Abstract: A grill shutter device for vehicle includes a grill, a shutter, and a drive source. The grill is provided with an opening penetrating the grill in the front/rear direction. The shutter includes fins opening and closing the opening, lining up in a vehicular width direction, and curving so as to fit into a curved configuration of the grill. The drive source drives the shutter so that the fins open and close the opening. The fins include a body plate, and a support shaft fixed to the body plate, extending in a direction linearly linking between vehicular-width-direction opposite ends of a corresponding site in the opening, and supported to the grill so as to rotate when actuated by the drive source. Moreover, a universal joint joins between the support shafts of two of the fins neighboring one another in the vehicular width direction.

Abstract: A control system for optimising emergency multi-storey building stairwell evacuation, the system includes an occupant tracking subsystem configured to monitor the locations of building occupants within a building as the occupants move between floors of the building so as to be able to continuously calculate the number of occupants on each floor of the building at any time, such that, during an emergency. The control system is configured and able to, using an access door controller subsystem: control the closing of a plurality of access doors of a stairwell; and control the successive opening of certain access doors of certain floors of the stairwell in accordance with an evacuation plan. Wherein the evacuation plan is dynamically configured in accordance with the calculated number of occupants on each floor of the building.

Abstract: An actuator includes a capturing part, a retained part and a heating element which applies heat to the retained part or the capturing part responsive to selective application of power to the at least one heating element. The capturing part attaches to a first object and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part attaches to a second object and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part is insertable into the capturing part in a first state of the actuator. The retained part is held in contact with the capturing part via an interference fit to hold the first and second objects proximate to each other in a second state. The retained part is ejected from the capturing part in a third state. Applying heat via the heating element causes a transition between the second and the first or third states of the actuator.

Abstract: A wireless control system can be used to selectively adjust the position of a liftgate platform with respect to a vehicle cargo hold. The wireless control system includes a transmitter for use in transmitting a wireless control signal, a receiver that receives the wireless control signal transmitted by the transmitter and communicates a corresponding control signal to an actuation device to adjust the platform and, a transmitter detection system that prevents the actuation device from operating unless the transmitter is positioned in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A lock for a washing machine or the like provides fast actuation through a solenoid driven bolt that remains stably in the locked position after power is no longer applied to the solenoid. The possibility of power failure preventing subsequent access to the washing machine is avoided through the use of a slower actuation time, thermal actuator storing sufficient energy to unlock the bolt after a time delay when power is lost.

Abstract: This invention relates to a type of safety door central release device which can be used to close the safety door automatically when electric power is disrupted. It comprises a cord that is tied to a mechanism having potential energy on one end, and extended to a far distance on the other end; a pair of crank arms of which one end molded as a grip and gripping the cord, and the other end is connected to a sliding bar, having potential energy which assists the grip in release the cord. When electric power is supplied, the sliding bar will be attracted to an electromagnet. As a result, while electric power is disrupted, the release device can immediately release the cord. Due to release of the cord, a brake for a door operator is released by means of the mechanism such that the safety door slides down and then it is closed.

Abstract: An improved retractable tamper resistant annunciator that can be mounted flush in a supporting structure is described. The annunciator mechanism includes a housing that has an actuatable cover. Signaling devices are enclosed within the housing, and can be selectively actuated when the cover is opened. A mechanism to open and close the cover to expose the signaling devices or to cover the signaling devices include a reversible motor structure.

Abstract: A fire barrier apparatus includes a wall separating two adjacent spaces, extending in a predetermined plane and formed from a fire resistant material. The wall has an opening. The apparatus further includes a conveyor defining a conveyor path which extends through the opening. The conveyor has at least one conveyor element within the predetermined plane. A shutter is included within the range of the opening. The shutter is composed of fire resistant material and is movable towards the conveyor element and away from it between an open position where the opening is free and a closed position where the opening is shut off. At least part of the shutter is included in an encasing arrangement for encasing the conveyor element in the closed position of the shutter. Several embodiments are described.

Abstract: A resettable heat actuated link having an associated releasable member comprises first and second gripping portions for acting cooperatively to engage the releasable member in a normal position and to release the releasable member in an activated position. Along with the first and second gripping portions there is provided a heat responsive bimetallic element for causing the gripping portions to move to the normal position in response to ambient temperature and to cause the first and second gripping portions to move away from each other to an activated position in response to a preselected increase above the ambient temperature and to release the releasable member at the increased temperature. The first and second gripping portions, the heat responsive bimetallic element, and a base for mounting the link are integrally formed from a single bimetallic strip.

Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a bi-metallic element provided with a heating pad which may be remotely activated to control the damper. The bi-metallic element is linked to the blade by a linkage which includes an over center spring which applies force in both the fully opened and fully closed blade position. The bi-metallic element and over center spring arrangement acts to snap the damper blade into position thereby providing greatly reduced response times for a bi-metallic actuated damper. The damper blade operator may also include a knee action locking arrangement to maintain the damper blade in a selected position, particularly fully opened or fully closed, when the locking members assume an over center, substantially longitudinal alignment. The bi-metallic operator may include a mechanical linkage or stop to allow blade adjustment to regulate air flow through the damper.

Abstract: A resettable fire link includes a first member (12) that pivotally supports a latch arm (20) thereon with a bi-metallic coil spring (30) interposed between the first member and the free end of the latch arm to normally bias the latch arm into a latched position with a release plate (50). The bi-metallic coil spring pivots the latch arm to a release position upon being elevated in temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for releasably locking a fireproof door in an open position. A latch mechanism includes a hook connected to the door. The hook is releasably engaged with an actuator plate swingable between a latching position and a release position. Its motion is restricted by resilient means having bias adjustment means. A toggle mechanism keeps the actuator plate in its latching position until the toggle mechanism is struck by a remote-controlled solenoid plunger to release the door and let it close. If the solenoid malfunctions, the door can be closed manually with a force dependent on the setting of the bias adjustment means.

Abstract: In an apparatus for closing a fireproof door in case of emergency, the fireproof door and a release, which is secured to a door frame, are interconnected by a link mechanism comprising first, second and supplemental link arms. One end of the first link arms is pivoted to a driving shaft of a door closer secured to the fireproof door. The other end of the first link arm is pivoted to one end of the second link arm, the other end of which is pivoted to the release. The supplemental link arm is connected between the central point of the second link arm and a slider which is slidably mounted inside the release and latched by a latch mechanism when the fireproof door is open.When the slider is released from the latch mechanism by electrizing a solenoid which operates the latch mechanism, the slider is slid inside the release by the closing force of the door closer transmitted via the link mechanism, thereby closing the fireproof door.

Abstract: A revolving door system has a central axis defining center shaft and three wing hangers rigidly joined and extending in equidistant spaced apart relationship about the center shaft's upper portion. Pivots couple three planar upright wings in closely spaced apart relationship to the center shaft. A magnetic latch on each wing hanger is spaced apart from the central axis more remote than the pivot, releasably maintaining the wings in ganged alignment with the hangers.A pair of facing substantially semicircular walls, spaced apart to define regions of ingress and egress, partially surrounds the wings and shaft on opposite sides. Each wall has two adjacent movable side panels hinged on opposite sides of a center panel, movable from a nominally enclosing position to an open panic position.Disposed remote from the adjacent side panel, a magnetic latch releasably maintains the side panels in circular alignment with the enclosure.

Abstract: The following disclosure shows a window security system. The window security system comprises a grate or security bar assembly that is hinged to the outside of a window and includes louvres attached to the grate for protecting against the elements and in particular, sunlight. The grate is hinged to the window at one side, while on the other side, it is secured by means of a latch comprising a pointed latch pin which is engaged by a pair of jaws that are pivotally actuated by a toggle member. The toggle member can be actuated by a solenoid or by a hand operated cable or other assembly attached thereto. The solenoid can be either pushbutton operated or operated by means of a smoke detector. The entire assembly, including the grate and the louvres are opened at the time of the smoke detector detecting combustion to protect against entrapping occupants in the building.

Abstract: A flush bolt mechanism adapted to be mounted at the vertical edge of the inactive door of a pair of hinged doors. Means are provided to prevent damage to the mechanism due to misalignment of the bolt and the strike plate. All translational motion of the mechanism substantially takes place along a single axis except for the motion of activation.

Abstract: An improved radiation protection louver system is described which comprises a movable louver panel hinged to a rotatable shaft through a thermally sensitive closure hinge member comprising a martensitic structure alloy exhibiting the characteristic of changing its shape from an intermediate configuration to a predetermined configuration in response to exposure to high intensity radiation. Motor drive means is included to reshape the hinge to the desired intermediate configuration following a temperature excursion effecting change of configuration.

Abstract: A solar shutter system including a pair of insulating panels pivotally mounted adjacent a glazed opening. Insulated and uninsulated counterbalance pressure tanks are mounted at opposite ends of one of the panels. The counterbalance tanks are interconnected by tubing and contain a partially vaporized fluid, such as Freon. The uninsulated tank, exposed to the sunlight, heats up during the day forcing liquid Freon from the uninsulated tank into the insulated tank to pivot the panels away from the opening. A solar collection tank beneath the glazed opening absorbs the radiant energy passing through the opening. During normal daylight hours the temperature within the uninsulated tank is greater than the temperatures in the insulated tank so that the panels remain open.

Abstract: A fluid pressure motor having a normally used internal electrical heating element which vaporizes internal fluid to actuate the motor. The motor further includes means in heat transfer proximity to the outside of the motor which can be caused to convert its stored energy to sufficient heat to actuate the motor.

Abstract: An emergency air vent structure actuated by smoke, gas or oxygen deficiency sensors to permit the influx of fresh air to an enclosure. The emergency air vent structure is characterized by a spring-actuated panel which is released by means of a rocker arm and latch actuated by a solenoid which solenoid is operated by any one of a number of detectors such as smoke, gas or oxygen deficiency. Upon opening of the panel, an alarm is sounded giving an audible warning of the unsafe conditions within the building.

Abstract: A novel operator is disclosed for use in combination with a butterfly fire and volume control damper, which operator may be concealed behind a standard concentric diffuser. Only a screwdriver aperture need be provided in the diffuser to facilitate the volume adjustment of the butterfly damper. In response to excessive heat in the vicinity of the damper, the blades of the damper will move to their fully closed position. Once activation conditions have passed, the damper may be reset by replacing the releasing device which separated in response to said heat.

Abstract: An arrangement to counteract or prevent spreading of fire, smoke or undesired gases through at least one passage, such as a ventilating duct, in a building. Said arrangement comprises a device adapted to keep the passage open normally but to close the passage when there is a risk of said spreading to occur. Said passage comprises at least one portion running in a drain trap-like path and said device comprises at least one supply means to supply, when there is a risk of said spreading to occur, a fluid to said drain trap-like portion in order to completely or partly fill the same while providing said closure of the passage.

Abstract: A novel operator is disclosed for use in combination with a butterfly fire and volume control damper, which operator may be concealed behind a standard concentric diffuser. Only a screwdriver aperture need be provided in the diffuser to facilitate volume adjustment or resetting of the bufferfly damper. In response to excessive heat in the vicinity of the damper, or alternatively, in response to a remote signal received by the operator, the blades of the damper will move to their fully closed position. Once activation conditions have passed, a screwdriver is used to reset the damper to resume its volume control function.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive actuator for opening and closing a louvre window of the type in which the louvre blades are mounted fast with bell-cranks having their free ends pivotally connected to an operating member which has a pivotal link coupled thereto. The thermally sensitive actuator comprises a housing for mounting on the frame of the window and containing a channel of uniform cross-section having a block slideably mounted therein, and a piston and cylinder assembly, the cylinder of which contains a thermally expansible flowable material and is mounted on the housing with the piston in engagement with the slideable block so that expansion of the flowable material causes displacement of the block. The side walls of the housing contain elongate slots through which projects a pivot pin which is movable in an oblique slot in said block and has connecting means on its projecting end for attachment to the pivotal link of the louvre window.

Abstract: A container is provided with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pressure drops to close the valve in the container. The container lid and gasket permit steam to be withdrawn from the container but prevent air flow into the container. A vacuum created in the container at the end of the sterilizing cycle holds the container lid in place and holds the valve closed.

Abstract: A novel telescoping heat responsive releasing device is described wherein a mounting member on which a bimetallic means is mounted slidingly engages a pawl member which is movable between a first position in which the pawl member is capable of being restained by the aforementioned bimetallic means, and an actuating position wherein associated apparatus connected to said releasing device may assume the desired heat responsive posture. Various alternate embodiments are illustrated wherein a plurality of bimetallic elements are utilized to engage the pawl member, wherein a bimetallic element is additionally actuated mechanically or electrically, and wherein various pawl and mounting member configurations are illustrated.

Abstract: A novel telescoping heat responsive releasing device is described wherein a mounting member on which heat responsive and locking means are mounted slidingly enages a pawl member which is movable between a first position in which the pawl member is capable of being restrained by the aforementioned latching means, and an activated position wherein associated apparatus connected to said releasing device may assume the desired heat responsive posture. In the preferred embodiment, a biasing means is provided for biasing said mounting member and said pawl member from said activated position towards said first or normal position. Various alternate embodiments are illustrated showing various attachment sliding and mounting configurations.

Abstract: A sterilizer or aseptor for contact lenses and the like is disclosed, which provides a capsule adapted to both carry and sterilize a single set of contact lenses. The sterilizer includes a well adapted to receive the capsule, and when the well is heated, sterilizing action occurs within the capsule. A cover is locked into a closed position to prohibit access to the capsule and well when the well is heated to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A rotating blade, smoke, fire and air control damper with spring closures attached on both inside and outside surfaces of the blades is disclosed. The spring closures cooperate with a bimetallic heat sensing device to trigger the closing of the blades at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A resettable fire link is described comprising a releasable member, gripping means for engaging said releasable member in the normal position and for releasing said releasable member in the activated position. Said gripping means comprises heat responsive means for causing said gripping means to move to the normal position in response to an ambient temperature and for causing said gripping means to move to the activated position in response to a preselected increase in said ambient temperature. Mechanical activation means are also provided for movement from a first withdrawn to a second extended position. In said first withdrawn position, the mechanical activation means allows said gripping means to move freely between its normal and said activated position, as aforesaid. The mechanical activation means also may independently cause said gripping means to move to the activated position.

Abstract: A wall vent preferably for use in a high-rise building is releasably opened for venting a fire in the building. The vent comprises a frame, a window or venting panel that is pivotally for biasing the venting panel to an open position and latch means for maintaining the panel in a closed position. The latch means may be either manually or electrically released or released upon detection of heat or smoke, and may be released either at the panel or remotely. Each wall vent is also preferably releasable to an open position from a story of the building therebelow.

Abstract: An automatic opening smoke vent door is provided which serves as a normal, self-closing exit door, and which is capable of being connected to a fire alarm circuit so that the door opens automatically in the event of a fire to allow smoke to be vented. The invention provides a member, preferably an L-shaped sub-frame, hinged to the normal door frame, and with an opening device acting between the door frame and the hinged member to urge this member from a closed position to an open position disposed at about 90.degree. to the door frame. The hinged member is normally held in the closed position by a solenoid operated latch, which is released to allow the member to open in the event of a fire. The door is itself hinged to the hinged member, and a normal door closer is connected between the hinged member and the door to allow the door to operate in the usual way when the hinged member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A normally pressure-free, failsafe, emergency door closer for use in hospitals, nursing homes or other locations where handicapped persons are housed, comprising an actuating mechanism triggered by a sensing device such as a smoke detector, a spring-loaded arm with a bumper on one end to engage the door and the other end of the arm rotatably attached to the wall adjacent to and above the door and free to rotate in a horizontal plane. The spring-loaded arm is retained in an open position by a vertical pin engaging the horizontal closer arm. The pin is mechanically linked to the armature of an electromagnet opposed by a coil spring. On signal from the sensing device the electromagnet releases the armature and the coil spring urges the pin upwards releasing the closer arm, the end of which engages the door and closes it.

Abstract: A fireplace damper release mechanism for mounting in a fireplace adjacent a fire. The mechanism coacts with a fireplace damper connecting rod to automatically close the fireplace damper when the fire has gone out thereby avoiding the loss of heat from the room through the fireplace chimney.

Abstract: Ventilation device with a vent pivotally mounted in a frame and restrained against opening forces by a locking mechanism and also connected to the frame by a hydraulic brake or damper designed to gradually reduce the opening speed of the vent at least towards the end of the opening movement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door holding device for a door closer of the type having a spring operated rotating spindle operatively connected by an arm to a slider mounted for reciprocal movement in a track usually secured to the door frame wherein the slider has a cam which when the door is swung to a fully opened position engages and is held by an electromagnet against movement relative to the slider when the door attempts to return to a closed position and which engages and moves a detent carried by the slider into engagement with detent engaging means in the track so as to prevent movement of the slider relative to the track and thus releaseably hold the door in the open position. The energizing of the electromagnet allows the spring to move the cam out of engagement with the detent and thus permit the slider to move and enable the door to move to a closed position.