Abstract: A deployable radiator panel system for a small spacecraft includes fusible metal thermal hinge having a hinge leaf affixed to a spacecraft fixed radiator panel and the corresponding hinge leaf affixed to a deployable radiator panel with fusible metal filling the interstices between knuckles of each leaf to provide a conductive heat transfer path from the spacecraft fixed radiator panel through its leaf to the intervening fusible metal and then to the deployable radiator panel leaf and finally to the deployable radiator panel. A method is provided to heat and melt the fusible metal, release the deployable radiator panel from a stowed position, apply torque to open the fusible thermal metal hinge and latch the deployable radiator panel in a deployed position, and cool and solidify fusible metal.

Abstract: A stop fitting assembly for an aircraft door is presented. The stop fitting assembly comprises a stop fitting, a connecting bracket, and a number of removable fasteners. The stop fitting has a shaft, a flange extending outward from the shaft, and a number of holes extending through the shaft. The connecting bracket has a stop fitting receptacle configured to receive the shaft of the stop fitting, a number of holes extending through walls of the stop fitting receptacle, the connecting bracket configured to be joined to structural members of the aircraft door. The number of removable fasteners is configured to pass through the number of holes in the stop fitting and the number of holes of the stop fitting receptacle to removably join the stop fitting and the connecting bracket.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for absorbing energy in a hinge are provided. An apparatus may include a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion to move relative to the first portion, and a tab configured relative to the first and second portions to absorb energy imparted to the second portion during a collision. The tab may be bendable via rotation as the second portion moves towards the first portion during the collision. The first portion may be a hinge bracket securable to a vehicle body. The second portion may be a hinge arm securable to a vehicle hood. The tab may be positioned at least partially between the first portion and the second portion for selective interference of the tab with one of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable bladder actuated water control gates for control of open channels such as rivers and canals and for control of dam spillways without the need for intermediate piers. The air bladder and hinge flap wedge clamping system includes hinged engagement of the upstream edge of the clamps to the foundation so as to prevent the application of bending and shear loads to the anchor bolts. The resulting configuration facilitates the use of high strength alloy steel anchor bolts in a corrosion protected environment and also prevents tensile loading of the concrete foundation and associated cracking of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A compact hinge actuating device comprising at least one hinge comprising at least one hinge plate and at least one knuckle. In one embodiment there is at least one sensor and/or fuse element coupled to said at least one hinge and at least one microprocessor coupled to the at least one hinge. There is also at least one drive coupled to the at least one hinge, wherein when the sensor receives input of a condition, and/or the fuse fails then the drive can be actuated. In the electronic version, the microprocessor reads the input as exceeding a minimum threshold value of a predetermined condition, the microprocessor then triggers the at least one drive to close or open the at least one hinge. In at least one embodiment the drive can be a spring, in another embodiment the drive can be a solenoid.

Abstract: A window stay, comprising: a frame plate; at least one arm coupled to the frame plate by a frame plate pivot; and a bearing plate engaged with the frame plate, the bearing plate and the frame plate together configured to be mounted to a window frame; wherein the bearing plate comprises a reinforcing insert for spreading a load applied through at least part of the at least one arm to the bearing plate; wherein the reinforcing insert is made of a material with more strength and/or rigidity than the material of the bearing plate. A window stay comprising: a frame plate; at least one arm coupled to the frame plate by a frame plate pivot; and a bearing plate engaged with the frame plate, the bearing plate and the frame plate together configured to be mounted to a window frame having a frame channel; wherein the bearing plate comprises a support member for supporting the bearing plate above the frame channel; wherein the support member is a projection that extends from beneath the bearing plate.

Abstract: There is a temperature activated spring hinge comprising hinge section comprising at least one door leaf and at least one hinge leaf. There is also a fuse which is configured to react in response to an elevated temperature. The fuse can be positioned inside one of the knuckles of the door leaf. There is also a biasing element configured to bias the hinge in a closed position. In at least one embodiment the biasing element is a spring. There is also at least one guide configured to guide a movement of the hinge when the hinge moves from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to adjusting a shear pin to minimize an impact force felt by an object in a collision with a vehicle. For example, one or more second computing devices may receive, from one or more first computing devices, information indicating that an impact with an object is imminent. In response to the received information, the second computing devices may determine a first shear force for a first shear pin, wherein the first shear force is a desired amount of shear force necessary to break the first shear pin. The second computing devices may send a triggering signal to activate an actuator prior to an impact with the identified impact target. The actuator, in response to receiving the triggering signal, may adjust the first shear pin in a first pinhole, so the first shear pin will break at the first shear force.

Abstract: A hood hinge apparatus for a vehicle may include a bracket fastened to a vehicle body, an arm having a front end portion fastened to a hood, a rear end portion formed with a slot, and an arch portion formed to be concave downwards between the front end portion and the rear end portion, a link pressed against one surface of the arm having the slot, a hinge pin serving as a hinge point of rotation of the arm, and fastened to the bracket through the slot from an upper end portion of the link, and a pop rivet fastened between a lower end portion of the link and the rear end portion of the arm.

Abstract: A passive hood hinge system for a vehicle is provided. The passive hood hinge system includes a hinge bracket that is coupled to a vehicle body that extends in a vertical orientation and a pin regulation aperture. A hinge arm is coupled with a hood and a descending link has first and second end portions, respectively, rotatably coupled with the hinge arm and the hinge bracket. A support link has first and second end portions respectively, rotatably coupled with the hinge arm and the hinge bracket. A bending lever is disposed at the hinge bracket and has an upper end portion coupled with the descending pin coupled with a pin regulation aperture, and a bent portion that bends when the descending pin at the pin regulation aperture descends. A buffer bracket is disposed at a lower portion of the descending pin and is deformed by pressing the descending pin.

Abstract: A closures mechanism for a door actuated during a fire, which causes the door to automatically close. The present invention provides a hinge with opposing hinge plates comprising a door leaf and a frame leaf each pivotal around a hinge pin and spring. A hinge spring nub is anchored within a channel having a fusible block that prevents the spring nub and tension from traveling the channel. At a predetermined temperature the fusible block ruptures causing the spring nub and spring tension to move into engagement with the door attached to the hinge door leaf thereby causing the door to close by means of the tensioned spring's kinetic energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding an integral joint including a stationary member and an enclosure rotatable about the stationary member. The method utilizes a joint formation assembly defining an inner cavity, a first passageway connected to the inner cavity, an outer cavity surrounding the inner cavity, and a second passageway connected to the outer cavity. The method includes the steps of: introducing moldable material into the inner cavity from the first passageway to form the stationary member; introducing moldable material into the outer cavity from the second passageway to form the enclosure; and divorcing the inner cavity from the outer cavity for separately and independently forming the enclosure around the stationary member to allow rotatable movement of the enclosure about the stationary member.

Abstract: A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided that includes a cover and a base, wherein the cover can be rotated over an arch wire slot in the base portion. The present bracket invention operates to close when a frangible portion is severed upon initiating rotation of the cover, such that the cover rotates about a hinge, which may include a pin or axle. In one embodiment of the invention, the pin or axle can be moved laterally and/or vertically after the frangible portion is severed. Preferably, the bracket is manufactured to form one piece, such as using an injection molding, machining, or casting process. The bracket offers economical advantages because additional subsequent assembly is not required to attach a cover to a base.

Abstract: A hinge for a swingable body part of a vehicle includes a hinge element having an attachment part, and at least one connection element for securing the attachment part of the hinge element to a body part or vehicle shell structure. The attachment part of the hinge element is constructed to move in relation to the body part and/or vehicle shell structure without disengagement when a load limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A hinge assembly including a vehicle body hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle body and a hood hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle hood. The vehicle body hinge member and the hood hinge member are pivotally connected so the hood can be opened for servicing and closed for driving. In one embodiment, a pedestrian protection device includes a bracket movable between an extended position in which a rear portion of the vehicle hood is in an elevated position and a retracted position in which the rear portion of the vehicle hood is in a drivable position. A shear pin extends through the bracket for maintaining the bracket in the retracted position until a threshold force is applied to the bracket. The device includes an actuator configured to apply at least the threshold force to shear the shear pin, thereby moving the bracket to the extended position. A reset latch relocks the bracket in the retracted position after the shear pin has been sheared.

Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood apparatus is provided that includes: an arm member, whose proximal end portion is connected to a body of a vehicle so as to be pivotable about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction; a first connection section by which a hood of the vehicle is connected to a tip portion of the arm member, and that allows the hood to pivot relative to the arm member about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction; a second connection section that connects the hood to the arm member to prevent the hood from pivoting relative to the arm member about the first connection section; and an actuator that generates a lifting force that lifts the hood relative to the body and acts in a direction such that the connection between the hood and the arm member by means of the second connection section is broken.

Abstract: A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An airbag cover hinge has load-absorption capabilities that provide a controlled release of the airbag cover during airbag deployment. The hinge has a textile base structure formed of longitudinal and cross threads. High strength, load-bearing stop threads are integrated into the textile base structure. When the airbag deploys, the longitudinal threads eventually tear, while the stop threads extend in length and function as a hinge that holds the torn parts of the textile base structure together.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag cover hinge having a textile hinge that can be connected both to the airbag cover and to a carrier part surrounding the airbag cover, wherein the hinge comprises two different systems absorbing forces, which is to say one textile surface structure as a system that is combined to a second system with further warp threads, wherein the warp threads tear under a tensile load on the airbag cover hinge as a first force absorbing system.

Abstract: A home appliance includes an oven and a door positioned at the front of the oven. A hinge assembly secured to the door is configured to move the door about an axis relative to the front of the oven. The hinge assembly includes a shear pin and a spring configured to exert a shear force. The shear force exerted by the helical spring increases as the door is moved about the first axis, and the shear pin is configured to fracture when the door is moved to a predetermined position about the axis.

Abstract: A molded hinge assembly is provided. The molded hinge assembly includes a male portion, a female portion formed unitarily with the male portion, a swivel shaft formed unitarily with the male portion, the swivel shaft including a plurality of channels defined along a rotational axis thereof. The molded hinge assembly also includes a plurality of molding gates formed at an intersection between each respective channel and the female portion, the female portion being subsequently rotatable with respect to the male portion after the molding gates are broken. During operation, the swivel shaft is friction fit within the female portion after the subsequent rotation of the female portion to break the molding gates.

Abstract: An ejection device for an aircraft hatch having at least one articulation hinge. The articulation hinge is provided with a lower element designed to be mounted in rotation on structure of the aircraft, and an upper element designed to be joined to the hatch panel. The lower element and the upper element are connected to one another in a reversible manner. The ejection device has guide means in which the upper element of the articulation hinge is engaged, to hold the upper element in the axis of rotation (A) of the lower element during the activation of the hatch. The upper element of the articulation hinge can be separated from the guide means beyond a critical swing angle, so that the upper element is separated from the lower element of the articulation hinge. The invention also concerns an ejectable hatch for an aircraft.

Abstract: A hinge for connecting a hood, especially an engine hood, to a vehicle body, having a least one hinge carrier arranged on the vehicle body, at least one hinge arm arranged on the hood and at least one connecting part for the pivotable connection of the hinge arm to the hinge carrier. The connection of the hinge arm to the hinge carrier is released in the event of an accident by removal and/or destruction of the connecting part. The connecting part is configured to be removed and/or destroyed by forces acting in a direction of a pivot axis of the hinge, in the event of an accident.

Abstract: A front hood hinge for connecting a front hood to the body of a vehicle, comprising a cuttable device having a cuttable member, a cutting knife and a stop determining the normal closed position of the front hood, and being designed such that, when a threshold value is exceeded, the stop is adapted to be displaced downwardly beyond the normal closed position against a resistance generated by the cuttable device, said resistance being caused by the cuttable member being cut in the course of the displacement of the stop upon movement of the cutting knife in relation to the cuttable member.

Abstract: A hinge structure (10) comprises a single molded swivel hinge (12) molded initially as a unitary structure having a first portion (14) and a second portion (16). The first portion (14) includes first and second hinge pins (24, 26) extending in opposed directions from a base member (38). The second portion (16) includes hinge pin receiving portions (34, 36), the first and second hinge pins (24, 26) having an associated hinge pin receiving portion (34, 36), each hinge pin receiving portion being molded to result in a cylindrical bore (28, 30) after initial operation of the hinge structure (10). The first and second hinge pins (24, 26) are triangular in shape over its extent within its associated hinge pin receiving portion (34, 36).

Abstract: A hinge structure includes a rotatable plate member, a frame member, a spring member that connects the rotatable plate member with the frame member at each of two opposite positions along a rotation axis. The spring member includes a first axial section, a second axial section. An end of the first axial section is connected to the frame member, and an end of the second axial section is connected to the rotatable plate member. The spring member includes a first zigzag section and a second zigzag section formed on opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis, each of the first and second zigzag sections including parallel portions which are parallel with each other and with the rotation axis and bent portions each connecting adjacent parallel portions. A predetermined gap between the first and second axial section is smaller than a length of the parallel portions.

Abstract: A front hood system has a front hood of a vehicle that is coupled to the frame of the vehicle via at least one multiple-joint hinge. In addition, the vehicle's front opening hood can be latched by means of at least one hood lock. At least one multiple-joint hinge has at least one link that can separate into at least two parts due to the force of impact of a pedestrian.

Abstract: A front hood system has a front hood of a vehicle coupled to the frame of the vehicle via at least one four-joint hinge. In addition, the front hood can be latched by means of at least one hood lock. An economically and technically feasible protection provided for pedestrians is accomplished in that at least one four-joint hinge has at least one link whose joint is situated on one of the parts of the front hood and the vehicle body can be displaced in the position thereof due to the force of impact of a pedestrian.

Abstract: A double-armed hinge for use in a motor vehicle, includes a first bar for fastening to a front bonnet of said motor vehicle, a second bar for fastening to a body of said motor vehicle, a first arm, a second arm, and a thrust piece. At least one of said first arm and said second arm is constructed in two parts and includes a first strut and a second strut. The thrust piece thrust piece is applied to one of said first strut and said second strut. The thrust piece includes a head configured to grip behind the first or second strut. The first and second struts are pivotably connected to each other by a connecting joint and rigidly braced to each other by a connection device. The connecting device yields under a given load so that, under a sudden load that exceeds the given load, the connection device breaks and the first and second bars come closer to each other substantially without resistance.

Abstract: An automotive hinge comprises: a door component adapted to be mounted to a vehicular closing panel, the door component comprising a conical pivot axis aperture; a body component adapted to be mounted to a vehicular body structure, said body component comprising a pivot arm; the door component and the body component being adapted to rotate about a pivot axis; the body component comprising an upstanding, conical structural feature extending from the body component and adapted to be coaxially aligned with the pivot axis and structurally fixed to the pivot arm of the body component; the conical structural feature comprising an external conical bearing surface; such that when the hinge is assembled, the door component interleaves over the body component, dimensionally locating the door and body components by means of the walls of the conical pivot axis aperture of the door component interacting with the external conical bearing surface of the conical structural feature.

Abstract: A hinged product has a first section and a second section. The first section has a post extending transversely across one end thereof. The second section two co-axial apertures therein, each of the apertures having an internal wall. The post extends between and through the apertures to connect the first section to the second section. The first section is integrally formed with the second section via at least one connection point connecting the first section and the second section outside of the apertures. Rotating the first section relative to the second section causes the connection point to break and create a two piece hinge.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement for vehicle hoods in vehicles is described. The arrangement is intended to decrease injuries to pedestrians struck by the front of the vehicle. The hood is pivotable about at least two hinges, preferably applied at the rear of the hood. The hood is able to compliantly receive impacts in the vertical direction. Each respective hinge is fixed in at least two rods connected to the hinges. One of the rods is a draw rod, designed to receive forces in the longitudinal direction of the hood, substantially stopping horizontal displacement of the hood in a collision. Another rod is a vertical rod, able to deform due to a vertical collision at a predetermined vertical load. The vertical rod is shaped to be able to receive the vertical load over a predetermined deformation length.

Abstract: A vehicle hood apparatus is provided with a hood retaining mechanism including a linkage which is bendable and stretchable for retaining a hood in a lifted position when a vehicle collides with an object to be protected and the rear end of the hood is lifted. The linkage has an upper link and a lower link which are bendably and stretchably connected via a hinge. A stopper is included for preventing the lower link from falling rearward relative to the vehicle when the lower link and the upper link stretch. The hood apparatus further includes a ratchet mechanism for preventing the lower link and the upper link from shifting from the stretching state to a bending state to securely retain the lifted hood.

Abstract: A hinge assembly has a first hinge rod unit and a second hinge rod unit. The first hinge rod unit is fixed at its upper end to the bottom of a hood by means of a first hinge pin and at its lower end to a fender apron by means of a second hinge pin. The second hinge rod unit is fixed at its upper end to the bottom of the hood by means of a third hinge pin and at its lower end to the fender apron by means of a fourth hinge pin. The first and third hinge pins are spaced apart by a first interval, while the second and fourth hinge pins are spaced apart by a second interval longer than the first interval. Each of the first and second hinge rod units comprises a first hollow hinge rod, a second hinge rod slidably inserted into the first hinge rod, and a means for locking the second hinge rod to the first hinge rod, that is breakable when a force greater than a predetermined certain amount is applied.

Abstract: A hinge structure for interconnecting a swing door to a trailer body or the like and which allows the door to breakaway form the trailer body when an excessive shear force is applied to the hinge indicative of the door impacting against a surface or improperly engaging an adjacent trailer body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a safety body structure and side doors, each side being fixed to a door pillar of the safety body structure by at least one door hinge. When the vehicle receives a frontal impact, the forces which are imparted to the front section of the safety body structure are transmitted to the door pillar and are transmitted by the door to other body parts further away from the point of impact when the side door remains closed or is supported against the door pillar in the area of the door hinge without swinging outwardly. In order to prevent the front end of the door from swinging outwardly, the front end is caused to move, upon frontal impact to the vehicle, parallel to or inwardly toward a longitudinal center line of the vehicle by a controlled orientation of the deformation of a door hinge part in relation to the door pillar.

Abstract: A case and tray for holding two high-density media recording devices, commonly known as compact discs or CDs, on opposite planar surfaces of a tray molded of brittle, transparent polystyrene. The tray will fit in a conventional case, commonly called a jewel box, adapted to receive a tray for holding only one compact disc. An insert is disposed at each side of the tray and each has an outwardly extending pin disposed thereon. The pin is arranged to fit into retaining openings in sidewalls of the conventional case into which the tray will be fitted, whereby to hold it in place. A pivot point is disposed between the sidewall and the planar surface. A frangible membrane having a thickness approximating the thickness of flashing is arranged with the pivot point. The frangible membrane is arranged to hold the tray and the inserts as a single unit until the tray is fitted into the case and is arranged to break so the tray can swing, thereby allowing access to both sides thereof.

Abstract: A hinge device is provided comprising a first member (12) pivotally connected about a hinge axis (14) to a second member (16), an implement to permit radial movement of the hinge axis (14) upon the application of a force to the members, and a locking assembly on at least one of the members to enable inter-engagement of the members to prevent pivotal movement therebetween when the force is applied. The locking assembly is provided by a projection (30) formed in one member and engageable in the other member. The hinge device is particularly of use in attaching a hood along its rear edge to a car body, in which one member is attached to the hood and the other member is attached to the car body.

Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly has a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body by means of a hinge assembly including a first link pivoted intermediate of its extremities to the vehicle body and second and third links pivoted at one end, each to a different end of the first link, and at their other ends to the bonnet, the links being arranged such that when the bonnet is closed, the bonnet will move rearwardly upon an impact above a predetermined magnitude being applied to the leading edge of the bonnet, the links pivoting to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet, the bonnet pivoting between an open and closed position about the pivotal connection of the first link to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having a releasable catch adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.

Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having releasable catch means adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.

Abstract: End portions (10) of a tap plate (A) are welded to a metal door frame (B) with welding projections (12). The tap plate (A) has a front face (18) which is recessed from a rabbet surface (22) of the door frame by a thickness (24) of a heavy-weight hinge leaf (26). Adjacent each of the tapped bores (30) for receiving a hinge leaf mounting bolt (32), a button (40) projects forward from the tap plate front face. The buttons project forward by a difference (54) between the thickness of the heavy-weight hinge leaf and a thickness (56) of a standard hinge leaf (58). Each of the buttons defines a necked-down portion (44) around its periphery. The projecting portion of the button is removed to mount a heavy-weight hinge leaf (FIG. 3). With the buttons still in place, a standard-weight hinge leaf is mounted to the tap plate with its front face flush with the rabbet surface of the door frame (FIG. 6).

Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having a releasable catch adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.

Abstract: A hinge for making a controlled adjustment on a door or the like to facilitate upward or downward movement as desired due to the binding of the door or the like. The hinge can be of many shapes and dimensions to accommodate the application involved. The adjusting screws can be of various sizes according to the size of the hinge made and to fit in the top and bottom of the hinge.Stop pins are inserted at 90 degree angles through the hinge pin for the purpose of making the hinge pin stationary in reference to the hinge so that the hinge will move up or down with the rotation of the adjusting screws on the ends of the joining pin.

Abstract: A fastening pin, or peg is partially inserted into an aligned aperture and attached thereto by a webbed flashing. In a one-step assembly operation, the pin is driven further into the aperture as the flashing is broken and driven through an aligned aperture of a second component.

Abstract: A modular headliner includes an assist strap for mounting to the modular headliner to the vehicle body structure and includes an assist strap fastening means. The fastening means extends to engage a vehicle body adjacent an opening defined by a vehicle body structure. A mandrel may then be inserted between the fastening means to lock the fastening means to the vehicle body structure to thereby mount the assist strap and headliner to vehicle body structure. The assist strap may include a pivotally mounted handle having a preassembly position such that upon displacement of the handle, the mandrel is displaced to the locking position. Additionally a breakaway tab means may secure the handle to the assist strap base such that until sufficient force is applied to the handle to rupture the breakaway tab the handle will not be displaced. The tab is tuned to require that a sufficient force be sufficient to drive the mandrel to the locking position.

Abstract: This invention discloses a loose-leaf binder such as a loose-leaf photo album or a loose-leaf file binder, which is disposed a plurality of hinge members having a pillar at one end and an axially concave knuckle at the other end. A slit is formed on the outer wall of the concave knuckle so that a pillar may be inserted into the concave knuckle therefrom. When the assembly is completed, a single page of the photo album or file is created. With the addition of many single pages, a complete photo album or file is formed. The hinge members of the pages of this loose-leaf binder may be easily attached and detached so as to increase or decrease the number of pages of the binder as desired.

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for barrier gates, sluice gates and the like attempted to be raised from beneath the sea, has a fixed portion mounted in a base which can be provided with a tunnel affording access to it and enabling a tierod to pull a replaceable body against this fixed portion. The body carries the movable part of the hinge and is provided with a rotating joint enabling compressed air to be delivered to the barrier.