Abstract: The method of door control without, hand contact, wherein, when the door leaf is in its stationary closed position, all the energy necessary for automatic opening and subsequent closing the door leaf, initiated by an actuating force, preferably realized by means of a foot lever, is accumulated in an opening and closing mechanism during the actuating action of the controlling mechanism. During the automatic opening, the only acting force is the tension of the opening member, and during the subsequent automatic closing, the only acting force is the tension of the closing member. By means of the bimodal opening and closing mechanism, the tensions of these two members act separately, not against each other.

Abstract: A digital display system includes a transparent outer protective panel, a transparent inner protective panel, and a translucent digital video display located between the outer and inner protective panels. An integrated media player is operably connected to the translucent digital video display so that full-motion videos displayed on the translucent digital video display are viewed through the outer protective panel and items can be viewed through the translucent digital video display. The digital display system can be incorporated into any environment where a product is located behind a glass enclosure such as freezers, coolers, security glass, jewelry cases, liquor cases, cosmetic cases, and the like. In retail environments, the digital display systems can also be incorporated into entry doors, windows, drive-thru windows, teller windows, and any other location where there is traditionally glass and you want to focus consumer attention obstructing the customer's line of site.

Abstract: A method of opening a mine door leaf installed in a mine passageway having a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone. The method includes the steps of operating a variable-throw crank mechanism in a first configuration having a first crank length to apply a first force to the mine door leaf to move at a first speed, operating the variable-throw crank mechanism in a second configuration having a second crank length less than the first crank length to apply a second force greater than the first force to the mine door leaf to move at a second speed slower than the first speed, and using a resistance pressure associated with the high and low pressure zones in the mine passageway to convert the variable-throw crank mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A speed barrier includes a heavy lower barrier and a lighter upper gate. The barrier and gate may normally be positioned to allow or to restrict passing of vehicles. The barrier is configured to receive and survive the main impact of a vehicle attempting to ram through the speed barrier. The gate and barrier are coupled to allow an extension or a retraction of the gate and barrier in unison. The barrier and gate are supported by left and right columns, and an upper end of the gate is supported by the columns when the gate and barrier are extended.

Abstract: A gate hinge hinges a gate to a vertical post at an installation site where the post projects vertically in an upward direction from a surface having a first surface portion extending laterally of the post in an inward direction normal to the upward direction of the post and a second surface portion inclined rearwardly of the post upwardly at an angle of inclination, the gate hinge including a hinge axis, mounting members mounting the gate hinge relative to the post with the hinge axis skewed relative to the direction of the post such that the hinge axis passes through a first location adjacent the upper end of the post and a second location vertically below the first location and placed rearwardly and outwardly, with respect to the post, relative to the first location, a bracket mounting the gate to the hinge for swinging movement about the hinge axis between a closed position and an open position, the bracket having bracket arms for locating the gate relative to the hinge axis such that the gate, when in th

Abstract: A swinging gate apparatus is provided having a gate member which automatically opens by pressure applied to either side by an automobile or other vehicle. In opening, the gate member tilts upwardly so that the force of gravity causes it to close. The rate of opening and closing is controlled by the concertive action of spring means, motion dampening means, and a cam mechanism.

Abstract: First and second structures are hingedly connected by the engagement of a hinge pin (24) by a hinge knuckle (22). Knuckle (22) is rigidly mounted on the first structure. Pin (24) is attached to a carrier that is slidably mounted on the second structure. A spring, preferably a plurality of stacks of Belleville springs, is positioned between the carrier and the second structure. The slidable mount allows the two structures to move translationally relative to each other to prevent excessive hinge loads. The spring controls such movement and biases the hinge pin, and therefore the hinge axis, into a center position.

Abstract: A gate structure is provided whch is openable from a remote position and includes a pair of spaced apart supports on one of which is mounted a hinge arrangement having a pair of spaced apart hinged members which are movable relative to one another and in turn hingedly mount a gate on a support. Power means is provided and is operably connected to the hinge means to effect the relative movement of the hinge members whereby upon relative movement the gate is tilted and the free end thereof is raised so that the gate will open under the influence of gravity. The power means is selectively operated by motive means which is operably connected to actuator means by an energy transmitting member which is substantially immovable during the transmission of energy from the motive means to the actuator means. Latch means is provided which releasably retain the gate in its closed position and when the free end of the gate is raised the latch means will release the gate so that same can move to an open position.