Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the motion of a top-hung sliding door. The apparatus has a biasing member, a door engagement member coupled to the biasing member for releasably engaging a flange extending from a door hanger from which the sliding door is supported, and a body defining a path for the door engagement member. A first end of the path is configured such that the door engagement member may be releasably retained at the first end of the path, whereby when the door engagement member is retained at the first end of the path and the door engagement member is contacted by the flange: the door engagement member is configured to engage the flange, and the biasing member is configured to extend and move the door engagement member to a second end of the path.

Abstract: Elevator hoistway door closer device that increases the closing force on the door as the door approaches the door closed position. A elevator hoistway door closer includes a reel having a groove in its side that terminates in a flat edge beyond a breakover angle. The groove may have a first portion of essentially constant diameter and a second portion having a conical helix shape. The third portion includes the breakover angle and may terminate in a flat edge. There may be an elongate tensile element received by the first and second portions and the third portion defined by the breakover angle flat edge, and that has a free end for attachment to a fixed point. There may be a spring for rotating the reel and attracting the elongate tensile element by wrapping the elongate tensile element around the first and second portions of the channel and over the breakover angle and flat edge of the third portion.

Abstract: Coil springs are incorporated, with a longitudinal direction oriented vertically, into the top and bottom end parts of hinge pieces provided on side surfaces of opposing door panels of a folding door and that connect the doors panels together. A portion of a pin plate is inserted into the coil springs at the top and bottom end parts of the coil springs and attached to the coil springs. The pin plate that is inserted into the top end part of the coil spring incorporated into the top end part of the hinge piece and the pin plate that is inserted into the bottom end part of the coil spring incorporated into the bottom end part of the hinge piece are fixed to the hinge pieces by brackets. The folding door is closed by the restoring force generated by the twisting of the coil springs.

Abstract: A retractable door system for returning to a nearly closed position a door that has been opened having: a catch knob secured to a doorframe; a housing secured to a door; a retractable cord anchored within the housing at one end and having means for attaching to the catch knob at an opposite end; and a cord retracting means located within the housing for retracting the cord within the housing. The retractable door system may optionally further have a pad on the portion of the housing contacting a doorframe when the door is placed in a nearly closed position or a pad on the portion of the housing contacting a door or means for adjusting the tension of the retractable cord.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a door closer, comprises a shaft (10), angularly movable between a normal position and a second position, the shaft (10) having a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b), a brush spring (35) attached to the shaft first portion (21a) to return the shaft to its normal position, and a damping mechanism (36, 38) attached to the shaft second portion (21b) to resist shaft movement to its normal position. The damping mechanism includes a coiled strap-like member (36) keyed to the shaft and contained in a damping medium.

Abstract: A door retaining structure is provided for limiting the path of a door pivotably mounted on a door frame. The door retaining structure includes a connection structure for interconnecting the door and the door frame. An inertial locking device is operatively connected to the connection structure for preventing movement of the door toward the open position in response to the predetermined force on the door.

Abstract: A device for closing a sliding door includes a housing that attaches to the trailing edge of the sliding door. A tensioned cable extends from a spool in the housing to the door frame. When the sliding door is opened, the cable extends and undergoes an increase in tension. When the door is released, the cable is retracted and undergoes a decrease in tension as it forces the door closed. Cable tensioning is provided by a torsion spring that connects the cable spool to a concentric ratcheted axle. The device permits the user to readily increase or decrease the tension of the cable independently of the amount of cable extended by either ratcheting the axle with respect to the spool or by releasing the ratchet pawl.

Abstract: A device for closing a sliding screen door is disclosed. The inventive device includes a housing mountable proximal to a sliding screen door. A retractable cable resiliently extends from the housing and couples with the sliding screen door to effect closing of the door subsequent to opening thereof.

Abstract: For self-closing a sliding door, e.g. of a showcase, combinations of belts and sprockets, cables and pulleys, rods and springs and the like, which have proved difficult to construct, service and replace are replaced by one or more constant force springs associated with a spring-retention cavity or other spring retainer. This permits the doors to be easily removed for servicing and for improved access to the interior of the showcase. Upon door removal, no self-closing apparatus still links the door to the case. The parts are simple and easy to replace, few moving parts are involved and the system is applicable both for new construction and for retrofitting to existing cases.