Abstract: A double acting service traffic door latch system embodiment of the present invention comprises a dual electro-mechanical lock in a single housing that is surface installed in the overhead door casings horizontally just over two bi-swing tandem warehouse security doors. Each electro-mechanical lock has two catches that drop down with a pivot arm onto either side of its respective door to prevent that door opening in either direction. A flat thin-profile housing allows the lock assembly to fit in between the tops of existing doors and their header. The doors can freely swing open if the respective catches retract back into the housing. Wireless RFID readers are used to unlock the doors when authorized users approach and are recognized. The lock is failsafe in that losing power will always unlock the doors immediately.

Abstract: A hydraulic closer and dampener that can be removed and replaced by opening a post cap to then lift an internal closer assembly out of the top of an internally pivotable shaft inside a free-standing floor-mounted post. The remainder of the gate mechanism remains functional during such service. An automatic closing speed adjustment is easy to access and set. There are no external hinges, the gate pivots on an axis coaxial to the cylindrical post.

Abstract: A hydraulic closer and dampener that can be removed and replaced by opening a post cap to then lift an internal closer assembly out of the top of an internally pivotable shaft inside a free-standing floor-mounted post. The remainder of the gate mechanism remains functional during such service. An automatic closing speed adjustment is easy to access and set. There are no external hinges, the gate pivots on an axis coaxial to the cylindrical post.

Abstract: A bi-swing warehouse door latch system installs an electro-mechanical lock horizontally in the door casings overhead. Each has two catches to drop down on either side of the door. The doors are allowed to swing open when the respective catches are unlatched by a solenoid. The doors are not allowed to swing open when the respective catches are held latched by another solenoid and a teeter arm. Battery powered models produce brief pulses to put the catches in their locked states or unlocked states using a capacitor to store enough energy after power is lost to kick the solenoids. Utility powered versions can be configured to automatically relax into locked or unlocked states when power is lost. The doors are controlled to unlock when those with authorized access are recognized.

Abstract: The spindle assembly is self-centered on the end of the cylindrically shaped cartridge filter by a three-point grip on the perimeter. A similar spindle assembly is attached to the other end of the cartridge filter such that its axis of rotation is the same as the axis of rotation for the first spindle assembly. The tip of one spindle assembly is rested on the ground while the tip of the other spindle assembly is held by a user's hand. A pressurized stream of air or water is directed at the cartridge filter with the user's other hand such that the stream causes the whole to rotate. The speed of rotation is brought high enough to fling debris from the filter and thus clean it.

Abstract: A handicapped-entrance gate for retrofitting a train-station comprises a door panel that forces itself normally closed, but can be pushed open from either side. A closing mechanism is fully contained within a cap rail along to top edge of the door and operates in either direction to close the gate slowly after it has been opened. Fixed axles enter the gate panel from above and below on the pivoting side. The closing mechanism is geared to at least one of these fixed axles to allow the gate to be opened easily and to self-close over a period of time. Springs are used in opposition to hydraulic dampers such that the springs close the gate and the dampers delay the closing.

Abstract: A method of using vacuum-cleaner filters includes mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Then air is drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Air flow is selectively drawn or pushed radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle is used to periodically spin the cartridge filter on the spindle to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Preferably, a motor that can be run in either a forward direction or a reverse direction is used.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a closed-end cartridge filter begins by mounting a spindle assembly to one end of a cartridge filter. The spindle assembly is self-centered on the end of the cylindrically shaped cartridge filter by a three-point grip on the perimeter. A similar spindle assembly is attached to the other end of the cartridge filter such that its axis of rotation is the same as the axis of rotation for the first spindle assembly. The tip of one spindle assembly is rested on the ground while the tip of the other spindle assembly is held by a user's hand. A pressurized stream of air or water is directed at the cartridge filter with the user's other hand such that the stream causes the whole to rotate. The speed of rotation is brought high enough to fling debris from the filter and thus clean it.

Abstract: A method of using vacuum-cleaner filters includes mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Then air is drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Air flow is selectively drawn or pushed radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle is used to periodically spin the cartridge filter on the spindle to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Preferably, a motor that can be run in either a forward direction or a reverse direction is used.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a housing with a self-rewinding spool of cord. The cord is threaded out between a pair of inner wedgeblocks that can move together and pinch the cord. The amount of pinch applied determines how much resistance will be applied when the user exercises by pulling out the cord on handles. The inner wedgeblocks are disposed between a pair of outer fixed wedgeblocks. Facing channels in the interfaces between the inner and outer wedgeblocks have ball bearings that run on inclined ramps. When the inner wedgeblocks are pulled by the cord out of alignment with the outer wedgeblocks, the inclined ramps and ball bearings press the inner wedgeblocks together. The more they press together, the more the cord resists being pulled out. An adjustment limits how far the inner wedgeblocks can move out of alignment.