Abstract: A system for dampening an opening motion of a door includes a frame, an access door and at least one dampening member. The access door is rotatably secured to the frame. The access door is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between closed and completely open positions. The at least one dampening member is secured to the access door or the frame. The dampening member(s) dampens movement of the access door toward the completely open position over a range of motion.

Abstract: A foldable deployable panel device attached to a body of an object is disclosed. The device includes a panel pivotally attached to the body by a first pivot element at first pivot position and a second pivot element at a second pivot position. The first pivot element is disengageable from the first pivot position, when the panel is aligned in a predetermined orientation. The second pivot element is fixed at the second pivot position, when the first pivot element is engaged at the first pivot position. The panel is urged by an energy storing element, when the first pivot element is disengaged from the first pivot position, to move into the deployed position.

Abstract: A pivot hinge for roof windows with a sash pivoting around the axis located between the upper and the lower member of a window, has a balancing system, which ensures the state of equilibrium of a window sash when its centre of gravity is located outside the sash rotating axis and the friction spring of the hinge is unable to hold the sash pivoted in each its position. At the same time the window fittings, its assembly, installation in a roof and its appearance remain unchanged. Also the method of separating of both hinge parts (taking a sash out of a window frame) remains unchanged.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing improved egress and greater safety for subterranean window wells. The apparatus has relatively low lifting force to allow people to escape fires and earthquake damaged buildings through egress windows. The apparatus can include mounts which are U-shaped and fit over opposing sides of the window well wall and are connected thereto. The mounts may have pivots which connect to an operator that applies upward force upon a grate assembly that covers the window well. The mounts and grate are hinged to pivot and allow the grate to be opened when needed. The operator has swivel and ball connections and an adjustable outboard connector.

Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism arranged inside the tank opening forming member, having an opening and closing member for which the inlet is opened and closed by being pressed by the tip of the fueling nozzle, a shaft provided at the tip of the opening and closing member, and a bearing mechanism provided on the tank opening forming member for supporting the shaft so as to be rotatable. The bearing mechanism has a shaft support recess in which the shaft is inserted and a plurality of shaft restriction projections provided projecting from the wall surface of the shaft support recess, and the shaft restricting projections have a cross section arc shaped shaft support surface such that there is contact with a portion of the outer periphery of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for spring-assisted pivoting a liftgate or door against gravity between a closed position and an open position includes a torsion bar spring system with springs arranged in parallel in a meander pattern and connected with one another in fixed rotative engagement. An outer bearing-torsion bar spring and another outer lever-torsion bar spring are each supported in a support bracket of a tracker. The lever-torsion bar spring is connected in fixed rotative engagement with a length-adjustable lever guided in a control cam of the tracker. A coupling rod configured for translatory movement engages with the length-adjustable lever for rotating a hinged lever associated with the liftgate or door. An adjusting device is connected with the bearing-torsion bar spring in fixed rotative engagement and can be variably locked relative to the support bracket. A method for producing such apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator, comprising at least one pivotably supported actuating arm for moving a furniture flap, wherein the actuating arm is or can be acted on by a spring device, and wherein a retaining clip is proposed for the empty actuating arm on which no furniture flap is mounted yet, wherein the retaining clip prevents accidental opening or deflecting of the empty actuating arm and for this purpose comprises a brake or detent device which can be moved by a shaft (R), wherein a transmission gear is provided by which the pivot speed of the actuating arm can be geared to a higher rotational speed of the shaft (R) at least over a region of the pivot travel of the actuating arm in the open direction.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerator body, a door to open and close the front of the refrigerator body, the door having an opening, a home bar door to open and close the opening, and a hinge device provided at the home bar door, wherein the hinge device includes a hinge shaft, a damper including a case, a first rotation member rotatably disposed in the case, a second rotation member configured to be rotated together with the first rotation member, and a fluid contained in the case to apply rotational resistance to the first rotation member, and an elastic member coupled to the damper to apply force in the direction in which the door is opened, the second rotation member including a fixing part to fix the hinge shaft, a receiving part to receive the elastic member, and a coupling part coupled to the first rotation member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a panel or door, which can be brought from a closed position into an open position against the force of gravity using at least one energy storage element and means coupled therewith for influencing the torsional moment provided on the panel or door by the at least one energy storage element, wherein the panel or door is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation, and wherein the torsional moment can be influenced by the means for influencing depending on the opening position of the panel or door.

Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door that is movably mounted with respect to the structural member for movement between an open position and a closed position. A spring is mounted with respect to the structural member or the door and being sufficiently positioned to bias the door toward its open position when the door is in its closed position. Active material based actuators may selectively compress the spring prior to door closure to minimize door closing effort.

Abstract: One end of the cover unit of a printer is supported freely rotatably on the device case, and a rotating shaft is disposed with both ends supported freely rotatably on the distal end. A right pressure lever and an operating lever are supported on the right end of the rotating shaft, and a left pressure lever is supported on the left end. When the operating lever rotates, the right and left pressure lever rotate in the same direction through an intervening rotation transfer member extending widthwise to the device. When the operating lever rotates when the cover is closed, the left pressure lever contacts the device case before the right pressure lever . The right and left pressure lever are set so that their rotational positions are the same when the cover starts to rise due to deformation of the rotation transfer member.

Abstract: A door mechanism includes a main body whereon an opening is formed. The main body is for shielding a slot on a casing of an electronic device. The door mechanism further includes a first resilient component. One end of the first resilient component is fixed inside the main body. The door mechanism further includes a shaft including a pivoting portion pivoted to the casing of the electronic device so that the main body is capable of rotating relative to the casing. The shaft further includes an extending portion. One end of the extending portion is connected to the pivoting portion, and the other end of the extending portion passes through the opening and is connected to the other end of the first resilient component. The main body is capable of moving relative to the pivoting portion due to deformation of the first resilient component.

Abstract: An opening device (10) for furniture parts which are movable relative to one another, such as door wings (12), flaps and the like coupled pivotably to a furniture body, with an elongate ejector ram (30) which is mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner in a housing (28) which can be fastened to one of the furniture parts which are movable relative to one another. The ejector ram is pretensioned at its one end by means of a spring (32) into a position in which it protrudes out of the housing (28) in the direction of the other furniture part in each case and can be pushed back into the interior of the housing counter to the pretensioning. The device has a locking device which locks the ejector ram (30) in the position in which it is retracted in the housing (28), and can be unlocked by manipulation by means of a user.

Abstract: A movable holder includes first and second mount members 20 and 22 to be attached to a door 3 and a case 2, respectively and two link arms 30 and 32 pivotally supported between the first and second mount members, the door being held on the case 3 so as to movably move forward and backward the door 3 between a position where the door closes the case and a position where the door is opened from the case and is adapted to automatically urge the link arms 30 and 32 to the door closed position or the door opened position when the link arms 30 and 32 are even slightly shifted from the half-opened position to the closed position or the opened position and includes a swinging arm 44 having one end pivoted on the amount member 20 adjacent to one end of the link arm 30 and the other end sliding along an elongated groove 48G in the link arm 30 and an expansion/contraction spring 42 is disposed within the link arm 30 so as to urge the swinging arm 44 to the closed position or the opened position.

Abstract: In a dishwasher of the built-in type comprising a door (12) which is tillable about a generally horizontal axis (A), the door comprising means for fixing a decor panel (14), said dishwasher further comprising means (24) for biasing the door towards the closed position and dampening means (26) for dampening the closing of the door, the dampening means is or can be adapted for dampening the closing of the door in the undecorated state of the door.

Abstract: A door or wing for electrical household appliances comprises a pivoting element (30) and two hinges (40, 50) mounted along one perimetric side of the pivoting element (30) to join the pivoting element (30) to a frame (2) and make it movable relative to the latter between a closed position and an open position, each of the two hinges (40, 50) comprising a first member and a second, box-shaped member and a lever for connecting the first and second members.

Abstract: A door panel opening and closing device for a casing includes a face panel, a door panel, and a resilient member. The face panel includes a base wall and a first post disposed on the base wall. The door panel includes a pivot arm pivoted to the base wall and having a second post. A pivot juncture between the pivot arm and the base wall is defined as a turning axis. The door panel is turnable about the turning axis between closed and open positions. The resilient member is an extension spring having two ends hooked to the first and second posts, respectively. When the door panel is turned from the closed position past a specific angular position, the door panel will automatically spring to the open position by virtue of a directional change of a component of tension force of the resilient member to an outward direction.

Abstract: Coil springs are incorporated, with a longitudinal direction oriented vertically, into the top and bottom end parts of hinge pieces provided on side surfaces of opposing door panels of a folding door and that connect the doors panels together. A portion of a pin plate is inserted into the coil springs at the top and bottom end parts of the coil springs and attached to the coil springs. The pin plate that is inserted into the top end part of the coil spring incorporated into the top end part of the hinge piece and the pin plate that is inserted into the bottom end part of the coil spring incorporated into the bottom end part of the hinge piece are fixed to the hinge pieces by brackets. The folding door is closed by the restoring force generated by the twisting of the coil springs.

Abstract: A foldable deployable panel device (12) attached to a body (16) of an object is disclosed. The device includes a panel pivotally attached to the body by a first pivot element (40/42) at a first pivot position and a second pivot element (29) at a second pivot position. The first pivot element (40/42) is disengageable from the first pivot position, when the panel (12) is aligned in a predetermined orientation. The second pivot element (29) is fixed at the second pivot position, when the first pivot element (40/42) is engaged at the first pivot position. The panel (12) is urged by an energy storing element (28), when the first pivot element (40/42) is disengaged from the first pivot position, to move into a deployed position.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for an automobile trunk lid is capable of producing an optimum pop-up amount by mounting an elastic springing means, which is used to hold a trunk lid in a popped-up state in cooperation with torsion bars when the trunk lid is unlocked, in a link mechanism part that transmits the torsional torque of the torsion bars to the hinge arm of the trunk lid.

Abstract: An automatic door closing hinge configured to absorb a shock by an air damper which can be installed on a double swing door opening inward and outward and a double swing door structure provided with the automatic door closing hinge are provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a frame, a door, a restricting part, a first spring member, and a second spring member. The frame has an opening on top thereof, when the frame is disposed in an orientation in which the frame is intended to be placed. The door is movably supported on the frame to be capable of opening and closing the opening. The restricting part is provided on the frame and defines a prescribed region. The first spring member has one end pivotally supported on the door, and another end pivotally supported on the frame. The second spring member has one end pivotally supported on the door, and another end that is movable within the prescribed region.

Abstract: A lid stay, for furniture, including a first arm (1) and a second arm (2) which are connected to each other so as to be pivotable about a swivel pin (3) between an open position and a closed position; a convex positioning contour (4) that is disposed on the first arm (1), extends around a central axis (5) located parallel to the swivel pin (3), and has the shape of a circular arc when viewed from a cross-section running perpendicular to the central axis (5); a positioning slide (8) which is movably guided along a positioning axis (9) by means of the first arm (1), is provided with a flat support area (12) facing the positioning contour (4), and is spring-biased in the direction of the positioning contour (4); and a sliding block (13), a concave first sliding surface (14) of which slidably leans on the positioning contour (4), while a flat second sliding surface (15) thereof slidably leans on the support area (12).

Abstract: A movable barrier system allows for varying the linear actuator speed to account for speed variances caused by the physical configuration of the system. An example system includes a processor configured to variably control operation speed of the linear actuator during operation between a first position of the movable barrier and a second position of the movable barrier as a function of location of the movable barrier pivot connection relative to the linear actuator pivot connection. The function may be a function of a ratio of a distance from the linear actuator pivot connection to a fixed point and a distance from the movable barrier pivot connection to the fixed point. The function may be calculated by the processor or accessed by the processor according to information about the physical configuration of the system.

Abstract: A motion assist hinge mechanism includes a first and second hinge part mounted to the tailgate and vehicle body, respectively. The first hinge part includes a first cam having a sloped engagement surface engaged with a sloped engagement surface of a second cam of the second hinge part, under the bias of a resilient member, for moving axially along a pivot axis. The second cam is fixed to the vehicle body against pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis. When the tailgate is moved from a lowered, open position towards a raised, closed position, the resilient member translates a torque assisting force to the tailgate. The surface of the second cam may also include a detent that mates with the surface of the first cam to lock the tailgate at an angle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compartment door assembly that provides for a compartment door that has controlled movement between a closed position and an open position. The assembly includes a compartment door for covering a compartment, the compartment door movable between the closed position and the open position. A cam having a cam arm, an elongated member and a tension member can also be included.

Abstract: A viscous rotary damping device for a vehicle end gate assembly is provided. The damping device includes a housing member configured to operatively attach to the vehicle body or the end gate assembly. The housing member defines a fluid chamber having viscous fluid therein. The damping device also includes an impeller member having a mast with a first end configured to operatively attach to the other of the vehicle body and the end gate assembly, and a second end having one or more blades projecting outward therefrom. The second end of the mast is rotatably received in the fluid chamber such that the impeller member dissipates kinetic energy generated by the end gate assembly when transitioning between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A cover plate member is preferably coupled to the housing member, and configured to fluidly seal the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A door operating mechanism is provided for rotatably switching a door relative to a base between a closed position and an open position. A sector gear is disposed in a support arm projected from the door. A rotary gear is disposed substantially in the center of the arc of the sector gear. A first gear of the base has internal teeth disposed to engage the sector gear. A second gear of the base is resiliently and displaceably disposed to engage the rotary gear. The door is rotatably disposed along a track corresponding to the first gear via engagements between the first gear and the sector gear, and engagements between the second gear and the rotary gear. A load received by the door in the closed position towards the bottom of the base is absorbed by resilient displacement of the second gear.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assistor that provides for a reduced force required to rotate or pivot a tailgate of a pickup truck or the like upwardly from a generally horizontal open position to a generally vertical closed position and in one embodiment the lift assistor is combined with a dampening mechanism that dampens the opening of the tailgate.

Abstract: A motorized universal swing door operator includes a motor driving a gear reduction drive mechanism having an output shaft adapted to be connected to a swing door operating arm. The output shaft supports a sprocket around which is trained a chain having opposite ends connected to a link supported on a shaft which is connected to a return spring. The return spring stores and returns energy regardless of the direction of rotation of the output shaft so as to provide the universal operating capability of the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected at one end thereof to the tailgate lever arm and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to a bell crank. The bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a plunger damper may be anchored to the vehicle body adjacent the bell crank. With the mechanism configured as discussed above, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate lever arm to impart movement to the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby contact and actuate a plunger of the plunger damper to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: A closure mechanism C comprising a elongated push/pull member 1, a base part 2, a resilient element 4, such as a coil spring, a motion converting means 6, such as a rack-and-pinion gearing, comprising a rotary output element 6o and a rotary braking device 7, such as a centrifugal brake, comprising a rotary input element 7i directly or indirectly coupled to said rotary output element 6o at least during movement of the elongated push/pull member 1 towards said first position, so as to be rotated thereby. The elongated push/pull member 1 and the base part 2 are assembled to each other so that said elongated push/pull member 1 is guided in a translational motion relative to the base part 2 between a first and a second position. The resilient element 4 is placed between said first and base parts 1, 2 so as to urge the elongated push/pull member 1 towards said first position.

Abstract: A moving apparatus forcefully moves a movable body backward up to the position at the end of backward movement after moving it backward to a prescribed position during backward movement, and it has a pair of sliders having first slider and a second slider and an impelling device. In the position before forward movement of the movable body, the second slider is locked against sliding and the first slider is made free to slide by catching a first engaging part, and in the position at the end of forward movement of the movable body, the first slider is locked against sliding by a first slide lock part in a state having released the first engaging part, and the second slider is made free to slide in a state having caught the second engaging part.

Abstract: To securely maintain a rotatable rail in a position where it can receive a plate-like object again after the plate-like object has left the rotatable rail. [Means to Solve] When a sliding door (3) as a plate-like object is moved in a front and rear direction from a closed position to an opening preparation position, a rotatable rail (20) rotates from a horizontal lying position to a vertical standing position about a rotation axis (L1). When the sliding door is in the opening preparation position, a roller (40) of the sliding door (3) rides on a running track (25b) of the rotatable rail (20). When the sliding door (3) is further moved from the opening preparation position to an open position, the roller (40) transfers from the running track (25b) to an auxiliary track (26) of an adjacent rotatable rail (20). The rotatable rail (20) is biased toward the standing position by an elastic force of a torsion spring (18) and maintained in the standing position by an arm (13).

Abstract: A device is provided for pivoting a lid, especially a motor vehicle lid, around a pivot axis. The pivoting device has a first actuating unit on one side of the lid and a second actuating unit on the opposite side of the lid. The two actuating units have substantially the same drive forces in a first section of the lid travel distance and different drive forces in a second section of the lid travel distance.

Abstract: A self-engaging rod retaining clip assembly for retaining a rod and a method of retaining the rod to a vehicle closure support component is disclosed. The self-engaging rod retaining clip assembly holds a rod retaining clip in a desired position on a vehicle closure support component until the rod is installed. Installing the rod includes pressing the rod against a rod pivoting flange, which causes clip retention flanges to flex outward around a clip support arm until the rod is sufficiently retained inside a rod channel in the support component. The clip retention flanges then snap towards each other to retain the clip, and hence the rod, in the support component.

Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side bracket having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side bracket to the body side bracket to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a torque rod adapted to be connected to another one of the closure side bracket, and a torque rod assembly connected to the body side bracket and the torque rod and being infinitely adjustable to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.

Abstract: An opposition device for locking and/or braking a swing door of a dishwashing machine, in which the door is movable about a horizontal rotation axis and along a predetermined trajectory, between at least two opposite, respectively open and closed, limit positions. A contoured leaf spring is fitted integrally to a casing of the machine. The contoured leaf spring has a first and second flexible arm projecting forward. A substantially rigid arm is fixed for movement with the door, and projects inward from the door and towards the contoured leaf spring. The first and second flexible arm of the contoured leaf spring, and the rigid arm of the door cooperate, in use, in sliding contact with one another along at least part of the predetermined trajectory of the door, to oppose rotation of the door at least close to the two opposite limit positions.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism may include a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate cam lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a strut may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to the vehicle body and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to the bell crank. With the tailgate cam lever arm, bell crank and strut configured as discussed, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate cam lever arm to contact and rotate the bell crank to actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected at one end thereof to the tailgate lever arm and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to a bell crank. The bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body. A strut may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to the vehicle body and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to the bell crank. With the mechanism configured as discussed above, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate lever arm to impart movement to the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: A gate assembly constructed according to principles of the present invention preferably has the ability, with only a small amount of manual force, to open a gate by pivoting the gate upwardly about a pivot point. The gate assembly can include, for instance, a pivot arm to which the gate is attached. The pivot arm preferably pivots at the pivot point about a pivot axis, for instance, using a pin and bearing setup attached to a main frame. A biasing member can provide a biasing force to the gate to maintain the gate in an open or closed position and/or to assist in opening the gate. An adjustment mechanism can be provided to enable adjustment of an amount of the biasing force. When the biasing member is a spring assembly, a spring adjustment sleeve can be slidably arranged on the pivot arm and attached to an end of one or more springs, with a desired number of springs (and spring force) selected depending on the weight of the gate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening assist device comprising a compression spring and piston retainably housed in a bind ended longitudinal bore formed in an externally threaded cylindrical housing. The spring and piston are held in cooperative engagement between a retaining nut and the blind end. The piston has a single protuberance extending normally from it's surface that resides in and travels about a spiral groove formed in the housing. The spiral groove has a series of detents, one of which can be selected to trap the protuberance and stop the spinning piston as it travels along the housing bore. The door opening assist device is installed in a door frame of an automobile to push the door open a distance determined by the detent selected. Upon closing the door, the door abuts and retracts the piston into the housing compressing the spring.

Abstract: A self-closing door structure includes a frame, a door pivotally mounted on the frame, and an arm mounted on the frame and pivoting between two stop positions. A first stop position corresponds to a closed position of the door and the second stop position corresponds to an opened position of the door. Also included is a spring coupled to the arm and acting upon the arm in a direction towards the first stop position when the arm is located in a position between the first stop position and a dead center position of the spring. The arm has a driving element for coupling the motion of the door to that of the arm and is disposed for engaging with an engaging point of the door over the course of a closing motion of the door and for disengaging over the course of an opening motion of the door.

Abstract: A door shock absorber is provided to absorb noise and shock when a door is opened, and an image forming apparatus employing the same. The door shock absorber includes a first guide rail included in a door mounted on a case used as an outer covering. A first spring is contained by the first guide rail. A link has a first end hingedly connected to the inside of the case, and a second end connected to the first guide rail and able to move in the direction of the first guide rail. When the door is opened, the second end of the link moves in the direction of the first guide rail and compresses the first spring.

Abstract: An assist mechanism for assisting in the pivotal movement of an enclosure member between closed, intermediate, and open positions. A first biasing member has a swing arm pivotally connected to a strut and extends between a base plate and enclosure member, and a second biasing member has a link pivotally connected to a limited tension spring and also extends between the base plate and enclosure member, whereby each impart a substantially biasing force substantially on only one side of the intermediate position, with the first biasing member biasing the enclosure member away from the closed position, and a second biasing member biasing the enclosure member away from the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cam 3, a lever 8, a switch 10, a spring 9 and fire detection means 15. Utilizing an interlocking movement and an operation of the switch, a motor 2 is driven under a microcomputer control 23, and by doing so, the automatic opening and closing movement of a cover 1 can be effected smoothly and stably. Even when a fire occurs at a cooking device 13 below the apparatus, the fire detection means 15 stops the operation of a circulating fan 11, and also stops the cover 1 in an open condition, and by doing so, the spreading of the fire can be limited to a minimum, and also an abnormality in the opening and closing of the cover 1 can be indicated at a display portion 23, and therefore the safety, the durability and the degree of satisfaction of customers can be enhanced.

Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly includes a storage compartment having an opening to permit access to the compartment. A door adjacent the opening is moveable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that permits access to the compartment through the opening. The storage assembly further includes a controllable damper coupled to the door and actuable between high and low damping states, such that the door is maintained in one of the closed position, the open position, or any position therebetween when the controllable damper is in the high damping state. To move the door to a new position, the controllable damper is actuated from the high damping state to the low damping state whereby the door can then be freely moved to the desired position. The controllable damper may then be actuated from the low damping state to the high damping state to retain the door in the selected position.

Abstract: A hatch cover with spring assembly to assist in lifting open the hatch cover lid. The lid is hinged to a frame so it can be rotated about the hinge to an open position. A spring or a pair of springs are attached to the underside of the lid. Each spring is a torsion spring having one arm selectively attached to the lid, and another arm in sliding contact with the frame. For ease of repair or replacement, the spring is attached only to the lid. In addition, attaching the spring to the lid allows the spring to retract when the lid is opened. The method for assembling the hatch includes the step of selectively attaching the spring to the lid underside. This step may be performed when the lid is detached from the frame.

Abstract: An automotive closure panel which is rotatable about a pivot axis has an axial locator insert situated within a pivot bearing insert bore to set a margin extending between the closure panel and a vehicle body. This system is particularly useful for closure panels such as tailgates having torsion bar or motorized lift assist, because such systems are not easily disassembled for the purpose of setting the closure panel margins.