Abstract: An air damper comprises a cylinder having a first opening and a second opening, a piston that moves in the cylinder, a piston rod coupled to the piston and moving in and out at the first opening of the cylinder; and a cap positioned at the second opening of the cylinder. The piston rod has a continuous outer wall and an opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The cross-sectional view of the piston rod taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is an inverse U-shape, an inverse V-shape, a C-shape, or the like. The piston rod has a fixing ring at the leading end. A plane containing the opening is perpendicular to a plane defined by the fixing ring. The piston rod is fixed to a glove box so that the opening faces downward.

Abstract: A pressure medium cylinder with a piston rod (1) extending out on one side has a cylinder floor (3), which closes off the cylinder tube (2) on the piston side with a fastening element (4), and a function block (5), placed upon the former, with function elements (6 to 9). In order to improve the connection between cylinder floor (3) and function block (5), the cylinder floor (3) has at least one cylindrical outer connection area (17) into which the pressure medium lines (19, 20) that lead to the work chambers (11, 18) open to the outside and onto which the function block (5) is placed and attached with a sealed through-hole (21), into which the pressure medium lines of the function elements (5 to 9) open.

Abstract: A door closer and mounting bracket for attaching the door closer to either the door or the door frame. The door closer includes two pins at one end for engaging corresponding holes on the mounting bracket and the mounting bracket includes a resilient clip for engaging the body of the door closer.

Abstract: A door closer and mounting bracket for attaching the door closer to either the door or the door frame. The door closer includes a lip at one end for engaging a corresponding hook on the mounting bracket and a screw passageway at the other end for engaging a screw on the mounting bracket. A unique mounting hole pattern is used to prevent installing the mounting bracket in the wrong orientation.

Abstract: A door closer and mounting bracket for attaching the door closer to either the door or the door frame. The door closer includes a lip at one end for engaging a corresponding hook on the mounting bracket and a screw passageway at the other end for engaging a screw on the mounting bracket. A unique mounting hole pattern is used to prevent installing the mounting bracket in the wrong orientation.

Abstract: A pneumatic movement damper has a cylinder closed on one side, a piston that slides within the cylinder and is connected to a piston rod, a packing mounted on the piston and a throttle passage arranged in the piston for connecting the two cylinder spaces separated by the piston and the packing. The piston has a conical seat that widens away from the piston rod and a flange part adjacent to the largest diameter of the conical seat. The packing has a truncated recess that matches the conical seat and can move within limits in the axial direction between the flange part and a ring-shaped flange arranged on the piston rod at an axial distance from the flange part. Radial grooves are provided in the faces of the flange part and ring-shaped flange normal to the axis of the cylinder and oriented towards the packing. The groove provided in the flange part has a smaller cross-section than the groove arranged in the ring-shaped flange and forms the throttle passage.

Abstract: A method of providing security to a self-service checkout terminal having a bagwell and a light curtain device that generates a light curtain which is positioned over the bagwell includes the step of locating a grocery container in the bagwell. The method also includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when a product code associated with an item is entered into the terminal. The method further includes the step of advancing the item through the light curtain and into the grocery container and generating a first detection control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating an invalid-use control signal when the first detection control signal is generated prior to generation of the item-entered control signal. A self-service checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved mechanism (22) for checking reciprocating operative devices (10) to include door systems, by means of an improved rocker-washer mechanism (22) adapted to pivot (24) and frictionally engage the device (10) comprising at least one rod (16) that reciprocatively functions from within a body (12) having a biasing operative means (11), that upon extension of said rod (16) from said body (12), the bias 11-A and 11-B acting to control the reciprocation of said rod (16); the mechanism (22) including a central structure (34) forming an aperture configuration (26) which is mountable and disposable axially (17) upon the surface of the rod (16), said aperture (26) bounding two opposing loci (26-A) and (26-B) relationally composed upon a common axis of symmetry (32) which is realized when mounted upon a cross-section of the rod (16); each locus (26-A) and (26-B) comprising at least one metallic point (28) for creating a substantial friction pressure torsionally applied onto said rod (16) to engage said mechanis

Abstract: A door closer has a cylindrical body `A` installed in a swing door and a base plate `B` fixed to a wall `C` standing still and near the door. The body `A` has an oil-hydraulic third cylinder 3 fixed by a connecting pin 4 in a second cylinder 2, which slides in a first cylinder 1 serving as an outer casing. A piston rod 7 displaceable into and out of the third cylinder has a front end fixed to a piston 5 in this, and a rear end fixed to a piston 6 at rear end of the second cylinder. A tie rod 9 connects the second cylinder's front end to the base plate, and an airtight chamber 10 is defined between the piston 6 and the first cylinder's inner end wall. An air suction passage 12 is formed through which the chamber communicates with atmosphere, a one-way valve 11 disposed in the passage allows only suction of air into the chamber, and a thin ventilation hole 13 communicates with the airtight chamber.

Abstract: A checking mechanism (22) to frictionally check reciprocative devices (10) comprising a rod (16) that functions within a body (12) controlling a biasing means (11); the mechanism (22) providing superior leverage and torsion causing substantial direct frictional pressure (29) upon the rod (16), mountable axially (17) through an aperture configuration (26) bounded by a central structure (34) comprising a fulcrum locus (26-A) opposing a counter locus (26-B), both composed upon a common axis of symmetry (32) and each providing at least one opposing friction point (28) to create the direct frictional pressure (29) within an axial plane (30), torsionally urged upon the surfaces (16-A) (16-B) of the rod (16) wherein the distance between the opposing points (28) is less than the diameter of the rod (16), thus the pressure (29) created between the points (28) is not linearly aligned upon the common axis of symmetry (32); the mechanism (22) leveraged by a trigger appendage (38) fixated to the central structure (34) for

Abstract: A cover device for a door closure mechanism includes a detachably mounted shell which has a generally C-shaped cross section and is formed by an elongated wall. The wall has an inside surface which terminates laterally in opposing side edges. An elongated trough extends adjacent the inside surface of the wall and is adapted to receive the door closure housing. A pair of opposing jaw members protrude from the inside surface of the wall adjacent each of the side edges respectively. The opposing jaw members define a lateral opening, the lateral opening is smaller than the diameter of trough. The jaw members are resiliently or elastically deflectable in an outward direction to enlarge the throat opening so as to permit the door closure housing to be inserted laterally into the trough. Once the jaw members have been deflected over the full diameter of the housing, the jaw members spring inwardly to frictionally retain the cover on the door closure housing of the door closure mechanism.

Abstract: A hold-open door clip can be disengaged with simple outward pressure on the door. A counterweight body section causes the clip to assume a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod when in its free hanging position. The end of the piston housing will engage a tang that extends from the top edge of a first body section and will slide the hold-open clip freely along the piston rod.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a door closer which is rendered optionally operative to effect either a controlled closing of the door upon opening or to automatically latch or arrest the door in the open position as may be desired. This is attained by a closer housing having a cylinder chamber and a connected latching chamber in which a piston is reciprocally mounted in the cylinder chamber which is biased by a compression spring toward the closed position. The piston rod connected to the piston extends through the end of the latching chamber and a latching member and an associated recoil spring is slidably disposed on the piston rod within the latching chamber. An arming device extends into the latching chamber which is shiftable between an armed position and an unarmed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing improved attachment and securement for a reciprocating operative device stability control bracket (26) which comprises an arm structure (32) connected to a basal structure (28), and functions from a predetermined location which is proximal to the edge (38) of a surface (36), the improvements including a reinforcement basal attachment plate (10) of larger dimensions than the basal structure (28) of the stability control bracket (26) whereby a fastening means (12) is provided; a chambered area (14) providing securement for said basal structure (28) of the stability control bracket (26); and a primary slot (20) for accommodating the protruding arm structure (32) also of the stability control bracket (26). Furthermore, the exterior edge (16) or any interior edge (17) of the chambered area (14) may provide a secondary slot (24) whereby the stability control bracket (26) may optionally mount and demount.

Abstract: A blocking device for preventing a door closer from achieving a degree of rotation corresponding to a door hold-open position. A blocking device is provided which can be selectively protruded into a door closer housing to block the translation of a cam plate under influence of a rotating cam operatively connected to one of either the door or the door frame such that the 90.degree. or 105.degree. typical door hold open position cannot be achieved. The blocking device can be a rotatable limit bar which can be positioned to an interference or no-interference position, or it can be screw pins which can be threadingly inserted into the housing to block either the cam or other moving portions of the door closer such that the closer cannot achieve the door hold open position.

Abstract: An improved multi-stage door closer for automatically closing a door after the door is opened, is disclosed. It contains a cylinder having three sections each with a different diameter, with the middle section having the largest diameter. A pair of speed adjusting mechanisms are provided which are sleeved about a piston rod placed inside the cylinder. Each of the speed adjusting mechanism contains a rotatable piston head, which will rotate with the cylinder, and a fixed piston head, which will not rotate with the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable piston head contains a radially extending groove in communication with an axially extending graded groove, and the fixed piston head contains a spiraled or serpentined O-ring that cuts across the axially extending graded groove.

Abstract: A latch mechanism of the push-push type comprises a latching member and a latch track member which are adapted to be respectively snap-fittingly mounted upon a closure member and a closure housing such that the latch mechanism constitutes an independent or separate latching entity or unit which may be readily incorporated within or mounted upon any closure assembly such as, for example, a cup holder, an ashtray, or a glove compartment door assembly within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed for use with an air damper assembly. The air damper assembly is used for controlling the dampening rate of an openable object and includes a piston head having a molded channel therein and a lip seal member disposed around the connecting member of the piston head to form a continuous seal therebetween. The piston head is formed of a pair of axially spaced-apart first and second circular plate members which are connected by the connecting member. The second circular plate member is formed of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular plate member so as to allow the outer peripheral portion of the lip seal member to collapse and become disengaged from the inner peripheral sidewall of the housing member. The latch mechanism latches the piston at its retracted position within its cylinder or housing.

Abstract: A door closer employing a cylinder having an end attachable to a door or door frame and slidably retaining a piston biased by a spring to a maximum retracted position in the cylinder. One end of a rod is attached to the piston and the other end extends from the cylinder and is attachable to a door frame or door. Confined to a short longitudinal space in the cylinder and riding on the rod, is a cantable washer. Structural members at the ends of the washer space in the cylinder maintain the washer in an essentially perpendicular orientation on the rod so that it may slide through the washer freely as the door is opened or closed. A positionable support, longitudinally buttressed from the cylinder, is introducible into the washer space so that the support may contact the washer on initiation of retraction of the rod into the cylinder causing the washer to cant, arrest the piston rod, and hold the door open. To unlatch the door, the positionable support is withdrawn to avoid canting contact with the washer.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a door suitable for use in association with door closing piston assemblies having a spring-biased reciprocable door closing piston rod and a latch plate transversely slidable along the length of the piston rod. By use of the present invention, a momentary initial rotational bias may be imparted to the latch plate automatically and electronically, thereby causing it to shift the latch plate towards a rotated angle while the door is closing, and to facilitate pre-positioning the latch plate to set into a locking hold-open orientation without any subsequent manual adjustment.

Abstract: An air damper assembly for controlling the dampening rate of an openable object includes a piston head having a molded channel therein and a lip seal member disposed around the connecting member of the piston head to form a continuous seal therebetween. The piston head is formed of a pair of axially spaced-apart first and second circular plate members which are connected by the connecting member. The second circular plate member is formed of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular plate member so as to allow the outer peripheral portion of the lip seal member to collapse and become disengaged from the inner peripheral sidewall of the housing member.

Abstract: A multi-stage door closer for automatically closing a door after the door is opened; it contains a cylinder having three sections each with a different diameter. The middle section has the largest diameter. A pair of speed adjusting mechanisms are provided which are sleeved about a piston rod placed inside the cylinder. Each of the speed adjusting mechanism contains a rotatable piston head, which will rotate with the cylinder, and a fixed piston head, which will not rotate with the cylinder. By cooperated actions among the variously-sized sections of the cylinder and the pair of speed adjusting mechanisms, each speed adjusting mechanism can be separately adjusted to control the door closing speed at various stages of the door closing action. For example, the door closer can be designed such that the first speed adjusting mechanism is made to control the door closing speed during the first 10.degree.; whereas, the second speed adjusting mechanism is made to control the door closing speed after the first 10.

Abstract: A pneumatic door closer has an elongated cylinder with a bore extending axially thereof and end walls, and a piston is slidably reciprocable within the bore. The piston is integrally fabricated of a synthetic resin with a generally circular cross section, and it has a circumferential groove adjacent one end thereof providing a neck portion dividing the axial length thereof into a head portion and a body portion. The groove has a generally radially extending wall surface on the head portion, an outwardly diverging wall surface on the body portion, and an axially extending bottom wall surface. The head portion has at least one passage extending through the head portion into the groove to allow air to flow therethrough. A sealing ring of resiliently deformable material is disposed in the groove and is of greater diameter than the piston so as to project outwardly thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus including a suction mechanism for holding open a door or similar member for a predetermined time period, whereupon the door is automatically released and is able to return to its closed position. The period of time during which the suction mechanism is active may be determined by means of an adjustable air leakage to the suction mechanism. The entire mechanism is attached to the inner surface of the door and the necessary relative motion of parts achieved by a connecting rod attached to the adjacent door jam. Spring or equivalent means are provided to protect the door and apparatus against overload by accidental movement of the door when firmly held open.

Abstract: An air damper utilizing only recirculating internal air for dampening in one direction of movement an openable object includes inner and outer cylinder members, primary and secondary shafts, first and second controllable orifice structures, primary and secondary end caps, and primary and secondary compression springs. The first controllable orifice structure restrains the flow of air from a first shaft chamber to the first head chamber to pass only through a first orifice in accordance with the movement of the primary shaft in a first axial direction. The second controllable orifice structure restrains the flow of air from a second shaft chamber to a second head chamber to pass only through a second orifice in accordance with the movement of the secondary shaft in the first axial direction.

Abstract: Door control apparatus is provided for a sliding door for use with a boat or a ship. The door control apparatus is unbiased in either direction and will substantially maintain any position in which it is placed, except during extreme rolling or pitching of the boat or ship due to heavy weather conditions. The door control apparatus provides for equal but opposite force to open the door as to close the door. The door control apparatus includes piston and cylinder means with fixed orifices. Other than the piston its associated parts, there are no moving parts to the mechanism.

Abstract: A door closing piston-cylinder assembly which is designed to permit the door initially to move to closed position relatively rapidly but with controlled restraint until it approaches the fully closed position whereupon the door continues to move but considerably more slowly so that it will close smoothly and softly. The cylinder has a large diameter bore adjacent one end and a bore of smaller diameter adjacent the other end. A piston assembly has a first piston dimensioned to reciprocate in the large bore and a second piston of smaller diameter dimensioned to reciprocate in the smaller bore. The pistons have check valves which close when the pistons move in one direction and open when they move in the opposite direction. The smaller piston has a metering valve which is open at all times. A bleeder valve is provided in the end of the cylinder having the small bore. A coil spring is provided to move the pistons in a direction to close the door.

Abstract: A mounting plate enables the bracket of a conventional door closer to be removably retained to a door casing or the like. The mounting plate has a pair of tabs that define slots for slidingly receiving the flanges of the closer bracket. A stop permits entry of the closer bracket into the mounting plate slots from only one direction and also limits sliding in that direction. Bumps on the mounting plate cooperate with the closer bracket mounting holes to loosely restrain the closer bracket from sliding out of the mounting plate in the other direction. After the mounting plate is secured to the door casing or the like, the closer bracket is slid into the mounting plate slots, and the closer bracket functions in a completely normal manner. When the closer bracket must be removed to provide full utilization of the door opening, it is necessary only to slide the closer bracket out of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A door closure delay device is provided for connection to a door and a frame, whereby the user may delay the closing of the door by actuating a pneumatic timer which is coupled to a pneumatic or hydraulic door closer. The door closer includes a housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the interior of the housing, and a piston or other means for pressurizing the fluid within the housing. The timer includes a control mechanism for setting the amount of time desired to keep the door open, and a timing valve which is normally open but closes when the timer is actuated. When the door is opened and the pneumatic or hydraulic timer actuated, the door remains open for the selected period of time during which the timing valve prevents fluid pressurized within the housing from escaping, and upon the expiration of the selected time period, the timing valve opens and allows the door to close.

Abstract: A door holder that includes a holding member adapted to be secured between the door and a frame of the door. The holding member includes a lever that may be clamped in either a first released position in which the door is freed to be opened and closed or a second holding position in which the door is held open. A foot operated actuating means operated by a user controls the lever to move it into a clamping position to hold the door open.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the opening and closing of a pivotally mounted member comprising an elongated housing having a closed end and an open end and an inner annular cylindrical space. An annular cylindrical slide having an inner and an outer end is slidably mounted in the space for longitudinal movement into and out of the housing and a spring centrally mounted between the housing and the slide retains the slide in the housing in a retracted position. Braking devices are provided for retarding movement of the slide in either direction that include nozzle-shaped orifices communicating the inner space with the outside of the housing so that air has to flow into and out of said orifice as the slide moves relative to the housing. Locking devices hold the slide in an extended position, the locking devices being releaseable by pulling the slide out of the housing a short distance, and journal devices are at the outer end of the slide for connecting the slide to a pivotally mounted member.

Abstract: A door closer is provided of the cylinder/piston type wherein the closer is pivotably mounted to the door at a point adjacent to the piston rod end of the cylinder; a leaf type helper spring may be added between the cylinder and the door; said configuration being capable of providing increased closing force to the door as the door closes.

Abstract: A return apparatus includes a first hollow cylindrical member and a second hollow cylindrical member sleeved in the first cylindrical member to create a telescoping movement in a sealed relationship. The first cylindrical member has a first and a second closed end to define a first sealed chamber. The second cylindrical member has a first closed end protruding beyond the first closed end of the first cylindrical member and a second closed end having a flange radially extended therefrom to seal and engage movably with the inner face of the first cylindrical member in the first chamber. A floating piston is mounted in the axial bore of the second cylindrical member defining a second chamber and a third chamber. The third chamber is provided with a compressible gas. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid under the pressure of the compressible gas. In this way, the second cylindrical member can be retracted to an original position after it is pulled outward by an axially external force.

Abstract: A safety device for sliding windows or doors comprising a hydraulic cylinder assembly including a piston and piston rod wherein the piston rod is pivotally secured at its lower end and is made adjustable so that the sliding window or door may be moved from a fully closed position to variable open positions.

Abstract: A door closer is set forth having a housing, a plunger rod in the housing with a plunger at the inner end of the rod, and a main spring around the rod between the plunger and a housing end for urging the rod into the housing. An actuator carried at the housing end with an opening for the rod and mounted for transverse sliding motion relative to the rod, with a spring for urging the actuator into a latch space in the rod is utilized. With the door closer connected to a door, the actuator slides into the latch space when the door has been opened, to hold the door open. A further opening movement raises the actuator out of the latch space and a sleeve maintains the actuator raised, permitting closing of the door.

Abstract: A hinge system for a large or heavy cover member hinged to a container member. A container hinge plate is secured to a side wall of the container member and a cover hinge plate is secured to the side wall of the cover member and rotatably connected to the first hinge means at a hinge pivot means. A gas strut unitary with and pivotably mounted to the container and cover hinge plates raises and lowers the cover member to open and closed positions relative to the container member. The gas strut is pivotably attached to the container and cover hinge plates. A quick connect-disconnect plate removably connected to the cover hinge plate and rotatably connected to the hinge pivot is used to connect or disconnect the container hinge plate from the cover hinge plate and thus to connect or disconnect the cover member to or from the container member and thus connect or disconnect the container member to or from the cover member. The hinge system including the quick connect-disconnect plate can be mounted to a heavy door.

Abstract: Automatic door closers have a latch mechanism for holding the door open. In one mode of operation, the latching of the door is effected automatically when the door is opened. Tapping the door closer cylinder upwardly releases the latch mechanism and allows the door to close. Manual manipulation of the latch mechanism is required to latch the door open in a second mode of operation. However, in this mode of operation, the latch mechanism can be released simply by opening the door slightly beyond its latched position. The door closer includes a cylinder with a rectilinearly displaceable piston rod housed therein and extending through one cylinder head; and the latch mechanism comprises that cylinder head and a notch in the piston rod into which cylinder head is fitted to keep the piston rod from telescoping into the cylinder. The opposite end of the cylinder and the exposed end of the piston rod are attached to the door and the door frame.

Abstract: A fluid shock absorber of either the pneumatic or liquid type having a frustoconical threaded bleed plug for varying the shock absorbing capacity of the shock absorber. A shock absorber construction utilizing air or liquid having a piston which is expandable whereby expansion to the associated cylinder wall exerts a frictional resistance proportional to the variation in back pressure resulting from the variable restricted flow past the frustoconical bleed plug. A liquid-type shock absorber having a self-contained chamber and a frustoconical bleed plug arrangement wherein liquid from the cylinder is forced into the chamber through the frustoconical bleed plug arrangement. In certain embodiments the bleed arrangement is located in the cylinder wall, and in another embodiment it is located in the piston head.

Abstract: A cylinder type damper device for damping the opening and closing movement of a storage box includes a cylinder member enclosing air therein, an end cap with a filter therein and a rod reciprocally movably inserted into the cylinder member and provided at its front end with a piston for dividing the interior of the cylinder member into a head chamber and a rod chamber. The rod is moved in association with an opening or closing movement of the storage box. The piston has an orifice formed throughout its entire length in the axial direction thereof and being for interchanging air in the head and rod chambers by the axial movement thereof and also has air holes formed likewise throughout its entire length in the axial direction thereof and provided with a check valve for blocking the interchanging of air between the head and rod chambers in accordance with one directional movement in the axial direction of the piston.

Abstract: A transversely mounted, single pneumatic spring, and dual bell crank and idler link assembly providing a compact counterbalance for hinged closures such as automobile trunk lids. Pneumatic spring enhancements, e.g., a multi-output force feature and a pressure decay compensation feature may be incorporated in the spring unit to enhance opening of the lid and to improve life expectancy of the pneumatic spring by minimizing and effectively negating pressure loss due to leakage of gas past the shaft seal. Excess spring cylinder length can provide space or volume zones used for the enhancement features. Structure which provides a multiple output force for the pneumatic spring, utilizes positioning of the spring shaft end bushing and seal to vary the working volume by changing effective cross-section area of the piston shaft near the end of a compression stroke. The extra cylinder length enables a sealed partition wall to separate extra volume and the operative volume part of the cylinder.

Abstract: A door-closer has an air cylinder in which a piston rod and a piston body are provided to define first and second sealed chambers. The piston body is sleeved movably on the piston rod and has a tapered bore which is communicated with the second chamber. A closable passage is formed through the piston and communicated with the first and second chambers. A spring-biased seal is disposed in the second chamber and biased to close the closable passage. A regulatable passage is formed through the piston body and communicated with the tapered bore and the first chamber. The piston rod has a shoulder which is movable axially within the tapered bore by rotating the cylinder relative to the piston rod for regulating the air flow between the first and second chambers through the regulatable passage. The spring-biased seal is movable to open the closable passage when the piston body moves in response to the opening of the door.

Abstract: A storm door lock apparatus is set forth wherein a clamp is secured to an associated screen-door type closure member that further secures a slidable rod mounted with an abutment surface for actuation by a user with a pivoted lever at the other end of said rod for canting about a piston rod associated with a door closure. Additionally, a generally "L" shaped link is securable to the abutment member for allowing engagement and access by a user.

Abstract: A sleeve for assisting a cylindrical door closure for maintaining a door opened. A door closure made of a cylindrical barrel with a rod slidably mounted in the member is known to have a hold open washer for locking the rod relative to the barrel. The locking takes place when the washer is tilted on the rod and the edge around the hole pries on the rod. When the hole in the washer does not perform its locking function, the new sleeve is mounted over the end of the barrel. The sleeve has an end wall which abuts against the end of the barrel and is provided with a central aperture for allowing the sliding of the rod. The end wall is made with a greater thickness around the periphery to increase the angle between the washer and the rod so that the prying effect takes place between the washer and the rod.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprises a cylinder with a cylindrical bore, an actuator piston with a rod slidably received in the bore, and an adjustment piston slidably received in the bore and resiliently kept in a predetermined position. The adjustment piston cooperates with the actuator piston to define an adjustment chamber therebetween. The adjustment piston is movable in response to pressure developing within the adjustment chamber to vary a rate of air flow between the adjustment chamber and the ambient atmosphere so as to decelerate the actuator piston during its extending movement relative to the cylinder, thus providing a slow and gradual extending movement of the actuator piston.

Abstract: A tie-down clip is described which is adapted for retaining the rod of a pressurized suspension unit in a retracted position within the suspension unit cylinder thereby protecting the rod from damage during shipping and handling and also reduces the size of the necessary packaging for the suspension unit. The tie-down clip has a hook-shaped end which engages the cylinder of the suspension unit and a top plate which receives the piston rod and engages a stop formed by the rod to retain the rod from extension. Two embodiments are described having differing shapes of apertures in the tie-down clip top plate.

Abstract: In a cantable latching plate type of door-closer latch, a backing plate is located at the side of the latch plate opposite the door-closer cylinder. Spring fingers normally hold the latch plate against the backing plate in unlatched position. A latch-setting cord extends from the backing plate to a location remote from the door-closer latch mechanism that can be pulled to shift the backing plate toward the door-closer cylinder for canting the latch plate relative to the door-closer piston rod into latched position.

Abstract: A pneumatic damper for particular use as a door closer comprising a cylinder closed at one end having a piston axially slidable therein to define a pressurizable chamber between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder, the piston having a mechanism to allow air to flow past the piston when the piston slides axially away from the closed end and to prevent airflow past the piston as the piston moves towards the closed end, an elongate arm secured to the piston to extend out of the cylinder, the arm being displaceable to cause the piston to slide within the cylinder and an adjustable airflow control on the wall of the cylinder at a selected position to allow variation of flow of air between the piston and cylinder wall at the selected position, to cause, in use, a sudden reduction in the air pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: An air pressure shock absorber for smoothly stopping a moving object reciprocated by a rod in an air pressure cylinder. The shock absorber absorbs and reduces the internal pressure of a chamber in the cylinder to smoothly stop the moving object by the communication of air compressed in the chamber to the atmosphere through a bypass passage formed in a cylinder wall. The air pressure is released to the atmosphere after the piston has moved through a predetermined stroke.

Abstract: The invention provides a manually held leash, lead, line or the like for large and strong animals which incorporates a shock absorbing device for diminishing the effect of the force or strain transmitted when the animal suddenly and forcibly pulls, lunges, bolts, jumps, etc. The shock absorber incorporated resilient shock absorbing elements automatically operative to oppose the force exerted by the animal and diminish its effect on the manually held leash. The device is constituted of a pneumatic cylinder the piston of which is connected to the animal and normally is retained in a retracted position by a compressive spring against which the animal pulls. In addition to the restraining force imposed by the spring, compressed air also is utilized to absorb the shock of the animal's pulling force. A command sound, such as a recorded voice, buzzer, or the like, actuated under controlled circumstances and operative to order the animal to halt or obey, may be included.

Abstract: This is an improved door closer mechanism for attachment to, or incorporation into, a standard spring type door closer, or for use with a standard spring type door closer. It is particularly useful for screen or storm doors. The unique feature is a reversible pawl and ratchet assembly operating on a rod between the door and door casing, which allows the door to ratchet open freely to any desired position where it is held by the pawl until a slight closing pull or push on the door reverses action of the pawl and allows the door to close freely. While the door is closing or is fully closed, reopening of the door resets the pawl for again holding the door open as desired. Reversing of the pawl is fully automatic, and nothing has to be manually touched except the door itself.