Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.

Abstract: An overhead door assembly in which the door assembly has a vertical closed position and a horizontal opened position, the door assembly including a frame having a horizontal support member and first and second vertical members fixedly mounted to either end of the horizontal member, the vertical members are fixedly mounted to the ground. A one piece door member includes top and bottom horizontal ends and first and second vertical sides and is pivotally mounted to the horizontal member of the frame with the door member being movable from a closed position to an opened position about a pivot point. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on a portion of either of the first or second vertical members and the second end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the door member. The hydraulic cylinder includes a ram movably disposed within the cylinder and transmits an opening and closing force to the door member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable screen system for a closure assembly and improvements thereof which allows the secure sliding and subsequent retraction of the screen from a operative position to a retracted position. The invention is preferably embodied in a window assembly but finds application also in large pivoting windows and patio doors.

Abstract: A hangar door assembly for passing the vertical stabilizer of an airplane tail, includes a main door frame fitted into a wall of an aircraft hangar building, a main door pivotally mounted within the main door frame, an auxiliary door frame having a vertical edge, and fitted into the hangar building wall above the main door frame, an auxiliary door pivotally mounted on the vertical edge and biased with a spring to swing to an open position, a bearing assembly attached to the main door bearing against the auxiliary door, to oppose the biasing of the spring to close the auxiliary door when the main door is slid closed. A method for opening an auxiliary door as described above includes the steps of sliding the main door to an open position, thereby gradually moving the bearing assembly toward the vertical edge, keeping the auxiliary door in contact with the bearing assembly as the bearing assembly moves toward the vertical edge with the spring, thereby gradually opening the auxiliary door.

Abstract: An urban delivery side-access vehicle has a van body with opposed open sides, each of which is closable by a slidable door structure consisting of two solid end doors interconnected and bridged by a foldable curtain. The door structure is suspended from an overhead track by runners and engages the platform of the van body by hooks. The curtain is panelled and contains strips for biasing it into an outward pleated configuration when the door structure is opened.

Abstract: A furniture is provided of a door formed by a series of uniformly sized panels which are movable from a closed position, in which they are coplanar one with another, to an open position, in which they are parallel and folded on one side of the furniture itself. The panels are connected together by means of a parallelogram linkage system which allows the panels to be moved from the closed position to the open position by means of a single control. The panels slide in an upper guide and a lower guide of the furniture and fold onto the left hand side of the furniture, allowing full access to the furniture itself. The parallelogram system comprises two sets of rods which are substantially identical and arranged between an upper side of the panels and the upper guide of the furniture and between a lower side of the panels and the lower guide, respectively.

Abstract: A slidable door structure adapted to move on tracks wherein one or more glide assemblies are used to resiliently mount the door. The glide assembly includes a glide body and a retention member with a spring means disposed between the two bodies. A snap fastener serves to hold the glide assembly in position so that the retention member is maintained in a fixed position while the glide body moves vertically relative to the door structure. The invention also includes an improved mullion structure and a locking device for locking and maintaining the door in an open position. Further, a substantially leak-free connection is provided between the door and wall jamb.

Abstract: A structure comprising a door panel having an elongated opening therein, and resilient mounting means on the panel engageable with a rail for moving the panel along the rail, the mounting means comprising a glide including a body disposed on one side of the panel, a roller rotatably mounted on the body engageable with the rail for movement of the glide thereon, a shank on the body extending through the panel opening and moveable therein for relative movement of the glide and the panel, detent grooves provided at both sides of the shank, and flanges provided at both sides of the elongated opening integral with the door panel, the edges of the flanges being disposed within the detent grooves of the shank, thereby retaining the glide slidable within the elongated opening.

Abstract: A structure comprising a door panel having an elongated opening therein, and resilient mounting means on the panel engageable with a rail for moving the panel along the rail, the mounting means comprising a glide including a body disposed on one side of the panel, a roller rotatably mounted on the body engageable with the rail for movement of the glide thereon, a shank on the body extending through the panel opening and moveable therein for relative movement of the glide and the panel, detent flanges provided at both ends of the shank, and a C-shaped glide retainer mounted on the reverse side of the panel having flanges adapted to engage and clamp the detent flanges of the shank, and means for restraining the retainer against transverse movement.