Abstract: An aircraft nacelle including an automatically-operated locking device for limiting deformations of the cowl. This automatically-operated locking device includes at least one locking post connected to the cowl, at least one latch able to move between a first position corresponding to a locked state in which the latch prevents the locking post from becoming distanced from a fixed structure and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state in which the latch allows the locking post to become distanced from the fixed structure, at least one return system configured to hold the latch in its second position corresponding to the unlocked state, the cowl holding the latch in its first position when the cowl is in the closed position and allowing the latch to pivot toward its second position when the cowl is in the open position.

Abstract: A latch or connector system having a latch housing, a first latching component, a second latching component, and a handle. The first and second latching components are movably mounted to the latch housing, and movable respective latched and unlatched positions. The handle is movably mounted to the latch housing and operatively associated with the first latching component and the second latching component. The handle is movable from a closed handle position to an open handle position to cause the first latching component and the second latching component to move from their respective latched positions to their respective unlatched positions, and the handle is movable from the open handle position to the closed handle position only when the first latching component and the second latching component are in their respective latched positions.

Abstract: A lid opening and closing device for a vehicle which includes a restriction member that can operate between a restriction position at which movement of a rod at the lid closed position is restricted and a restriction release position at which the restriction is released, an electric motor that operates for a predetermined time in response to a door switching between a locked state and an unlocked state for driving the restriction member, and a case that houses the restriction member and the electric motor, wherein at least the restriction release position of the restriction member is resiliently held by a holding mechanism. Thus, even when the restriction member stops at position halfway between the restriction release position and the restriction position, convenience is enhanced by carrying out an operation of locking the door by moving the rod to the lid closed position without requiring an unlocking operation.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting flexible building materials, such as, for example, rubber or vinyl baseboards, chair rails and crown molding, at an angle. The cutting tool includes a pair of risers moveably connected near a center of a base with a hinge connection. A blade holder and blade positioned between the risers and moveable from a starting position to a cutting position. The blade can be set to a range of angles relative to the base by rotating the risers and locking the risers in an angle relative to the base.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback frame pivotally coupled to a seat member at a recliner mechanism. A first actuator is supported on the seatback frame, and a second actuator is coupled to the seatback frame having upper and lower portions with an intermediate portion disposed between the upper and lower portions. A first cable interconnects the first actuator with the upper portion of the second actuator, and a second cable interconnects the recliner mechanism with the lower portion of the second actuator. The first actuator actuates movement of the second actuator between at-rest and actuated positions. The second actuator actuates movement of the recliner mechanism between locked and released positions. The first cable travels a first distance when the first actuator is actuated, and the second cable travels a second lesser distance when the first actuator is actuated.

Abstract: With the present invention, actuators known from the prior art are supposed to be developed further. For this purpose, an actuator comprises, in particular, an electric motor and a locking bar that can be moved by means of the electric motor. Moreover, the actuator comprises a lever with which the locking bar can be moved back mechanically out of its locking position. The invention moreover relates to a charging socket for an electrically driven motor vehicle. As is already known from a motor vehicle driven by an electric motor and an outlet provided in a private household, the electrical contacts of the charging socket are located protected in one or more recess(es). Into these recess(es), contacts of a charging plug which correspond therewith and are, for example, pin or rod-shaped, can be pushed for contacting. An adjacent, in particular peripherally extending, housing is provided around the one or more recess(es).

Abstract: A tonneau cover latching mechanism is described. The tonneau cover latching mechanism provides for the tonneau cover to be slammed or closed shut in a single motion and engage at two points on the pick-up truck to secure the tonneau cover in a closed position. The tonneau cover latching mechanism may include a lockable handle. A link is engaged to the handle. The link is engaged to a spring loading mechanism. A first rod is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. A second rod is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. The first rod engages and disengages the first striker. The second rod engages and disengages a second striker.

Abstract: A two step link hood latch apparatus for a vehicle allows a hood to be opened only with an operation of a release handle inside a vehicle. The apparatus includes a claw, the pawl, a pivot, and a link. The claw is disposed at a base plate to be rotatable, restrains a hood striker through a stop groove, and is restrained to a pawl through first and second stop ends in first step and second step lock states. The pawl is disposed at the base plate to be rotatable, and restrains the rotation of the claw in steps by using the stop protrusion. The pivot is disposed at the base plate to be rotatable in a hinge structure, and transmits a pulling force generated from the release handle. The link connects the pivot and the pawl and rotates the pawl in linkage with the pivot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.

Abstract: A two step link hood latch apparatus for a vehicle allows a hood to be opened only with an operation of a release handle inside a vehicle. The apparatus includes a claw, the pawl, a pivot, and a link. The claw is disposed at a base plate to be rotatable, restrains a hood striker through a stop groove, and is restrained to a pawl through first and second stop ends in first step and second step lock states. The pawl is disposed at the base plate to be rotatable, and restrains the rotation of the claw in steps by using the stop protrusion. The pivot is disposed at the base plate to be rotatable in a hinge structure, and transmits a pulling force generated from the release handle. The link connects the pivot and the pawl and rotates the pawl in linkage with the pivot.

Abstract: A container comprising a snap-in closure disposed between an upper part and a lower part of the container, the snap-in closure having a relatively strong holding or locking force and able to be opened relatively easily. The snap-in closure comprises a snap-in tab constructed out of the wall of one part of the container and detached along three sides, with a snap-in key disposed at the upper free end of the said snap-in closure and able to engage in a coordinated snap-in slit at the opposite container part.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a door includes a housing composed of a base and a cover. A drive knob, two links, two hooks, two adjusting members, and two torsion springs are connected between the base and the cover. The drive knob includes a drive surface that is engaged with a straight inside portion of a through hole of the links. One of the two links is pivotably connected to an adjusting portion of the other link and retaining slot of one of the two hooks. The other link has a positioning portion that is pivotably connected to the retaining slot of the other hook. When the drive knob is rotated in a particular direction (typically counterclockwise), the two links are pivoted in opposite directions and the two hooks are pivoted in two opposite directions and extend through apertures in the first outer surface of the base to hook a keeper structure and secure the door.

Abstract: A vehicle interior compartment, such as a glove compartment, has a cover and closure mechanism for the cover. The compartment is located in the vehicle interior paneling. Movable closing means can be actuated via actuating means to lock the cover. The movable closing means and the actuating means are arranged on the paneling.

Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable device includes a first cover, a second cover, a knob, a latching member, and an elastic member. The first cover includes a first latching portion. The second cover includes a fixing portion. The latching member includes a second latching portion configured for engaging with the first latching portion. The knob is rotatably positioned on the second cover. At least a portion of the knob is exposed out of the second cover. The knob connects with the latching member. The elastic member connects to the latching member. The knob is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a first circular direction and the elastic member is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a second circular direction opposite to the first circular direction.

Abstract: A door system is provided for a door opening defined by a pair of vertically spaced jambs, a header positioned near the vertical extremity of the jambs, and a floor supporting the jambs. The door system includes a door, a plurality of track sections, the door being movable on the track sections, and a support system coupled to the door. Engagement of the support system when the door is in a closed position enables transfer of forces applied to the door at least to one of the header and the floor. One embodiment provides for automatic actuation of the support system by movement of a pivoting motor assembly to a closed position. Another embodiment provides for manual actuation of the support system.

Abstract: A cable system, a latch assembly employing the cable system and processes thereof include a cable comprising at least one section formed of an active material having one end fixedly attached to a connector, wherein the connector is disposed between a first stop and a second stop, the first and second stops fixedly attached to a stationary support and having an aperture for slidably receiving the cable; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, the activation device being operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the active material and effectuate a change in a length of the cable section formed or a flexural modulus property of the active material. Suitable active materials include shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers.

Abstract: A push button latch release assembly includes a push button actuator and a latch cord which extends through the push button actuator and connects at its opposite ends to release arms of respective rotary spring latches. The push button actuator includes a housing having a base and a tubular barrel, and a button cylinder which is axially movable in the barrel. The button cylinder includes a shaft which extends through a hole in the base of the housing and the base mounts two posts which are located on opposite sides of the shaft. The latch cord extends through respective guide channels in the posts and a passageway through the shaft. Pressing the button cylinder moves the shaft so that the latch cord is extended between the posts and the ends of the latch cord are drawn in, releasing the release arms.

Abstract: A lock having a locking rod that is displaced in a longitudinal direction. The rod is driven by an actuator via a rotor. The internal section of the locking rod is flexible so as to have the properties of a flexural section. The locking rod, together with the flexural section and the rotor are configured in one piece from plastic so as to permit transfer between the rotor and the locking rod that is devoid of play.

Abstract: A latching system includes a control unit that houses a remote signal responsive relay and a crank arm that is pivoted by the armature of the relay when the relay is energized to oppositely move a pair of elongate links each of which is connected to a separate latch assembly for moving operating arms of the latch assemblies to unlatched positions for causing the latch assemblies to release their latched engagement with strikers that hold a closure closed.

Abstract: A latch for a section door wherein near the hinges located between the door elements there are provided, at each end of the elements, small rolling wheels which turn on horizontal pivots and slide within side guide bars having a vertical branch, an upper horizontal branch, and a curved connection branch located between the vertical and horizontal branches; the latch is located sideways and is intended for engaging, in its active position, in an opening provided in one of the side guide bars. The side latch is located coaxially with one of the small wheels intended to slide within the side guide bars of the section door. Preferably, the small wheel coaxial to the latch is mounted on a hollow pivot, and the latch is guided to slide within the bore of this hollow pivot.

Abstract: A lock, especially for motor vehicles, for securing a movable part, such as a pivoting flap, in position with respect to a stationary part, such as a housing, includes two rotary latches at a certain distance apart, wherein two closing pieces engage in the rotary latches when the latches are in the closed position. The locking elements are connected to a shaft and are rotatable synchronously with the shaft. At least certain sections of the shaft have torsional rigidity in the rotational direction, but flexibility in the axial direction.

Abstract: A door lock (12) which is conceived in particular for use in motor vehicle doors has a rotary latch (14) and a closing aid (10) which acts on the latter and, with the aid of a drive, carries along the door to be closed in to the closed position. Known door locks having a closing aid have an increased space requirement and cannot readily be accommodated in structurally predetermined constructional spaces. The invention provides the drive of the closing aid such that it is separated structurally from the door lock (12) and provides a flexible drive element for transmitting force from the drive to the rotary latch (14). If appropriate, a deflection roller (26) may be provided and may be designed such that it is movable in order to bring about an auxiliary opening.

Abstract: A self-latching slide door apparatus for food/cuff passes on prison doors is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body connected to a front panel. The front panel includes slide doors that cover an aperture in the front panel when in a closed state. The slide doors have self-latching devices that lock the doors when in the closed position, therefore requiring no additional locks.

Abstract: A system is provided in order to automatically close a filler inlet compartment lid of a car when the lid is in an unintended open position. When predefined signals which are considered to indicate the termination of a refueling operation occur, the system activates a filler inlet compartment lid closing mechanism so that the filler inlet compartment lid is automatically closed and locked. This can take place when the filler inlet compartment lid is completely open or when the lid is in an only slightly lifted intermediate position. The filler inlet compartment lid may reach such a slightly lifted intermediate position, for example, in a drive-through car wash when triggered by the pressure of the car wash brushes.

Abstract: A latch (36) for a vehicle body closure member (24) includes a release lever (58) supported by a pin and slot mounting connection (60) on a housing (44) for translational movement between freewheeling and operating positions. The release lever (58) through a pin and slot control connection (62) with a latching pawl (54) and its positioning in either the freewheeling or operating position prevents or permits unlatching of the closure member.

Abstract: A security override system for a padlockable structure comprising a hasp portion mounted to the structure and extending through an opening in an outer surface of the structure; a bracket mounted to the outer surface, the bracket having a latching end and being movable between an open position wherein the latching end is outside the opening in the structure and a closed position wherein the latching end extends through the opening; the bracket mating with the hasp portion when in a closed position for forming a padlock receiving portion; the latching end engaging a retention plate slideably moveably mounted within the structure proximate the opening, the retention plate slideably movable between an extended position wherein the retention plate engages the latching end when the bracket is in the closed position and a retracted position wherein the retention plate does not engage the latching end when the bracket is in the closed position; a security screw extending through an opening in the outer door and conne

Abstract: The large overhead bi-fold doors of the present invention are hinged along a centerline and hung by hinges from the top of the door opening. A motor mounted inside and above the door opening is connected to one end of a cable, the other end of which passes around a pulley at the bottom of the door and then upwardly to a latching mechanism located beneath the horizontal hinge line of the doors. When the motor is activated, the cable pulls on a dog or arm connected to a shaft which also carries the hook of a latching device. The hook engages a strike attached to the frame of the building on which the door is mounted, and when the motor is activated, the cable pulls on the dog which disengages the hook from the strike and further tension on the cable by the motor raises the door to an elevated position.

Abstract: A pop-up and release handle mechanism has a pop-up support rod slideably connected to a vehicle body panel for movement between a retracted position and an extended position as a vehicle closure panel moves from a closed position toward an opened position. A pop-up spring is anchored between the vehicle body panel and the pop-up support rod for urging the pop-up support rod from the retracted position to the extended position and for urging the vehicle closure panel towards the opened position. A secondary latch handle, carried by a self-presenting bracket, is connected to the secondary latch by a flexible push-pull cable for releasing the secondary latch allowing movement of the vehicle closure panel to the opened position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism including: a mounting plate carrying a slot having a bottom and mouth, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion, and a follower mechanism for positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting plate, the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it normally pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which the pawl is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which secondary safety pivot does not interfere with any normal operation motion, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a mouth and control mechanism for controlling the position of the pawl mechanism with respect to the slot when the control mechanism of the ratchet engages the follower mechanism of the pawl, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith

Abstract: A back rest for a vehicle seat is adjustable in its angle of inclination about a pivot axis running in the direction lateral to the back can also be folded about a folding axis lying parallel to the pivot axis to facilitate access to the rear seat of the vehicle by releasing folding locks which are provided on respective sides of the back rest. The folding locks are provided with a locking member which is movable between a locking position and a release position. Each locking member is connected with one end of a cable, the other end of which is connected with an activating device arranged on the supporting portions of the back rest. The activating device has a support for a bolt, the support being immovable relative to the back rest. A double-armed pivot lever is arranged on the bolt, and the two arms of the lever are connected with respective cores of the cables at a distance from the rotational axis of the lever.

Abstract: A sealable, reusable shipping container having a highly reliable interior latching mechanism which is actuated on the exterior of the container without using special tools is provided. The unique latching mechanism can be adapted to securely closing and sealing any type of container. The latching mechanism converts the rotary force applied to be actuating device, such as a knob, into both vertical motion, for enabling a latch member to engage and disengage a catch, and horizontal motion to tighten the latch and catch against each other when the latching mechanism is engaged and to separate the latch and catch when the latching mechanism is disengaged to allow opening of the container.

Abstract: A vehicle closure latch includes a housing member provided with a slot opening to opposite sides thereof. A pair of latch bolt members are pivoted to the housing member within the slot in scissors fashion for movement inwardly and outwardly of the slot between latched and unlatched positions.

Abstract: A closure latch control mechanism includes separately operable levers connected to inside and outside operating handles and to a coupling member for relatively shifting cable and sheath members connected to a cable operated closure latch. A locking lever controls the position of the coupling member to couple and uncouple this member and the cable and sheath members.

Abstract: A latch assembly for vehicles is disclosed for securing engine hoods, trunk lids, or other pivotal members to fixed portions of a vehicle. The assembly includes a primary latch preferably releasable from a remote position within the vehicle, and a secondary latch to hold the pivotal member only partially open after release of the primary latch. A secondary latch release handle is mounted for automatic movement into the gap between the partially opened pivotal member and the fixed vehicle portion for easy, convenient access outside the pivotal member to release the secondary latch to fully open the pivotal member. A safety retaining arm is included to hold the pivotal member partially closed even if the fasteners for the latch assembly loosen or fail.

Abstract: A latch system 34 for the nacelle cowling 24 of a gas turbine engine 10 is disclosed. The latch system includes a coupling 36 which may be remotely operated by means of a cable 44. In one embodiment, a support structure 14, the coupling, the cable and a linkage system 48 for applying tension to the cable extends circumferentially about the interior of the cowling to provide constricting force on the cowling to increase the structural rigidity of the cowling. In another embodiment, the coupling has jaws 58 and 60 which are movable from a locked to an unlocked position as a result of the relative movement between the jaws and a housing 50. A linkage system is provided for tensioning the cable which in the locked position uses the tension in the cable to resist operative forces which might seek to open the latching system.

Abstract: An add-on locking mechanism for a vehicle hood is provided in addition to a standard hood locking arrangement. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate which is mounted on a support plate of the locking arrangement, and a locking latch that is pivotally mounted on the mounting plate. The locking latch engages and disengages a hasp which is mounted on the hood and with which a pivotable catch of the locking arrangement also cooperates. The locking latch is operated by a Bowden cable which is connected to a key-operated lock situated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The cable core of the Bowden cable is connected to the locking latch, while the jacket is mounted on a mounting bracket that is mounted on the mounting plate.

Abstract: A mechanical release device for releasing a member with respect to another. The device comprises a bonding element disposed on each of the members to be released, a flexible junction element placed on the bonding elements and a device permitting under the action of a mechanism the progressive raising of said flexible element and then the release of the members secured to one another. The invention preferably relates to the displaying of solar panels for a satellite in a space environment.

Abstract: Primary and secondary hood latches are used on a tractor hood assembly designed to roll forward on the tractor frame. Both the primary and secondary latches are unlatched through the use of either a cable operated or a lever operated independent linkage means. Both latches must be unlatched in order to allow the hood to be opened while either latch may be used to maintain the hood in a closed position.

Abstract: A latching system for a luggage article comprises a pair of spaced swiveling latches mounted on the interior of a front wall of the article, the latches being connected together for swiveling movement in unison between latching and unlatching positions by means of an endless drive cable. The latches are operated by a single manual actuator including a swiveling lever connected to one of the latches by a lost motion connection which allows the lever to be returned to a rest position after moving the latches into their latching or unlatching positions. A combination lock is provided for locking the actuator lever in the rest position except when the lock is on combination.

Abstract: A lock releasing device for a fuel tank lid and a trunk lid of a vehicle by a handle positioned beside a driver's seat, comprising first and second levers which are pivotally mounted to a base plate attached to a body of the vehicle and are so biased by spring means as one in one direction and the other in the opposite direction, and a push rod which pushes selectively the first or the second lever against the spring means so that the first or the second lever may release the locks directly or indirectly through pull wires connected therebetween. The handle is connected to the push rod via a push-pull wire. The locks are released by actuating the handle forwards or rearwards.

Abstract: An improvement in a commercial, pick-up type, portable refuse bin--such as commonly in use outdoors at restaurants, stores, apartment houses, and other establishments--which has a normally-closed, releasably-latched lid openable when unlatched to permit deposit of refuse into the bin; the improvement comprising a normally closely underlying compactor blade hinged to the lid for downward swinging therefrom, and power means connected between the lid and compactor blade operative, when the lid is closed and latched, to forcefully swing said compactor blade downwardly into the bin to compact predeposited refuse therein.