Abstract: A storage bin assembly for vehicles includes a bin and a door. The door includes a latch-engaging surface that moves from a rest position when the door is opened. A latch pawl engages the latch-engaging surface of the door to prevent movement of the door to the open position when the latch pawl is in an engaged position. A push button actuator is disposed in a center portion of a dashboard structure. The push button actuator includes a cam surface that slidably engages the latch pawl and causes the latch pawl to move from the engaged position to a disengaged position to thereby unlatch the door.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a kennel includes a first horizontally extending latching bar, a second horizontally extending latching bar, the second bar extending substantially parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar, and a vertically extending handle, the handle being coupled to the first horizontally extending latching bar at a first end and being coupled to the second horizontally extending latching bar at a second end, and being configured such that when moved in the vertical direction, the handle rotates the first and second horizontally extending latching bars.

Abstract: An ozone cleaning system includes a cabinet defining a cleaning space, and an ozone generator disposed in fluid communication with the cleaning space and configured to produce and introduce ozone therein for cleaning items with ozone. An ozone neutralization unit is attached to the cabinet and includes an inlet and outlet tube each disposed within the cabinet. The ozone neutralization unit includes a heater/blower assembly in fluid communication with each tube and operable for heating and recirculating the ozone within the cleaning space. A method of operating the ozone cleaning system includes receiving an input to commence an ozone cleaning cycle, and then producing and introducing ozone into the cleaning space. The method proceeds by determining if the ozone cleaning cycle is complete, and then initiating and executing an ozone neutralization cycle to accelerate the rate of ozone neutralization after the ozone cleaning cycle is complete.

Abstract: A lock and method of locking a lockable volume is described. The lock may be located on a door of a lockable volume, such as a locker configured to hold an item. The lock may comprise a post and a cam, the cam having an opening corresponding to the size and shape of the post. The cam is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotation of the cam about the axis releasably secures the post within the opening, thereby locking the door to which the post is attached.

Abstract: An electronic lock driven by a keep solenoid has a non-direct mechanical connection between the solenoid plunger and the slidable deadbolt of the lock. The connection includes a pivoted lever connected to the plunger and a link between the lever and the deadbolt, these components being arranged in such a way that when the deadbolt is fully extended the pivot point of the lever and pivot points on both ends of the link, with the lever and with the deadbolt, are in alignment. The mechanical arrangement prevents retraction of the extended deadbolt by pushing inward on the deadbolt, which is a problem with a deadbolt driven directly by a solenoid plunger.

Abstract: An object detection device for a vehicle monitors the surroundings at the rear of the vehicle. The object detection device has a radar sensor for generating a radar signal containing information about a distance between the vehicle and a vehicle user or another object in the surroundings. The radar sensor mounts on a vehicle component pointing toward the surroundings to the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, the object detection device contains a control and evaluation unit for determining a movement pattern of the vehicle user on the basis of the radar signal, and to compare the movement pattern with a predefined reference pattern and to actuate a servomotor which has the purpose of actuating the tailgate between an open position and a closed position when the movement pattern corresponds to the reference pattern. Furthermore, a vehicle ideally has such an object detection device.

Abstract: An object gripping device using a electromagnetic assembly includes a base having two opposite ends thereof, a fastening portion pivoted at one end of the base and having an object-gripping trench and a through opening having a stopping surface therein at two opposite ends of the fastening portion, a transmission portion pivoted at the other end of the base, a stopping shaft extending through both the transmission portion and the through opening, a first spring connected both the base and the fastening portion, a second spring connected both the base and the transmission portion, and a electromagnetic assembly connected the base and the transmission portion.

Abstract: A locking device has adjustable device parts, one of which comprises a locking element and another comprises a support part. A latch can be moved between a closed and an open position. A knee lever comprises a first arm pivotable about a pivot axis and a second arm, pivotable relative to the first arm about a knee joint axis. The latch is drivably connected to the knee lever so that in the closed position, the arms are pivoted into a first pivot position located near the dead center point of the knee lever and the knee lever can be positioned against a point of abutment distanced from the pivot axis. The knee lever can be moved by an actuator connectable to an electrical energy storage unit from the first pivot position across its dead center point into a second pivot position corresponding to the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure relief latch for aircraft, able to absorb vibrations and shocks without inopportune opening, as well as to adapt to dimensional stresses during its assembly. The latch includes: a console, a lever mounted on the console, and an opening effort exerted on a fulcrum of the lever causing an angular displacement of the fulcrum between a closing position and an opening position. The latch also includes a roller able to roll against a profile of the lever and connected to an elastic return device. The latch further being provided with means able to vary the angular displacement of the fulcrum of the lever according to the opening effort, with two different slopes according to an opening effort E1.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a cowl having a top cowl and a bottom cowl that are detachably connected using a clamp apparatus. The clamp apparatus has a clamp engaging member on the top cowl, a clamp fixing member on the bottom cowl, and a clamp for connecting the top and bottom cowls. The clamp has an engaging section for engaging the clamp engaging member, a fixing section fixed on the bottom cowl by the clamp fixing member, a mounting pivot formed on the fixing section, and a supporting pivot linked to the mounting pivot. A line is defined between the engaging section and the mounting pivot. In an open clamp state, the supporting pivot is positioned away from the cowl beyond the line. In a closed clamp state, the supporting pivot is positioned adjacent to the cowl within the line. A biasing spring biases the clamp main body toward the cowl at least in the open clamp state.

Abstract: A sliding door has a latch assembly and a vertically disposed pull handle that would normally interfere with convenient operation of the latch lever. A rotatable latch lever is located beyond the handle and a rotatable latch is located opposite the handle. A 4-bar coupling extends between the lever and the latch so that the latch is conveniently rotatable from beyond the pull handle for engaging a cooperating keeper.

Abstract: A latching system includes a control unit that houses a remote signal responsive relay and a crank arm that is pivoted by the armature of the relay when the relay is energized to oppositely move a pair of elongate links each of which is connected to a separate latch assembly for moving operating arms of the latch assemblies to unlatched positions for causing the latch assemblies to release their latched engagement with strikers that hold a closure closed.

Abstract: A device for locking a closure (2) with a housing includes at least one swiveling lever (8), a drive (19) for pivoting the at least one swiveling lever 98) about an axis of rotation and having teeth (20) which interact with teeth (10) provided on the marginal area of the swiveling lever extending around the axis of rotation, at least one catch hook (12) supported on the swiveling lever (8) and having a cam segment (14) concentric to the pivot axis (11) of the at least one catch hook and into which a guide element (9) provided on the swiveling lever (8) engages, and a spring (17) for biasing the at least one catch hook in a closing direction.

Abstract: A sliding door has a latch assembly and a vertically disposed pull handle that would normally interfere with convenient operation of the latch lever. A rotatable latch lever is located beyond the handle and a rotatable latch is located opposite the handle. A 4-bar coupling extends between the lever and the latch so that the latch is conveniently rotatable from beyond the pull handle for engaging a cooperating keeper.

Abstract: A buried subsurface pit for use beneath a surface across which aircraft travel for servicing aircraft is provided with a pit latching mechanism for holding and releasing a pit lid mounted atop the buried pit. A shallow latch operating lever storage recess is defined in the upper surface of the pit lid. An actuator rod passageway is formed in the pit lid and extends between the latch operating lever storage recess and the undersurface of the pit lid. A catch is located in alignment with the actuator rod passageway at the undersurface of the pit lid. The catch is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis of catch rotation. An actuator rod is disposed for longitudinal, reciprocal movement in the actuator rod passageway. A latch operating lever has opposing latch handle and actuator rod engaging ends.

Abstract: A latch assembly (10) has a housing having a mouth. A ratchet (12) is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable to cooperate with the mouth to pivot between an open condition, a primary closed condition and a secondary closed condition for receiving, engaging and cinching a keeper of a striker. The ratchet (12) is biased to the open condition. A pivotally mounted pawl (40) is biased into engagement with the ratchet for releasably retaining the ratchet in the primary closed condition. A secondary release arm (20) is mounted to rotate about a first axis and a second axis. The secondary release arm (20) is rotatable about the first axis between a retracted position and an extended position, and is rotatable out the second axis between an engaging position and a disengaging position. The secondary release arm (20) is biased to the retracted position and biased to the engaging position.

Abstract: A versatile slam capable latch mechanism that can be operated by one or more adjacent and/or remotely located operating devices to release a striker from latched engagement; that can be directly attached to an operating device such as a flush-mountable paddle handle assembly to provide a “stand alone” latch; that can be connected by one or more rod-like links to one or more remotely located operating devices such as push button assemblies; that can be connected by rod-like links to other similar latch mechanisms each arranged to be slammed into engagement with a different striker to provide a “plural point” latching system; and wherein one of the various types of operating devices that may be connected to a latch system that includes one or more of the latch mechanisms can be provided with a key operated lock to “lock” the system.

Abstract: A latch for an oven comprises a support plate mounted within the oven. A bracket member is pivotably supported on the support plate. A handle is fixed to the bracket member and is manually operable to move the latch between the latching and unlatching positions. A latch arm is movably supported on the support plate and connected to the bracket member to be moved between the latching and unlatching positions in accordance with the movement of the bracket member. A spring is connected between the support plate and the bracket member for biasing the bracket member toward the latching or unlatching position, selectively. First and second arcuate guide projections are integrally formed with the support plate beneath the bracket member for guiding the bracket member.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in latching a pivotable access door of a cabinet includes a latch housing within which is rotatably mounted a catch member between latching and unlatching positions upon a carrier which, in turn, is rotatably supported in the latch housing. The carrier is biased into engagement with a cam pin which acts as a pivot stop for the carrier. A cross pin extends through a pair of laterally spaced slots formed in the latch housing and terminal ends of the cross pin are adapted to depress electronic switches through movement of the carrier when the latching mechanism assumes the latched position. The catch member is rotated to the latching position upon engagement with a latch striker and can be rotated to release the latch striker, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, either through the use of a handle or upon tugging on the access door.

Abstract: A multi-point sliding door latch adapted to be fitted in a single opening in the lock face of the stile of the sliding door and arranged for coaction with a keeper structure on an associated jamb and for coaction with a handle assembly mounted on the stile of the sliding door and including a tail member operated by a thumb turn or a key lock.

Abstract: A monolithic glove box door having a panel and a release assembly mount integral with the panel. The release assembly mount is adapted to couple a glove box latching mechanism to the panel for movement relative thereto as well as including an aperture adapted to receive a glove box handle for movement relative to the panel.

Abstract: A multi-point sliding door latch adapted to be fitted in a single opening in the lock face of the stile of the sliding door and arranged for coaction with a keeper structure on an associated jamb and for coaction with a handle assembly mounted on the stile of the sliding door and including a tail member operated by a thumb turn or a key lock.

Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for cases, a large portion of which is contained for operation within a recess located in the lower portion of the case. The locking mechanism includes a latch member for engaging a keeper on the upper portion of the case. A lever length arrangement cooperates with a sliding plate to actuate the latch between locked and unlocked disposition. A spring is secured to the hinge between the latch and the sliding plate to bias the latch toward an unlocked position such that when the lever is moved to an unlocked position the latch will automatically disengage the keeper.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a door latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the cooking apparatus including a frame, a cooking chamber carried by the frame, a heating unit carried by the frame and being adapted to be actuated to heat clean the chamber, a switch for permitting the heating unit to heat clean the chamber only when the switch is actuated, a movable door carried by the frame for opening and closing the cooking chamber, a movable latch member carried by the frame and being movable between a non-latching position thereof that permits the door to be opened and closed and a latching position thereof that locks the door in its closed position if the door is in its closed position at the time the latch member is moved to the latching position thereof, and a drive unit carried by the frame and being operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the positions thereof, the latch member being movable from the non-latching position thereof to a th

Abstract: A foot-operated, latch releasing mechanism comprises a generally elongated foot-operated member having one end accessible to the foot and the other end pivotally connected to the vehicle body for movement between inoperative and operated position, a return biasing means for urging the foot-operated member towards the inoperative position and a linkage means for transmitting the movement of the foot-operated member from the inoperative position towards the operated position to cause a door latch assembly to be released.

Abstract: A stabilizing latch is provided for a combination unit having a fixed toilet bowl and a wash basin which is hingedly mounted on the unit and adapted to swing over the toilet bowl when the toilet bowl is not in use and to swing outwardly to permit use of the toilet bowl. The stabilizing latch automatically clamps the swinging wash basin to the floor when the latch is released. This feature is particularly valuable for aged or infirm people who may wish to use the wash basin for support while utilizing the toilet.

Abstract: An adjustable, multipivot aircraft panel latch featuring a means for adjusting the latch tension after the panel is installed without the necessity of opening the latch. This is accomplished by an adjustment screw mounted on a yoke member in operative engagement with the latch arm. By the particular arrangement of components, the latch arm may be adjusted relative to a keeper on the aircraft structure by rotating the screw with a conventional drive tool inserted through a small opening in the top of the latch housing.

Abstract: A two stage remotely actuated structural latch especially suitable for supporting an aircraft canopy during flight as well as on the ground. One single part of the latch carries all of the load and the latch can be locked or unlocked from a remote location by use of a rod, cable or tube to acruate only non-structurally loaded pins and links which have high mechanical advantage in the first stage unlocking movement. This arrangement permits emergency canopy release during flight by the application of average human leverage and provides maximum pull up capability at the time of maximum mechanical advantage. A self-aligning and floating hook pin concept eliminates the need for hook and mating pin alignment.

Abstract: A latch means for the access door of a household trash compactor incorporates a door position sensing switch directly in the latching mechanism thereby to insure that the compactor may be operated only when the door is fully closed and locked. The latch means includes a catch engageable with a bar to secure the door. The sensing switch is operable by the engagement of the catch with the bar to permit operation of the compactor.