Abstract: A condenser assembly adapted to condense an evaporated refrigerant for use in a retail store refrigeration system. The condenser assembly includes at least one microchannel condenser coil including an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. The inlet manifold includes an inlet port for receiving the refrigerant, and the outlet manifold includes an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant. The condenser assembly also includes a frame supporting the at least one microchannel condenser coil.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange core (1) including a plurality of tubes (2) flowing a medium for heat exchange and a pair of tanks (4) to which ends of said tubes are connected, each tube formed by shaping a plate member (200) not clad with a row laminated brazing material and having a sacrifice layer (210) on an outer surface thereof and a plurality of recessed portions (203) formed on an outer surface of said sacrifice layer and filled with a brazing material (R).

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring energy from a second fluid to a first fluid has a plurality of tubes to carry one of the fluids and a layer of thermal buffer members on one side of the tubes to act as a buffer to reduce high thermal stresses that may be caused by global temperature patterns and localized high gradients that occur in system transients such as start up and shutdown. Conventional heat exchangers often have a short lifespan due to high thermal stresses acting on the core of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger uses the thermal buffer members as an increased thermal mass to cause the temperature of the heat exchanger core to change in a more gradual manner, thereby reducing thermal stresses.

Abstract: An oil cooler is held by holding plates. Top portions of side pieces of each holding plate are disposed through a side wall of a tank and are bent at the outer surface of the tank, so that circular interposed members and the oil cooler are retained by being sandwiched between middle supporter pieces of the holding plates and the side wall of the tank in the stacking direction of element units such that the oil cooler is movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the side wall of the tank. By inserting connecting pipes of the oil cooler through openings of the tank so as to temporarily assemble the connecting pipes into openings of a tube plate, blocking flanges of the connecting pipes are retained while being in contact with the outer surface of the side wall of the tank.

Abstract: A heat exchanger specifically intended to act as a water heater by heating water utilizing heat rejected from a gaseous refrigerant in a refrigeration system includes first and second, generally parallel, spaced tubular water headers (10,12) with a plurality of water tubes (14) extending in spaced relation between the water headers (10,12) and in fluid communication therewith. An inlet (16) is provided to one of the headers (10) and water outlets (20,28,30) are provided from at least one of the water headers (10,12). A plurality of gas tubes (32), at least one for each water tube (14), are helically wound about a corresponding one of the water tubes (14) and have opposed ends (34,36) connected to respective ones of first and second, generally parallel, spaced gas headers (40,42).

Abstract: An annular cold plate with reflexive channels, and systems having such cold plates, are described herein.

Abstract: A wave-shaped portion 5b, the profile of which is formed into a wave-shape, is provided on the core plate 5, and tubes are brazed to the core plate 5 under the condition that the tubes are inserted into holes 5c formed in bent portions 5a. Due to the above structure, even when a pitch between the tubes is reduced, it is possible to ensure a sufficiently high mechanical strength of the core plate 5. Accordingly, the occurrence of a big difference in the mechanical strength between the core plate 5 and the tubes can be suppressed. Therefore, stress concentration at a joint portion of the core plate 5 and the tubes can be prevented. As a result, the mechanical strength of a radiator and the reliability (durability) of the joint portion of the core plate 5 and the tubes can be enhanced.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system, for transferring waste heat from a stream of exhaust air produced in a dryer to a stream of fresh air directed to flow into the dryer, including a retriever, or retriever, comprising an array of a plurality of substantially mutually parallel, substantially vertical heat-transfer conduits having square cross-sections arrayed in alternating staggered rows relative to a perpendicular to the general direction of the flow of the stream of fresh air into the dryer, wherein each heat-transfer conduit is oriented to have one corner facing in the general direction of the flow of the stream of fresh air into the dryer. Associated structure for housing the retriever, supporting it in the flow of fresh air, and directing dryer exhaust air into the heat-transfer conduits is also included. The heat exchanger system is adaptable to a wide variety of dryers, and may be built-in.

Abstract: The sample temperature regulator is provided with a heating block (3) having a sample container holder (6) and a temperature-controllable heater (7) and with a cooling block (4) having a cooling mechanism (11). These two blocks are combined with each other through a connecting plate (15) made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than those of these blocks. This constitution can reduce heat transfer between the heating block and the cooling block and allows them to have wide temperature regulating ranges, as well as increased heating capacity and cooling capacity, respectively. Further, this constitution makes the structure of the temperature regulator simple and compact, so that the regulator has increased durability and can be offered at a low price.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrocarbon well is also disclosed. A control valve system is used to control the flow of fluid being produced by the well. A real time sensor is provided downhole and is used to make real time measurements of phase characteristics of the fluid. A controller is used to control the valve system so as to reduce the risk of undesirable phase transitions in the fluid based on the real time measurements made by the sensor. The sensor includes an acoustic transducer configured to emit acoustic energy into the fluid at a level which causes a phase transition in the fluid. The controller determines the level of acoustic energy emitted into the fluid, and also determines the pressure associated with a phase transition using the level of emitted acoustic energy.

Abstract: A method for removing fluid from a subterranean zone includes drilling a well bore from a surface to the subterranean zone and forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore such that the enlarged cavity acts as a chamber to separate liquid from gas flowing from the subterranean zone through the well bore. The method includes positioning a pump inlet within the enlarged cavity and operating a pumping unit to produce the liquid through the pump inlet. The well bore may comprise an articulated well bore.

Abstract: A combination of SAGD with cogeneration technology for exploiting shallow heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs under primary, secondary and tertiary thermal recovery. Superheated steam is generated by the heat recovery from the exhaust of an above-ground hydrocarbon powered turbine driven electric generator cogeneration plant and is injected through well bores into the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir that is traversed by at least one horizontal producing well bore and one injection well bore to heat the reservoir formation and to induce gravity drainage of the hydrocarbons and allowing their recovery from the horizontal producing well bore. Electrical power that is generated is sold to the electric grid and can be used to offset the fuel costs for the above ground hydrocarbon turbine-driven elector generators.

Abstract: A solids-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion and a method for preparing the solids-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion. The oil-in-water emulsion is formed by combining oil, water, solid particles and a pH enhancing agent and mixing until the solid-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion is formed. The low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion can be used to enhance production of oil from subterranean reservoirs. The low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion can also be used to enhance the transportation of oil through a pipeline.

Abstract: A jar provided with an adjustable triggering load has a housing defining an anvil surface and a mandrel, movable relative to the housing under an applied load, defining a hammer surface to impact the anvil surface. A trigger mechanism for releasing the mandrel to cause the hammer surface to impact the anvil surface includes a trigger sleeve axially positioned within the housing and a collet that engages the mandrel during application of a load to the mandrel. The collet releases the mandrel to cause the hammer surface to impact the anvil surface upon being moved into registration with the trigger sleeve against the resistance of the spring disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A method to clean the wellbore and the near wellbore formation adjacent to the wellbore of the gas bearing formation adjacent to the production zone of the wellbore. The method includes the steps of injecting a treatment liquid containing from 84.5 to 100% of liquid carbon dioxide, 0 to 15% of an alcohol, and 0 to 0.5% of a surfactant into the well in a predetermined quantity and maintaining the pressure of the treatment liquid in the near wellbore formation of the gas bearing formation below the fracturing pressure of the formation, releasing the pressure on the wellbore and allowing the liquid CO2 to vaporize and other materials to blow out of the well.

Abstract: A horizontal spool tree wellhead system 10 utilizes a casing 18, 19 installed in a well bore and a wellhead housing 20 at the upper end of the casing. A spool 23 of the horizontal tree 22 is connected to the upper end of the wellhead housing, and includes at least one radially extending side port. The BOP 28 is also installed at the upper end of the housing with a bore aligned with the wellhead housing bore. After drilling the well, the casing string 19 carrying a casing hanger 42 may be lowered through the bores of the BOP, the spool tree, and the wellhead housing and into the well. An orientation/isolation sleeve 60 may be installed in a predetermined rotational orientation with the spool tree. A tubing hanger 70 having a side port is landed onto the orientation sleeve and is automatically oriented to align the tubing hanger side port with the spool side port.

Abstract: A choke actuator having an integrated choke control system enabling fast closure and opening of the choke. The choke control system includes integral electronics to receive signals from a surface or subsea control module and control directional control valves to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid from a local hydraulic supply to the choke actuator. Response times for choke actuation are greatly reduced by locating the electronic control system and directional control valves in an integrated package with the choke actuator and providing a local hydraulic supply. Additional embodiments may also include other electronic sensing and instrumentation enabling the choke control system to monitor and adjust the choke to maintain selected flow characteristics or in accordance with a predetermined production scheme. Any or all of the components of the choke, the choke control system, or the choke actuator may also be retrievable separately from the other components so as to allow maintenance and replacement.

Abstract: A hose and wire combination adapted to provide water and electrical connections to a water well pump includes a hose adapted to bear water, a resilient-material conduit affixed to and extending longitudinally along the exterior of the hose and having a longitudinally extending slot and a set of wires extending longitudinally within the conduit and being electrically insulated from one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sealing apparatus for isolating a wellbore. In one aspect, the present invention provides an expandable sealing apparatus having an expandable tubular and a sealing element disposed around the tubular. A chamber for maintaining a fluid is defined between the sealing element and the tubular. The sealing apparatus also includes a self-isolating layer disposed in the chamber, wherein the self-isolating layer is adapted and arranged to regulate fluid flow through the chamber. Fluid supplied to the chamber may inflate the sealing element, thereby urging the sealing element into contact with the wellbore. When the pressure in the tubular is released, the pressure in the chamber causes the self-isolating layer to close off, thereby retaining the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of fire extinguishment with a gas, characterized by extinguishing a fire by ejecting at least one gaseous fire-extinguishing agent selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide using a foam, powder, or water as a carrier.

Abstract: The invention comprises a beet harvesting device. The device has a first plurality of pairs of laterally positioned harvesting discs, and a second pair of laterally positioned harvesting discs, with the second pair being spaced longitudinally from the first plurality of pairs of discs and laterally between the paths of the first plurality of pairs of harvesting discs so that beets may be harvested in a path between the first plurality of pairs of discs, to thereby provide a novel apparatus for more readily harvesting beets in paths narrower than customarily harvested with a first plurality of pairs of laterally positioned harvesting discs.

Abstract: A system for quickly coupling a mounted implement and a towed implement to a tractor frame or chassis includes a hitching bracket with two hooks and two eyes that are fixed to the frame of the tractor and a plate that is fixed to the hooks and eyes to provide a mounting surface for the implement. The plate also includes a slot for inserting a drawbar that can be attached to a towed vehicle. The drawbar is positioned underneath the implement.

Abstract: A hand tool having a flat, planar blade parallel to a surface and a variable length handle allows efficient and effective grading or leveling of a surface. The device allows for effective grading without undue stress on the body of the operator. The ergonomic design of the device, as well as the functional design, allow for effective and efficient grading of surfaces next to and surrounding sensitive structures.

Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool, having a drive shaft (12, 14) supported in the housing (10) and having a mechanical percussion mechanism (16, 18, 20, 22, 24), which has a striker (26, 28) that is driven in hammering fashion via a driver unit (32, 34) supported on an intermediate shaft (30), which driver unit has at least one curve element (36, 38) by way of which at least one transmission unit (40, 42, 44, 46) with a tracer member is movable. It is proposed that the curve element (36, 38) has at least one first and at least one second curved path segment (56, 58, 60, 62), the first curved path segment acting in a first axial direction of the intermediate shaft (30) and the second curved path segment acting in a second axial direction of the intermediate shaft (30).

Abstract: A hammer drill is equipped with a connector shaft, which is rotationally driven by a motor, a spindle that transmits the rotation through a connector shaft, and a percussive impact impact mechanism that applies a percussive force in the axial direction to a drill bit held by the spindle through performing a reciprocating motion, in the axial direction, relative to a spindle that receives the rotation of the connector shaft through a motion converter mechanism. The hammer drill is provided with a percussive force converter from the percussive impact impact mechanism by changing the speed reduction ratio between the motor and the connector shaft. This makes it possible to adjust the percussive force according to the drill bit used.

Abstract: A diesel hammer system for driving a pile, comprising a housing, an anvil member supported by the housing, a clamp assembly adapted to connect the anvil member to the pile, and a ram member disposed within the housing. A fuel pump system injects fuel into a combustion chamber defined by the housing, anvil member, and the ram member. A coupling system detachably engages the ram member to raise the ram member from an impact position to an upper position, the coupling system comprising a trigger member that, when engaged, causes the coupling system to release the ram member. A trigger projection mounted is on the housing to engage the trigger member to cause the coupling system to release the ram member at the upper position. The diesel hammer further comprises a pre-trigger system comprising a pre-trigger member movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: The invention comprises retrofit kits for power impact tools. The retrofit kits adapt modular control apparatuses to power impact tools that where not originally manufactured to receive a modular control apparatuses. The retrofit kits comprise a modular control apparatus and at least one fastener. The modular control apparatus may be specially manufactured to adapt retrofit tools or an adapter may be included in the kit. Adapters intercept the energy flow to the motor of the tool and re-channels the energy flow through a modular control apparatus, which then controls the flow of energy to the motor. The retrofit kit may include instruction sheets describing and illustrating the methods of using the retrofit kit.

Abstract: An acoustic position measurement system and method includes an acoustic transmitter operable to transmit a sound wave into an underground well bore in a target formation. The sound wave is configured to reflect from a boundary formation proximate the target formation. The system includes an acoustic receiver operable to receive a reflected sound wave. The reflected sound wave comprises a reflection of the sound wave from the boundary formation. The system also includes an electronics portion electrically coupled to the acoustic receiver. The electronics portion is operable to process the reflected sound wave and produce, based upon a characteristic of the reflected sound wave, data output indicative of a position of the acoustic position measurement system in the target formation.

Abstract: Methods for moving drilled cuttings, the methods, in certain aspects, using a cuttings processor with a rotating annular screen to separate fluid from drilled cuttings and/or such methods including conveying with air under positive pressure, drilled cuttings to flow conduit apparatus; applying air under positive pressure to the flow conduit apparatus to continuously move the drilled cuttings material therethrough; continuously moving the drilled cuttings material with the air under pressure to separation apparatus; with the separation apparatus continuously separating drilled cuttings from air; wherein, in certain aspects, the drilled cuttings are included in a low density slurry with drilling fluid, drilling mud, and/or oil and wherein, in certain aspects, the separation apparatus is a cyclone separator and the drilled cuttings moved into the cyclone separator are wet; and systems for effecting such methods.

Abstract: A vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a vacuum container, a vacuum producing device to create a vacuum within said container, a conduit to vacuum solid particles and liquids into the vacuum container and a dispensing device to dispense the liquid or solid particles from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. Vacuum container contents are stored within the container while simultaneously dispensing the solid particles and or liquids. The vacuum container method may also have a separating device disposed within it to separate solids and liquids by category. The vacuum container method is a continuous operation vacuum container, which can simultaneously fill, store and dispense solid particles and liquids with the added ability to simultaneously separate the solids and or liquids before they are dispensed from the vacuum container. This is accomplished without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.

Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit is provided that has gage inserts on the first row from the bit axis to cut to full gage diameter that have a cutting portion enhanced with a layer of super abrasive material. The gage cutting surface has a center axis that is canted to be more normal to the gage curve such that the its point of contact at gage is away from the thinner portion of the layer of super abrasive material.

Abstract: The left and right rear drive wheels of a vehicle are controlled independently, and the traveling direction of the vehicle is changed by providing a rotational speed difference between each of the left and right rear drive wheel. A vehicle operator merely designates the turning direction by moving an operation stick, e.g., to the left or right, which will in turn enable an automatic turn at an optimum curvature to be performed which frees the vehicle operator from complicated steering operations. A highly precise and responsive turn is achieved when the left and right independent control is implemented with a PLL control circuit.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to enable a crawler tractor to brake and stop certainly without applying a load to an engine and a driving mechanism, and without complicated operation. An operation link links a conic linkage (53) which links a steering wheel (7) with a main speed change lever (55) of the crawler tractor, and with an operation mechanism of a brake pedal (54). A neutral return mechanism for the operation link is provided. The operation link neutral return mechanism comprises a hook-like cam lever (61). When the brake pedal is depressed, the main speed change lever is moved to its neutral position before braking force occurs, and then, the brake is actuated. Accordingly, engine brake is used effectively, and the brake can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having an engine and a motor as power sources that generate electrical power, and an output shaft to which driving power from at least one of the engine and the motor is transmitted for driving the vehicle. The vehicle may be driven in an engine cruise mode wherein the vehicle is driven only by the engine, or in a motor cruise mode wherein the vehicle is driven only by the motor. A clutch section provided between the engine and motor and a pair of axle shafts selectively disconnects the driving powers of the engine and the motor. A control section controls the clutch section, wherein the driving mode of the vehicle is alternately switched between the engine cruise mode and the motor cruise mode. As such, an engagement degree of the clutch section is decreased at switching, and then gradually increased until it is totally recovered.

Abstract: A cooling air path is formed by an air duct provided in front of an engine and below main frames. The air duct has a cooling air port that is almost the same width, in plan view, as the lateral width of the main frames and a discharge port is formed thinner than the cooling air port, further to the rear than the cooling air port and in the vicinity of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention describes an opening for engine compartment cooling. The opening includes a one-way valve that permits airflow only at speed. The valve allows cooling air to circulate past the engine without impeding the efficiency of the radiator. The size, shape and number of openings and valves may vary depending on cooling capacity or styling considerations. The opening includes a leading edge followed by an indentation defining a port for a one-way valve. A valve is fixed in the port so that airflow can occur only in one direction.

Abstract: A vibration-proof structure for a metallic electrical packaging case includes a metallic electrical packaging case and a coupling member. The coupling member connects an outer wall of the metallic electrical packaging case and a member forming a side wall of a vehicle. Also, the coupling member may include an engaging portion at one end of the coupling member, which is used for temporarily fixing the coupling member, and an insertion engaging portion, which is engaged with a portion of the member forming the side wall of the vehicle, formed at another end of the coupling member.

Abstract: A running gear of a saddle-riding-type vehicle includes a running gear unit with an engine which is pivotally supported to a vehicle body to freely swing, an exhaust pipe extending towards a rear portion of the engine and a support unit for making the running gear unit support a midway section of the exhaust pipe in a longitudinal direction. The support unit includes a first bracket provided on the running gear unit, a second bracket provided on the midway section of the exhaust pipe and a pair of engaging members vertically arranged for engaging a rear end part of the first bracket and a front end part of the second bracket with each other in any relative position in a fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: A safety arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a sensor (10) and a component (17) of the suspension of the vehicle of adjustable length between a front wheel (16) and a fixed part (14) of the vehicle. The component of adjustable length (17) is associated with a chamber (20) to be filled with fluid, there being a fluid outlet (26) which includes a pilot operated diaphragm valve (36).

Abstract: An automotive outboard air bag system (30) is provided in which a belt-like strap (34) is provided at substantially a center within an air bag (33) to extend from an upper end portion (33a) to a lower end portion (33b) of the air bag (33) with sides of the strap (34) being made to extend in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, front and rear side edges (34a, 34b) of the strap (34) are connected to an inner circumference (33c) of the air bag (33) to thereby form front and rear constricted portions (35) on front and rear central portions of the air bag (33), and left and right convexly curved portions (36) which can come into contact with an outer surface (12b) of a windshield (12) and a garnish (18b) of a front pillar (18), respectively, are provided on both sides of the rear constricted portion (35).

Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure having a first mounting member for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body. The mount structure includes an elastic waterproofing cover having an axial displacement stopper and a radial displacement stopper. The axial displacement stopper is engageable with an end of a tubular portion of the second mounting member to elastically absorb impact shock and eventually stop movement of a shaft portion of the first mounting member when the shaft portion is displaced in an axial direction toward the second mounting member. The radial displacement stopper is engageable with an inner cylindrical surface of the tubular portion to elastically absorb impact shock and eventually stop movement of the shaft portion when the shaft portion is displaced in a radial direction relative to the second mounting member.

Abstract: A pump unit for supply and discharge of hydraulic fluid into and from an actuator upon receiving driving power from a driving source is provided, in which said actuator is fluidly connected to said pump unit via a hydraulic circuit. The pump unit includes an input member operatively connected to the driving source, a first hydraulic pump body operatively connected to the input member, a pump case for accommodating the first hydraulic pump body and forming a hydraulic fluid sump, and a PTO unit accommodated within the pump case. The PTO unit includes a PTO shaft supported by the pump case so as to have an end extending outward from the pump case, and a clutch mechanism for selectively enabling and disabling transmission of driving power from the input member to the PTO shaft.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling flow outlet from a hydraulic pump. The system provides the level of flow required to execute the driver's steering commands. This method of control reduces the average torque requirement of the hydraulic pump thereby improving fuel economy by unloading the vehicle's accessory drive, while also providing the variable assist power steering feature. The Fuel Efficient Power Steering (FEPS) control algorithm is an optimal method of regulating flow by actuating the electronic flow control device in the pump assembly. This electronic flow control device allows an increase in hydraulic fluid flow to the steering gear in order to increase the provided assist and to reduce hydraulic fluid flow to the steering gear to improve fuel economy, if no additional assist is needed. The calculation of the desired flow control device current is primarily based on vehicle speed and steering wheel rate.

Abstract: A worm 1 is composed of an annular tooth body 11 having a tooth 10 on the outer surface thereof, a core body 12 inserted inside the annular tooth body 11; and an elastic coupler 13, which can be transformed in the radial direction, for coupling the core body 12 with the annular tooth body 11. The worm 1 is engaged with the worm wheel with the elastic coupler 13 being transformed in the radial direction in such a manner that a negative amount of backlash is generated at the engagement portion. This can be also employed for the worm wheel. With a reduction gear combination having this structure, the backlash amount at the engagement portion can be adjusted to a proper amount without selecting elements such as the worm and the worm wheel to be assembled.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electrical steering system supports both manned and unmanned operation of a steering system for a vehicle. A steering wheel is coupled to an electric motor shaft for rotation with the steering wheel. A torque transducer senses a torque level for any application of rotational force applied to the steering wheel. An operator detector detects a presence or absence of an operator based on the sensed torque. The steering is controlled based on the detected presence or absence of the operator.

Abstract: A speaker diaphragm edge obtained by hot-forming into a desired edge shape, a resin-treated base material, which was prepared by using a silkscreen printing technique to apply a shaping agent layer only to the necessary portion of a base material.

Abstract: A sound insulation in tubular parts regardless of the section shape of the part, uses a piece of material that is suitable for expanding over the entire section of the section, which piece is mounted using a support suitable for fixing to the wall of the tube that is to be insulated. In a particular embodiment, a sound insulation assembly mounted in a part presenting a longitudinal direction and a tubular wall comprises a wafer that is thermally expandable to form a foam, said wafer having two parallel main faces and extending essentially along a main plane from a first wall portion towards the diametrically opposite wall portion, together with a wafer support comprising a clamp for retaining the wafer prior to expansion and coupled to fixing means in the form of a clip for fixing to the first wall portion of the part.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an individual is employable as either a creeper or a stepladder and includes two platform portions connected by locking hinges which selectively alternatively lock the platform portions in co-planar condition or in a configuration where the platform portions define an angle therebetween of less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A fire escape device includes a housing having a top wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, a front wall and a rear wall. A spindle is rotatably mounted to and extends between the first and second end walls. A pair of gripping members each has a bottom side, an upper side, and a pair of lateral sides. The spindle extends through each of the lateral sides such that the bottom sides are positioned nearer the spindle than the upper sides. A spool with a tether is rotatably mounted on the spindle. The tether has a free end extending through an aperture in the top wall. A fastening assembly is attached to the free end for selectively attaching the free end to a dwelling. Hands positioned on the gripping member are secured within the housing by a compressing action between the gripping member and the front wall.