Abstract: An elastic hinge for a notebook computer has an L-like seat secured on a body of the computer, with a hole of which a section is formed as a numeral “8”. A pintle has a first part extending through a barrel, and a second part extending through the hole of the seat. The barrel has two tubular portions for the pintle extending therethrough, and a plate extending from the tubular portions and secured on a monitor of the computer. A torsional spring is provided outside the second part. When a locking member of the computer is released, under the elastic force of the torsional spring, the pintle will be rotated to automatically raise the monitor about an angle of 30° relative to the body of the computer.

Abstract: A clip-type friction hinge device comprises a hinge body having insertion grooves on both insides thereof, a shaft being inserted to the each insertion groove of the hinge body on one side thereof and defining a central shaft when a monitor is pivotally moved, stands being formed on the outer circumference of other side of the shaft to be rotated about the shaft, clips each being inserted between the stand and the outer circumference of the shaft to adjust the amount of torque during the rotation of the stand, and torsion springs being fixedly installed on both outer circumferences of the hinge body to elastically support the stands relative to rotation of the stand.

Abstract: A pivot coupler is constructed to include a hinge base fastened to a stand and holding two packing piece sets at two sides, a hinge bracket fastened to a monitor and holding two washers at two sides, and a shaft inserted in the hinge base and the hinge bracket and locked by a nut to pivotally secure the hinge bracket to the hinge base and to hold the packing piece sets of the hinge base in friction contact with the washers of the hinge bracket.

Abstract: A securing device includes a body adapted to securely connect to the primary plate and two arms vertically extending out from two opposite ends of the body. Each of the arms has an assembly hole to adapt to align with opposite ends of a tubular connector of the primary plate so that when the shaft extends into the tubular tube, the two arms are secured to the shaft. When a radial force is acting on the shaft, the force is compromised by the two arms of the securing device such that damping of the screen is minimized.

Abstract: A friction hinge assembly for an imaging mirror of a display unit includes a mounting base coupled to a housing of the display unit. The mounting base comprises a longitudinal pin portion. The assembly includes a hinge member coupled to the imaging mirror. The hinge member is positioned substantially around the pin portion, and the hinge member comprises a support portion. The pin portion is configured to apply a friction caused by contact of the pin portion with the support portion of the hinge member. The hinge member is configured to rotate about the pin portion from a first position to a second position without the friction, and the hinge member is configured to rotate about the pin portion from the second position to a third position with the friction.

Abstract: A hinge bracket has a pad immovable relative to the leg of the frame and has extensions protruding out from a surface of the pad. A positioning disk is pivotable relative to the pad and has two pairs of notches to alternately receive the extensions such that the frame which is adapted to support an LCD screen is able to be supported at an upright position or in parallel relative to the base.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer has an L-shaped first seat with a first opening and a second opening. A barrel is mounted on the first seat, and has a rib received in the first opening, and an ear received in the second opening. A pintle rotatably extends in the barrel and mounted on a second seat by a butt of the pintle inserted through a third opening of the second seat. The first seat is mounted on an LCD monitor of the notebook computer, and the second seat is mounted on a body of the notebook computer. The hinge has a simple structure and a low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door hinge for a motor vehicle door. Said door hinge comprises a first and a second hinge half (1, 2) each of which can be fastened either on one of the door fastening elements, on the door or on the door pillar respectively. The hinge also comprises a hinge shaft (3) that is received by the lugs of the one hinge half (1) in a running fit and by the other hinge half (2) in a stationary manner and that links the two hinge halves (1, 2) so that they can be swiveled. The door hinge is further provided with an integrated door stop unit by means of which the one hinge half can be arrested with respect to the other hinge half under the pre-load of a spring (7), said spring forcing a tappet (5) against a profiled circumferential section of the hinge shaft. Said tappet (5) interacts with the profiled circumferential section, thereby defining a frictional force for the door hinge.

Abstract: In a check plate supporting structure, a check plate of a door checker interposed between a door support and a door supported on the door support is turnably supported on a bracket mounted to the door support. A pivot secured to the bracket is relatively turnably press-fitted into a polygonal bearing bore defined in the check plate. Large numbers of pressure-contact portions and gaps are alternately arranged between an inner peripheral surface of the bearing bore and an outer peripheral surface of the pivot in circumferential directions thereof. Thus, the looseness between the pivot secured to the bracket and the bearing bore in the check plate can be eliminated without excessive increase in turning torque of the check plate relative to the bracket, thereby preventing generation of an abnormal sound during opening and closing of the door and facilitating manual mounting of the door checker to the door support.

Abstract: A mechanism useful as a slip clutch or brake, including a first member having a cylindrical inner wall, a second generally cylindrical member received coaxial within the first member so as to be rotatable therein, and at least one generally annular third spring member between the first and second members, the at least one third member having an external surface in contact with the inner wall of the first member, the second member having at least one longitudinal recess defining two wall surfaces, the at least one third member having ends extending inwardly into the at least one recess, each of the ends of the at least one third member contacting the wall surfaces.

Abstract: An automatic releasing hinge. The hinge enables a device to be turned under an external force, and to be automatically released when a turning angle exceeds a selected limit so that the device may be prevented from becoming damaged when being turned by a force beyond a normal range.

Abstract: A duplex opposite friction hinge adopted for extending a notebook computer or an article which has a lid as desired includes an axle member, a first rotary member which has a first rotary section to couple with the axle member, and a second rotary member which has a second rotary section encasing the first rotary section. The first rotary section and the second rotary section are extended to form a first fastening section and a second fastening section. The first fastening section and the second fastening section correspond to each other and are located transversely on the center of the axle member.

Abstract: A locking structure for a notebook computer with a main body and a monitor covering the main body. The locking structure includes a first support, a locking mechanism and a second support. The first support is set in the main body. The locking mechanism has a spring, a plug and a shaft. The spring is disposed in the first support. The plug is disposed on the spring. The shaft pivots to the first support and pushes against the plug. The shaft has a recess. The second support is set in the monitor and connected to the shaft of the locking mechanism. The plug is engaged in the recess by resilient force provided by the spring when the second support rotates to rotate the recess of the shaft onto the plug.

Abstract: A passenger assist handle assembly for an automobile includes a handle with mounting structures pivotally connected to mounting blocks secured to the automobile. The pivotal connection is made by way of pins disposed in apertures of the mounting structures and mounting blocks. The pins include heads having protrusions thereon received in slots for securing the pins in position. The shapes and locations of the slots and protrusions simplify manufacture and facilitate installation.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle and two barrels. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. At least one pin diametrically extends through the pintle. The first barrel has a lug formed at an end facing the pin and abutting the pin. When the computer is closed, the first barrel is compressed to provide an elastic force to open the monitor.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle, two barrels and a coil spring. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. The coil spring has a central end secured on the pintle, and a free end secured on a monitor of the computer. When the computer is closed, the coil spring is compressed to provide an elastic force to automatically raise the monitor.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle and two barrels. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. At least one arcuate protrusion is formed on the pintle. The first barrel has a lug formed at an end facing the arcuate protrusion and abutting the arcuate protrusion. When the computer is closed, the first barrel is compressed to provide an elastic force to open the monitor.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a main board module with pivotally interconnected first and second module members, and a display module connected pivotally to the second module member. A biasing member is connected to the first and second module members, and biases the second module member from a first supporting position, where the first and second module members are capable of contacting a table surface, to a second supporting position, where the second module member is lifted away from the table surface. A releasable retaining device is provided on the main board module for retaining releasably the second module member at the first supporting position against biasing action of the biasing member.

Abstract: An automatic releasing hinge enables a device to be turned under an external force, and to be automatically released when the turning angle exceeding a selected limit so that the device may be prevented from damaging when being turned by force beyond the normal range.

Abstract: A single-shaft hinge component is provided that can be made durable, of small size and light weight. The single-shaft hinge device comprises a plurality of torque-generating sections wherein, a single-shaft hinge comprises a single shaft 1, rotary cams 3 fitted onto this shaft 1 and that are capable of rotation about the shaft 1 and capable of axially moving on the shaft, fixed cams 4 fitted on the shaft 1 and that are capable of axially moving on the shaft but incapable of relative rotation with respect to the shaft, and elastic members 5 arranged coaxially with the shaft 1 and that cause abutment of side faces of the rotary cam 3 and the fixed cam 4 against each other, the rotary cams 3 and fixed cams 4 being arranged coaxially with the single shaft 1 so that abutment of the rotary cam 3 and fixed cam 4 is achieved at their side faces at two or more locations.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus to open and to close an upper member such as an automatic document feeder or an upper cover used in an office machine has an upper hinge fixed on the upper member, a lower hinge fixed at a main body of the office machine, a hinge shaft to rotatably support the upper and lower hinges with respect to each other, and a position-fixing member to fix the upper member in at least one position opened at a predetermined angle by restraining the upper and lower hinges from rotating with respect to each other when the upper member is opened. The position fixing member has a first fixing part to restrain the rotation of the upper and lower hinges from a direction perpendicular to an axis of the hinge shaft and a second fixing part to restrain the rotation of the upper and lower hinges from an axis direction of the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer is composed of a pintle, a resilient sleeve, and two barrels. The first barrel is provided outside the first part of the pintle, and the second barrel is provided outside the second part of the pintle. The resilient sleeve is provided outside a middle part of the pintle between the barrels. The resilient sleeve has an elongated opening longitudinally defined therethrough, and two protrusions formed at two ends thereof. The barrels each have a lug abutting the respective protrusion. When the computer is closed, the resilient sleeve is compressed to provide an elastic force to raise the monitor from the body of the computer.

Abstract: A pivot hinge has a first stem provided with a first connection plate, an extension integrally formed with the first connection plate and provided with a slit so defined to divide the extension into a first half and a second half, multiple annular grooves defined in an outer periphery of the extension and a threaded hole defined in the first half. A second stem has a second connection plate and a hollow sleeve integrally formed with the second connection plate and an arcuate cutout defined in an outer periphery of the hollow sleeve. A screw is able to extend into the threaded hole from the arcuate cutout to abut an inner periphery of the second half of the extension to enlarge the diameter of the extension so as to increase the engagement tightness between the extension and the hollow sleeve.

Abstract: A pivot hinge has a first stem provided with a first connection plate, an extension integrally formed with the first connection plate and provided with a slit so defined to divide the extension into a first half and a second half, multiple annular grooves defined in an outer periphery of the extension and a threaded hole defined in the first half. A second stem has a second connection plate and a hollow sleeve integrally formed with the second connection plate and an arcuate cutout defined in an outer periphery of the hollow sleeve. A screw is able to extend into the threaded hole from the arcuate cutout to abut an inner periphery of the second half of the extension to enlarge the diameter of the extension so as to increase the engagement tightness between the extension and the hollow sleeve.

Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a diameter-increased section 11 of a rotation shaft 10 is formed so that the surface roughness (Ra) is 0.05˜0.20 &mgr;m in the circumferential direction, and the surface roughness (Ra) in the axial direction is 0.15˜0.30 &mgr;m. A relationship between a deviation “P-P” and an innermost dent V is defined as P-P<2.5 &mgr;m and V<1.0 &mgr;m. With the use of synthetic resin (PC, PAR, PPS, e.t.c.), a support block 20 is provided integrally around the rotation shaft 10. The support block 20 tightly engages with the rotation shaft 10 due to a residual stress based on a shrinkage allowance appeared when molding the synthetic resin. With a good deviation “P-P”, a shallower innermost dent V and a smaller surface roughness in the circumferential direction, a stable surface friction is maintained for an extended period time with the least amount of wear. By making the surface roughness (Ra) in the circumferential direction smaller by 0.1˜0.

Abstract: A damped hinge comprising a first part mounted to a second part to allow relative rotation between the first and second part; biasing means for providing rotational movement between the first and second part; wherein upon rotational movement between the first and second part the first and second parts are arranged to cooperate to dampen the rotational movement.

Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle including a door connector for connecting to a door of the motor vehicle, a pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, a link, a door-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the door connector, a pillar-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the pillar connector. A braking resistance of the pillar-side pivot is less than a braking resistance of the door-side pivot during opening.

Abstract: A pivot hinge has a first stem, a second stem and a sleeve. The first and second stems respectively have a body with through holes adapted to be engaged with a surface, and an extension with grooves formed on a periphery of the extension. The sleeve is hollow to respectively receive therein the extensions of the first and second stems and has a cutout longitudinally defined in an outer periphery of the sleeve and a pair of gaps radially defined in the periphery of the sleeve to communicate with the cutout.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for pivotally connecting a flip onto a housing includes a bush, a spring, and a camshaft. The bush is connected to the flip and has a sidewall, a receiving space defined by the sidewall, and a protrusion. The protrusion is protruded from the sidewall. The camshaft has a first end, a second end, and a shaped notch. The shaped notch includes a first concave portion and a second concave portion, and the protrusion is slidably received within the shaped notch. The first end of the camshaft is slidably coupled to the bush, and the second end of the camshaft is restrictedly coupled to the housing. When the flip is pivoted on the housing, the bush simultaneously rotates around the pivoting axis of the hinge mechanism so that the protrusion slides within the shaped notch from the first concave portion to the second concave portion.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion. Accordingly, the hinge device has effects of a simple assembly and an easy maintenance. Also, the hinge device plays a role of a hinge which can freely adjust a torque transferred to the upper bracket to thus generate a proper frictional force constantly and adjust a rotational angle according to an angle formed by the upper and lower contacting portions of the holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge providing a specified braking force against pivotal motion between two hinged flaps. The hinge includes a bearing body, which has, at its exterior, mountings for a first flap and also a wear-resistant inner surface having slider catches at positions spaced by a specified angle on the same circumference of the inner surface. The hinge also has a shaft with a mounting at one end for a second flap. The shaft is mounted in the bearing body in a manner allowing relative turning, and also has a spring housing hole opening at its outer surface along an axis crossing at a right angle with its longitudinal axis. While turning, a coil spring, which is inserted into the spring housing hole, biases a slider radially outward from the spring housing hole.

Abstract: A shaft part (3A) of a second hinge member (3) is press-fitted into a support hole (23) of a first hinge member (2). By this, frictional resistance is generated between an inner peripheral surface of the support hole (23) and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft part (3A). A coiled spring (4) is disposed between the first hinge member (2) and the second hinge member (3). The coiled spring (4) biases the first and second hinge members (2, 3) such that when the first and second hinge members (2, 3) are turned in normal and reverse directions from a predetermined neutral position, the first and second hinge members (2, 3) are returned towards the neutral position side.

Abstract: A turning structure according to the present invention is used in note-size personal computers having a computer body 2 as a base member and a top cover 3. The turning structure is made up of a first hinge 21 and a second hinge 22. The first hinge 21 is provided with a friction member 24 to provide frictional resistance to the top cover 3 against its turn relative to the computer body 2. The second hinge 22 is provided with a torsion coil spring 73 to urge the top cover 3 relative to the computer body 2 so as to counter the rotation moment acting on the top cover 3 by its own weight when the top cover 3 turns relative to the computer body 2.

Abstract: A cushioning device (10, 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for joining a door stop (17) to the hinge (1, 2) of a door of a motor vehicle, especially a door stop (17) consisting of a brake element and a retaining element that is rotationally fixed to one half (1) of the hinge and a retaining housing (18) that is rotationally fixed to the other half (2) of the hinge, whereby the brake element and retaining element is formed by an engaging element with an external peripheral contour that deviates from a pure circular shape and the retaining housing (18) is formed by a hollow profiled section with at least one inner peripheral contour that marks at least one braking or retaining position. The aim of the invention is to provide a coupling device that simplifies the production of and enables the production cost of the semi-hinge and the retaining housing to be reduced, in addition to facilitating assembly of the door stop with one half of the hinge of the door of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-lock turning shaft for positive and reverse turning on a single element consists of a shaft body which has an anchor section connecting a spindle, and a sleeve which has a pivotal section coupling with the spindle. The pivotal section connects a first elastic section and a second elastic section. The first elastic section and the second elastic section form a positive and reverse turning on a single element to allow dynamic and static friction forces close to each other, and to allow gripping forces reaching a natural balance to increase useful life, and to generate a loose and a tight condition, thereby to prevent lock phenomenon from happening, and avoid the installation main body from damaging.

Abstract: A hinge device includes female and male connecting members with two mounting sections fastened to two components of an electronic device for relative rotational movement. A tubular sleeve section of the female connecting member is formed integrally with the mounting section and confines an accommodation space therein. A cylindrical section of the male connecting member is formed integrally with the mounting section and is insertable into and is frictionally rotatable in the accommodation space. A grease receiving channel portion is formed in an outer surrounding surface of the cylindrical section, and includes two opposing channels and an interconnecting groove communicating with the channels such that grease is distributed evenly therein for obtaining a good lubricating effect.

Abstract: A cam portion 5 is composed of a first to fifth arcuate surfaces 51 to 55. The first arcuate surface 51 is arranged such that when a cover member C of a cellular telephone is located in a neutral position, a plate spring portion 22 contacts a crossing portion 56 where the first arcuate surface 51 crosses an orthogonal line Lp passing through a center of curvature of the first arcuate surface 51 and orthogonal to a rotation axis L. A second and a third arcuate surface 52, 53 are arranged on both sides of the first arcuate surface 51. Radii of curvature of the second and third arcuate surfaces are set to be larger than a radius of curvature of the fist arcuate surface 51.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member. A cylindrical pintle is secured to the second member. A friction element secured to the first member includes first and second cylindrical walls that wrap at least substantially circumferentially around the pintle in opposing first and second directions, respectively, providing equal resistance to relative rotation therebetween in both directions. A protuberance extends radially from the pintle, into a corresponding slot in at least one of the cylindrical walls, and engages an end of the slot when the first member and second member achieve a first predefined angular relationship, the friction element storing energy from relative movement between the friction element and pintle when the protuberance is engaged at the slot end.

Abstract: A tilt hinge for office equipment such as a compact personal computer, has a mounting plate and a bearing plate that is at right angles to the mounting plate. A torque generating part of a shaft is press fit into one part of an elastic fastening curl member. The curl part is at the tip of the bearing plate. Another torque part of the shaft is also press fit into a modified curl part of the curl member. The curl part is moved circumferentially by an adjustment screw so that torque generated by the torque generating part of the shaft can be adjusted and is stable. The modified engaging curl part also has a flat part pressed against a portion of the shaft on an inner surface of the curl member.

Abstract: A compound hinge system includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes knuckles and arcing engaging surfaces next to stop portions that are configured for receiving engaging lug portions on a second link member. A second link member includes first and second sets of knuckles. One of the sets of knuckles cooperates with a hinged pin to pivot relative to the first link while the second set of knuckles receives a hinge pin to pivot relative to the second element. The lugs slide relative to the engaging surface and push against the stop portions to flex them outward and require additional force to move between various stops in the range of motion.

Abstract: A positioning hinge for providing pivotal positioning is disclosed. The positioning hinge comprises a pivotal member, a pivotal base, a first torsion spring and a friction device. The friction device includes a positioning element and a slide-friction member, which are kept in a resilient friction contact with each other by means of a resilient mechanism. This enables the LCD display to be opened due to the pivoting action of the pivotal base under the results of resilience and frictional positioning. It is appreciated that the above features advantageously result in an appropriate reduction in the opening speed of the LCD display while at the same time obtaining a steady frictional pivotal positioning, thereby prolonging the working life of the positioning hinge.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotably connecting the display portion and the body portion of the portable computer comprises a first fastening portion for attaching to the display portion, a second fastening portion for attaching to the body portion and a pivot portion for pivotably connecting the first fastening portion with the second fastening portion. The second fastening portion also has a first support arm for horizontally inserting into the insertion hole. The cables, for transmitting signals and power extending from the display portion, are electrically connected through connectors to the cable connection region. The cable connect region is formed on the rear wall or bottom wall of the body portion. The hinge assembly of the invention greatly reduces the extraordinary sound resulting from the rotation of the display portion. Also, some covering components can be eliminated to make the assembly much easier.

Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a metallic shaft has a rotational axis as a rotational center. A support block is made of a synthetic resin so that the support block rotatably supports the metallic shaft relatively. The support block is relatively rotatable in relation with the metallic shaft by a surface friction resistance between the support block and the metallic shaft. A surface treatment imparts Vickers number (Hv) of 800 or more with an outer surface of the metallic shaft. As an alternative, a hardened layer is provided around the outer surface of the metallic shaft and the hardened layer has Vickers number (Hv) of 800 or more with its thickness at least in 5.0 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A positioning hinge for providing pivotal positioning is disclosed. The positioning hinge comprises a pivotal member, a pivotal base, a first torsion spring and a friction device. The friction device includes a positioning element and a slide-friction member, which are kept in a resilient friction contact with each other by means of a resilient mechanism. This enables the LCD display to be opened due to the pivoting action of the pivotal base under the results of resilience and frictional positioning. It is appreciated that the above features advantageously result in an appropriate reduction in the opening speed of the LCD display while at the same time obtaining a steady frictional pivotal positioning, thereby prolonging the working life of the positioning hinge.

Abstract: A hinge assembly including a horizontal shaft, and a monitor rotator having one part fixed to the shaft for rotating as one unit with the shaft, and the other part fixed to a rear part of the monitor. Supporting member rotators are rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the shaft, with a supporting member fixed to the supporting member rotators for supporting the monitor at a rear part thereof from the floor at an angle to the monitor. Elastic members are provided to the shaft such that one end thereof is held at the monitor rotator fixed to the monitor, and the other end thereof is held at the supporting member rotators fixed to the supporting member, for providing an appropriate torque between the monitor and the supporting member according to an angle between the monitor and the floor, thereby adjusting a tilting angle of the LCD monitor.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating water utilizes a single flow control valve that has only one moving part to divert treated water from several water treatment units to backwash another water treatment unit.

Abstract: A hinge comprising a first hinge attachment member; a second hinge attachment member, the first and second hinge attachment members being movable relative to each other; and a coupling member for coupling the first and second hinge attachment members and for supplying damping when the first and second attachment members are displaced relative to each other. The damping is comprised of surface effect damping and such damping may be direction dependent or dependent on the rate of displacement or acceleration of one of the members. The hinge includes means for adjusting the magnitude of the damping supplied.