Abstract: A movable load exerts varying static and dynamic forces which need to be counteracted with a minimum expenditure of energy. A counterweight connected to the movable load consists of two groups of counterweight components, wherein during movement of the load component weights in the second group are raised with respect to component weights in the first group when the counterweight is at its lowest position, or by the same absolute displacement during counterweight ascent whereby the energy introduced into the system equals the product of the total weight of components in the second group times the distance of lifting whereby the purpose of energy introduction is to counteract frictional losses of a variably counterweighted system maintaining cyclic controlled motion of the load system as desired.

Abstract: Vertical and non-vertical collapsing panel closures for various applications are disclosed. The closure has reduced stacking height when collapsed and possesses a more energy efficient panel section guide roller system operating with a more economical and versatile upper and lower guide roller track arrangement. An insulated closure having an interior flush surface and an exterior rail and stile facade is achieved. A more simplified variable dynamic closure counterweighting system is provided.

Abstract: A vertical side weatherstrip for door comprising a jamb mountable shell with moveable sealing strip and strip support rail, an internal means of mechanically holding the sealing strip and support rail recessed into the shell during the operation of the door, and a mechanical means by which the sealing strip with support rail is thrust down and outward against the door edge as the door reaches its closed or full down position. The means for causing the sealing strip to so operate include an internal restraint coil spring, directional guide slots for pins fixed to the shell and passing through the sealing strip support rail, and a bottom plate projecting from the face of the weatherstrip support rail so as to engage and hence translate with the bottom edge of the door as the latter reaches its closed or full down position.

Abstract: A vertically collapsing closure system comprising a door consisting of a plurality of rectangular panels in a side-by-side arrangement with each said panel being hingedly connected to each adjacent panel, and a means for operating the door to the full open position by causing the panels to rise vertically until at the height of the opening and then to fold or collapse into a compact terminal stack configuration and then to operate in reverse completing descent vertically once again fully closing the involved opening.

Abstract: A movable load exerts varying static and dynamic forces which need to be counteracted with a minimum expenditure of energy. A counterweight connected to the movable load has its counterweighting effectiveness varied as a function of the position of components which make up the counterweight to adapt the counterweight to the varying forces exerted by the load during movement of the load.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure including a plurality of trusses joined by cables with a hydraulic system for producing relative rotation of the trusses at their juncture axes. The trusses comprise series of subelements hinged at common juncture I-beams. The cables effectively join adjacent structural subelements and the hydraulic system includes a plurality of hydraulic elements having their outer casings secured to the I-beams and their piston elements extending downwardly against the cable. Upon the application of hydraulic pressure, the outer casing and juncture I-beams move upward in opposition to the restraint of the cables causing relative rotation at the junctures of adjacent trusses to the desired angular position thereby producing an arch bay section. The curved edges of a series of arches are connected together to form the self-erecting structure.