Abstract: A cabinet of the type having an opening includes a panel which is pivotable between opening-blocking and opening-unblocking positions. The panel is slidable into the cabinet from its unblocking position along parallel spaced tracks, each of which includes a gear rack and a spur gear mounted thereon. An equalizer rod joins together the spur gears and is coupled to the panel to ensure free movement of the panel along the tracks. A tubing encloses the equalizer rod and is mounted for movement with that rod. The equalizer tube is coupled at opposite ends thereof to the tracks to prevent pivoting of the tube. Hinges are mounted to the tubing for supporting the panel for its pivotable movement.

Abstract: Panel construction for an office system formed from a frame (18) defining the perimeter of a panel. A septum (14) having a central body portion (14b) supported in a plane internal to the frame is used. The septum has an edge portion (14d) that forms an angle with respect to the central body portion of the septum (14b). The frame includes a septum support (18c) against which the septum edge portion (14d) bears. An outer skin (10) of the panel bears against the septum edge portion (14d) urging the latter against the septum support (18c). Frame pieces (18) are joined at corners by a clip (20) having first and second legs (20b) connected to corresponding first surfaces (18-1) of adjacent frame pieces. An intermediate web (20a) joins the legs (20b), and a tab (20d) is joined to the web (20a) for connection to corresponding second surfaces (18- 2) of adjacent frame pieces.

Abstract: A space divider system adapted to partition an interior space into working sub-areas wherein desks, cabinets, and other work components are integrated with partition walls formed by modular panels that are interlocked in a spatial pattern defining the desired sub-areas or work stations. Each panel includes a frame whose corners have recesses therein bordered by side ledges. To join two or more panels in side-by-side relation to create a planar partition wall, sandwiched between the adjoining vertical sides of the panels is a standard having a longitudinal row of slots on opposing faces thereof and a threaded socket at either end. The panels are locked together at their top and bottom by a clamp which bridges the complementary side ledges of the panels and is secured to the standard by a screw received in the end socket. To join one panel at right angles to another, use is made of a four-sided connector post whose ends are notched to create a ledge on each side.

Abstract: Tilt control for a back support and height control for the back support and a seat for a chair or the like are provided by a gas cylinder actuator having a cam surface and pivotally mounted so that the cam surface activates the gas cylinder. A blocker plate is pivotally mounted for movement between one position in which it prevents tilting of the back support and another position in which tilting is permitted. The actuator and blocker plate are coupled together so that pivotal movement of one is accompanied by pivotal movement of the other.

Abstract: A lighting fixture utilizing a spatially fixed light source and a multi-layered hologram as a lens element. The hologram receives light from the source and directs it to a task area. The layers of the lens element are responsive to light of one or more wavelengths of interest and varying angles of incident radiation so as to diffract light from the source toward the task area.

Abstract: A back support control mechanism for a chair or the like is provided for a back support movable toward and away form a seat. Adjustable positioning of the back support with respect to the seat in an infinite number of positions in a range of movement of the back support is provided through use of a channel member fixed with respect to the seat and a pressure pad positioned within the channel member and fixed with respect to the back support. The pressure pad slides within the channel member, and a lever is coupled to the pressure pad through a spring plate.

Abstract: A reclining chair having a seat portion connected pivotally at its forward end includes an arm compressible with progressive resistance to support the rear of the seat portion. The compressible arm is arranged to form with the seat portion an angle which continually decreases as the chair is reclined, and continually increases as the chair is returned to its upright position. In one embodiment, the compressible arm travels through a horizontal position so that it may be kept as close as possible to the horizontal at all times.

Abstract: An assembly for stretching and securing upholstery fabric or the like in place utilizes a pair of bars contained by pockets along opposite edges of the fabric. The bars are articulatedly secured at corresponding ends thereof to a framework, and are forced apart at their opposite ends by a bendable rod which engages the free bar ends and urges them apart when the rod is straightened. The bendable rod and engaged bar ends, along with an additional upholstery bar, together sandwich fabric therebetween and secure the fabric in place. The sandwich assembly is concealed by a flap of upholstery material.