Abstract: A furniture drive for moving a furniture part movably-supported relative to a furniture carcass includes a housing to be arranged on or within a furniture panel of the furniture carcass, and an actuating arm assembly for moving the movable furniture part. The actuating arm assembly includes an actuating arm movably-supported relative to the housing, and the actuating arm is to be fixed to the movable furniture part. The actuating arm assembly is movable at least between a first relative position, in which the actuating arm is arranged within the housing, and a second relative position, in which the actuating arm is arranged outside the housing. An actuating device is releasably connected or to be connected to the actuating arm, and is configured to move the actuating arm assembly from the first relative position into the second relative position.

Abstract: An accommodation device with an air blowing function includes: an accommodation portion that is formed with an opening portion on an upper surface and accommodates a portable electronic device; a support portion, arranged so as to protrude from a side surface of the accommodation portion into the accommodation portion, the support portion configured to contact with side surfaces or upper and lower surfaces of the portable electronic device accommodated in the accommodation portion and hold the portable electronic device so as to pinch the portable electronic device; and a blower unit that blows air into the accommodation portion. The support portion has an air outlet for guiding the air sent out by the blower unit to the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes at least two hinge modules and at least one switching assembly disposed between the adjacent two hinge modules and including a first and second rotating members rotating coaxially with respect to each other. The first rotating member is coaxially disposed at one of the adjacent hinge modules to rotate synchronously. The second rotating member is coaxially disposed at the other one of the adjacent hinge modules to rotate synchronously. The first rotating member has a first driving portion, and the second rotating member has a second driving portion. The first and second driving portions are located on rotating paths of each other, and an idle stroke is provided between the first and second driving portions along the rotating paths. When the first driving portion and the second driving portion pass through the idle stroke, torque forces generated by the adjacent two hinge modules are disconnected.

Abstract: A system includes an enclosure with a first side wall, a second side wall, and a first wall assembly. The first wall assembly extends between the first side wall and the second side wall and includes a first shaft-holding portion, a first plurality of latch assemblies having a first latch end and a first pivot end, and a first shaft that extends within the first shaft-holding portion and that is coupled to the first plurality of latch assemblies at respective first pivot ends of the first plurality of latch assemblies.

Abstract: A hinge assembly has first and second parts pivotally connected together. One of the parts has a hinge cup (13) and is connectable to a first element such as a cupboard door. The other part is connectable to a second element such as the cupboard carcase. The assembly includes a linear damping device (17), which is actuable to provide a damped resistive force over at least part of the range of relative pivotal movement between the two hinge elements. The linear damping device (17) is conveniently mounted within the hinge cup (13).

Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.

Abstract: The invention concerns a strap hinge (1) for a separating element. The separating element takes the form of a door, for example, in particular a swing door. The strap hinge (1) comprises two active units. The strap hinge (1) is provided with securing units (27 to 29), which are actively connected to a surface owing to a radial movement. The strap hinge further comprises pressure units (40, 43). The strap hinge (1) offers the same properties as a strap hinge which is provided with a hydraulic braking device.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An actuator for a flap on an item of furniture includes at least one actuating arm that is mounted to pivot between a closed position and an open position in order to move the flap, a spring device for acting on the actuating arm, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the force of the spring device onto the actuating arm. An adjustment device allows the transmission mechanism to be shifted between at least two operating positions. In a first operating position, the spring device applies a closing force, in the direction of the closed position, onto the actuating arm which is in an opening position immediately upstream of said closed position. In a second operating position, when said actuating arm is in the aforementioned, immediately-upstream opening position, the spring device exerts a force which acts in the direction of the open position.

Abstract: Door construction includes a door panel and at the top and at the bottom each time a self-closing pivot hinge. Each of the pivot hinges includes a spring which extends along the rotation axle and which provides a self-closing function to the pivot hinge. Each of the pivot hinges includes a first cam element and a second cam element which are pushed onto each other by the spring and push the door panel towards the closed position under the influence of the spring pressure. The first cam element includes at least one protrusion which upon rotation runs along a running surface with inclined parts of the second cam element. The second cam element is movably mounted in longitudinal direction of the pivot axle by means of a pen which is accommodated in a slotted hole of the second cam element. The slotted hole extends at least partly between the inclined parts of the running surface.

Abstract: A self closing enclosed hinge is placed within the tubular structure of a gate. The inventive hidden hinge cannot physically smash fingers. An internal axle physically holds together a first gate hinge connector piece which receives the upper part of the gate, an upper stationary hinge piece, and a midsection outer tubular section, which contains a bushing and a spiral spring to return the gate to a closed position. This internal axle joins the lower stationary hinge piece with the second gate hinge connector piece. The second gate hinge connector piece receives lower part of workpiece gate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral device with limited relative angular movement. The peripheral device is configured for detachable operative interconnection with a computing device and comprises a first portion, a second portion, and an operatively connected peripheral device component. The first portion includes a first hinge portion, which defines an axis of rotation, and comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is disposed axially separated at a predetermined distance from the second protrusion. The second portion includes a second hinge portion, which is operatively interconnected with the first hinge portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to rotate relative to one another about the axis of rotation between a first angle and a second angle. The peripheral device component provides one or more peripheral device functions. The first angle and the second angle at least in part are defined by the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

Abstract: An asymmetrical resistant hinge set includes at least a resistant hinge and an elastic element coaxially positioned. The resistant hinge is hinged on a first pivotal means located on the bottom side of a body. The elastic element provides action forces on the resistant hinge and one-way resistance to generate an asymmetrical hinge effect with a greater resistance in one direction and a smaller resistance in another direction when a support lid is flipped in forward and reverse directions to reduce the resistance of the resistant hinge. As a result, when the support lid is flipped to a selected angle it still can bear the weight of the body of a portable electronic device at the anchored position without drifting.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture with an actuating arrangement for a flap of the piece of furniture. An actuating arm arrangement includes a lever arrangement for moving the flap and a main spring that acts in the closing direction (SR) to hold the flap closed. The piece of furniture also has an ejecting device for ejecting the flap in the opening direction (OR) by overpressing the flap in the closing direction (SR). At least one support spring acts in the opening direction (OR) and is separate from the ejecting device, and supports the ejecting motion of the ejecting device. At least in an overpressed closed position (US), the spring forces (A, U) are together greater than the closing force (Z) which acts on the flap and which is provided by the main spring acting in the closing direction (SR).

Abstract: An asymmetrical resistant hinge set includes at least a resistant hinge and an elastic element coaxially positioned. The resistant hinge is hinged on a first pivotal means located on the bottom side of a body. The elastic element provides action forces on the resistant hinge and one-way resistance to generate an asymmetrical hinge effect with a greater resistance in one direction and a smaller resistance in another direction when a support lid is flipped in forward and reverse directions to reduce the resistance of the resistant hinge. As a result, when the support lid is flipped to a selected angle it still can bear the weight of the body of a portable electronic device at the anchored position without drifting.

Abstract: A 360° bi-directional rotary hinge formed of a fixed bracket, a rotary bracket, a limiter plate, a stop plate, a positioning plate, a spring ring and a fastening member for use in a folding electronic device is disclosed. Subject to matching between bottom blocks of the limiter plate and arched sliding grooves of the stop plate, movement of the stop plate is constrained by the fixed bracket, and therefore rotation of the rotary bracket of the 360° bi-directional rotary hinge is limited to a forward and backward 360° angle. Further, the stop plate carries an index block corresponding to a ?180° angle indication hole and a 180° angle indication hole on the base member of the folding electronic device for giving an indication when the rotary bracket is rotated to +180° or ?180° angle relative to the fixed bracket.

Abstract: An hinge device with fulcrum at variable position for a door (2) of a structure (3) is provided with connecting members, first (4) and second (5), mutually connected and respectively fit to be fixed to the door (2) and to the structure (3) for rotating the door between the extreme closing (C) and the extreme opening (A) in which the door (2), in an operating condition of the structure, is respectively almost vertical and approximately horizontally orientated. The second connecting member (5) has a first fixed pivot (6) and a second fixed pivot (7) for the rotating connection respectively with a first balancing mean (8) and a second balancing mean (9) mutually bound. The end opposite to the first fixed pivot (6) of the first balancing mean (8) is connected by means of a first mobile pivot (10) to an end of the first arm mean (11) having the remaining end connected to the first connecting member (4) by means of a second mobile pivot (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides an opening-and-closing mechanism capable of reducing a falling momentum due to gravitational force of a lid that is opened and closed past the top in the perpendicular direction and easily raising the lid against the gravitational force.

Abstract: A sliding hinge includes a flat base body having an opening at a middle thereof, a sliding body slidably coupled with the base body, and at least one torsion spring placed in the opening of the base body. The at least one torsion spring has a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. A free end of the first elastic arm is pivotably connected to a middle portion of a side of the opening parallel to a sliding direction of the sliding body. A free end of the second elastic arm is pivotably connected with a middle portion of the sliding body. The torsion spring is moved in the opening to store an elastic force when the sliding body is pushed to bring the second elastic arm to approach the first elastic arm gradually, and subsequently to release the stored elastic force to make the sliding body slide automatically.

Abstract: A damper arrangement is provided for parts of furniture that can be pivoted in relation to each other. The arrangement includes at least one damper having a linear damping course, and at least two abutment parts which can be respectively fixed to one of the parts of the furniture, or can be supported thereon in an especially sliding manner. The abutment parts are interconnected in such a way that they can be pivoted by at least one articulated axis. The damper is arranged in such a way that the direction of the linear damping course thereof is at an angle to a parallel line, deviating (offset) from a vertical line, preferably essentially parallel to the articulated axis.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism (20) includes a mounting member (12), at least one retractable elastic shaft (14) and a rotating member (18). The retractable elastic shaft has two opposite ends. The mounting member is located at one end of the retractable elastic shaft and defines at least one first hollow (125). The rotating member is located at the other end of the retractable elastic shaft and defines at least one second hollow (187). The first and second hollows respectively receive two ends of the retractable elastic shaft. The mounting member is rotatable relative to the rotating member to drive the retractable elastic shaft to move between a first position where the retractable elastic shaft is slantwise to an axis of the rotating member and a second position where the retractable elastic shaft is parallel to the axis of the rotating member. The hinge mechanism is easy to be manufactured.

Abstract: A ranch gate arm assembly which incorporates a gate arm that is mounted to allow swivelling about a longitudinal pivot when an external man or machine force is applied to either side of the gate arm thereby inducing the gate arm to swing out, and two torsion springs, one assembled on each side of the ranch gate arm which push against correlating sides of the gate and push the gate back to a center position after the external force has passed completely through the opening. This gate arm assembly is equipped with a smoothing release assembly, which eliminates the jolt force caused by the quick returning of the gate assembly to the center position that the gate was originally in before the external force was applied.

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: An exemplary swivel hinge assembly (100) includes a main body (12), a pivot mechanism (16) and a swivel mechanism (15). The swivel mechanism includes a rotatable member (182), a fixing member (184), two bearing balls (185), an elastic piece (186), and a second pivot shaft (189). The rotatable member defines two first bearing grooves (1820). The fixing member defines two second bearing grooves corresponding to the first grooves. The bearing balls are disposed between the rotatable member and the fixing member, and are partly received in the second bearing grooves. The elastic piece is mounted on the main body, elastically resisting the fixing member. The second pivot shaft extends through the main body, the elastic piece, the fixing member, and the rotatable member, and is rotatable relative to the elastic piece, the main body, and the fixing member.

Abstract: A dual-directional hinge for a portable device with a body and a monitor such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer or a PDA is disclosed. The hinge is composed of a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a seat, a vertical pin and a horizontal pintle. The first supporting member is mounted on the monitor and is rotatably mounted on the second supporting member by the vertical pin. The second supporting member and the seat are mounted rotatably on the body by the horizontal pintle. Thus, the monitor can be turned about the horizontal pintle to be raised from the body, and can be turned left or right about the vertical pin to change the horizontal viewing angle.

Abstract: An inventive hinge has the ability to be biased toward open and closed positions and/or is adapted to be hidden in door assemblies. The hinge includes a first bracket adapted to be mounted to a first workpiece. The first bracket comprises a generally tubular sleeve and opposed spaced-apart surfaces including first openings that are aligned with each other. A second bracket is adapted to be mounted to a second workpiece. The second bracket comprises opposed spaced-apart surfaces including second openings that are aligned with each other. The first bracket and the second bracket are oriented with respect to each other effective to align the first openings with the second openings. A hinge pin is received in the first and second openings effective to enable the first bracket to be pivotally movable relative to the second bracket. The tubular sleeve extends from the first bracket generally parallel with an axis of the hinge pin.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a swinging door with an extendible hinge disposed along an inner edge of the door. The extendible hinge allows the door to pivot through a range of pivotal positions and, when necessary, allows the door to move through a range of extended positions. The pivotal positions allow the door to open and close normally across a doorway, while the extended positions help protect the door assembly from damage in the event the door is forced to swing beyond its pivotal positions. In some embodiments, the door includes a spring-tensioned chain that draws the inner edge of the door against an anchor attached to a side edge of the doorway. The flexibility of the chain allows the door to pivot, while the compliance of the chain's spring allows the door to shift away from its normal pivot point and move to various extended positions.

Abstract: A door jig assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle having a door and an inner door jamb forming a part of a vehicle door frame. An arcuate bracket portion is fixedly secured to the inner door jamb. A coil spring member surrounds an intermediate extending location of the bracket portion, a first tab end of the coil spring biasingly engaging a location along the bracket portion and a second extending stem and passing through an aperture defined in the vehicle door. A collar secures to a further location of the bracket portion and exhibits a cam surface in abutting contact with an arcuate extending surface of the coil spring member. The coil spring member influences the door to remain in a first closed position, subsequent rotation of the door causing the spring to rotate about the cam surface to influence the door in an opposite and door open position.

Abstract: A hinge (10) for furniture doors, the supporting wall stop part of which, which is constructed as a supporting arm (14), is coupled pivotably over two hinge guide rods (16; 18) with the door stop part, which is constructed as a hinge pot (12), with a spring-loaded mechanism, which it is formed by a leg spring, which is disposed in the supporting arm and engages an extension of the out to hinge guide rod (16), and a further leg spring, which is supported in the supporting arm. The leg spring is constructed as a double leg spring (42) with a middle double leg (44) of two parallel leg arms, protruding between two groups of spring coils (47) from, in each case, one of the inner spring coils, and two outer legs (46), protruding from the in each case outermost spring coil of each group.

Abstract: A self-closing safety gate hinge comprises a bracket, a bottom seat, a top seat and a hinge pin. The bracket is attached to a top of a gate post. The bottom seat is attached to one side of the bracket and an inclined top surface is cambered on the bottom seat. A through hole is defined vertically through the bottom seat. The top seat has an inclined bottom surface corresponding to the inclined top surface and is attached to one side of a gate at top. A stepped through hole is defined vertically through the top seat. The hinge pin is mounted through a spring and the through holes and is held in place by a C-clip.

Abstract: A mobile phone cover hinge has a driven block slidably mounted in a sleeve that is securely received in the mobile phone body and a driving block rotatably mounted in the cover of the mobile phone. When the cover pivots in a first direction, the driving block pushes the driven block so as to compress the first spring received in the sleeve. When the cover pivots in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the compressed first spring will facilitate the cover to return to its original position.

Abstract: A door hinge unit for smoothly opening and closing a door using the fluid resistance force of a fluid comprises: a cylindrical oil container containing a viscous fluid therein and having a fluid transfer groove formed along a circumferential direction at an inner wall of the container; a hinge shaft rotatably supported within the oil container with the same core axis as the oil container and whose at least one end is protruded along an axial direction of the oil container, the hinge shaft having a blade formed at an outer circumferential surface thereof and which is slidingly in contact with the inner wall of the oil container; a barrier formed crossing the inner wall of the oil container and an outer circumference of the hinge shaft and having a penetration fluid passage formed along the circumferential direction; and a restoring spring whose one end is coupled to the oil container and the other end is coupled to the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for joining a door to a vessel is disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a rod reciprocally disposed in the housing, with the rod having a first end adapted to pivotally engage the door and further having a second end. A spring is disposed within the housing. A first coupling slidably connects a first end of the spring to the first end of the rod, and a second coupling slidably connects a second end of the spring to the second end of the rod. The spring, the housing, and the first and second couplings cooperate to permit movement of the rod between an outward position, an inward position, and a neutral position between the outward position and the inward position. The spring is arranged to bias the rod toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A cushioning device (10, 10.

Abstract: A hinge construction for pivotably connecting a pair of members together, such as for connecting the access cover of a power inlet box used in connecting an auxiliary generator to the electrical system of a building. The construction includes a mounting member including a knuckle fixed to the power inlet box. An access member includes a pair of spaced apart, pivot lugs disposed one on each side of the knuckle for movement between a closed position in which the access cover engages the mounting member to prevent access to the power inlet box, and an open position for providing access to the power inlet box. A hinge pin passes through aligned apertures in the mounting member knuckle and the access cover lugs, and forms a rotational axis about which the access cover pivots. A torsion spring surrounds the hinge pin and has a first end retained in the mounting member knuckle and a second end disposed outside the access cover lugs.

Abstract: A hinge device which can be readjusted easily by bringing a rotating member into contact with a friction member. A first fixing member 10 fixed to a copying machine 1 and a second fixing member 11 fixed to an ADF 2 are connected to each other by means of a first shaft member 13 bearing them so as to be free to rotate; the member 10 has a rotating member 7 fixed to a second shaft member 16 arranged in parallel with the shaft member 13. The member 7 is put into contact with a friction member 15 arranged on the shaft member 13 to form a frictional portion. The member 15 is always in contact with the member 7 on its surface. A hole for bearing the shaft member 16 is an oblong hole 14, with its bottom surface which allows the shaft member 16 to take rocking motions for an arbitrary adjustment of a contact pressure to the member 7.

Abstract: An hinge auto-return device for a glass door includes a body containing a longitudinal pivot hole to rotatably receive a pivot pin in the body and a lateral guide hole to movably receive a positioning block in the body. The lateral guide hole extends perpendicular to communicate with the pivot hole. At lest one blind hole is longitudinally defined in the positioning block to mount at least one resilient member in the positioning block. The positioning block has a contact face forced by the resilience of the resilient member to press against a flat segment of the pivot pin when a hinge assembled with the auto-return device is attached to a glass door and hinges the glass door on a doorframe. The positioning block is able to slide smoothly in the guide hole in the body of the auto-return device so that the auto-return device performs reliably and durably.

Abstract: A turning mechanism for providing a turning motion, and a hinged electronic device. The turning mechanism comprises a power element which is arranged to generate the turning force for the turning motion, and a damping element which is arranged to control the speed of the turning motion. The damping element comprises a substantially cylindrical casing inside of which a spindle is mounted using a clearance fit. The power element is connected with respect to the spindle to allow the spindle to rotate inside the casing along with the turning motion. The clearance fit between the casing and the spindle is provided with an elastic medium which controls the motion of the spindle with respect to the casing and dampens the stopping of the turning motion.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for joining a door to a vessel is disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a rod reciprocally disposed in the housing, with the rod having a first end adapted to pivotally engage the door and further having a second end. A spring is disposed within the housing. A first coupling slidably connects a first end of the spring to the first end of the rod, and a second coupling slidably connects a second end of the spring to the second end of the rod. The spring, the housing, and the first and second couplings cooperate to permit movement of the rod between an outward position, an inward position, and a neutral position between the outward position and the inward position. The spring is arranged to bias the rod toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A spa cover lifting device for lifting a folding spa cover seated on a spa from a seated position to a vertical storage position, the spa cover lifting device having a frame apparatus with a horizontal cross member and a pair of side members with ends having pivotal mounts connectable with the spa, the horizontal cross member engaging the folding spa cover at the fold and transporting the cover when folded over the cross member from the seated position to the storage position when the frame apparatus is pivoted, the spa cover lifting device including a spring mechanism that assists raising the cover and cushions descent of the cover into its folded storage position.

Abstract: A snap-action hinge for the opening and closing of a furniture door includes: a cup part designed to be embedded in a recess of the door, a hinge arm designed to be fixed to the furniture unit with and having one end connected to the cup part by a hinge pin, a rigid component supported by the hinge arm in such a way as to lie parallel to the hinge pin at a defined limited distance from it measuring away from the abovementioned end, and spring means housed in the cup part and acting with a pressing action on the rigid component to allow snap-action closing of the hinge. The rigid component is advantageously made of a wear-resistant material.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a front door of a VCR to enable the front door to pivot inward and outward with respect to the VCR. The apparatus has a door supporting member integrally formed at ends thereof with a first pivot shaft and a second pivot shaft respectively, a first bracket for rotatably supporting the first pivot shaft, a second bracket for rotatably supporting the second pivot shaft, a first spring device for returning the door to an initial position where the door closes the cassette inlet, and a second spring device for pivoting the door inward. The first spring device has a first flange and a first spring, and the second spring device has a second flange and a second spring. The apparatus can simplify the structure of a VCR and can prevent a door and a VCR case from colliding with each other, thereby reducing the noise generated by the VCR.

Abstract: A hinge (20) includes two hinge plates (22, 24) and a connecting hinge pin (32). A coil spring (48) supported on a bushing (44) overlies the hinge pin (32), which is free to move along its longitudinal axis (30). A cam follower (42) on the hinge pin (32) engages a cam (32) mounted to one of the hinge plates (22), so that the hinge pin (32) slides longitudinally as the hinge plates (22, 24) pivot relative to each other about the hinge pin (32). As the hinge pin (32) slides longitudinally, it axially compresses or decompresses the spring (48). The cam (32) is oriented such that pivoting of the hinge plates (22, 24) in either direction from an open position compresses the spring (48), providing a restoring force which tends to retain the hinge plates (22, 24) in the open position.

Abstract: A counterbalance device for a mail processing system includes a cover; a base; a support arm fixedly mounted to one of the cover and the base and articulately mounted to the other of the cover and the base such that the cover and the base pivot relative to each other; a device for counterbalancing the one of the cover and the base to create a predetermined force profile throughout a full range of pivoting movement of the one of the cover and the base from a closed position to a fully opened position relative to the other of the cover and the base. The predetermined force profile represents the net force acting on the one of the cover and the base at each point in the full range of pivoting movement.

Abstract: A plastic joint for articulating two components comprises two dimensionally stable fastening elements serving for connecting the plastic joint with the corresponding component and a joint element arranged between the fastening elements defining at least one joint axis for deflecting the joint out of its straight position. The joint element is formed as a flexible moulded part which is injected directly with its ends to the fastening elements.

Abstract: A warning sign hinge-mounted on the side of a vehicle, for warning motorists against blocking access, as by parking in close proximity, of a wheelchair to a wheelchair lift aboard the vehicle. The sign includes warning indicia and reflectors, and has a distinctive shape. The sign is manually latched to the vehicle side when not in service, and manually released for deployment. Springs urge the sign into the deployed position perpendicular to the vehicle side when not latched in the stowed position.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for mounting an operating member on a base member for pivotal movement about an axis at an optimum axial position comprising: a pivot shaft having an axis, a base member and an operating member having axially opposable first and second inner surfaces respectively, a first mounting apparatus for mounting one of the members at a fixed axial position on the pivot shaft, and a second mounting apparatus for mounting the other member on the pivot shaft for relative rotational movement, and for axial movement to a position where the first and second inner surfaces axially oppose each other with an axial space therebetween, and the other member is at the optimum axial position. The second mounting apparatus includes, a pair of compressible disk springs mounted to be in a biased condition when the other member is at the optimum axial position. The disk springs constantly tend to move the other member in one axial direction away from the optimum position.

Abstract: A one piece shaft which supports two rotatable members is provided with shafts for energizing the rotation and for controlling an energized force of each member separately. The shaft includes a shaft body which connects two hollow shaft bodies attached to each rotatable member unrotatably on the same central shaft axis so as to rotate relatively, two members attached unrotatably to the fixed member attached rotatably to both sides of this shaft, and two torsion bars bridged between the separated hollow shaft bodies and the cap member respectively.

Abstract: In a door and door frame construction the door is hinged to the frame by one or more hinged structures, each hinged structure comprising a convex-surfaced support associated with the door and a convex-surfaced support associated with the door frame, at least two resilient strip-like S-shaped hinge members passing partially round each support and together with the other member forming a letter x or figure 8 configuration as seen in a direction along the supports, respective means being provided fastening together the ends of the members alongside each support so that the members are tensioned round the supports, wherein towards the lower end of the construction each support is provided with a surface raised from the general surface of the support and in contact with the raised surface on the other support.