Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a portable computer, a personal digital assistant and a mobile telephone handset, includes a main board module having opposite first and second sides, and a keyboard module mounted on and coupled electrically to the main board module. The first side of the main board module is formed with an opening and a keyboard receiving cavity that extends from the opening toward the second side. The keyboard module is received in the keyboard receiving cavity and is capable of being pulled to extend out of the keyboard receiving cavity via the opening. As such, other control devices, such as a touch control panel and a pen input panel, can be provided on a third side of the main board module that interconnects the first and second sides.

Abstract: A spring door opener comprising for a helical torsion spring coil body with two legs extending therefrom. One of the legs contains two substantially 90-degree bends such that the legs are configured to exit the coil body on the same side. The door opener is attached to the hinge pin on a door hinge to maintain a door in an open position.

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 spring hinge including a pair of hinge leaves having hollow knuckles on adjacent hinges which are arranged in substantially axial alignment such that the hollow knuckles comprise segments of a hinge barrel. A torsion spring made up of a resilient coiled spring member is housed within the hinge barrel. First and second pintles are disposed at opposing ends of the hinge barrel and extend into and between axially aligned knuckles of the hinge leaves. The first and second pintles each engaging the spring member in a locked arrangement such that the spring member extends in a substantially locked relation between the first and second pintles.

Abstract: A hinge structure and a hinged electronic device in order to connect two parts of a foldable electronic device rotatably to one another, the hinge structure (3) comprising a hinge (4), about the rotation axis of which the parts (1, 2) are rotatable with relation to one another, and at least one spring element (5) which controls the operation of the hinge. The spring element (5) is attached at its first end (6a) to the cover part (1) and at its second end (6b) to the base part (2) such that either end (6a, 6b) may freely rotate in the attachment means (7) of the respective part about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel with the rotation axis of the hinge (4).

Abstract: A spring door opener comprising for a helical torsion spring coil body with two legs extending therefrom. One of the legs contains two substantially 90-degree bends such that the legs are configured to exit the coil body on the same side. The door opener is attached to the hinge pin on a door hinge to maintain a door in an open position.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in connection with a cellular mobile telephone, having a protective hatch or flip pivotably arranged on a housing of the telephone. The flip is pivotable around an axle and is arranged to be able to physically cover at least parts of a keypad on the telephone. The axle includes passive hinges at its one end for establishing a physical pivotable connection along an axis of pivot for the flip, and an active hinge arrangement at its other end for positively urging the flip to occupy at least one predetermined position. The active hinge arrangement is arranged in a substantially closed compartment or cavity at one end of the housing and is formed from a shaft and a combined torsion/pressure spring arranged thereon.

Abstract: A retarding device insertable between two members connected to rotate relatively about a hinge axis, and which opposes and so retards such rotation in predetermined manner; the device having: a substantially cylindrical support carried integrally by a first of the rotationally connected members and substantially coaxial with the hinge axis; a coil spring fitted interferentially to the support and terminating with two opposite radial arms projecting towards a second of said members connected to each other for relative rotation; and a retaining seat carried integrally by the second member and on which the arms of the spring rest, on opposite sides, and are stressed by the second member, as a consequence of the aforementioned relative rotation, to deform the spring in such a direction as to reduce the interference with which the spring is fitted to the support.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for portable electronic devices such as portable telephones and handheld personal computers can be manufactured with a small and simple structure at a low cost. The hinge apparatus has a shaft with a flange, a cam engaged with an end of the shaft and; a slide cam engaged with the shaft between the cam and the flange. The slide cam is rotatably with the shaft and slidably in an axial direction. A compression spring is rolled around the shaft, and elastically provided between the slide cam and the flange. The cam has a pair of projections on one side surface at opposite positions, and the slide cam has cam members press-contacted with the projections. Otherwise, provided is a hinge apparatus which connects a microphone and a earphone of a portable telephone.

Abstract: A lightweight piano-type hinge is comprised of a pair of conventional leafs with knuckles which are in mating meshing relation. The hinge employs a unique hinge pine which comprises a pair of different length hinge pins with an attached coil spring between them for resisting relative rotation of the leafs to spring load the hinge. A pair of large headed machine screw are at each end of the leafs to threadably engage the hinge pins which are selectively secured to the two leafs.

Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.

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: An orthopedic splint has two end plates connected to an intermediate hinge which flexes in a plane transverse to the plates and attaches to a limb in a less obtrusive position behind the joint rather than on opposite sides of the joint. The hinge has continuously adjustable stops for limiting flexing and extension and a spring contained in the hinge for preloading the splint. The entire splint including the hinge may be enclosed and contained in a zippered moisture absorbent contour fitting cover for improved esthetic appearance and comfort.

Abstract: A sliding door center adjustable hinge includes a first hinge member having a pair of spaced walls with aligned hinge pin receiving apertures and a second hinge member including a bracket received between the spaced walls with predetermined clearance for vertical motion therebetween. The bracket includes hinge pin receiving apertures aligned with the apertures of said spaced walls. A hinge pin is received in the apertures and includes a threaded shank, a shoulder and a head engageable for rotation of the pin.

Abstract: The present invention is a spring hinge for generating torque. The spring hinge includes a shaft and a single helical element. The shaft has a surface with an outer diameter and is capable of rotation. The single helical element is wrapped about the shaft. The helical element includes a first end and a second end. The helical element produces a variable torque between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate portion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A hatch assembly includes a first frame member having a generally J-shaped cross-section with a longitudinal extending or upright position and a generally parallel lip portion which is separated from the longitudinal portion by a horizontal section or riser. The assembly also includes a second frame member rotatably fixed to the first frame member. The second frame member includes a pair of elastomer seals fixed thereto so that a first of the seals engages the longitudinal portion of the J-shaped frame while the second seal engages the lip. The second frame member also includes a vent or small opening between the seals and a cavity for receiving any airborne water which passes through the vent. This vent is also constructed and arranged to drain air our of the cabin. In addition, the hatch assembly includes a hidden counterweight.

Abstract: Deployment hinge apparatus comprises a stationary U-shaped bracket including a flange defining a retention recess. A hinge arm for supporting an operating structure such as a communication antenna reflector is pivotally mounted on the stationary bracket for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hinge arm includes a deployment and latching cam which extends to a projecting nose member. A latch arm is pivotally mounted at one end to the stationary bracket and includes a cam follower at its other end operatively engageable with the cam. A spring biases the cam follower into engagement with the cam and is thereby effective to rotate the hinge arm from the stowed position to the deployed position such that, in the deployed position, the nose member and the cam follower are together snugly received in the retention recess, locking the hinge arm in the deployed position.

Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.

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 hinge assembly for counter-balancing a panel e.g. a hatch cover of a boat when the latter is rotated about a horizontal axis has levers pivotally attached to the panel, to the deck and to each other, with a torsion spring arranged coaxially on the pivot between the two levers. Also at that pivot axis a friction brake is provided.

Abstract: Two parts of a case hinge are detachably interconnected, i.e. the hinge pin of one part and the hollow cylinder of the other part can be disengaged by axial displacement. Moreover, the hinge pin is rotatably and axially displaceably mounted on the associated hinge part and is pretensioned in an axially resilient manner. It is provided on its free end with a rotation preventer, which engages in non-rotary and axially detachable manner with the other hinge part. On opening and closing the case the hinge pin consequently necessarily performs a rotary movement. In its bearing-side portion, the hinge pin is provided with a radial stop pin, which locks in a bearing-side indentation under a predetermined angle as a result of spring tension and consequently detachably secures the two hinge parts under a predetermined opening angle.

Abstract: An improved automatic door closure is provided for a door which has a door post mounted by two or more members attached to a door jamb. The door closure comprises a roller which is mounted on the door jam, a cam which is mounted on the door post so that it will rotate with the door post but is capable of limited movement relative to the post in an axial direction, and a spring for urging the cam against the roller as the door is swung between open and closed positions. The cam is contoured so as to cause it and the roller to coact with spring arranged to cause the door to return from open to closed position without any operator applied force. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the door closure apparatus comprises a compression spring for urging the door to close, and an adjustable mechanism for varying the force exerted by that spring.

Abstract: A lane barrier system comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected modules adapted to be transferred on a roadway. Each adjacent pair of modules are pivotally connected together by a hinge connection to permit the modules to elongate or contract to assume a composite varied length different from a nominal length. The controlled elongation or contraction of the lane barrier system is particularly advantageous when the barrier is positioned at various radii on a curved roadway. Each hinge connection is preloaded, such as by a torsion spring, to positively return the pivot axes of the hinge connections to their nominal positions and the lane barrier system to its nominal length when they are loaded onto a transfer machine for subsequent placement on a roadway.

Abstract: A self-closing isolation door installation adapted to swing between a closed and an open position. A resilient gasket is connected about the periphery of the door to insure a tight seal. The door has a rotatable first hinge vertically mounted and adapted for mounting to the side of a door frame. A second self-closing hinge is provided including an elongated C-shaped bracket mounted into the edge of the door. The C-shaped bracket includes a vertical support strut, upper arm and lower arm. A support shaft is vertically fixed between the upper arm and the lower arm. A housing bracket is mounted to the shaft and is adapted for mounting to the side of the door frame. The housing bracket defines an inverted V-shaped cam surface. A cam follower including a radially spaced apart inner follower roller and an outer follower roller is mounted around the shaft with the outer roller adapted for vertical movement within a slot in the strut and the inner roller is engageable to follow the cam surface.

Abstract: A double-action hinge for single-hinge top-mounting flexible or semi-flexible doors, of a type mountable on an upright laterally-facing door jamb support, having an axis of hinge-pivot extending uprightly substantially parallel with a mounting door jamb support, with the upper hinge pivot being fixed to a point of and mounting for pivotal rotation as a hinge-mounted door swings to and from in double action through a doorway space framed by a door jamb, and the lower hinge pivot structure being mounted to move freely along an outwardly-extending elongated slot space of a slot-forming lower hinge-support structure permitting a lower end of the hinge axis to move-away from the door jamb support structure when the door swings away from a center position, and an abutting structure having spaced-apart surface portions adjacent the door jamb support structure being mounted on the lower hinge pivot structure fixedly such that the abutting structure turns as the hinge pivots as in opening the door one direction or the

Abstract: A self-closing door hinge for a curtain door mounted within a frame consisting of a channel having a double helical track and a roller on said helical track which is returned to a pre-selected position after movement in either direction by compression of a spring thereby moving an arm carrying a curtain door connected to said channel to a preselected position.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate potion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.