Abstract: A manhole assembly including a base, riser, and cap. The base having an upper surface forming a bench, a bottom surface, and a radially outward surface with penetrations there through; and a radial spigot in the radially outward upper edge of the base. The base having a corrosive-resistant layer covering the channels, bench, and radial spigot. Also disclosed is a riser comprised of a corrosive-resistant polymer pipe having a radially outward surface, an inner surface and a bottom surface in contact with, supported by, and sealed to the radial spigot. The cap having a radial spigot, and access hole; the radial spigot in the radially outward bottom edge of the cap resting upon and sealed to an upper edge of the riser. The radially outward surface of the cap and base are aligned with the radially outward surface of the riser.

Abstract: A control system for a shutter is disclosed. The shutter includes a force-bearing mechanism and a plurality of slats. The control system includes a power source, a driving device connected to the power source to output a first driving force, which drives the force-bearing mechanism to rotate the slats, and a clutch mechanism, which includes an input member and an output member which are drivable to be connected together for synchronous operation, or to be mutually disconnected for independent operation. When the driving device outputs the first driving force, the input member is engaged with the output member, and the first driving force can be transmitted to the force-bearing mechanism through the clutch mechanism to rotate the slats. When the driving device stops, the input member is disengaged from the output member, and the slats and the force-bearing mechanism are rotatable relative to the driving device.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly configured to behave as a relief valve in an explosion event, opening so that fluid, such as air or explosive gas, may vent from an underground area. The manhole cover assembly may include a manhole cover and a frame, and may be configured to limit movement of the manhole cover with respect to the frame in response to increased pressure on the manhole cover. In one embodiment, the manhole cover may include legs that are configured to enable a range of movement of a portion of the cover such that the cover can be unseated at an angle with respect to the frame to allow fluids to escape from the underground area.

Abstract: An automatic hatch system is disclosed. The system includes a hatch frame and a hatch cover connected thereto. A pneumatic actuator assembly is connected to the hatch frame and the hatch cover. The system also includes an automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator assembly to open, close or adjust the opening of the hatch. The automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator includes a compressor assembly, a valve assembly, and a controller assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the at least partial closing of an opening (2) of a room comprising a closing element (3) which is placeable sealingly on an opening bottom (1) and is guided vertically movable in guides (4), which are arranged vertically on both sides of the opening (2), between an open position in a upper area of the opening (2) and a closed position on the opening bottom (2) and which is connected to at least one counterweight (5), by means of which the closing element (3) is held motionless in its particular position without an additional force acting on the closing element (3). According to the invention, the closing element (3) is coupled to at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or motor drive unit (8) for moving the closing element (3).

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: A door closer comprises a piston cooperating with a rotating pinion. Upon rotation of the pinion in the door opening direction, the piston moves toward the second end of the housing forcing fluid from a second variable volume chamber through a passage to a first variable volume chamber and compressing a spring assembly for storing energy. The spring assembly urges the piston toward the first end of the housing for forcing fluid from the first variable volume chamber to the second variable volume chamber and rotating the pinion in the door closing direction. A controller controls the position of a valve in the passage based on the sensed angular position of a door and the position of the valve for determining the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve.

Abstract: An automatic hatch system is disclosed. The system includes a hatch frame and a hatch cover connected thereto. A pneumatic actuator assembly is connected to the hatch frame and the hatch cover. The system also includes an automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator assembly to open, close or adjust the opening of the hatch. The automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator includes a compressor assembly, a valve assembly, and a controller assembly.

Abstract: A flood vent access door assembly having a frame assembly defining a fluid entrance aperture; a door pivotally mounted in said frame assembly, where in the door includes at least one ventilation opening formed through the door; and at least one latching/release mechanism for releasably maintaining the door in a fixed position relative to the frame assembly if a level of fluid is not above a determined level and releasing the door to pivot relative to the frame assembly if the level of fluid is above the determined level, wherein the at least one latching/release mechanism comprises a float means coupled to an elongate release arm for determining the level of fluid and releasing a latch of the at least one latching/release mechanism.

Abstract: An explosion-resisting window with a window frame and a sash frame, which accommodates a panel and is mounted in hinges on the window frame, so as to be tiltable, the sash frame nesting in the window frame in closed position. In order to obviate the need for an outer front glazing of armored glass while guaranteeing adequate safety against explosion shocks and permit the function of continuous ventilation if necessary in open position of the sash frame, the panel is made of armored glass and the window is provided with at least one tilt-limiting element, by means of which explosion-induced tilting of the sash frame in the hinges beyond a tilt-limit position can be resisted. There is at least one shift-limiting element, by means of which explosion-induced shifting of the sash frame perpendicular to a tilt axis in the hinges can be resisted.

Abstract: An automatic door opener is attachable to at least one manual door and an automatic door. The automatic door has a closed position and an open position. The automatic door opener includes an opening actuator, a pressure reservoir and a door activator. The opening actuator is operably connected to the automatic door. The pressure reservoir system is operably connected to the opening actuator, operably connected to the manual door, and operably connected to the automatic door. Movement of the manual door adds pressure to the pressure storage reservoir system. The door activator has an at rest position and an open position whereby pressure from the pressure reservoir system is released to the opening actuator moving the automatic door from a closed position to an open position responsive to movement of the door activator form the at rest position to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular lid system for an underwater swimming pool cover or other underwater enclosure. The modular lid has a rigid lid portion which has an overall buoyancy such that the lid portion closes the enclosure underwater by force of gravity. The modular lid system also has a remote power pack for providing a source of hydraulic power to the modular lid. The remote power pack is located at a position remote from the swimming pool. The remote power pack includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive mechanism is actuated by the remote power pack. The drive mechanism has a predetermined range of movement. A decoupled linkage mechanism extends between the hydraulic drive mechanism and the lid portion for causing limited opening movement thereof. The limited opening movement corresponds to the predetermined range of movement of the hydraulic drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method of and system used for venting out buildup of explosive gases in a manhole caused by an explosion and including a support frame, a two inch thick plate member positioned on top of the support frame, a plurality of restraining assemblies and a manhole cover for covering the manhole. The support frame and the plate member are embedded into a street and positioned above the manhole, where openings are aligned with the manhole. Three retaining assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of the manhole cover. Each retaining assembly includes a rod, a stop plate, a coil spring, a support plate and a nut. The rod extends downwardly through the dirt and the horizontal concrete base ledge, where the stop plate, the coil spring, the support plate and the nut are positioned and secured to the other end of the rod.

Abstract: A pair of door-sections make up a mine ventilation door. The door-sections are hinged to the side-walls of the passage. One of the door-sections opens upstream and the other downstream, so one is blown open, and the other blown closed, by winds passing through the passage. A linkage couples the door-sections, and harnesses the blow-open force and balances it against the blow-closed force, whereby only a small actuation force is needed to open and close the doors. The linkage ensures that the arcuate travels of the two door-sections are equal, or otherwise correspond.

Abstract: A manhole restraining system used for venting out explosive gases in a manhole caused by an explosion. The manhole restraining system comprises a support frame, a two inch thick plate member positioned on top of the support frame, a plurality of restraining assemblies and a manhole cover for covering the manhole. The support frame and the plate member are embedded into a street and positioned above the manhole, where openings are aligned with the manhole. Three retaining assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of the manhole cover. Each retaining assembly includes a rod, a stop plate, a coil spring, a support plate and a nut. The rod extends downwardly through the dirt and the horizontal concrete base ledge, where the stop plate, the coil spring, the support plate and the nut are positioned and secured to the other end of the rod. A PVC pipe is provided with the rod for allowing the rod to move smoothly up and down without any friction.

Abstract: A variable speed bump apparatus comprising a pivoting ramp element hinged at one end, at least one piston and cylinder assembly supporting the pivoting ramp element and a first flow control valve and wherein the first flow control valve is operative to control the response of the pivoting ramp element.

Abstract: A hatch assembly having a hatch cover biased to a normally closed position. The hatch cover is connected to an impeller contained and rotatable within a impeller chamber of a housing. When the cover is to be opened, pressurized gas is introduced into the housing causing rotation of the impeller. By virtue of the coupling of the impeller to the hatch cover, the rotation causes the hatch cover to open. After opening, the hatch cover may thereafter be closed by a spring bias forming part of the coupling arrangement.

Abstract: An air-driven rotating window assembly mountable to one side of a viewing window. The rotating window assembly faces toward the working or weather exposed area and slings off, by centrifugal force, any debris that contacts the rotating window so as to maintain clear visibility through a portion of the viewing window over which the rotating window extends. The rotating window assembly includes a support base and a rotating window rotatably mounted to the support base. The rotating window has an annular frame with propulsion passages therein that receive a flow of pressurized gas substantially tangentially to the frame. The propulsion passages redirect the gas to generate a propulsive force on the frame to spin the rotating window relative to the support base. The gas exits the annular frame through a restricted gap between the support base and the rotating window so as to form an air barrier that prevents debris from passing through the gap.

Abstract: A vented glass door includes a rectangular frame having a glass window fitted in the center thereof. At least one air passageway is provided commencing at the rear surface of the frame members, and passing through the frame members themselves and outwardly through an outlet opening at the edges of the frame members.

Abstract: A panel system with variable light transmissiveness is formed of two essentially parallel transparent panels, and a seal encircling both panels. A cavity, defined by the panels and the seal, communicates with a liquid reservoir, from which liquid can be conveyed into the cavity by a transport element for the purpose of changing the distance between the panels by changing the thickness of the liquid layer between the panels. In order to render the panel system suitable for usage in a cover of a vehicle sliding/lifting roof, the liquid reservoir and the transport element, which is driven by a pole-reversible electric motor, are supported at an inner cover plate, which has an undercut in an edge portion in which an electrical contact element for establishing a conductive connection between the electric motor and the vehicle battery is disposed.

Abstract: The gate of this invention comprises a gate panel 10, a gate hinge mounting means 12 for mounting the gate panel to a hinge post 14 or the like, a gate latching closure means 16 mounted by the gate panel 10 for latching the gate in a closed condition to a latch post 18 or the like, a vehicle-actuatable unlatching means 20 mounted by the gate panel 10 for contact by a vehicle 22 whereby closure means 16 may be unlatched to enable the gate to be swung open by bumping contact from the vehicle 22 from a closed condition 24 to one of two open conditions 26, 28, and a gate latching retaining means 30 mounted by the gate panel 10 for securing the gate to a retaining post 32 or the like in an open condition for a predetermined length of time whereby vehicle 22 may pass through the gate area before the gate is released and allowed to self-close.

Abstract: A window system is proposed in which windows (41) which can be both locked and tilted mechanically are connected via microprocessors (43) to a monitoring center (49) which can display the locking and closure status of the individual windows (41) via visual display units (51, 57). The microprocessors (43) are located in the vicinity of the windows (41) and connected to the receiver (61) of a radio-controlled remote control unit by which the windows can be remotely controlled. The windows (41) can also be controlled via an operating unit (65) in the monitoring center (49). The remote control unit may involve either portable transmitters (63) or transmitters with a fixed location (67) which control the windows (41) via sensors (69) as a function of ambient air parameters, such as the relative air humidity, temperature or the CO.sub.2 content of the air in the room. The windows (41) have a locking drive integrated in the handle and a separate tilting drive.

Abstract: The present invention presents a movable sky light assembly used on a opening of a roof comprising a fixed frame, a wing frame with a lighting member supported on the fixed frame, said fixed frame being equipped with a driving device to operate said wing frame capable of opening and closing by connecting members for the frames. The fixed frame is provided with a detecting device for rainfall and the detecting device comprises a detecting sensor and its protecting means, and the sky light is constructed so as, when the wing frame is open, the detecting sensor of the detecting device is in the working posture and, when the wing frame is closed, the detecting sensor is protected by the protecting means. As the sky light is used also for ventilation, the connecting members of the frames are formed as a operating member of the wing frame and various aspects of the rain detecting device to close the wing frame in the rain is disclosed in relation to the operating member.

Abstract: The specification describes a pressure release device for use with a manhole cover for releasing excess fluid pressure within a manhole or the like, the device comprising a tubular member having a tubular wall, a fluid inlet at one end thereof, a fluid outlet in the wall, an arrangement at the other end thereof for securing the member to the cover, and an arrangement for securing the member to the manhole adjacent a manhole opening for longitudinal movement of the member between a closed position whereat the cover closes the opening and an open position whereat the cover is removed from the opening permitting fluid flow from the manhole into the member via the inlet and outwardly of the member and the manhole opening via the outlet, the member securing permitting movement of the member from the closed position at a predetermined fluid pressure within the manhole and permitting the member to return to the closed position when the fluid pressure drops below the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A relief valve has a pair of poppet valves mounted to seal against each other when in the closed position and to uniformly move apart when opening to place one of the poppet valves outside configuration on an aircraft to create a ram air effect through the opened valve.

Abstract: A regulator of air pressure within a hot or cold storage chamber which comprises a damper and frames. The damper is disposed within an opening provided at a wall of the storage chamber defining an air passage, and the frames are airtightly in contact with peripheral surfaces of the opening and the damper at the inside and outside of the storage chamber to close the air passage. The damper and either one of the frames are moveable in the inside or outside direction of the storage chamber in accordance with variations of air pressure within the storage chamber to thereby release the sealing of the air passage and establish pressure equilibrium between the inside and outside of the storage chamber.

Abstract: A regulator of air pressure within a hot or cold storage chamber which comprises a damper and frames. The damper is disposed within an opening provided at a wall of the storage chamber defining an air passage, and the frames are airtightly in contact with peripheral surfaces of the opening and the damper at the inside and outside of the storage chamber to close the air passage. The damper and either one of the frames are moveable either inside or outside direction of the storage chamber in accordance with variations of air pressure within the storage chamber to thereby release the sealing of the air passage and establish pressure equilibrium between the inside and outside of the storage chamber.

Abstract: A door or hatch operating mechanism is blocked by a bolt when the aircraft moves in that dynamic pressure is sensed by a spring biased displaceable large piston moving a small piston which acts on a hydraulic link acting, in turn, on another spring biased piston which holds the bolt in locking position or releases it.

Abstract: A lightweight cabin construction fabricated of a plurality of readily available lumber and plywood parts. The parts are worked to render them easily interfitting. All of the cabin construction materials may be easily transported in knocked-down condition and are designed to be easily assembled on the job site. The invention also includes a portable foundation which can be employed with the cabin construction for assembly at the job site.