Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist the opening of a covering element pivotably mounted relative to an edge of a frame. The device includes an assistance cylinder (6). The assistance cylinder (6) includes a hollow shaft (7), a guide pin (10) inserted in the hollow shaft (7) and comprising at the end thereof opposite the end wall (8) of the hollow shaft (7) a yoke (11), a spring (13) inserted in the hollow shaft (7) surrounding the guide pin (10) and mounted pre-stressed when unloaded between the end wall (4) of the hollow shaft (7) and the yoke (11) of the guide pin (10), and a screw (14) secured to the end of the guide pin (10) and engaging with the end wall (8) of the hollow shaft (7) for keeping the pre-stressed spring (13) in the released state thereof. The invention is useful in the field of road systems.

Abstract: A consumer appliance has a soft open door mechanism. The mechanism may include a damping device with a first end mounted to the cabinet and a second end mounted so as to move with the door. The damping device includes a partial fill damper activatable by an opening movement of the door toward the horizontal position to provide an opposing force to slow the door motion. The damper may be configured so as to initiate the opposing force only when the door has moved at least about 45 degrees from the upright position toward the horizontal position, and/or may be configured so that the damper includes a damping coefficient of about 200 to about 240 lb*s/ft.

Abstract: A counterweight mechanism that includes a radial arm with a weight and a series of elements interconnected between the door and the arm. The weight provides a closing force when in a first position and provides an opening force when in another position. The weight may be an over center weight and the closing force reduces when the weight moves toward an over center position. The counterweight mechanism may require manual resetting after the weight is in the second position. Door movement may be though an angle that is less than an angle of movement of the radial arm.

Abstract: A self-closing entry system includes an entrance, a base support member located at one side of the entrance, a bearing arrangement attached to the base support member, a gate surface member pivotably mounted to the base support member, a bumper assembly defined by at least one bumper frame member pivotably fastened to the gate surface member at a gate fulcrum, at least one bumper contact element fastened to the at least one bumper frame member, and wherein the at least one bumper contact element is capable of axial rotation about the at least one bumper frame member, a counter-balance assembly extending from the first bumper frame member to the second bumper frame member, and a means for latching the gate system, allowing the gate surface member to move in one direction upon activation of a latching control means.

Abstract: A method for installing a spring-assisted liftgate in opposition to the gravity force includes temporarily fixing a coupling rod in a defined position corresponding to an installation position of the liftgate, and holding the in an open position or in an intermediate position above the installation position and placing the apparatus in the vehicle. After lowering the liftgate from the open position or intermediate position into the installation position, the coupling rod is connected to the hinge lever and then released.

Abstract: A multi-piece hinge pivotably connects a top member and a bottom member. The hinge includes an upper hinge member securable to the top member, a lower hinge member securable to the bottom member and fixable in a frame, a hinge cover secured between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member, and a spring element acting between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member. The upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member across a pivot range between a closed position and an open position. The pivot range is limited by a stop assembly. In the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position.

Abstract: A consumer appliance with a soft open door mechanism includes a cabinet having top and a bottom and defining an opening along a front side. A door has a top and a bottom and is attached by a hinge to the front side of the cabinet. The hinge is at a bottom of the door so that the door is movable between an upright position closing the opening and a substantially horizontal position opening the opening. A spring is mounted in the cabinet so as to oppose movement of the door toward the horizontal position. A damping device is mounted within the cabinet activatable by an opening movement of the door toward the horizontal position to slow the door motion. The damping device is not active until the door has moved a distance from the upright position toward the horizontal position. Again, various options and modifications are possible.

Abstract: A counterweight mechanism that includes a radial arm with a weight and a series of elements interconnected between the door and the arm. The weight provides a closing force when in a first position and provides an opening force when in another position. The weight may be an over center weight and the closing force reduces when the weight moves toward an over center position. The counterweight mechanism may require manual resetting after the weight is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle door hinge assembly includes a first hinge supported to pivot about a first axis, a guide surface, a door located at a side of the vehicle, a bracket to which the door is secured, supported to pivot about the first axis and a second axis and including a follower engaged with the guild surface, and a strut secured to the bracket that extends as the bracket pivots toward an open position and retracts as the bracket pivots toward a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vault door mechanism that assists a user in opening or closing the door. A hold-open arm and hinge plate pivotally interconnect the door to a surrounding frame and are fixed in place by an associated locking mechanism. The locking mechanism stops the door in the partially opened position prior to being fully opened or closed, thereby assisting the user in handling the door. The details of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having at least one shutter and a security bar device for locking closed and providing additional rigidity to the shutter when covering an opening in a dwelling. The bar device has an elongated member preferably engaged releasably to the dwelling in the opening. The member traverses the opening and prevents the shutters from collapsing into the opening when closed. A retention bracket co-extends with and is spaced from the member with a portion of the shutter layered there-between when in the closed position. As such, the retention bracket prevents the shutter from opening when in the closed position. A locking portion of the retention bracket projects laterally to releasably engage the member.

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: A vault cover assembly including a vault door and a vault frame is disclosed. The vault door may be rotatably mounted to the vault frame, and have an open first position and a second closed position. The vault cover assembly may include a biasing member with a first arm and a second arm. There may also be a support member which cooperates with the biasing member. The vault cover assembly may also include a lever lock rotatably mounted to the vault door, which may include a latch configured to engage a latch stop mounted to the vault frame.

Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies. Four separate brace members are provided, and two of the brace members are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form the corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system of the present invention.

Abstract: A barrier gate includes a crossbar selectively pivoting between a saddle post and anchor post. The crossbar includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the cross bar is pivotally secured to the anchor post such that the second end of the crossbar may be selectively lifted from the saddle post opening the barrier gate and providing access therethrough. The barrier gate also includes a locking mechanism at the first end of the crossbar for permitting the selective locking of the crossbar in a substantially vertically orientation. The barrier gate further includes a counterweight interacting with the crossbar for assisting in the lifting of the crossbar between a closed orientation and an open orientation, and a cable linking the counterweight to the crossbar.

Abstract: An adjustable tension gate bracket for application to fencing panels, specifically gate panel, applied to the frame components of the gate panel with diagonally adjustable interlocking and engaging upper and lower members for adjusting the swing and pitch of the gate panel, providing a stable support for the opening end of the gate.

Abstract: An aircraft servicing pit that defines a subsurface chamber below a surface across which aircraft travel when not airborne is formed of a prefabricated pit body atop which a pit lid is mounted for rotation. Within the enclosure of the pit beneath the surface across which the aircraft travel a counterweight system is connected by gears to pit lid supporting arms. The pit lid supporting arms have proximal ends rigidly joined to pit lid gears, which are meshed with counterweight gears rigidly joined to counterweight arms supporting counterweights within the enclosure of the pit. The pit lid and counterweight arms move in counterrotation when the pit lid is opened and closed, with the gravitational force acting upon the counterweights acting in opposition to the force of gravity upon the pit lid.

Abstract: Apparatus or kit is provided for use in a sliding closure for the automatic return of the sliding closure to its closed position after being moved to an open position, and includes a corner insert member adapted to fit within an upper corner structure of the sliding closure, with pulley mounted thereon, a cable trained about the pulley and attached to a stationary frame with a weight suspended from the cable in a vertical stile of the sliding closure.

Abstract: A device to assist in the opening of a manhole cover has a biasing member such as a spring and a pivot rod or rods. The rods and spring are each pivotably attached to first and second mounting brackets. The first mounting bracket is attached to a skirt for seating the manhole cover and the second mounting bracket is attached to the underside of the cover. The spring acts to rotate the manhole cover in a reverse direction to which the cover is intended to be opened until the cover contacts the rod or rods. Then, the cover is rotated in an opposite direction, preferably with manual assistance, using the rods as pivot arms.

Abstract: A door apparatus for a rest room includes a wall member defining a predetermined space and an opening for an entrance and an exit thereof; a door body for opening or shutting the opening, having a substantially half-cylindrical shape, being rotatable about a center of curvature of the half-cylindrical shape; and a driving device for driving and rotating the door body about the center of curvature. In a preferred embodiment, the driving device has a pulley with a peripheral shape of involute, a wire wound about the pulley, and a weight connected to an end of the wire. The weight is inserted into a tube receiving oil.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted hood for a tractor is disclosed wherein a gas spring, provided to offset the weight of the hood to facilitate the movement of the hood between opened and closed positions, is mounted to the chassis via a multi-position bracket having more than one hole therein for the selective connection of the gas spring. The bracket holes are arranged in a configuration defining a progressively increasing distance from the pivot connecting the hood to the chassis, thereby providing alternative mounting positions for the gas spring which have different moment arms for the application of the force exerted by the gas spring about the hood pivot. The gas spring can be remounted to a hole providing a larger moment arm relative to the hood pivot as the gas spring weakens over time due to the loss of gas therefrom, which enables the effective spring force offsetting at least a portion of the weight of the hood to remain substantially constant even though the gas spring weakens.

Abstract: A simple, compact counterweight mechanism for a lid for a sub-surface container. A straight rigid beam extends from front to rear within the container. Front portions of the beam are connected to the overlying lid, middle portions of the beam are pivotally connected to the container and rear portions of the beam are pivotally connected to a pair of rearwardly extending control arms, which are pivotally connected at their rear to a depending counterweight.

Abstract: An energy saver door closer for use with a sliding door. A long cylindrical housing is attached to one vertical edge of the sliding door, a weight is in the cylinder and a cable connects the weight over a pulley in the top of the cylinder to an anchor in the door jam. A seal surrounds the weight so that there is a sealing contact with the housing to form a pneumatic cylinder therein. The lower part of the cylinder is provided with passageways which lets air go in or out. The upper part of the weight is provided with a valve which is always biased to the opened position but is held closed so long as the cable is taut When the cable is loose, the valve opens and air can rush out and the door will close faster.

Abstract: A swinging gate is operated in one direction between open and closed positions by a winch and cable system driven by an electric motor which may be controlled remotely by radio, the winch and motor being carried on a support arm extending from a gatepost on one side of the gate. The gate is operated in the other direction by a falling weight connected to the gate by a cable extending around a pulley on a second support arm extending from the gatepost. The weight is raised when the gate is moved in the one direction by the winch and cable system and is held in raised position by the winch and cable while the gate remains in one of the open and closed positions. When the gate is to be moved in the other direction, the winch is released and the weight is allowed to fall. In a modification of the invention, the winch and cable system and weight are replaced by a reversible electrically operated linear actuator connected between the gate and a support arm extending from the gatepost.

Abstract: A vehicle barricade has two concrete walls contiguously disposed along either side of a roadway for defining a checkpoint. A shaft is pivotally secured to the roadway and extends transversely between the concrete walls. A barrier plate is pivotal with the shaft between a first horizontal position and a second angularly disposed position adapted for preventing vehicle passage through the checkpoint by engagement of the barrier plate with the vehicle. A shaft retaining system is provided for preventing removal of the shaft and the barrier plate therewith from the roadway surface.

Abstract: A counterweight door structure includes a door having a pair of upwardly extending arms for supporting counterweights at positions in spaced relation above the top edge of the door. The door is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis positioned closely adjacent the top edge of the door and the top edge of the door opening. The counterweight support arms are laterally spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of the building adjacent the door pivot axis to provide swinging clearance for the support arms when the door is pivoted upwardly 90.degree..

Abstract: A gate member has its lower end pivotally coupled to the lower ends of two spaced apart posts for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis whereby the gate member may be moved between an upright closed position and a lower open position. Closing means is provided for normally maintaining the gate means in its upright closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a pressure plate adjusting device for grain whitening apparatus which is capable of automatically and precisely adjusting the pressure of a pressure plate disposed at a rice outlet of a whitening chamber. The automatic adjustment has been made possible by the provision of reversible electric motor mounted on one end wall of a casing enclosing a pressure control screw shaft, a weight mounted on said screw shaft and a guide rod for guiding the movement of said weight, and a control unit producing a control signal having relation to the conditions of whitening action of grains within the whitening chamber and controlling the direction and the amount of rotation of said motor.

Abstract: A draft control plate, which automatically opens or closes to provide efficient draft conditions in a furnace, is provided with both horizontal and vertical counterbalance devices which respectively permit adjustment of the initial position of the plate and the sensitivity of its movements. Initially, the plate is partially open where it remains while the furnace is operating under normal conditions. It is then capable of opening or closing in response to changes in the pressure differential across it. Preferably, the plate is horizontally mounted in an auxiliary flue channel which is adjacent to and in connection with the main flue of the furnace.

Abstract: A panel with a counterweight for opening and closing and/or bridging an opening or a space. In a preferred embodiment the construction is such that when the panel is in its closed position, the counterweight lies substantially in the same plane as the panel and relative to the pivot the counterweight extends in opposite direction to the panel; when the panel is in the open position, the counterweight lies mainly in the same plane as the panel and relative to the pivot said counterweight extends in the same direction as the panel.

Abstract: A vehicle barricade including a barrier plate which can be raised or lowe and a counterweighted sector mounted near the side of the barrier plate. The counterweight is mounted on the sector so that the barrier plate will remain in the raised or lowered position without independent mechanical aid. The barricade is so constructed and secured that it is able to withstand impact from either heavy or light vehicles. The barricade may also be reenforced by placing auxiliary pillars adjacent to the barrier plate and which pillars cooperate with the barrier plate to further secure it when raised.

Abstract: An improved, one piece, counterbalanced, canopy-type door. The door has a counterweight tube fixed to and extending along the upper edge thereof, which tube contains a counterweight mass. The counterweight tube projects outwardly beyond the front surface of the door to provide for a positive closing of the door when the door swingably approaches its closed position. The door inlcudes a frame having a pair of Z-shaped rails defining the side edges of the door, and one or more intermediate channel members disposed between and substantially parallel to the side rails. The side rails and channel members are fixed at the upper ends thereof to the counterweight tube, and are of decreasing cross-section as they extend to the lower end of the door. This permits the door to be of lighter weight yet possess increased strength so that the door is capable of withstanding substantially greater panel loads thereon, such as caused by high winds.

Abstract: A boom gate comprises a first-class lever counterweighted at one end adjacent to which is the lever fulcrum. The fulcrum is displaceable lengthwise of the lever through a short distance sufficient to cross the center of gravity of the lever. This movement is controlled by a mechanism and the boom lifts automatically under its own weight when the center of gravity is passed. The advantage of such a system is that the effort required to raise the boom is very little and the use of high-torque equipment is unnecessary so that the boom gate can be cheaply made. Ways of displacing the fulcrum using pneumatic pressure, a handle or an electric motor are described. Also a double-sided boom gate is described.

Abstract: An air stair-door combination for an aircraft is described in which interference between the door and the stairway in opening and closing thereof is eliminated by delayed motion of the stairway until the door is moved through a significant portion of its travel. The stair being interconnected to the door counterbalances a portion of the weight of the door, thus decreasing power requirements for opening and closing the stairway and door. A folding handrail structure adapted to nestle into the folded stairway is described. The door and stair actuator operates on a pivot point located on the door such that initial opening movement of the door causes stair operating rods to first travel downwardly past an overcenter point, then upwardly through further movement of the pivot point. The stair segments are projected outwardly by stair actuator linkage means driven by the operating rods.