Abstract: A roof vent system includes an attic flange member for installing adjacent a roof sheathing inside an attic, a roof skirt coupled to the attic flange and installed on an exterior of a roof, and a roof transition duct having an exterior opening that permits the ingress and egress of air through the roof vent system. The roof transition duct is coupled to the roof skirt and defines an upper end of the roof vent system. A grill is positioned over the exterior opening.

Abstract: An exhaust vent cap assembly can be installed in a roof deck of a building to allow a one-time connection of the insulated duct to the roof from exhaust fans within the building.

Abstract: A braking device for a movable door leaf comprises an electric braking motor to damp movement of the door leaf; a motor shaft coupleable with an axis of rotation of the door leaf; and a control unit to control the electric braking motor. A generator provides power to the control unit. A continuously variable transmission unit between the axis of rotation of the door leaf and either the motor shaft of the electric braking motor or the separate generator is controlled by a mechanical control such that the motor shaft of the electric braking motor and/or the separate generator, can be driven at a rotational speed independent of the rotational speed of the rotational axle of the door leaf. Also included is a door closer, having a rotatable door closer axis, coupleable with a door leaf, cooperating with a mechanical energy storage device, and a correspondingly designed braking device.

Abstract: A window vent assist mechanism for use with a vent window operable in a closed position and in a vented position can include a first support configured to connect to a header of a window frame and a second support configured to connect to an upper rail of a window vent disposed in the window frame. The window vent assist mechanism also includes a biasing member disposed between the header of the window frame and the upper rail of the window vent and nearer to an inner side of the vent window and a center of gravity of the window vent. The biasing member is configured to exert a force to urge the window vent to move relative to the window frame to reduce an operating force required to move the window vent to the vented position.

Abstract: Sliding operator assemblies and associated fenestration units, systems, and methods of use and assembly are described. Some such sliding operator assemblies transition a first, linear actuation force along a first axis (e.g., vertical) to a second actuation force along a second axis (e.g., horizontal) to cause a drive mechanism to impart opening and closing forces, respectively, on the sash. Some designs relate to belt-, twisted ribbon-, or band-drive sliding operator assemblies.

Abstract: An integrated casement window operator and lock, including a gear mechanism and an arm assembly, the arm defining a rack portion and an adjacent arcuate gear portion, the arm mounted to the housing with a pinion gear engaged with the rack portion and the arcuate gear portion, the pinion gear defining a star-shaped aperture therethrough and a handle with a square-shaped shaft portion received in the star-shaped aperture of the gear. The handle is selectively rotatable to shift the arm between a window fully closed position and a window fully open position, wherein an anti-backdrive mechanism is provided to inhibit backdriving of the arm in both the window fully closed window fully open positions.

Abstract: A pump handle system includes a pump handle and a main shaft. The pump handle is operable to radially pivot from a starting position in a first pivot direction and back to the starting position in a second pivot direction opposite the first pivot direction. The main shaft is driven by the pump handle to rotate approximately a first half of a predetermined rotational distance in a first rotational direction a first time the pump handle is pivoted out from the starting position in the first pivot direction, and rotate approximately a second half of the predetermined rotational distance in the first rotational direction a first time the pump handle is pivoted back to the starting position in the second pivot direction. The main shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction a second time the pump handle is pivoted in the two-movement push-pull motion.

Abstract: A device for controlling a door operated by a motor includes an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the door, and a gear mechanism that includes a plurality of tooth units each of which has different mesh and that conveys a torque of the motor to the opening/closing mechanism. The tooth units include a low-torque tooth unit that convey a relatively low torque, and a high-torque-tooth unit that conveys a relatively high torque. The torque conveyed to the opening/closing mechanism is changed by selecting a tooth unit based on a position of the door at the time of starting an opening or closing operation of the door.

Abstract: The force from a drive rod driven by an electric motor is transmitted via a link arm pivotally linked to the drive rod and a back door. When the back door is operated in an open direction, the link arm is supported by an open-side support slider and the acting direction of the force applied to the link arm by the drive rod is shifted to the opening direction of the back door. When the back door is operated in a closing direction, the link arm is supported by a closed-side support slider and a closed-side support roller and the acting direction of the force applied to the link arm by the drive rod is shifted to the closing-direction of the back door. The open-side and closed-side support sliders are pressed against the link arm by leaf spring members so that the link arm is prevented from oscillating between the sliders.

Abstract: A vent assembly has a base and a cover connected to the base. The cover moves between a closed and open position. A fan is optionally mounted for rotation in the base. A mechanism, including a strut system, raises and lowers the cover. The strut system is connected with the cover at two positions spaced from one another. When the cover is in its closed position, a retention force is provided by the strut system and is distributed about the cover.

Abstract: A drive system for a moveable wing, especially for a door or a window, is described. The drive system includes at least one energy storage device by whose discharge of energy the wing is moved. The energy storage device is hereby controllable in its energy discharge by means of a control system. The control system has an electrically controllable control element. The motion of the wing is directly or indirectly detected by a sensor, whose output signal is fed into a regulating device, which controls the control element. The regulating device is realized in a way, that the influence of the control element, dependent on the motion of the wing, can change the energy discharge of the energy storage device.

Abstract: A mechanical arm system for opening a door includes an actuator assembly having an output shaft and an arm driven by the output shaft so as to move the door from a closed position toward an open position. The arm is free from contact with the door when the door moves from the open position to the closed position. The actuator assembly is mounted to a support member adjacent the door. The arm extends between the output shaft and the door. The arm may be moveable between a position in which the arm contacts the door in the open position and a retracted position in which the arm is free from contact with the door in the closed position. The arm may be moved to the retracted position before the door reaches the open position so as to abort the opening of the door.

Abstract: A venting arrangement that includes a lid pivotally attached to a frame. An operating mechanism moves the lid between an open and closed position and attaches to a guide associated with the lid. The lid may be formed as a single, integral piece, including a portion for attaching the lid to the frame and the guide. The operating mechanism may include a engagement portion that attaches to the guide that is designed with geometry that creates a surface area contact between the mechanism and guide. The engagement portion may include a surface that engages one or more surfaces on the guide, which extend substantially parallel to the engagement portion surface. The arrangement may also include a feature that resists movement of the lid from a set position or that limits the travel of the mechanism at specific points along the mechanism's operational range.

Abstract: A door is pivotally secured to the back of a vehicle to open and close with a hinge shaft. A door opening device comprises a connecting rod including an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the connecting rod is pivotally mounted to the door. The door opening device further comprises a guide member having a guide slit, a rack bar which slides up and down in the guide slit and a driving unit for opening and closing the door via the connecting rod. The lower end of the connecting rod is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the rack bar.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use with a window operator has a housing with an operator slot and a bore through which is threaded an adjustable bearing. The bearing contains a smooth end with two walls of differing diameter that form shoulders. The shoulders fit substantially against an inner and outer surface of the slot to rotatably position and secure an operator arm therein.

Abstract: A power tailgate apparatus of the present invention includes: a curved arm of which one end side is connected to a tailgate; a rod of which one end side is connected to another end side of the curved arm; a rectilinearly moving rack connected to another end side of the rod; a driving power source arranged at a position adjacent to the rectilinearly moving rack; a driving force transfer part which transfers a driving power of the driving power source to the rectilinearly moving rack; and a guide having a curve that is concentric with the curved arm, which guides the curved arm along the curve.

Abstract: A door driving unit includes a driving mechanism rotatable in a reciprocating manner within a predetermined operational angle range, a body portion fixed to a vehicle body, a first member driven by the driving mechanism, and a second member driven by the first member by being in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are supported by a common shaft. The door driving unit further includes an engaging mechanism for engaging the first member and the second member with each other so that the first member and the second member rotate as a unit with each other within a first predetermined angle range when the first member drives to rotate the second member.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: A servo drive for activating a tailgate of a motor vehicle has a drive, a sun wheel driven by the drive and rotatably mounted on a first axle, and a planetary wheel rotatably mounted on a second axle. The sun wheel engages with the planetary wheel. The first and second axles have ends, are movably arranged at their ends facing away from the drive in a common web, and are spaced apart from one another by a constant distance. The planetary wheel engages in a ring gear segment which is fixedly connected to a bodywork, and an end of the web, which faces the ring gear segment, is movably connected to a connecting rod through a third axle. An end of the connecting rod facing away from the third axle is movably connected, via a fourth axle, to an output element which is connected by an end facing away from the fourth axle to the tailgate.

Abstract: An electronic position sensor for use with a power operated vehicle accessory, such as a power liftgate. The position sensor includes an elongated resistive circuit that is mounted such that it is stationary and extends along the path of a track portion of the power operated accessory. The position sensor further includes a contact nub mounted to a link member that moves within the track portion such that the contact nub is slidingly biased against the elongated circuit. As the link member moves under the force of a motor-driven output gear, the contact nub slides along the surface of the resistive circuit, thereby affecting the overall resistance of the circuit. The position sensor uses the overall resistance to provide an electronic position signal to an ECU, wherein the signal is indicative of the absolute position of the power operated accessory.

Abstract: An operating mechanism of a casement window includes a handle for rotating a worm shaft, which in turn rotates an inner gear, an annular gear and a crank arm to open a window. The crank arm is mounted on spaced apart pins on a flange or extension of the outer gear, so that the arm can be reversed on the pins to change the direction of window opening.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: An actuator for gates, doors and the like, with at least one wing. The actuating motor (14) and the associated motor reduction unit (15) are housed inside as half-arm (2) which turns on a fixed support (9) in an oscillating way about a substantially vertical swinging axis (10). Advantageously, the electric motor (14) operates a maneuvering worm screw (12) which is carried by said half-arm (2) and engages a corresponding helical gear (13) coaxial with the swinging axis (10) and is fastened to the fixed support of the half-arm (2) by a torque-limiting device which prevents excessive stresses on the actuator as a result of external forces and also makes it possible to release the helical gear for manual emergency actuation of the wing.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengageable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: A rear gate is constructed to be opened and closed by a driving unit installed on a vehicle body side, and the driving unit is constructed to have a motor which can rotate both in normal and reverse directions, a gearbox to which a pinion is pivotally attached for reducing the rotating speed of the motor for output, and a rack adapted to reciprocate in directions normal to an axial direction of a hinge shaft by virtue of the rotation of the pinion and connected to the rear gate at one end thereof. An electromagnetic clutch for connecting and disconnecting a power transmission path between an output shaft of the motor and the pinion is provided in the interior of the gearbox, so that the rack is disposed above or below the gearbox at a position directly above or below the clutch.

Abstract: For pivotally connecting an upper end of a rack bar and a lower end of a connecting rod, there is employed a joint/slider unit which is slid in and along a guide slot of a rail member. The unit comprises a bolt member passing through the guide slot and including first and second sections which are respectively projected into one and the other sides with respect to the rail member. The first section is held by the upper end of the rack bar and the second section is pivotally held by the lower end of the connecting rod. A first slider is disposed on the first section of the bolt member and slidably contacts one surface of the rail member. A second slider is disposed on the second section of the bolt member and slidably contacts the other surface of the rail member. A universal joint structure is disposed between the second slider and lower end of the connecting rod to permit a pivoting of the connecting rod relative to the bolt member in universal directions.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. Also a method for manufacturing the operator includes the steps of passing the worm shaft through the hole with the worm shoulder engaging the internal shoulder and the worm disposed against the first support surface, fitting the arm to the central post, the arm in drivable engagement with the worm, placing the base and the cover together with the worm disposed between the first and second support surfaces and the central post.

Abstract: An electronic position sensor for use with a power operated vehicle accessory, such as a power liftgate. The position sensor includes an elongated resistive circuit that is mounted such that it is stationary and extends along the path of a track portion of the power operated accessory. The position sensor further includes a contact nub mounted to a link member that moves within the track portion such that the contact nub is slidingly biased against the elongated circuit. As the link member moves under the force of a motor-driven output gear, the contact nub slides along the surface of the resistive circuit, thereby affecting the overall resistance of the circuit. The position sensor uses the overall resistance to provide an electronic position signal to an ECU, wherein the signal is indicative of the absolute position of the power operated accessory.

Abstract: A window opening and closing assembly capable of controlling an opening angle of the window effectively is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base with a groove along a longitudinal direction thereof, a slider inserted in the groove, an arm rotatably mounted on the base, a handle rotatably placed at a portion of the base and having a worm gear at an end thereof, a worm wheel meshing with the worm gear, and a switch for controlling the location of the slider. Wherein the slider has an angled side inwardly angled at a side of the first sliding portion thereof and the arm has a straight side for restricting a rotation angle thereof. Thus, an opening angle of a window can be controlled by an operation of the straight side and angled side.

Abstract: A vehicle door open-close device which makes it possible to achieve a reduction in numbers of parts and also make the deflection width size of a member 5 small, to thereby allow an effective use of a vehicle compartment to be aimed at, is produced, comprising a driving mechanism positioned inwardly from a door opening, an operation transfer mechanism to connect this driving mechanism and the vehicle door, the operation transfer mechanism being equipped with a slider member reciprocatingly and linearly moving by the aid of the driving means, and a link member connecting this slider member and the vehicle door, wherein the link member is rotatably connected to the slider member and the vehicle door, and the link member includes a straight portion and a curved portion outwardly and protrudingly curved away from a center of rotation of the vehicle door, and a straight portion 5b formed in substantially straight line in a connection part 8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door opening/closing device installed in a door of a building to be opened/closed about a hinge fixed at one side of the door. The opening/closing device controls the door to be manually opened and closed with an automatic returning device. When the door is opened by a rotating power adjusting device of the door, an oil pusher-plate in a rotary member pushes oil in an oil reservoir so that rotation speed of oil is adjusted by the pressure of oil passing through an oil passage hole, the end of the oil pusher plate and the inside wall of the oil reservoir. The door is opened in a joggling manner but slowly closed as rotating speed of the door gradually decreases, thereby solving problems such as injury occurring at the time of closing the door. A door fixing unit securely fixes the door when the door is closed or opened so as to prevent a gap between the door and a door frame when the door is closed and securely fix the door without movement when the door is opened.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a door frame having a horizontal header along the top thereof. A firestop extends downwardly from the header, the firestop has a plurality of sides defining a channel therein. The firestop has an at least partially open side to allow the channel to be open and receive a closer assembly. The is rotatably mounted within the door frame. A door closer assembly is coupled to the door. The door closer assembly has a biasing assembly and an arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably coupled to the biasing assembly and is slidably coupled to the channel.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. The operator also includes a cover secured to the base and having a second support surface with a hole therethrough defining an internal shoulder, the second support surface mating with the first support surface. A post extends from the cover and through the aperture in the base when the operator is assembled. An arm is pivotally secured to the post and attachable to the sash to control the movement of the sash between open and closed positions. A worm drivably engages the arm and has a worm shaft and a worm shoulder disposed on the worm shaft.

Abstract: A window opening and closing assembly capable of controlling an opening angle of the window effectively is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base with a groove along a longitudinal direction thereof, a slider inserted in the groove, an arm rotatably mounted on the base, a handle rotatably placed at a portion of the base and having a worm gear at an end thereof, a worm wheel meshing with the worm gear, and a switch for controlling the location of the slider. Wherein the slider has an angled side inwardly angled at a side of the first sliding portion thereof and the arm has a straight side for restricting a rotation angle thereof. Thus, an opening angle of a window can be controlled by an operation of the straight side and angled side.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. The operator also includes a cover secured to the base and having a second support surface with a hole therethrough defining an internal shoulder, the second support surface mating with the first support surface. A post extends from the cover and through the aperture in the base when the operator is assembled. An arm is pivotally secured to the post and attachable to the sash to control the movement of the sash between open and closed positions. A worm drivably engages the arm and has a worm shaft and a worm shoulder disposed on the worm shaft.

Abstract: A power tailgate assembly for mounting to the aft end of a vehicle, particularly a pickup truck or SUV, is disclosed. The power tailgate assembly of the present invention is capable of pivotally moving a tailgate between open and closed positions and generally comprises a tailgate, a control arm, and a motor. The tailgate is typically a flat panel piece hingedly attached to the aft end of the vehicle, as is commonly known in the art, and includes an elongated channel formed on one of the side ends of the tailgate. The control aim is a rigid elongated member pivotally connected to the vehicle which acts as a mechanical link between the motor and the tailgate and includes a sliding component located at one end and gear teeth located at the other end. The sliding component is designed to fit within the elongated channel of the tailgate, thereby creating a sliding connection between the control arm and the tailgate.

Abstract: A kinetic conversion mechanism includes a driving pulley pivotally connected to one end portion of a board which is pointed in the direction of substantially crossing the hinge shaft of a door, coupled to the output shaft of a motor and capable of forward and reverse rotation; a driven pulley pivotally connected to the other end of the board; and an endless belt wound on the driving pulley and the driven pulley, the belt being coupled to a part of the belt as the output portion thereof. The kinetic conversion mechanism and the motor are arranged in the shape of substantial L-letter by coupling the motor to one end portion of the kinetic conversion mechanism at substantially right angles. A transmission member is made bendable and also pivotal within a plane substantially perpendicular to a hinge shaft. One end of a coupling member is pivotally connected to an open-close structure, whereas the other end thereof is pivotally connected to the transmission member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotational tilt-armature for a window, a door or the like comprising a transmission (32), groove bands and locks (74, 92). The rotational tilt armature has a rotational armature (22) and a tilt armature (24) and the transmission is formed of two parts and comprises a drive (18) for the rotational armature (22) and a drive (20) for the tilt armature (24). The rotational armature (22) and the tilt armature (24) can be driven one after the other.

Abstract: A power-operated tailgate has a bottom end that is pivotally attached to a vehicle by a hinge so that the tailgate pivots about a hinge axis between a raised position and a lowered position. A rotor is mounted on the vehicle for rotation about a rotor axis between a first position and a second position. A link is pivotally attached to the rotor and to the tailgate so that the tailgate is raised and lowered when the rotor is rotated back and forth between the first and second positions by a motor. The link cooperates with an over center stop on the vehicle when the tailgate is in the raised position and with a second stop on the vehicle when the tailgate is in the lowered position.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable window hinge suitable for casement and awning windows, the window hinge having a longitudinally extending track securable to a window frame, a shoe slidable along the track, a sash arm having one end pivotably connected to the shoe and the other end connected to the window, a support frame having a first end pivotably connected to the sash arm and a second end pivotably connected to the track, the second end being pivotably connected to the track by a rack and pinion arrangement such that rotational movement of the pinion will result in a longitudinal displacement of the stud along the longitudinally extending track.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame, including a base attachable to a frame; a linkage secured to the base and attachable to a window sash to control the movement of the window sash relative to a frame; a rotatable input shaft rotatably secured to the base and driveably engaging the arm, the input shaft having a female drive region formed therein; a drive member; a transmission shaft secured on one end to the drive member and having a male drive region disposable within and mateable with the input shaft female drive region to transfer rotation of the transmission shaft to the input shaft; and means for locking the transmission shaft to one of the base and the input shaft to hold the male drive region in mateable engagement with the female drive region.

Abstract: A window opening and closing assembly formed of molded plastic components which includes first and second housing members suitably secured together with a rack slidably mounted in the housing, the rack being moveable between first and second positions which correspond to fully open and fully closed positions for the window, the rack having a tongue extending exteriorly of the housing and designed to engage window rollers, a pinon operatively engaged with the slidable rack, and a handle having a shaft connected to the pinion whereby rotatable movement of the shaft will cause the pinion to move the rack within the housing. There are preferably provided locking members means for locking the handle in at least filly open and fully closed positions. The assembly is easily manufactured and assembled.

Abstract: A rotary window operator to effect opening and closing of a window. A rotatable handle (14) is mounted on a housing (10) from which a link member (16) projects. The handle (14) is pivotally coupled to a cage (29) in which a bush (30) is slidingly engaged. A cam surface (25) of handle (14) forces teeth on bush (30) to engage with teeth of cage (29) when the handle (14) is pivoted from a non-use position to an in-use position. A drive shaft coupled to the bush (30) has a gear which meshes with gear wheel (18) of link member whereby rotation of the handle (14), when in the in-use position, imparts movement in link member (16).

Abstract: A casement and awning window operator consisting of four parts, a top cover, a base, a worm gear receivable in a pocket on the base and top and a geared actuating arm engaging the worm gear having an integral arm extending out of the operator. The cover is secured to the base by an adhesive applied to matching surfaces of the cover and base trapping the worm gear therein. The cover and base are made from two plastic halves in a generally horizontal parting plane thus presenting a large adhesive contact area in a plane putting the contact surfaces in shear and allowing insertion of the gear and arm prior to assembly. The cover and base may have molded parts providing a spring-like effect to control the friction of the operator to prevent it from rotating out of a set position.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. The operator also includes a cover secured to the base and having a second support surface with a hole therethrough defining an internal shoulder, the second support surface mating with the first support surface. A post extends from the cover and through the aperture in the base when the operator is assembled. An arm is pivotally secured to the post and attachable to the sash to control the movement of the sash between open and closed positions. A worm driveably engages the arm and has a worm shaft and a worm shoulder disposed on the worm shaft.

Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, antibuckling plates generally spanning between a hub and rim define a hollow cavity. In another embodiment of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a specifically configured sets of nodules moving the hub and rim. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate attachment constructions. In still another embodiment of the present invention, a uniquely sized and packaged gear, gear housing and/or motor are employed in order to maximize output force per pound of material efficiencies.

Abstract: A window operator mechanism 10 includes a worm gear 22 which is generally parallel to the window when closed. A drive gear 24 is generally transverse and is at 45.degree. angle to the horizon. The operator 10 includes a housing 11 which is designed for drop-in assembly and includes 3 open gear receiving receptacles 15, 16 and 17.

Abstract: An operator for controlling pivoting of a window sash relative to a window frame including dual arms which pivot relative to one another to move the window sash. A drive input pivotally drives a drive member which is eccentric about its pivot axis, where the drive input includes recesses spaced from the input pivot axis and engageable by a user's fingers to manual pivot the drive input. A drive ring gear is pivotable relative to the drive member and includes two axially spaced sets of gear teeth. The dual arms are secured to separate ring gears which are respectively associated with the two gear teeth sets. The drive ring gear is moved eccentrically relative to the pivot axis by the eccentric drive member whereby at least some of the teeth of the first set of drive ring gear teeth are disengaged from the teeth of its associated arm ring gear and at least some of the teeth of the second set of drive ring gear teeth are disengaged from the teeth of its associated arm ring gear.

Abstract: An operator assembly for a casement window that includes a frame and a pane carrying sash. The operator assembly is mounted to the frame and an elongated arm connects the operator assembly and the sash. Movement of the arm moves the sash relative to the frame for opening and closing the window. The operator arm includes a pivotally mounted and linerally moveable handle which is moveable between a first and second position. A ratchet-type gearing system is provided to connect the handle and operator arm and to effect movement of the operator arm in response to movement of the handle. A selector associated with the handle and gearing system is provided to effect and control the direction of sash movement in response to the movements by the handle. A locking system is provided to engage the gearing system to prevent movement of the gearing system due to loads on the sash that are transmitted to the gearing system through the sash and operator arm.

Abstract: A foot operated double acting lever for rotating a lid hinged to a base from a first position to a second position such as lifting the seat of a toilet bowl without touching the seat with the hands wherein the lid (or seat) is locked in the second position when the pedal is not depressed thereby maintaining the seat in its second position and is unlocked by depressing the pedal a second time and allowing the lid to rotate back to its first position at a speed that is under control of the foot on the pedal. The device includes a rotating housing coupled to one end of the lever (opposite the end with the pedal) that is coupled to a drive gear that turns a hinge gear mounted to rotate on the same axis as the lid. In order that the lid be locked in the second position, a lock catch engages the drive gear and a fixed slot thereby locking the drive gear.