Abstract: A modular solar device including a solar panel, a housing containing circuitry coupled to the solar panel, a first connector of a first type disposed on a first side of the housing, and a second connector of a second type disposed on a second side of the housing, wherein the first connector is configured to mate with a connector of the second type, and the second connector is configured to mate with a connector of the first type to allow additional modular solar devices to be connected to the modular solar device, is provided. A scalable solar panel array is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator in which a transparent display assembly and electric modules, which are disposed in a door to see through a storage space and output a screen, are easily connected to a control unit provided in a cabinet and guided through a narrow door hinge.

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: Device for pulling a door panel or a window casement toward a frame, comprising a traction device arranged in the rabbet of the door panel or the frame, wherein the traction device can be engaged with a retracting block arranged in the rabbet of the frame or the door panel, wherein the traction device comprises a traction element that is loaded by a spring that can be moved in vertical direction, wherein the retracting block comprises an inclined retracting structure, and wherein the traction device comprises means for engaging the traction element with the inclined retracting structure, wherein tension from the spring when engaging with the inclined retracting structure moves the traction element along the inclined retracting structure.

Abstract: A weight compensation system is provided for a motor driven door having a door leaf that is driven by a mechanism inside guide rails on a side of the door leaf to move the door between an opened position and a closed position. The weight compensation system includes a weight-compensation device comprising a cable unit and a spring unit arranged at least on one side of the door leaf, wherein the cable unit comprises a single cable. A cable-tension compensation device at which the single cable is deflected creates two cable strands that are secured against breakage within the cable-tension compensation device. The cable-tension compensation device is positioned locally fixed or secured to the door leaf so that two cable strands move at a distance to each other, and the exposed ends of the cable are guided together and attached to the door leaf or are positioned locally fixed, respectively.

Abstract: A catcher (2) provided in a door frame H? for capturing a striker body 1 moved from a near front side F when a door D? is rotated toward a reference position; a braking device (5); and a linkage device (3) for both are provided. The catcher (2) is provided to be reciprocatingly rotatable between a standby position and a rotated position, captures the striker body (1) at the standby position, and rotates forward to the rotated position. Braking of the braking device (5) is applied to a rotation toward the rotated position of the catcher (2) through the linkage gear member (30).

Abstract: A swinging door hinge has a panel and a frame. The frame includes a horizontal portion, and the horizontal portion has an aperture therethrough. An elongated pivot pin is vertically disposed through the aperture. The pivot pin is coupled to the panel such that the pivot pin and the panel rotate about a longitudinal axis of the pivot pin relative to the horizontal portion of the frame. A gripper feature is located on a surface of the pivot pin. The gripper feature engages a corresponding surface on the panel such that when the panel is rotated, a resulting torsional force transferred to the pivot pin is spread over contact area between the gripper feature and the surface of the panel. Because the torque is transferred over a greater area, stress concentrations in the panel are reduced and the panel is not deformed.

Abstract: A spring hinge comprises a frame leaf, door leaf, upper and lower tube sections to fixedly connect with frame leaf, and middle tube section to fixedly connect with door leaf, wherein middle tube section is internally made with a hydraulic damping speed reducing device; lower tube section is internally installed with a torsion spring device, wherein torsion spring being completely sleeved on the exterior of spindle rod is affixed to the spring seat at the lower end thereof, and an upper and lower clutching device is installed between middle tube section and torsion spring device thereby allowing middle tube section and torsion spring device to be separated or combinedly moved, wherein torsion spring and hydraulic damping speed reducing device are packagely used to close door slowly while releasing spring energy after closing to set angle to precisely close the door.

Abstract: A door closer is described, which has an output shaft, on which a cam disc is torsion-resistantly disposed, and has a pressure roller. By means of an operational connection, a closer spring presses the pressure roller against a running surface of the cam disc. In relation to an axial center of the output shaft, the pressure roller is disposed such that, during opening or closing of a swing leaf coupled to the output shaft, the pressure roller is movable along a path. Due to the fact that the path bypasses the axial center of the output shaft and on account of the configuration of the running surface of the cam disc, at a respective opening angle of the swing leaf, in different modes of operation of the door closer, a very similar or identical torque is respectively applied to the output shaft.

Abstract: A non-helical, multiple compound element, true torsion system includes a working element to be connected to a load, an adjustable control element and a drive for driving the control element. At least one S-shaped compound torsion element has ends each being connected to a respective one of the working and control elements.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate, and a vehicle body hinge pin combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control device includes a rotational shaft, a rotation transmitting member assembled around the rotational shaft, and a vane assembled to one of the rotational shaft and the rotation transmitting member. The variable valve timing control device also includes a fluid pressure chamber defined between the rotational shaft and the rotation transmitting member and divided into a retarded angle chamber and an advanced angle chamber by the vane, a fluid passage through which an operation fluid is selectively supplied to or discharged from the advanced angle chamber or the retarded angle chamber, and a torsion coil spring for constantly biasing the rotational shaft to an advanced angle direction relative to the rotation transmitting member. The torsion coil spring is disposed between the rotational shaft and the rotation transmitting member under a condition that the torsion spring is compressed to a predetermined length from a free length.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting the torque rod to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod o be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle using brackets that are secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the assembly.

Abstract: A linkage drive assembly for assisting in opening a deck lid or hood of a vehicle is disclosed. The linkage drive assembly includes a pair of links. The links are pivotally connected together at one end so that they may fold and unfold. The upper link is connected at its opposite end to the deck lid or hood. The lower link is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a box. The box is mounted to a side of the vehicle. A torque rod having a stationary end and a crank end is provided. The stationary end is anchored to the box and the crank end is connected to the lower link. The torque rod twists in torsion and stores energy when the links fold and the deck lid or hood is closed. The torque rod untwists and releases energy causing the links to unfold and support the deck lid when the deck lid or hood is opened.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a number of rectangular panels each carrying solar cells or a cooling radiator on one of the two main surfaces, where the panels are interconnected mutually by hinges such that the assembly from a first state, in which the panels are folded into a package, can be brought into a second state in which the package is unfolded and the panels are situated alongside each other. A torsion element substantially extends across the other main surface of each panel from a first position on the hinge axis between the panel and the adjoining panel at one side, to a second position on the hinge axis between the panel and the adjoining panel at the other side, whereby the torsion element at or near the first and second positions is attached to the respective adjoining panel.

Abstract: A rotary friction damper in a device for connecting a door to an adjacent structure such that the door pivots about an axis during opening and closing of the same and including a torsion spring operatively connected to the door and to the structure for movement about the pivot axis to store energy during opening of the door and to release energy to provide closing during closing of the door. The rotary friction damper is operatively associated with the torsion spring and has an axis of rotation disposed substantially parallel to the pivot axis for controlling the door closing speed. The rotary friction damper is adjustable and variable. A mechanism operatively associated with the damper varies the resistance of the damper to movement of the torsion spring to produce a controlled uniform closing speed of the door and for reducing the resistance of the damper to movement of the torsion spring when the door nears the closed position to allow the torsion spring to close the door in an unrestricted manner.

Abstract: According to the invention, a closure panel, such as a tailgate, is removably connected to a vehicle body for pivotal movement about a hinge axis. The panel may be removably lifted from the vehicle body when the panel is pivoted to a panel removal position. A torque rod counterbalance spring is carried by the panel and includes an elongated portion extending between a crank end anchored to the panel for pivotal movement therewith and a stationary end. A support device is anchored to the vehicle body and captures the stationary end of the torque rod to restrain its pivotal movement so that the torque rod is torsionally wound when the panel is pivoted away from the panel removal position to provide a counterbalance force for continuously urging the panel towards the panel removal position. The torque rod is completely unwound when the panel is pivoted to the panel removal position.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for use to automatically close display doors for display cases and the like is disclosed which allows the amount of door closing preloading bias to be easily and quickly adjusted with a high degree of precision to vary the amount of force used to close a display door. A display pivot member having an adjustment wheel is placed into engagement with a base member having a mechanism allowing rotation of the display pivot member only in a direction increasing the preloading bias on a biasing member located in the display door and used to close the display door. The base member includes an access slot to release the display pivot member, allowing it to rotate in the opposite direction to release the bias on the biasing member to allow the adjustment operation to be redone.

Abstract: A wide angle hinge is used for articulation of a furniture door on a furniture unit with a base plate mounted on the furniture unit and a housing mounted on the furniture door; mounted on the base plate is a first gear rack on which a gear is rolled in the longitudinal direction of the hinge and meshes with a second gear rack connected with the housing. The second gear rack is mounted directly on the housing and has a circular arc shape that is concentric with the swivel axis of the door.

Abstract: Spring closing device for door or the like, comprising at least two hinges, each one comprising two components articulated on an axis and one of which, known as the mobile component, is fixed on the door and the other of which, known as the fixed component, is fixed on the post of this door, whereby a flexible spring torsion bar is also provided between this door and its post so as to bring it back automatically into the closed position, a device characterised in that the elastic component, comprises a steel spring torsion bar (6) connecting the fixed component of a hinge to the mobile component of another hinge.

Abstract: A removable torque rod assembly for a self-closing door which may be easily installed on a door and an anchoring device mounted to an underlying door frame. The torque rod assembly may be used for either a left- or right-handed door. The assembly uses a torque rod located inside a metal sleeve having the sleeve crimped or attached to or otherwise made integral with the rod at its top end so that the rod and sleeve act together at the top end. The lower end of the torque rod passes through a bushing attached to the sleeve and through a bushing cap surrounding the bushing. A resilient O-ring fits into an annular groove in the bushing. The torque rod assembly is installed on the door by forcing the O-ring past an aperture in the door so that the O-ring holds the assembly on the door and a head of the bushing mates with the aperture in the door. The lower end of the torque rod assembly is then mounted in an anchoring device which keeps the lower end of the rod from rotating.

Abstract: An ice discharging apparatus of an ice dispenser comprises an openable door normally urged resiliently to a closed state by means of a torsion coil spring and adapted to be openable by a door actuator under the control of a control apparatus. The torsion coil spring includes an intermediate coil portion substantially of a cylindrical form and at least one end coil portion having an inner diameter greater than an average diameter of the intermediate coil portion in the unloaded state. The torsion coil spring has at least one arm extending from an end of the coil spring and having an extension secured in contact with a stationary part of the apparatus or a part of the openable door at an intermediate portion thereof and subsequently bent to constitute an inactive portion in which an annular mounting member for mounting the torsion coil spring is formed at the free end thereof.

Abstract: Spring closing device for door or the like, comprising at least two hinges, each one comprising two components articulated on an axis and one of which, known as the mobile component, is fixed on the door and the other of which, known as the fixed component, is fixed on the post of this door, whereby a flexible spring torsion bar is also provided between this door and its post so as to bring it back automatically into the closed position, a device characterized in that the elastic component comprises a steel spring torsion bar (6) connecting the fixed component of a hinge to the mobile component of another hinge.

Abstract: Weight compensation for hinged doors, hatches, gates, or the like, which swing up and down on an upper horizontal hinge axis, comprises a torsion rod extending parallel to the hinge axis and having hollow shafts or bushings at its respective ends, one of the bushings is connected through a lever and a continuously length adjustable rod to the frame and on one side of said door, hatch, or gate, the other bushing is mounted to a lever, and a continuously adjustable tensioning screw fastens that lever to the door, hatch, or gate, and at the other side thereof.

Abstract: A torsion bar assembly such as may be used to provide a counterbalancing force active on a part movable with respect to a second part is mounted on one of those parts by a structure which permits the torsion spring unit to be readily moved into position with its operative parts in desired rotational position relative to one another as well as to the parts with which they are to be used. The mounting structure is provided with a recess with inwardly projecting teeth and the torsion unit has externally projecting teeth. A part is substantially parallel to those teeth. A clip is designed to be a part of the assembly, hold the parts of the assembly in desired rotational relationship, and ensure that the assembly is mounted in proper rotational position.

Abstract: A door fitting device capable of adjusting an axis of rotation and torque, which makes it possible to connect easily a torsion bar and a worm wheel and to engage the worm wheel with a worm. The door fitting device itself can be assembled easily and rapidly in parallel with fitting of the door to an upper and lower frame.

Abstract: A vehicle spare tire carrier is disclosed according to the teachings of the present invention for the storage and transportation of a spare tire outside of a vehicle. Specifically, the spare tire carrier in a preferred embodiment includes first and second arms pivotally attached to each other and a vehicle. The spare tire is mounted to the first arm. The carrier can then be pivoted from a first position to a second position in its most preferred form simultaneously with an opening or closure, such as a door, of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the entire weight of the carrier and the spare tire mounted thereto is transferred to the bumper attached to the vehicle frame and not to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle trunk lid opening mechanism including a lid pivotally mounted to the trunk, and two torsion bars which are arranged to produce, when the lid is closed, a torsional force to urge the lid to open. One end of each torsion bar is connected to the lid hinge and the other end of each bar is retained in a mounting hole formed in a panel of a body pillar located in the trunk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus in large open goods carriers, so called container-flats, which display a loading plane (1) and at least one wall unit (2, 3), for example an end wall unit, which is fixedly retained in the loading plane for pivotal switching from a rest position, in which the wall unit (2, 3) is located in or parallel with the loading plane (1), and a working position, in which the wall unit (2, 3) makes substantially a right angle with the loading plane (1).The anchorage of the wall unit (2, 3) consists of a hinge means with a shaft in or on which one end of at least one torsion bar (20, 21) is disposed in a non-rotary manner, the torsion bar extending longitudinally with the pivotal shaft (18) of the pivotal wall unit (2, 3), the other end of the torsion bar (20, 21) being disposed in a non-rotary manner in the loading plane (1), and that the torsion bar (20, 21) is tension-free in a position on the wall unit (2, 3) between its rest position and working position.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus comprises a swingable member, spring means and resilient restoring force transmission means for transmitting the resilient restoring force of the spring.The swingable member is supported pivotally by the support means so as to be opened and closed with respect to a base frame of the swingable member, and one end of the spring means is fixed to a support portion on which one end portion of the swingable member is pivotally supported, and the other end of the spring means can be twisted forcibly in the closing direction of the swingable member. The resilient restoring force of the twisted end of the spring means is transmitted to or near the line of the center of the gravity of the swingable member, so that the opening and closing operation of the swingable member can be performed safely and smoothly.

Abstract: A refrigerator door structure comprising a door hingedly mounted on a mullion is disclosed, one or more of which may be mounted in a suitable opening through the wall of a refrigerator compartment without a frame and with or without a starter mullion to close such opening while providing access therethrough. The door and mullion are designed to be inverted to provide for either right-hand or left-hand opening of the door. The packaging of the door structure with appropriate shelving elements is described.

Abstract: A self-closing door device includes a torsion bar which is connected at its ends between the hinged side of the door and the door jamb. The torsion bar is arranged to twist about as well as bend along its longitudinal axis and in a manner which tends to decelerate the door as the door approaches its closed position.

Abstract: A door closer comprises: first and second cylinders provided with respective hinge pieces, the cylinders being rotatable with respect to each other about one and the same axis and being in contact with each other in the axial direction thereof; a support shaft inserted into the two cylinders substantially over the entire length thereof, one end portion of the support shaft being non-rotatably secured to the end portion of the second cylinder while the other end portion thereof being rotatably supported in the first cylinder; an intermediate rotary cylinder member provided rotatably with respect to the support shaft and the first cylinder between one end portion of the support shaft and the inner wall of the first cylinder; and a coil spring surrounding substantially the entire length of the support shaft in such a manner that both end portions thereof are non-rotatably secured to the intermediate rotary cylinder member and the lower end portion of the second cylinder, respectively.

Abstract: In a door which is openable by being folded into two or more sections, a device which makes it possible to extend the folds automatically and noiselessly to close the door in such a manner that a series of extended folds look like one closed door when a finger tip pressure on the door for opening it has been released. In so doing, no additional automatic closing device such as a door check or a floor hinge is required.