Abstract: A hinged cover overlays an opening that provides access to a pressurized inversion drum. A releasable latch assembly holds the cover in a closed and locked position. The latch assembly comprises a plurality of first knuckles formed in the cover that are interlaceable with a plurality of second knuckles formed in the body adjacent the opening. The latch assembly further comprises a rotatable latch pin that may be installed within the first and second knuckles. The latch assembly is moved from an unlocked to a locked position by rotation of the latch pin within the knuckles.

Abstract: A security box inter alia for tools has a metal box and a lid of the swing and slide type utilizing a pair of box hinges fixed to the box and a pair of lid hinges fixed to the lid, and a pair of intermediate hinges connected to both sets of hinges by links which make all the hinges parallel and enabling the door hinge to lie outside the plane of the door opening. In a variant, there is no intermediate hinge and the lid opening angle is less. The lid and box have interengaging profiled edges which in the closed position mutually obstruct but, when the lid slides to the open position, the profiles separate and the lid is free to swing open.

Abstract: An improved multipoint door lock system of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077 additionally includes header and sill lock pins actuated by lost motion mechanisms for respective movement from a retracted position to an advanced deadbolt locking position engaged with respective header and sill keepers, in response to movement of one or more latch bolts from a normal latched position to a further extended deadbolt position. The latch bolts are further movable between the normal latched position engaged with associated strike sets on the adjacent door jamb for maintaining the door in a closed position, and a retracted position to permit swinging movement of the door to an open position. The lost motion mechanisms associated with the header and sill pins accommodate latch bolt movement between the latched and retracted positions, without displacing the header and sill pins.

Abstract: To obtain a latch device for obtaining a great output load with a small input load. Holding parts (70) are provided on one end of holding members (64), and cam parts (72) are provided on the other end of the holding members (64), with a support part (68) of the holding members (64) as reference, and the cam parts (72) are moved away from each other by way of a rod (74), whereby the holding parts (70) are moved closer to each other. That is, the magnitude of the external force acting on the cam parts (72) can be changed by the movement of the rod (74), and the holding force of the holding parts (70) can therefore be changed with the support part (68) as a fulcrum. In other words, the stroke of the rod (74) and the position of the support part (68) of the holding member (64) are changed, and the distance from the support part (68) to the holding part (70) is made longer than the distance from the support part (68) to the cam parts (72).

Abstract: A pin latch including a mounting block having a longitudinal axis, a pin slidably retained within the mounting block and having a pivot-pin, and a sliding plate slidably retained within the mounting block, the plate having a slot and a longitudinal axis extending from first and second ends thereof and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting block. The pivot-pin engages the slot of the plate such that movement of the sliding plate along its longitudinal axis induces movement of the pin in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the mounting block. A plurality of pin latches are connected in series by links in a side-by-side fashion or around corners. One link emanating from an actuator is connected to one of the plates that the actuator can actuate the pins of all the pin latches simultaneously.

Abstract: The solution according to the invention is based upon the knowledge that the undesirable hysteresis of the force-path function in door locks (1) can be avoided or at least minimised if the (frictional) forces acting during transitions from open positions to closed positions and vice versa are minimised and/or avoided. In this respect, the invention is based upon the starting point of at least reducing (frictional) forces acting in bearings for rotatable components (14, 18, 28) of door locks (1) and/or between surfaces (22, 30) displaceable relative to one another. In this manner, it is attained that forces required for a transition from a closed position to an open position essentially correspond to forces required for a transition from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: There is a lock for a bi-directional door, swing or sliding door 19. The lock includes at least two pins 6, 7 which are spaced apart a distance exceeding the thickness of the door. The pins are adapted for simultaneous arcuate motion about an axis located between said pins 6, 7 and longitudinal movement between withdrawn and protruding positions. When the lock is in a configuration of use and the pins 6, 7 are moved from the withdrawn positions to the protruding positions an edge of the door 19 when placed at a location offset from the axis is engaged by at least one of said pins 6, 7 so that the door is secured at a position substantially over the axis.

Abstract: A container for wafer like objects includes a container body and a door closing the container body and which is provided with a device for locking and unlocking the door, including locking elements and holding elements in which the locking elements that lock the door engage. At least one locking element includes a first signal element which is operatively connected to a second signal element arranged at a position important for the engagement of the locking element in the holding element.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the unlatching torque of a cassette pod door in order to determine whether a cassette pod door is completely unlatched by latch keys of a door opener in a loadport. When a failure of unlatching operation is indicated, the apparatus reverses the rotational direction of the DC motor and thus, turning the latch keys in an opposite direction to re-latch the cassette pod door onto the cassette pod so that the pod can be securely removed from the loadport without danger of accidental opening of the door.

Abstract: A closing assembly for bags, suitcases and similar, comprises at least one pair of catch means which are associated with a first half-shell of a bag, suitcase or similar and are capable of providing a releasable engagement with a corresponding pair of counter-catch means associated with a second half-shell of the bag, suitcase or similar for closing it. There are provided jointly activatable inhibition means for inhibiting the opening of the bag, suitcase or similar, operationally connected to the at least one pair of catch means and jointly activatable to block the release of the engagement with the pair of counter-catch means.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking and unlocking a door of a container for increasing operating reliability when locking and unlocking in a simple manner and for ensuring an opening and closing of the transport container in automated operation. Particle generation is reduced at the same time. Locking elements within a door, which can move in and out, penetrate into recesses of the container to be closed when moved out along a curved path. The arrangement is particularly applicable in transport containers for wafer-shaped objects of larger diameter, in which removal and charging are effected individually in a plane parallel to the surface of the wafer-shaped object and whose container cover is removed and inserted laterally.

Abstract: A window guard locking device (34) comprises a flange member (36) having a keyhole (42) therethrough, a member (40) having a central cavity (50), an intermediate member (38) having an opening (46) disposed between the flange member (36) and the member (40) with the axis of the keyhole, the opening and the central cavity being coincident, and at least one projection (48) extending inwardly from a wall of the opening (46) adjacent the keyhole (42) with a surface of the projection (48) being aligned with a respective wall of the keyhole (42).

Abstract: This device includes: (a) an access opening, (b) support structure located adjacent an edge of the access opening and containing a plurality of slots, and (c) a sheet-metal door having one edge located adjacent the support structure, having a closed position covering the access opening, and having a fully-open position in which the door is perpendicular to its position when closed. The door is swingable between its closed and fully-open positions about a pivot axis located near said one door edge. The door includes a plurality of tabs projecting outwardly from said one edge, each tab being of a generally L-shaped cross-section when viewed from a reference plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. Each tab comprises a first arm located in the major plane of the door and a second arm extending transversely of the first arm.

Abstract: A gate latch for selectively securing a pivoting gate to a stationary member and selectively retaining the gate in a closed position. The gate latch is formed of a hollow tube and is received on a vertical component of the gate. The hollow tube includes an elongate opening with a first width section and a second width section. The second width section is radially wider than the first width section. A horizontal component of the gate extends through the tube elongate opening and acts as a stop member for limiting both longitudinal and radial movement of the tube. A U-shaped bar is affixed to the hollow tube and forms two arms extending therefrom adapted for engaging the stationary member. The gate is retained closed by placing the stop member in the first width section and effectively preventing radial movement of the gate latch.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle closure panel hingedly mounts to a vehicle body panel and latches the closure panel in a closed position. A striker post is rotatably connected to one panel. A handle is mounted to the striker post and allows the striker post to be manually rotated, when the handle extends outwardly in an extended position. A striker guide is mounted on the other panel and has an open ended slot therein engaged by the striker post upon closing movement of the closure panel. The slot is angularly disposed to rotate the striker post from the extended position upon movement of the closure panel toward the closed position. A primary latch engages the striker post to hold the closure panel in the closed position and is releasable to allow movement of the closure panel from the closed position toward an opened position. A pop-up spring moves the closure panel from the closed position toward the open position so that the slot rotates the striker post toward the extended position.

Abstract: A door latch assembly for holding a door in a closed position comprises a latch housing for mounting in the side of a door frame, and a latch pin for mounting on the corresponding side of a door to project towards the latch housing. The latch housing has an opening for receiving the latch pin as the door is closed, and a latch member in the housing is movable between a first, latching position in which the latch pin is held in the housing and a second, release position in which the latch pin is released and pushed out of the housing in a door opening direction. An actuator projects out of the housing for moving the latch member into the second position. The latch member is biased towards its latching position.

Abstract: My safe door live bolt assembly 10 is operated by a handle spindle 38 and uses a pair of identical castings 15 that each include a pair of live bolts 16 interconnected by a bracket 17. Each casting 15 has a single connecting rod 30 extending from bracket 17, and the inner ends of connecting rods 30 connect to a T-bar 35 that overlies the inward facing sides of connecting rods 30 and is secured to handle spindle 38 for operating live bolts 16. Slide brackets 12 secured to inner safe wall 13 guide live bolts 16 in their sliding motion and afford bracing for live bolt connecting brackets 17. Although each bracket 17 has a lock projection 20, only one of these interacts with a combination lock 25.

Abstract: A device for electrical opening and closing of a motor lid, such as a trunk lid, equipped with a lock of the cocking type includes a case in which a latch and a locking lever are mounted to pivot. The locking of the lock is done mechanically during the closing of the lid and is extended by a complete electrical closing of the lid as a result of a gearmotor which assures the axial sliding of the case inside a sleeve. The partial electrical opening is obtained by rotation in a reverse direction of the gearmotor, which causes the axial exiting of the case outside of the sleeve together with the automatic unlocking of the cocking lock.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably locking a door to a housing includes an actuating handle means rotatably connected to the door for controlling the operation of the latching system, and cooperable latching members connected to the housing and door, respectively. One of the cooperable latching members being rotatably connected to the handle means at a location spaced from the rotatable connection between the handle means and the door. Spring means engaging the latching member connected to the handle means for biasing it into a predetermined orientation relative to the handle means and for assisting in maintaining that predetermined orientation as the handle means is rotated in a first direction to move the latching member into engagement with the other cooperable latching member attached to the housing, and to thereafter permit relative rotational movement between the handle means and the latching member connected to it to thereby draw the door into sealing engagement with the housing.

Abstract: Front and back doors of an apparatus cabinet have lips extending around to cover part of both cabinet sides. Both doors are hinged on one side member of the frame of the cabinet and each has a toothed tongue in the middle of its free end directed so as to slide into a dual latch mounted on the inside of the other frame member of the cabinet. In entering the latch, the door tongues are guided upwards to correct for the sag of the doors. The latch has a cross member with a detent on each end urged downward by a leaf spring and mounted on a pivot plate in a manner allowing the plate to slide upwards against the spring when both detents are pushed upwards by simultaneous closing of both doors. The doors are self-locking, whether closed individually or simultaneously. Release of the front door is performed by a finger cam, actuated from the outside, acting on the pivot plate, by means of a special wrench. The rear door is released from the inside after the rear door is opened.

Abstract: A safety latch is disclosed capable of selectively locking an in swinging door in a closed position, permitting the door to open a predetermined angular displacement, or permitting the door to open freely. The latch includes a bracket with a projecting portion offset from the door, and a pivotable bar capable of limited vertical displacement, and having a slot with a long first portion of predetermined width abruptly expanding to a short second portion of greater width. The projecting portion is capable of selectively engaging the pivotable bar in either the first or second portion of the slot.

Abstract: The door on an environmental chamber is provided with a single throw, multi-fingered over-center latching mechanism. The latching fingers extend from a common pivoting assembly, and are operated as a unit by a single handle. A hook on the end of each finger engages a post on the chamber housing. As the handle is operated, the over-center action of the pivoting assembly pulls the door towards the housing causing the gasket to seat. The over-center structure biases the latching mechanism in the latched position.

Abstract: An over-center latching device for coupling two members by the operation of a handle with the use of one hand. The device has a rod having a T at one end for engaging a hook, the other end of the rod being pivotally engaged intermediate the ends of the handle. One end of the handle is pivotally engaged on a support member adjacent and spaced from the pivot point of the rod. The other end of the handle is adapted to be gripped by the operator for completing the latching and unlatching operation. The support member which is adapted to be secured to a fixed member has a concave cam surface facing the pivoted end of the rod. The pivoted end of the rod has a leaf spring extending therefrom toward the concave cam surface. To engage the latch, the operator grips the handle and rotates it on its pivot so that the leaf spring is moved into engagement with the end of the cam surface.

Abstract: A gate latch, especially for animal-restraining enclosures, adapted to retain and release a gate hinged at one edge for swinging about an upright axis. The post toward and away from which the unhinged edge of the gate swings carries means providing a horizontal ledge which carries an upright pivot member for both axial and angular movement about an upright axis. A slotted plate is fixed to the member to swing and raise and lower therewith. Means biases the plate and member downwardly. The slot in the plate enters inwardly from one edge of the plate and, when the gate is open, the slot lines up generally with the arc of swinging of pintle means on the unhinged side of the gate so as to receive the closing gate.

Abstract: During operation of a construction vehicle, such as a wheel-loader, the operator may desire to open the door of the vehicle's cab for ventilation purposes. Full opening of the door may be obstructed by the deposition of a guard rail or the like, mounted on the platform of the cab, whereby the door can be only partially opened. It is thus desirable to provide a door holder which may be selectively positioned on the platform to hold the door in any desired, open position. In addition, standard latch mechanisms for holding a door of this type in its fully open position are generally mounted externally on the cab and are thus exposed to potential damage. The door holder (13) of this invention includes a latch member (14) movable between retracted and extended positions on the vehicle, and a hook (27) secured on a door (11) for engaging the latch member when the door is in open position and the latch member is in its extended position.

Abstract: The latch is of the type comprising a case for the latch mechanism and a keeper which is movable relative to the mechanism. An actuating element for releasing the latch mechanism and the keeper for opening the door is provided. Means are provided for reducing the force exerted on the actuating element by the keeper when opening the latch. The force reducing means comprise a lever which is pivotally mounted in the case and comprises at least one stop recess which cooperates with the actuating element and is pivotally mounted on a first link forming a claw for retaining the keeper in the latched position of the latch. The first link is pivotally mounted on a second link which is pivotally mounted in the case.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a pair of hopper doors which are laterally spaced side-by-side transversely of a railroad hopper car. A specially designed locking pawl is provided for retaining the cams in interlocked relation with the hooks of the locking mechanism. The pawl is so designed that a single operator standing by the side of a hopper car, can operate both hopper doors which are mounted together for unitary rotation.

Abstract: An improved latch for use on munition shipping containers or the like for operation with any commonly available tool which increases the mechanical advantage to provide high opening and closing forces while avoiding exposed easily damaged surfaces. The large exposed surfaces on presently available hand operated latches are eliminated thereby preventing damage resulting from accidental hooking on projecting surfaces and/or adjacent latches.