With Biasing Means Patents (Class 49/386)
  • Patent number: 4411419
    Abstract: An articulate bridge assembly covers an enclosure transport pathway from an enclosure feeder through an enclosure pick-up station in a reciprocating ram type envelope inserter. The bridge includes a cover hinged along an axis parallel to the transport pathway. The horizontal and vertical planes of the cover are stabilized with reference to the inserter frame by spring mechanisms incorporated in the cover hinge assembly. A switch for detecting multiple enclosures in the pathway is mounted to the cover. To adjust the switch for various enclosure thicknesses, a knob at the face of the inserter is rotated. The knob advances a lead screw against a sloped surface of a pivot link. The pivot link in turn bears against a bracket assembly carrying the switch. The upper surface of the cover is planar and obstruction free, while a chassis is carried by the undersurface. Mounted to the chassis are skis which urge successive enclosures against transport belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Silverman, Alan B. Hotchkiss
  • Patent number: 4388783
    Abstract: The specification discloses a prefabricated partition arrangement for fitting rooms and the like, comprising a pair of parallel, laterally spaced side panels having rearward edges thereof fastened to an interior wall of a building by a first pair of channels. A front panel with a door therein extends between the forward edges of the side panels and is connected therewith by a second pair of channels, thereby forming a sturdy, postless partition assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: American Store Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles F. Logie
  • Patent number: 4381626
    Abstract: A gate assembly including a support structure, a gate carried by the support structure and movable with respect thereto, a gate control and a gate activator associated with the gate, the support structure including a plurality of frame members, the gate having one end thereof disposed adjacent to the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom, a pivot connecting a lower part of the gate to an adjacent lower portion of the support structure, the pivot including a rotatable shaft and shaft carrier, the gate control including a biasing mechanism associated with the gate, the gate activator including a power source mounted on the support structure, drive mechanism operatively connected to the power source, the drive mechanism including translating mechanism activatable by the power source, the translating mechanism being disposed for movement in a substantially horizontal plane, an arm member having one end pivotally connected to the translating mechanism, the arm member having its opposite end pivotally
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: Red Lodge Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Courtis, Carl E. Donelson
  • Patent number: 4378658
    Abstract: A door is mounted to hinge about a horizontal axis between a closed position and an open position. A torsion bar is mounted in pretensioned manner to bias the door from the closed position to the open position and to hold the door in the open position in a tensioned manner. The vehicle body is made of molded reinforced plastic while the hinges and mounting plates are metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignee: Delorean Research Limited Partnership
    Inventor: John Z. DeLorean
  • Patent number: 4359119
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for counterbalancing and spring-assisting the swinging movement of a horizontally hinged upwardly extending mass is disclosed wherein a spring (preferably a gas spring) and a mounting bracket or hinge of unique configuration is pivotally attached at one end of the spring, the bracket (hinge) including means for selective engagement and disengagement from the spring during pivotal swinging movement of the mass between alternate terminal positions and through an over-center position, in order to minimize the forces necessary to move said mass toward and through the over-center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: New York Development Consultants, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven B. Kammerman
  • Patent number: 4350382
    Abstract: A balancing device for a portion (2), rotable about a horizontal axis (4) in a frame and provided with a lever arm (21) fixedly connected to the portion (2) to be balanced, a spring member (26) by means of a pull-or press member (40) connected to the lever arm (21) in which the pull-or press member (40) is directed through an approx. fixed point (30') in the frame and whereby in the position wherein the center of gravity (20) of the part to be balanced is positioned precisely above the hinge pin, the direction of the pulling or pressing forces (40) extends in longitudial direction of the lever arm (4-32-30'), the spring (26) having a linear characteristic and being biassed in a special way, the balancing device being especially suited for a platform sideboard or a tilting cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventor: Emmanuel S. M. Spronck
  • Patent number: 4349296
    Abstract: A gate for an irrigation ditch includes a rectangular frame, in which a pair of gates are pivotally mounted on shafts for rotation around vertical axes at the sides of the frame; helical springs connected to the top ends of the shafts and to the frame for regulating the water pressure required to open the gates; and tensioning elements for changing the length and consequently the tension of the springs, so that the pressure required to open the gates can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventor: Peter J. Langeman
  • Patent number: 4341414
    Abstract: A back door stay arrangement for an automotive vehicle including an opening formed at the back of the automotive vehicle, comprising a back door hinged at its upper portion to the upper edge portion of said opening so that said back door can be opened or closed; a back door stay fitted between a side edge portion of said opening and said back door for the purpose of supporting said back door; a weather strip adapted to seal said opening with said back door when said back door is closed; a stepped portion formed on the inner portion of said side edge portion of said opening inside of the sealing point of said weather strip in such a way that said stepped portion can cover said back door stay, one end of said back door stay being provided on said stepped portion; and a barrier embossed in a convex form on the inner side of said back door at a position corresponding to said stepped portion, the other end of said back door stay being provided on said barrier; whereby said back door stay can be placed in a space d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tatsuya Chiba
  • Patent number: 4315495
    Abstract: An oven door has a sleeve removably receiving a hinge element so the door may be released from its hinges for easy oven cleaning. The hinge element is in the form of an elongated and generally tubular structure having a somewhat resilient lever in its hollow interior, the lever being pivoted between its ends to the hinge element. The ends of the lever have projections extending out from a side of the hollow hinge element for resilient engagement with the sleeve to eliminate looseness between the door and hinge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Magic Chef, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Jellies
  • Patent number: 4300440
    Abstract: A ventilating hatch assembly for a boat deck or the like includes a square opening in the deck having a coaming extending therearound. A square frame having a hatch cover pivotally attached along one edge thereof is disposed over the opening and is demountably attached to the coaming. The frame and hatch cover may be removed from the coaming and selectively replaced at one of four ventilating positions spaced at 90.degree. intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Inventor: John W. Holter
  • Patent number: 4299058
    Abstract: A door closure for use on the outside of doors which open outwardly in which a spring is attached on one end to the door and is pivotally attached at the other end to the door frame. A clip is disposed over the spring and is secured to the door near the edge on the side to which the hinges are mounted and holds the spring near the surface of the door. As the door pivots outwardly about the axis of the hinge pins, the spring stretches and supplies retractive force when the door is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Inventor: Floyd A. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 4297812
    Abstract: A storm door assembly which includes a U-shaped Z-bar, a reinforcing element insertable between one leg of the Z-bar and the door jamb, and a door hingedly connected to the Z-bar. The door includes a top rail, bottom rail, side rails and a center mullion. A return spring assembly is enclosed and hidden within one or more of the top or bottom rails or the center mullion, each of which is hollow. A sliding latching assembly is provided on one of the side rails of the door, and is slidingly movable to a position of cooperation with a portion of the return spring assembly to prevent the door from moving from an open position toward a closed position until the latching assembly has been intentionally released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Inventor: Shelvey C. McPhail
  • Patent number: 4291501
    Abstract: A device for counterbalancing a swivelable body part on a motor vehicle, especially a trunk lid on an automobile, said device including a hinge for the swivelable body part and a torsion bar, the torsion bar being bent to form a crank in the vicinity of a movable hinge part. An intermediate lever is articulated on the movable hinge part and engages the crank, the crank including a crank pin between two legs, the legs being connected by arcuate segments both with the crank pin and with the torsion bar. The legs are made S-shaped so as to minimize waste, provide ease of manufacture and small installation space requirements for the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Steinberg, Gerhard Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 4287873
    Abstract: A pair of spring-loaded oven door hinge mechanisms, mounted on a domestic range body and located at the lower corners of a counterbalancing oven door lock in a partially open position upon removal of the oven door to preclude accidental tripping of the non-counterbalanced hinge mechanisms. Reinstallation of the counterbalancing oven door unlocks the spring-loaded hinge mechanisms to permit normal oven door movement between open and closed positions. Each hinge mechanism includes a fixed roller normally engageable with a hinge blade projection to provide a broil position detent mechanism. The fixed roller snaps into a deep recess or notch in a movable hinge blade upon removal of the oven door to provide positive locking of the hinge blade to maintain the associated hinge mechanism in a partially open position, thereby facilitating oven door reinstallation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Goins, Hubert H. Cardin
  • Patent number: 4286411
    Abstract: A manually-operable balanced door with improved operating characteristics is mounted to pivot around a guide roller so that a hinge side of the door swings inwardly from a door frame while a latching side of the door swings outwardly from the door frame. A door closer within the header is reversed from its position in a prior construction so that a rotatable closer shaft extends downwardly from a hinge side portion of the door frame header. The check shaft is coupled by a rigid closer arm to the latching side of the door, while the hinge side of the door is supported between upper and lower door pivot arms. A bearing assembly is disposed within a hinge end of the upper pivot arm and encircles a pivot pin that is supported within a cavity in a side jamb, the pivot pin being easily removable for disassembling the door from the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Wikk Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Wikkerink, James R. Schinschke
  • Patent number: 4270312
    Abstract: A gate assembly including a support structure, a gate carried by the support structure and movable with respect thereto, and a gate control associated with the gate, the support structure including a plurality of frame members, the gate having one end thereof disposed adjacent to the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom, a pivot connecting a lower part of the gate to an adjacent lower portion of the support structure, a pivot including a rotatable shaft and shaft carrier, the gate control including at least one coil spring member, one end of the spring member being attached to an upper part of the gate adjacent to the support structure and the opposite end of the spring member being affixed to the support structure at a point spaced from the pivot, a fulcrum disposed adjacent the end of the spring member affixed to the support structure, the fulcrum being disposed on the side of the spring member remote from the pivot, the fulcrum including an arcuate spring-engaging section disposed in substan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Red Lodge Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Courtis, Carl E. Donelson
  • Patent number: 4265051
    Abstract: A pair of doors hinged to a frame and including a self-locking three-point latch and coordinated closing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Inventor: Clarence E. Williams
  • Patent number: 4235047
    Abstract: The armored door of a field artillery ammunition support vehicle has a door opener on each side of the door, the door being hinged at the top to the top of the vehicle for movement into raised substantially horizontal position to supply added protection for crew members. Each door opener includes a cylinder pivoted at its bottom to the floor of the vehicle with a rod actuated compression spring in the cylinder. The upper end of the rod is pivoted to the end of an arm and the arm is in turn pivoted to an extension from the door opening into the vehicle body. The other end of the arm is pivoted to a link which in turn is pivoted at its other end to the interior of the door. On opening of the door the spring which is compressed assists in raising the weight of the door and on closing of the door the spring compresses countering the downward action of the weight of the door. In door close position the four pivots are aligned on the axis of the cylinder and rod to assist in holding the door in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventor: John Turner
  • Patent number: 4223483
    Abstract: A combination hinge and opening bias mechanism for a closure of a vehicle such as a trunk deck lid including a hinge arm attached at one end to the closure with the other end guided by a horizontal track extending beneath an adjacent backlite of the vehicle body. Movement of the end of the hinge arm in the track is controlled by the pivoting of a torsion bar which extends laterally across the closure and with the end of a crankarm portion attached in pivotal relation to the body. During opening movement, the hinged edge of the closure pivots upward and slightly rearward as the elongated portion of the torsion bar rotates about the crankarm end. This upward movement is accompanied by rearward movement of the hinge arm in the track. The simultaneous dual pivoting of the closure moves the hinged edge portion of the closure rapidly upwardly in a substantially vertical direction so as not to contact the adjacent backlite of the vehicle which is only slightly spaced forward thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas J. Stafford
  • Patent number: 4223482
    Abstract: A refrigerator door structure comprising a door hingedly mounted on a mullion is disclosed, one or more of which may be mounted in a suitable opening through the wall of a refrigerator compartment without a frame and with or without a starter mullion to close such opening while providing access therethrough. The door and mullion are designed to be inverted to provide for either right-hand or left-hand opening of the door. The packaging of the door structure with appropriate shelving elements is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventors: Louis F. Barroero, Socrates Dekas
  • Patent number: 4217732
    Abstract: A window of a residential roof with a window wing (a folding skylight shutter) which is supportably relieved of weight by an accumulator and which swings open about an upper axis of the blind window frame, the wing after decoupling additionally being able to be turned over about an axis lying substantially in the longitudinal center line, the axial pins of the last-mentioned axis being seated on carrier arms which are articulated in the vicinity of the upper transverse leg of the blind window frame and extend in the direction of the longitudinal legs of the blind window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Inventor: Hans U. Reichstadt
  • Patent number: 4208840
    Abstract: A safety vent preferably for use in a high rise building for permitting the escape of smoke and fumes and comprising a fixed frame accommodated by an opening in the building, a movable frame pivotally secured to the fixed frame and means for biasing the movable frame to an open position. In the preferred embodiment the movable frame includes panel means and pivots at its lower end. A latch mechanism maintains the movable frame in a closed position while a release mechanism, operated either electrically or pneumatically, can be energized to permit opening of the vent. Limiting means in the form of shock absorbers or snubbers interconnect between frames for limiting the open position of the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: Wasco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur P. Jentoft, Paul A. Couture
  • Patent number: 4192099
    Abstract: A swinging door assembly for securement in a door opening of an exterior telephone booth. A lintel member is secured in a top horizontal frame of the door opening. The lintel member has a pair of top pivot housings to receive and secure therein a top portion of a torsion spring bar located in a door column of a respective one of a pair of swinging doors. A pivot clamp bracket is secured to a lower portion of each vertical frame of the door opening. The pivot clamp bracket has a pivot pin which is received in a pivot hole in a lower end of a bearing bushing housing provided in each door column. A friction bearing assembly is supported about the pivot pin and in frictional engagement with a peripheral lower marginal edge of the pivot hole of the bearing bushing housing to frictionally retain a respective swinging door in a desired plane determined by the fixation of the top extension portion of the torsion bar of the respective swinging door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Brass & Bronze Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Simko, Albert Strasser
  • Patent number: 4185415
    Abstract: An articulated hinge having a movable pivot axis cooperates with an energy storage device for automatically opening and securing an unlatched compartment door in a first open position. Primary and secondary linking members are rotatively mounted to a support structure adjacent the interior of the compartment door opening, and are also rotatively mounted on a hinge base member. The hinge base member forms a pivot axis about which the compartment door is mounted for rotation. A coupling member is associated with the compartment door and the primary and secondary linking members. When the compartment door is rotated, the coupling member causes the primary and secondary linking members to rotate about their attachment points to the support structure and thereby causes the pivot axis of the compartment door to move along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Richard J. LaConte
  • Patent number: 4177540
    Abstract: Concealed self-closing door hinge has pressure element operating in a slender box-like housing comprising parallel ears which closely juxtapose the sidewalls of the slot in which the hinge operates. This gives additional support to the door. Various means for restricting the lateral movement of the pressure element are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Ajax Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Howard B. Gorton
  • Patent number: 4171731
    Abstract: A land vehicle such as a motorcycle has a frame and seat which, when the seat is in a normal operating position, define between themselves a space which is substantially closed and substantially inaccessible. A structure which includes components such as electronic components is situated in this latter space so as to be protected from the outer atmosphere and from unauthorized access when the seat is in its normal operating position. By way of a suitable connecting structure the seat can be displaced from its normal operating position to a location where the seat is at least partially spaced from the frame to give access to the space where the structure which includes electronic components or the like is situated, so that access may be had to the structure for servicing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Kreidler Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Hilber
  • Patent number: 4165897
    Abstract: An improvement in a heavy-duty refuse compactor which includes a large capacity container having an initially open rear end normally closed by a top-hinged, releasably-locked door adapted to be swung upward to an open position for discharge of refuse from the container; the improvement comprising a counterbalance mechanism, connected between the container and the door, arranged to assist in the manual opening and closing of the door by the operator, and to permit such opening and closing from a convenient position. The counterbalance mechanism includes a novel link and lever array wherein the lever carries a heavy counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1979
    Assignee: Blackwelders
    Inventor: Lewis W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4163344
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism is provided for use with an oven housing having side walls, a rear wall, an access opening opposite the rear wall and a door for the access opening wherein the door is movable through a plurality of positions between a closed position and an open position. The hinge mechanism includes a bracket rigidly mounted to the side wall of the oven structure for pivotally securing the door to the side wall of the oven housing. The bracket includes specifically designed camming surface along the top edge. A lever is pivotally secured to the door and includes first and second arm members. A spring having first and second ends is provided for biasing the lever toward the side wall of the oven housing. The first end of the spring is attached to the first arm member of the lever, and the second end of the spring is attached to the side wall of the oven housing adjacent the bracket. The second end of the lever includes a cam follower for engaging the camming surface of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Assignee: Chambers Corporation
    Inventor: Richard M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 4158271
    Abstract: A self-closing door device includes a torsion bar which is connected at its ends between the hinged side of the door and the door jamb. The torsion bar is arranged to twist about as well as bend along its longitudinal axis and in a manner which tends to decelerate the door as the door approaches its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: William S. Hawkes
    Inventor: John Barry
  • Patent number: 4146994
    Abstract: A pair of doors hinged to a frame and including a self-locking three-point latch and coordinated closing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Inventor: Clarence E. Williams
  • Patent number: 4145844
    Abstract: A rectangular glass panel refrigerator door is provided with a mitered frame construction. The door frame has two vertical side frame members and two horizontal cross frame members. Each frame member is generally channel-shaped and has a front wall, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall which together form a substantially U-shaped channel. The end of each frame member is angled at 45 degrees to form a miter joint with another frame member perpendicular thereto. A right angle corner brace is provided at each miter joint and has one leg lying along the inner wall of the horizontal cross frame member and another leg lying along the inner wall of the vertical frame member. Projecting outwardly from the inner wall of the vertical side frame member is a lug having a threaded aperture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Assignee: Ardco, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin C. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 4145843
    Abstract: A cup-shaped support member for a lift-cylinder in a horizontal door structure, such as a hatchway, in which the lift-cylinder counter-balances the weight of the door. The base of the lift-cylinder is pressed against the bottom of the cup by its spring in the usual manner, and tilts about a flange on the foot as the door is swung open or closed. One or more clean-out holes are provided in the cup bottom, and an inturned lip is formed on the edge of the cup so that it overlaps the flange on the foot of the lift-cylinder. Foreign matter, such as dirt or ice, which heretofore has built-up under the foot of the lift-cylinder until the foot of the cylinder is lifted out of the cup, is forced through the clean-out holes in the support cup by engagement of the lip with the flange on the cylinder foot, preventing it from being lifted off the bottom of the cup while still allowing the cylinder to tilt freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Inventor: Robert J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 4143904
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate of the type which is hinged along a bottom edge for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. Specifically, the invention concerns a torque rod type counterbalancing spring for the tailgate which exerts both an outward opening bias on the tailgate and a lifting or closing force on the tailgate opposing opening movement so as to counterbalance gravitational forces thereon. The torque rod is mounted and connected so that the rod is continuously stressed in a torsional manner in only one direction from opening to closing, there being no null point where there is a reversal of stress on the torque rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman F. Cooper, David N. Lee
  • Patent number: 4138988
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for removably mounting an oven door on the front wall of the cabinet of a food processing oven for movement between open and closed positions with respect to the oven cavity includes a hinge plate mounted in overlying relation with respect to the front wall at one side of the oven cavity, a hinge arm on which the oven door is removably mounted pivotally attached to the hinge plate, a support arm joined pivotally at one end to the hinge arm and extending into the oven cabinet alongside the oven cavity through an aperture in the hinge plate and an aligned aperture in the front wall of the oven cabinet and a spring attached at the opposite end of the support arm and cabinet frame, to bias the oven door to a "closed door" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: James E. Hurley
  • Patent number: 4137669
    Abstract: A balancing mechanism for manhole covers uses two sets of conical disc springs, one stronger than the other, mounted on a common pull rod, to balance the cover as it moves from the open vertical position to the closed position. This provides a progressive spring force curve that balances the manhole in any position between the closed position and the vertical position. The balancing mechanism is also provided with an additional set of disc springs that absorb shock when the cover is opened rapidly. The mechanism is preferably mounted on a nozzle protection ring, which allows the system to be installed on existing glass lined vessels without welding, drilling or similar operations which might damage the lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Sybron Corporation
    Inventor: Erwin J. Nunlist
  • Patent number: 4134232
    Abstract: An animal door assembly has a frame and a door mounted in the frame by a hinge which has a hinge axis which permits opening of the door in both directions to each side of the doorway. A spring is coupled with an edge of the door and acts between a position on the frame disposed inwardly of the door opening away from the hinge axis and a position fixed in relation to the door and offset radially from the hinge axis. The position is so arranged as to adapt the assembly to induce resilient deformation of the spring during opening of the door and to induce a reduction in the rate of deformation with movement of the door as it approaches the open position. The spring serves to urge the door towards the closed position when opened in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Assignee: Petdoors Limited
    Inventors: Leonard P. Dodge, Wendy E. Morley
  • Patent number: 4133074
    Abstract: A spring assisted cover construction for an opening is disclosed which is easily opened and which can be laid back adjacent the opening essentially parallel to the plane of the opening if desired. Hinge member means are pivotally connected to the frame surrounding the opening to swing with the door from a lowered position within the opening to a raised position corresponding to the raised position of the door. The hinge member means is also pivotally connected to the door to allow the door to pivot relative to the hinge member means from the raised position to a fully open position adjacent the opening while the hinge member remains stationary. A first pair of torsion rods are arranged to be loaded or stressed when the door is swung down to a closed position from its raised position and a second pair of torsion rods are arranged to be stressed when the door is swung down to its fully open position from its raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Inventor: John B. Schack
  • Patent number: 4133142
    Abstract: A latch for releasably holding two members together. The latch includes a stud adapted to be mounted in fixed position on one of the members and a receptacle adapted to be mounted in fixed position on the other of the members and located to engage with the stud when the members are brought together. A coupling on the stud and receptacle automatically couples and holds the two members together. A release on the stud and receptacle which is exposed for actuation acts to uncouple the latch and permit the members to be separated. The coupling includes at least one flanged finger on the stud resiliently displaceable and a fixed rim on the receptacle so that when the stud and receptacle are engaged the flanged finger will displace and engage the rim to close the latch. The release includes a surface to direct the resilient finger away from engagement with the rim and release the latch when the release is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Assignee: Dzus Fastener Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Dzus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4124204
    Abstract: An improved sorting apparatus and reproducing machine are provided with a plurality of sheet receiving bins. A first frame supports the bins. A sheet transport is arranged in a second frame. The frames are supported for relative movement between a first closed position wherein the sheet transport is operatively associated with the bins and a second open position wherein access is provided to the transport and bins for sheet clearance. The sheet transport includes at least one belt which is operatively maintained under a desired tension. A device is provided for reducing the belt tension in response to the relative movement of the frames between their respective closed and open positions. In accordance with another feature a counterbalance is provided for counterbalancing the frame supporting the transport as it moves away from the frame supporting the bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Warren T. VanBuskirk
  • Patent number: 4122630
    Abstract: A spring hinge for use with a gate having a frame constructed of channel member joined at the corner by corner keys. The hinge includes a rod having a right angle near one end which is threaded and an elongated slot in the other end. The slotted end is received in a bore in a corner of the gate frame and extends through a bore in the corner key. A helical spring received on the slotted end of the rod has one of its ends retained in the slot the other end is adapted to engage an adjacent wall of the channel member in which it is installed. When the gate is swung open the rod is fixed and one end of the spring is held therein while the other end turns with the gate thereby twisting the spring so as to store energy required to return the gate to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Inventor: Rudolph E. Parisien
  • Patent number: 4122631
    Abstract: A pipe rail and gate system of uniform metal constituents and simple design utilizes extrusions to form accessory units such as hinges and stop plates to fit the pipe structure, the units being cut from the extruded sections. The shapes of the units and the expedients for fastening the units in place are blended in and function with the rail structure, outlines of the units and their working parts being confined within the dimensions of the rail structure with a minimum of protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: Crane-Veyor Corporation
    Inventor: Roy W. Batcheller
  • Patent number: 4115954
    Abstract: A gate structure is provided whch is openable from a remote position and includes a pair of spaced apart supports on one of which is mounted a hinge arrangement having a pair of spaced apart hinged members which are movable relative to one another and in turn hingedly mount a gate on a support. Power means is provided and is operably connected to the hinge means to effect the relative movement of the hinge members whereby upon relative movement the gate is tilted and the free end thereof is raised so that the gate will open under the influence of gravity. The power means is selectively operated by motive means which is operably connected to actuator means by an energy transmitting member which is substantially immovable during the transmission of energy from the motive means to the actuator means. Latch means is provided which releasably retain the gate in its closed position and when the free end of the gate is raised the latch means will release the gate so that same can move to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Inventors: Mark E. Larkin, Michael H. King
  • Patent number: 4115901
    Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic hinge member for a washing machine or other appliance door having integral starter attachment means for mounting to the appliance without auxiliary fasteners, an integral pintle for pivotal connection to a door, an upstanding stop element for limiting movement of the door, and an integral upstanding pad portion for preventing direct contact between the door and an adjacent part of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4103608
    Abstract: The trash compactor of the present invention utilizes a three piece toggle linkage mechanism for moving the compactor blade from its inoperative to its operative position. The toggle linkage includes a frame link hinged to the frame of the compactor, a primary link hinged to the frame link, and a blade link pivotally connected to the primary link and also pivotally connected to the compactor blade. Hydraulic cylinders are operatively connected to the linkage mechanism for causing movement of the compactor blade from its initial position to its compacting position. Another feature of the trash compactor, includes a counterbalance mechanism for the door to the compactor, the counterbalance mechanism being adapted to neutralize the weight of the door throughout the swinging movement of the door from its open to its closed position. A safety interlock is engaged by a cam plate on the door so that the hydraulic system is inoperative whenever the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Mid-Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis A. Chenot
  • Patent number: 4086726
    Abstract: A counterbalance system for aircraft doors which includes a varying radius pulley mounted to the door and a spring-powered reel to apply a substantially uniform force on the pulley to exert a moment on the pulley which is opposite the moment exerted by the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1978
    Assignee: The BKM Company
    Inventor: Brian Keith Moses
  • Patent number: 4071977
    Abstract: Automatically actuable silo door apparatus and a silo equipped with same. The apparatus preferably comprises a door member adapted to selectively block a silage discharge orifice, a hinge assembly for mounting the door, retractable gun means for automatically activating the door apparatus, and trigger apparatus responsive to silage level for selectively activating the gun means to open the door. In a preferred form of the invention each trigger means comprises a portion received within an upper adjacent silo door orifice whereby an automatic silo unloader will contact and activate it during the unloading operation. The hinge means preferably comprises first and second spaced apart door hinge bars, each having portions pivotally mounted to the door member and integral offset portions thereof pivotally received by the silo. The hinge means enables the door member to be moved out of and away from the silo door orifice when opened to prevent interference with the unloader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Rochester Silo, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Price
  • Patent number: 4067145
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a spring loaded access door which comprises a door fitting over an opening through a wall of a compartment with the door being positionable to cover the opening. Most particularly the invention is concerned with an improved means for mounting a door to a compartment such as an engine compartment whereby the door can be stably fastened in either of two stable positions, in the first of which it is spring loaded closed and in the second of which it is spring loaded open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Norman J. Hodge
  • Patent number: 4047332
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hinge for gates, and more particularly, to hinges for chain link fence gates characterized in one embodiment in that they provide automatic gate closing, despite uneven terrain. Further, in a second embodiment, the improved hinge system provides gate openings up to 180.degree.. The expanded mode of operation is effected by offsetting the lower or both hinge pivot points respectively from the center line of the fence. The offset, provided by an improved hinge design including an angular extension of the gate hinge member, is effected while maintaining the coincidence of the center lines of the gate and fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: New Bedford Wire & Iron Company
    Inventor: Orient Benoit
  • Patent number: 4040144
    Abstract: A typical door closer has a cylinder in which a piston reciprocates to compress a spring. An assistor for such a closer has a cylindrical shell fastened to one end of and continuing the cylinder. The shell has a barrier wall at one end adjacent the cylinder, a partition wall dividing the shell into a booser compartment and a main compartment, and a head wall at the other end. Air under regulated pressure is supplied to the main compartment, wherein the air presses a main plunger tube, extending through the partition wall, against a booster plunger having a rod extending through the barrier wall and abutting the piston. A port in the plunger tube receives air from the main compartment through the tube. In some plunger tube positions the port is blocked by the partition wall and in other plunger tube positions opens into the first compartment. A check valve when open allows air flow from the booster compartment to the main compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Lasier, Raymond H. Schnarr
  • Patent number: 4026069
    Abstract: A U-shaped frame is secured to a pair of spaced fence posts, and the frame has yoke members which secure the U-frame at the top and the bottom to the fence posts. A one-way gate or turnstile is provided by rotatable members on the U-frame having turnstile arms. A means of removably securing the U-frame to the fence posts is in the form of members securing the fence posts which can be manually tightened. The entire turnstile is designed to be readily removable from the fence line or readily insertable in a fence line; if the fence posts to which it is attached are weak, the U-frame tends to strengthen them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: Floyd Newell Bohnett