be held in an inclined position at an optional angular position. The tilt hinge comprises: a mounting member having a mounting plate and a bearing plate, and attached to a main unit of a machine; a stepped shaft having an expanded section and a reduced section of a diameter smaller than that of the expanded section, supported for rotation on the bearing plate; a support member for supporting a cover, fixed to the shaft; a torsion coil spring wound around the shaft and resiliently engaged between the support member and the mounting member; and a friction mechanism interlocked with the bearing plate and the shaft.

Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support system for varying the display angle of a monitor. The support system includes a hinge assembly for rotatably coupling the monitor to a base member, the base member having a lower surface for contacting a support surface. A spring assembly is coupled to the hinge assembly and an adapter connects the hinge assembly and spring assembly to the base member. The hinge assembly and the spring assembly provide angular positional control of the monitor with respect to the base member.

Abstract: A hinge construction has a fixed hinge member and a movable hinge member fixed to a mandrel, the mandrel being rotatably supported on the fixed hinge member, and a single coil spring one end of which is anchored immovably to the fixed hinge member the other end being free the coil spring closely surrounding the mandrel, an interior surface of the spring being in contact only with the mandrel, the arrangement being such that movement of the movable hinge member in one direction rotates the mandrel in a sense acting to uncoil the coil-spring thus allowing free movement of the movable hinge member whereas movement of the movable hinge member in the opposite direction acts to cause the coil-spring to tighten about the mandrel and thus resist movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge which needs only small force to be turned in one rotational direction and relatively larger force to be turned in the opposite direction. The hinge comprises a pair of hinge members each having a cylindrical end and a fixing portion, the fixing portion having at least one aperture defined therein. An intermediate member is disposed between and pivotally connected to the pair of hinge members, the intermediate member having opposite cylindrical ends respectively aligned with and adjacent to the cylindrical ends of the pair of hinge members. A pair of helical springs with leads extending in directions opposite to each other are retained around and have different magnitudes of retaining forces acting upon corresponding adjacent ends of the intermediate member and the pair of hinge members.

Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.

Abstract: A furniture hinge (10) comprises a first cup-shaped element (11) and a second arm-shaped element (12) pivoted together to rotate reciprocally from an open position to a closed position. The arm-shaped element (12) is made of sheet metal with one end (20) bent to wind round a hinge pin (21) supported in the cup (11). The bent end of the arm-shaped element (12) also defines bearing surfaces (22) for a double twist pressure spring (23) which pushes the first and second element towards the closed position starting from a position close to the latter. A U-bolt forms the hinge pin (21) and a pin (26) supporting the spring.

Abstract: A hinge assembly allows a display housing to pivot relative to a portable computer base. The hinge assembly has a pivot shaft attached to the display housing and a spring. The spring has two ends. One end is attached to the display housing, and the other end is attached to the base. The spring counteracts the torque created by the weight of the display housing. This allows a smaller, lighter friction mechanism to be used to allow the display housing to remain in an open position at an angular orientation selected by the user. The hinge assembly further provides a mechanism for passing a wire harness through the hinge assembly, the wire harness providing electrical interconnection between the display and the computer base.

Abstract: A cable actuator control assembly for motion furniture such as lounge chairs having shiftable footrests and the like, includes a cable assembly (16), a cable actuator module (12) having a pivot assembly (46) connecting rearward base (18) and front handle (20) for shifting a cable (92) between first and second positions, a channel including an apertured bight (78) connecting opposed legs (80 and 82), and bolts (88) for biasing channel (14) into engagement with boss (28). Self-tensioning pivot assembly (52) includes coaxially aligned pins (62 and 64) connected by coiled spring (72).

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing including an enclosure with its cover having a hinge a spring for controlling the opening of the cover and a mechanism for cushioning the opening movement of the cover. The mechanism for cushioning the open movement includes at least one substantially resilient foam block and/or flexion spring disposed in the casing so as to act during the substantial portion of the opening travel of the cover whilst absorbing the energy imparted thereto for its opening.

Abstract: A retractable clothes hanger (10) having a pair of garment support arms that can be positioned in either a normal, extended position or a retracted position. When the arms are retracted, the clothes hanger can be easily inserted and removed from a narrow necked garment such as a turtleneck sweater. The first and second garment support arms are integrally attached to a first and second inner section respectfully with each inner section having a first and second engagement end. The two engagement ends, which are designed to rotatably intermesh, include a plurality of hook bores that when intermeshed, a notch is formed. A hinge spring is then inserted into the notch which normally biases the two garment support arms in their extended position. Into the plurality of bores is inserted the hanger support hook which in addition to functioning as a hanger hook also rotatably secures the two garment support arms. Two push nuts are positioned to secure the hook to the two garment arms.

Abstract: A closure apparatus for a subsurface pit for servicing an aircraft located beneath an aircraft servicing surface across which aircraft travel is provided with an improved spring biasing arrangement. The system employs separate springs interposed between the hollow body of the pit and the lid so as to urge the pit lid from its horizontal seated position toward a fully raised position. Obstructions are provided for separately intercepting and disengaging the springs from acting against the pit lid as the pit lid is opened through intermediate angular positions between the horizontal seated position and the fully raised position. By sequentially isolating the pit lid from the action of each of the springs, one at a time, the moment of spring force opposing closure of the lid more closely follows the moment of the force of gravity tending to close the lid. This substantially reduces the maximum manual force that is thereby required to overcome gravity in opening the pit lid.

Abstract: A single-articulation door hinge with a pressure closing device is associated with a hinge arm mounted in a hinge barrel on a hinge pin. Leg springs engage the hinge pin and, in conjunction with the pressure roller, provide spring mounting for the hinge arm. The leg springs are fixed in place by being clipped on to the hinge pin and function with the hinge arm as a spring clip.

Abstract: A hinge construction for the effectuation or hingedly articulated connection between a lid and an aperture which is located on a plate member. More particularly, there is provided a hinge structure which facilitates a spring-biased floating sealing connection between the lid and a surface about the aperture on the plate member, which may be a component of a mechanically interlocked switch box cover, adapted to impart a uniform sealing pressure to a gasket interposed between structure mounting the lid on the hinge and the surface about the aperture. The hinge arm portion depending from a disc-like member which rotatably mounts the cup-shaped lid, is provided with a hinge pin-receiving through hole of an essentially oblong cross-sectional configuration along its length, and in which the major axis of the oblong hole extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the lower surface of the disc member which has a sealing gasket for contacting the surface about the aperture in the plate member.

Abstract: A hydraulic buffer hinge for a door comprising a hydraulic buffer mechanism having a piston and a piston rod supported on a spring and received inside a hydraulic oil container to slowing down the return stroke of two swinging plates when the door, onto which the swinging plates are fastened, is closed.

Abstract: Utility clamp for use in a laboratory or other environment containing caustic elements. The clamp has a fully-enclosed hinge which is isolated from the environment. The critical hinge components such as the hinge pin and coil spring are internally located in the hinge and are protected from corrosion or attack by agents which might contact the clamp during normal use. A method is also provided for assembling the clamp whereby pre-loaded springs are positioned within the internal cavity to normally bias the jaws of the clamp in an open position relative to each other.

Abstract: A door hinge with automatic returning means composed of; a male hinge member (1), a female hinge member (2), an inner sleeve (3), a transmission rod (4), main spring (5), a driving element (6), a buffer spring (7) and a retainer (8), in which, the male and female hinge members will take an angle of rotation in anti-clockwise when the door is proceeding to its open position, and in turn to effect the driving element and transmission rod to rotate in synchronized operation respectively. When the movement for driving element is being effected through a helical motion of external/internal thread engagement, and with the restraint imposed onto this element by outer sleeve of female hinge member, this element will move upward to press the main spring to retract.

Abstract: A spring loaded door hinge comprising a rod that moves with the door as the door pivots. Attached to the door frame is a flange. The door is attached to the rod by means of collars. The tails of the coil springs extend from the rod so that they may, depending upon their position, be in position to strike the door frame flange thereby preventing a large shock from being transferred to the door if it is swung open violently. Also the spring hinge allows the door to be easily opened initially with resistance to the door opening being controlled by the positioning of the tails of the coil springs. The springs are distributed vertically to prevent twisting of the door and frame. The tails of the spring coils are hooked so that the can engage the door frame flange if extreme force is placed upon the door when opening. The hooks set a limit as to how far the door may be opened and prevent the spring tail from binding between the flange and the spring coil.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a door hinge comprising a spring that plays the role of both a torsion spring and a compression spring, wherein its resilient force is used for axially pressing a movable cam against a matching fixed cam it comprises and thereby facilitating the opening and closing motion of the door with which it is used by giving said cams such specific configurations that the spring accelerates the opening motion of the door from a given angular position of the door and locks the door at a particular open position and at a closed position.

Abstract: A portable data-processing terminal is provided comprising a central unit, a keyboard and a screen, the keyboard being disconnectable whereas the screen is connected to the central unit by an articulation device comprising at least one (cranked) bent lever, one end of which is articulated to a first face of said central unit, whereas the other end is articulated to the screen. With the (cranked) bent shape of the lever, the screen may be folded back against a second face of the central unit.

Abstract: A lid arrangement for a computer or the like. One side of the lid is movably connected to a casing and has a device for controlling movement of the lid with respect to the causing. The device comprises an ear portion protruding from the movably connected side of the lid, a cover member cooperating with the ear portion to define a hollow space therebetween, a shaft member longitudinally extending between the ear portion and cover member in the hollow space, and a torsion spring fitted to and surrounding the shaft. The torsion spring has a helical portion with first and second endmost turns. Each endmost turn has an arm extending from the shaft including a straight portion and a bending portion. The bending portion of each endmost turn each has a bent portion and a tip opposite the bent portion. When the lid moves towards the casing, the bending portions are compressed in opposing directions by the ear portion and cover member, thereby controlling the lid's motion with respect to the casing.

Abstract: A joint device, wherein a shaft is supported by a base member, and can rotate in a first direction and a second direction. Two coil springs are mounted on the shaft. The first coil spring has an end fixed to the base member. The inner diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft. The first coil spring is wound around the shaft in the first direction. The first coil spring is wound tightly around the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the first direction. An arm is attached to the shaft. The arm twists the free end of the first coil spring in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the first coil spring. The second coil spring also has an end fixed to the base member. The free end of the second coil spring is twisted when the shaft is rotated in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the second coil spring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge construction of two mounting plates and a substantially U-shaped center link which connects the axes of pivot of the two plates. The link and plates contain stop mechanisms which determine their respective limits of pivot. In addition, the hinge contains a means for restraining the rotation of only one of the mounting plates around its corresponding link arm to insure a pattern of motion that is always consistent, and allows for the hinge to be mounted with a very narrow gap between the members being joined. The hinge of the present invention can be variably constructed to conform to a number of alternative uses.

Abstract: An ice discharging apparatus of an ice dispenser comprises an openable door normally urged resiliently to a closed state by means of a torsion coil spring and adapted to be openable by a door actuator under the control of a control apparatus. The torsion coil spring includes an intermediate coil portion substantially of a cylindrical form and at least one end coil portion having an inner diameter greater than an average diameter of the intermediate coil portion in the unloaded state. The torsion coil spring has at least one arm extending from an end of the coil spring and having an extension secured in contact with a stationary part of the apparatus or a part of the openable door at an intermediate portion thereof and subsequently bent to constitute an inactive portion in which an annular mounting member for mounting the torsion coil spring is formed at the free end thereof.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for shower stalls has a helical spring on the hinge pin, positioned in a gap between the coaxial hinge sleeves, the ends of this spring being attached respectively to the two pieces of the hinge so as to apply biasing spring tension to hold the door closed.

Abstract: A resettable fire link includes a first member (12) that pivotally supports a latch arm (20) thereon with a bi-metallic coil spring (30) interposed between the first member and the free end of the latch arm to normally bias the latch arm into a latched position with a release plate (50). The bi-metallic coil spring pivots the latch arm to a release position upon being elevated in temperature.