Abstract: A hinge (10) for upwardly moving and rotating a closure panel (20) of a base (14) is provided to improve access and utilization of the area covered by the closure panel (20). The hinge (10) includes two brackets, a closure panel bracket (18) mountable to the closure panel (20) and a base member bracket (12) mountable to the base (14). A cooperative tripartite set of links are disposed between the brackets and are operatively connected to a biasing member (100). The biasing member (100) urges the links to upwardly translate and rotate the closure panel bracket (18) from the base member bracket (12). The set of links include a biasing link (76), an intermediate link (74), and an anchoring link (72). The link set is adapted for cooperative movement so as to facilitate an upward rotational and translational progression of the closure panel (20) in relation to the base (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge for preventing injuries due to crushing, especially in doors and windows, comprising a first hinge leaf (4) for connection to the door leaf (1) or the window leaf, a second hinge leaf (5) for connection with the door or window frame (2) and a swivel joint (6) which connects the first and second hinge leaves (4, 5) to one another. Either the first or the second hinge leaf (4, 5) is equipped with one or more fingers (7) projecting substantially at right angles from the plane of the hinge leaf (4, 5), and adapted for axial sliding movement in an opening or slot (11) arranged for the finger (7) or each finger (7) in the frame (2) or the door leaf (1). When the door leaf or window leaf is brought towards the closed position, the finger (7), if it meets with a foreign object, will slide axially out of the opening or slot (11) and create a distance between the door or window frame (2) and the door or window leaf (1).

Abstract: A door check for holding a door in an open position is disclosed, which is particularly useful for thin doors. The door check comprises a check body attached to the door and having an opening. The door check pivots with the door about a first axis. A main link is slidable through the door check opening as the door pivots. A second link is pivotably attached to the main link, and pivotably about a second axis with respect to a rigid member. As the check body pivots about the first axis, the second link pivots about the second axis and the main link translates through the opening in the check body. The main link may have an irregular surface so that a large force may be required to move the door back from the open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A telescoping member comprising an inner tubular member nested in an outer tubular member and movable between a retracted position and an extended position in telescoping relation, in which the inner tubular member is releasably lockable to the outer tubular member in the extended position by a resilient ledge cooperating with a fixed ledge, the resilient ledge being disposed within a longitudinal channel defined between an inner surface of the outer tubular member and an outer surface of the inner tubular member. An enlarged lower portion of the inner tubular member engages against an inwardly directed lip at the top of the outer tubular member such that the inner tubular member is prevented from being pulled out of the outer tubular member. Upon the application of axial force to the inner tubular member the resilient ledge is depressed, allowing the resilient ledge to travel past the fixed ledge so that the inner tubular member can move to the retracted position.

Abstract: A tamper-proof seal assembly for discouraging and detecting tampering of containers onto which the tamper-proof seal assembly is installed. The container includes a closure assembly. The closure assembly defines an opening. The tamper-proof seal assembly includes a security tag and a button assembly. The security tag includes a flag and a stem. The flag and stem are integral but are easily severable. The button assembly includes an outer button and an inner button. The button assembly is mounted on the container proximate the closure assembly. The stem is inserted through the closure assembly opening and into the button assembly, where the stem is secured against withdrawal by a ratchet.

Abstract: A releasable cable tie including a head, a tail, and an elongate strap body therebetween having plurality of teeth thereon. The head includes a passageway for receiving the tail and strap body and a slot formed in one sidewall which is in communication with the passageway, the strap body being insertable into the passageway in a locking direction for forming a loop to receive the objects to be bound. First and second shoulders are integrally attached to the first sidewall on opposite sides of the slot in opposing relation. The shoulders include first and second upwardly extending reinforcing extensions, respectively, which are each spaced a predetermined distance from the first sidewall so as to create an interstice between the extensions and first sidewall. A bridging member extends between the first and second shoulders.

Abstract: A mounting for a door leaf, a fanlight leaf or the like, particularly for an all-glass leaf, has a plane clamping plate (1) and a plane counter clamping plate (2). The mounting can be attached, in the region of an edge recess (3) in a leaf edge (5) of the leaf, to the two opposite surfaces, and the leaf can be pinched between the clamping plate (1) and the counter clamping plate (2) by means of fastening screws (7) joining the clamping plate and the counter clamping plate. At the clamping plate (1) a web plate (9) is formed extending perpendicular to the clamping plate, which web plate, in the assembled condition, spans over the distance between the clamping plate (1) and the counter clamping plate (2) extending through the edge recess (3). The counter clamping plate is provided with a rectangular recess (17, 41) being adapted to the shape of the free end of the web plate (9), the web plate in the assembled condition engaging by means of its free end with the rectangular recess (17, 41).

Abstract: A shape memory alloy hinge assembly for deploying at least a first object in a controllable, substantially shockless manner is disclosed. Generally, the hinge assembly includes at least a first flexure member capable of moving from a first, folded configuration to a second, straightened configuration, and a controller for controlling the movement of at least the first flexure member as the first flexure member moves or reconfigures from the folded configuration to the straightened configuration.

Abstract: A seal bearing assembly and method for a pneumatic actuator is provided for placement within a groove in an actuator piston. For maintaining a compact size of the piston, the piston preferably has only a single encircling piston groove. In accord with the present invention, a compressible seal and bearing ring are positioned adjacent each other within the single piston groove. The compressible seal ring and bearing ring are sized so that side-to-side movement is possible within the piston groove until the piston is inserted into the pneumatic actuator cylinder. Upon insertion of the piston, compression of the seal ring causes the diameter of the seal ring to expand within the piston groove thereby securing the seal bearing assembly into a fixed position that prevents side-to-side movement of the assembly. The bearing is preferably non-metallic and centralizes the piston within the actuator cylinder to prevent metal-to-metal contact, scoring, and resulting wear.

Abstract: The invention is a deployable hinge assembly. In detail the hinge assembly includes first and second hinge members, and a pivot system for pivotally connecting the first and second hinge members together such that the second hinge member is rotatable from an over lapping position with the first hinge member to an inline position therewith. An over center latch mechanism is coupled to the first and second hinge members for moving the second hinge member from the over lapping position to the inline position and locking the second hinge member in the inline position upon activation. A spring is used for activating the over center latch mechanism. Finally, an attenuation device is incorporated for absorbing forces generated by the spring the second hinge member approaches the said position.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief seal for preventing the ingress of fluid into a container and for venting fluid from the container is disclosed. The fluid pressure relief seal works in conjunction with a container having a receptacle and a lid. The receptacle has a mouth and at least one aperture in the receptacle for venting fluid from the container, while the lid covers the mouth and is engagable with the receptacle. The fluid pressure relief seal comprises a fluid-impermeable washer elastically stretched over an exterior of the receptacle and compressed between the lid and the receptacle when the lid and receptacle are engaged to prevent the passage of fluid into or out of the container. The fluid pressure relief seal also comprises a fluid-impermeable lip seamlessly molded with the washer and elastically stretched over the exterior of the receptacle and apertures in the receptacle for venting fluid from the container.

Abstract: A first fluid passage for a crankshaft is plugged at an end portion to prevent fluid leakage from the passage. A plug having first and second cylindrical end portions of different diameters is slidably disposed in first and second cylindrical bore portions, respectively, of the first fluid passing passage and retained in the bore portions by a stop ring. A resilient member disposed in the second cylindrical bore portion engages a shoulder on the plug and a transition step surface in the second cylindrical bore portion and forcibly urges the plug against the stop ring.

Abstract: A replaceable mounting ring is disclosed for use with a water closet coupling which is interposed between a water closet drain and a sewer pipe. The mounting ring fits on a channel in a flange near the inlet end of the water closet coupling. The mounting ring comprises two arcuate members, each having a U-shaped cross section formed by a base and a leg on each side of the base, with the base having a lower surface between the two legs. A corresponding end of each arcuate member has an extension from the lower surface of its base of a size which allows the extension to engage the lower surface of the base of the opposite end of the other arcuate member. These extensions enable the ends of the arcuate members to form a mounting ring having a U-shaped cross section. At least one of these extensions can be fastened to the other arcuate member by a pivot joint which allows that arcuate member to be rotated through an opening in the leg on the outside of the other arcuate member.

Abstract: A unitized oil seal assembly (20, 220, 320,420) has a sealing disk (34, 234, 334, 434) fabricated of a single water of PTFE-based material that is split along its radially outer edge to define a pair of split sections, one of which (48, 248, 348, 438) is fixed to an outer annular carrier member (30, 230, 330, 430) and supports the other split section (50, 250, 350, 450) and an unsplit section (52, 252, 352, 452) in sealing engagement with corresponding sealing surfaces of a wear sleeve (32, 232, 332, 432) to exclude contaminants and retaining lubricant, respectively, from passing by the seal assembly (20, 220, 320, 420).

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a window stay. The mounting arrangement comprises a mounting bracket 11 which is mountable to a part of a window construction such as a window frame or window sash. The mounting bracket 11 has an abutment 25 with an opening 26 to receive a tab 27 at one end of the mounting base 10 of the window stay. The mounting bracket 11 also has a clip 23 which can engage with a cut-out 28 in the mounting base 10 of the window stay. The window stay can thus be quickly located with a mounting base already mounted to a window construction.

Abstract: A luggage pull rod has a hand grip which is provided with an adjustment device capable of actuating a locating device fastened with the bottom end of an inner tube. The inner tube is received extractably and retractably in an outer tube and is provided at the bottom end thereof with a locating hole which is engageable with a second locating portion of the locating device. The outer tube is provided therein with a locating element having a plurality of first locating holes engageable with the second locating portion of the locating device. The locating element is provided with a smooth portion devoid of the first locating portions.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic used with a perimeter structure (e.g., fence) to prevent certain animals from climbing up the fence. The sheet of plastic is characterized by a smooth, slippery surface so that animals are unable to obtain a foothold on the sheet. Apertures may be preformed in the plastic sheet for permitting a fastener to be coupled to the sheet to enable the sheet to be mounted to the outside surface of the perimeter fence. Backing strips having preattached fasteners may be placed on the inside surface of the fence to facilitate attachment of the plastic sheet on the outside surface and to permit some degree of natural movement thereof after installation. The plastic sheet preferably comprises polyethylene having a thickness between about 0.050-0.060 inches.

Abstract: A postcard (2) having a frame (4) attached to a perimeter of one side of the postcard (2) and adapted to receive a photograph (or picture) such that the photograph (or picture) is securely retained between the frame (4) and postcard (2). A transparent protective view window (44) is placed between the frame (4) and photograph, both the photograph and window (44) can be inserted and removed through a flap (14) formed in the postcard (2). The postcard (2) includes strut means (16) and hook means (18) formed in the postcard (2), the strut means (16) and hook means (18) adapted to hinge outwardly from the plane of the postcard (2) and engage one another to allow the fame (4) to stand on a flat surface.

Abstract: A grommet is provided to prevent water, having entered through a fine clearance between a locking recess of the grommet and the edge of a through hole formed in a panel, from entering a first or passenger compartment. A jaw portion 3 or groove 30 is formed on or in the conical outer surface of a tapered tube portion 2 between an outer panel 6 and an inner panel 7. The jaw portion 3 or groove 30 blocks the water having entered through a clearance between a through hole 6a formed in the outer panel 6 and a locking recess 2a and trying to run toward a narrow tube portion 1 and causes it to fall down. Accordingly, the entered water falls down between the outer panel 6 and the inner panel 7 without entering the first or passenger compartment inside the inner panel 7.

Abstract: The leakproof sealing device for the lower arm of a spark erosion machine (also known as an electrical discharge machining (EDM) device) is made to fit a variety of existing spark erosion machines, each having different size windows. A slidable metal band is mounted on the outside of the tank and spans the window. Spring mounted rollers maintain tension on the metal band and allow the metal band to move from side to side across the window. A structural frame mounted external to the tank forms a leaktight seal between the tank and the band. A hole is formed in the metal band through which the lower arm of the erosion machine passes and a semi-leaktight seal is formed between the arm and the metal band.