Abstract: An upblast rain cap may have an inverted bottom cone joined to a top cap. The wall of the bottom cone is at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to a vertical axis. The joined cone and cap are held above a lower support coupler by a spar. The height of the bottom cone above the support coupler forms a side discharge area. The coupler attaches to the top of a vertical conveyance pipe through which exhaust air flows. A gutter is formed around the edge of the top cap. The gutter has a vertical opening that is aligned with the top of the spar. When rain falls, water flows over the top cap to the gutter, through the opening in the gutter, down the outside edge of the spar and down the outside of the support coupler.

Abstract: A lid lock structure for a saddle type vehicle that can achieve a reduction in the weight of a vehicle body cover while a lock member is attached to a vehicle body cover side. The lid lock structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a lock member capable of locking a lid in a closed state that is fixed to an upper inner cover and placed on upper frames below the upper inner cover.

Abstract: A safety gate apparatus (10) for a platform loading area with a guardrail (G) having an opening includes a frame positioned across the opening. A first gate (100) pivotally attaches to the frame for movement between a lowered position blocking access to the loading area, and a raised position to provide unobstructed access to the loading area. A second gate (200) moveably attaches to the frame for movement between a lowered position preventing access through guardrail opening and a raised position allowing access through the opening. Pulleys (28) attached to the frame are operatively connected between the gates so when the first gate is in its lowered position the second gate is in its raised position, and when the first gate is in its raised position the second gate is in its lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24).

Abstract: A two-stage linked sliding door of a machine tool is provided with a first door half and a second door half movable through different strokes. Pulleys are disposed individually at two opposite end portions of the second door half, and a wire is stretched between the pulleys. The opposite end portions of the wire are secured to the door frame or the first door half by two wire tensioning springs, individually, such that the opposite end portions face each other. These two springs are juxtaposed and offset with each other so that their respective central axes do not line on the same axis.

Abstract: A mine door system comprising at least one mine door leaf hinged at one side to a door frame defining an entry. The system includes an articulated door-moving mechanism that articulates between a first configuration in which the mechanism applies a relatively small door-moving force to the door leaf to move it at a first speed and a second configuration in which the mechanism applies a larger door-moving force to the door leaf to move it at a second speed less than the first speed. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lift assist system for cargo door ramps of trucks and trailers or other pivotal closures which includes a spring assembly containing a compressible spring element which is compressed when a cargo door is moved into an open position. As the compressible spring is compressed it stores up kinetic energy that is released to assist in lifting the cargo door is moved into a closed position.

Abstract: In a window regulator 10, when a pin bolt 42 provisionally attached to a pulley 22 and a pulley support 54 is fastened to a door panel 14 by a nut 52, the pulley 22 and the pulley support 54 are supported on the pin bolt 42 and attached to a predetermined position on the door panel 14. Here, in the above-described provisionally attached state, the pin bolt 42 is held in the pulley 22 by pin member holding claws 74 of the pulley 22, and the pulley 22 is held in the pulley support 54 by pulley holding claws 68 of the pulley support 54. Consequently, when the pin bolt 42 is to be fastened to a body panel, the pulley 22, the pulley support 54, and the pin bolt 42 can be handled as a single part. Thus, the work of attaching a pulley and a pulley support to a body panel of a vehicle can be facilitated.

Abstract: A door actuating system has a fractional horsepower motor mounted on the door adjacent its free edge, driving a clutch connected to a duplex capstan pulley that is wrapped by two tensioned flexible static lines, for opening/closing movement ‘along the line’. The motor also drives a gear that engages a rack projecting from the door frame, to displace the door relative to its frame. Rotation of the gear is read by a rotary encoder, which feeds a microprocessor, to continuously monitor the location, speed and direction of motion of the door, for both the ‘on’ and the ‘off’ condition of the electric motor. A latching clip over-rides action of the original door latch.

Abstract: A sliding door actuator having a small electric motor and cable system is added to a standard sliding glass door for a residence. As the motor may be controlled by a remote, an individual could simply press a button to open the door. This convenience would be especially helpful to older individuals and those having limited mobility. The sliding door actuator having a winch spool drivingly connected to the drive motor. A drive cable is spoolably connected to the winch spool. The drive cable is connected to a sliding door. A return spring is connected to the drive cable for biasing the sliding door. An exit sensor is electrically connected to the drive motor to selectively actuate the sliding door.

Abstract: A device for urging a door into a first position includes a spring apparatus (16) including a winding drum (22) having a conical outer peripheral surface (27) and a torsional spring (24) for imparting a relatively constant urging force to a cable 23 secured to the door in the direction of the first position.

Abstract: A device for automatically closing a closure installation (such as a window or a door) includes a drive device, a traction mechanism, a spring, an actuating device and a locking device. The closure installation is mounted in a frame supported by a building. The traction mechanism is located between the closure installation and the frame, and is driven by the drive device to close the closure installation. The spring is tensioned when the closure installation is placed in the open position, and supplies the energy to the drive device which is required to close the closure installation. The actuating device is used to initially place the closure installation in the open position. The actuating device tensions the spring when the closure installation is placed in the open position. The locking device is initially released to permit the closure installation to be placed in the open position.

Abstract: A truss roof and floor joist storage device which provides access to and creates convenient storage space for a large variety of typically stored items from boxes to sporting equipment to tools and seasonal items. The device includes a large shelf which rotates up between the trusses of a garage or up against the floor joists in a basement. It has an optional pulley to raise and lower the shelf and two latches for safety. It is aesthetically compatible in either finished (drywalled) or unfinished space.

Abstract: A foot-operated, window-raising device for a window having a sliding sash, with the window being positioned a predetermined distance from a support surface. The foot-operated, window-raising device includes at least one pulley mounted to a frame member adjacent to the window and a moveable platform. A cord is threaded through the pulley and a first end is attached to the sliding sash. The cord is secured to the platform such that movement of the platform in a first direction causes the cord to open the sliding sash. The cord has a predetermined length which positions the platform between the window and the support surface at a height which is accessible by a user's foot. By stepping on the moveable platform, the platform moves in a first direction causing the cord to open the sliding sash.

Abstract: A grain bin lid opener designed to selectively open and close the lid from ground level. A single cable originates from the ground level on one side of the grain bin, proceeds over the grain bin and through the top part of a galvanized pipe and then extends down the other side. The cable is secured at the top part of the galvanized pipe which is welded to the grain bin lid. To close the lid, the cable is looped over a closing lever arm, located near ground level, which is then lowered therefore closing the lid. To secure the lid the lever arm is locked in a bracket. To open the lid the lever arm is released from the bracket and the cable is pulled from the other side of the grain bin. The grain bin lid opener allows the lid to be actuated from the ground level, thus preventing possible injury to a worker who would otherwise have to climb a tall grain bin to open the lid.

Abstract: An electrically-controlled tailgate operator for moving a vehicle tailgate between a generally vertical raised position and a generally horizontal lowered position. The tailgate operator includes a ball nut linear actuator received in a housing mounted longitudinally along the side of a vehicle. The actuator includes a rotatable, horizontally-extending externally-threaded worm screw, an internally-threaded ball nut in threaded engagement with the worm screw for linear movement relative to the worm screw, and a sheave attached to the ball nut and around which a flexible cable is routed. A motor is coupled to the worm screw. The flexible cable is attached at one end to the vehicle tailgate, and at its other end to the housing. When the motor is activated to rotate the worm screw in a first direction around its axis, the ball nut moves linearly toward the tailgate and the cable extends outwardly toward the tailgate, thereby moving the tailgate to a generally horizontal lowered position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security device preventing unauthorized entry into a vehicle compartment includes a locking reel mounted in the compartment and a cable between the locking reel and compartment closure. The unwinding of the cable from the locking reel to release the compartment closure is remotely controlled. An emergency mounting release and release circuit are provided for respectively dismounting the locking reel and deactivating the security device and thus allowing access to the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: Actuator device for a pivotable closure member such as a window or a pivoting vehicle roof, comprises a crank articulated at one end on the closure member and whose other end is connected to a rotatable member secured to one end of a cable arranged to roll up on and unroll from at least a portion of said rotatable member. The other end of the cable is fixed to a motor, for example a linear actuator. The connection between the articulated crank and the rotatable member (3) is effected by a conical pinion (4) in mesh with a toothed sector (5) on the rotatable member (3). The axis of the conical pinion is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member (3). The motor means is mounted on a support (12) secured to the rotatable member (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a top bin lid from below such that, when in the fully opened position, the lid will not extend above the plane of the opening. The apparatus utilizes an elongated lever arm pivotally mounted on the pivot axis of the bin lid. A flexible linkage, such as a chain extends from below, over the lever arm and is connected to a gravity biased latch system which holds the lid in the closed position until the chain is pulled from below. After the latch is released, further drawing of the chain will pivot the lid and arm about their common pivot axis until the arm is obstructed from further movement by the bin. Continued pulling of the chain will draw the lid toward the lever arm against spring pressure until the lid has been pivoted approximately 180.degree. from its closed position.

Abstract: A raising and lowering mechanism including an electric powered winch having a cable connected to the cross bar of pivotal lever arms to raise and lower a pivotally hinged rigid cover. The winch cable is payed over a pulley system positioned at a height equal to or greater than the pivot points of the lever arms for providing a mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gate may be opened from a vehicle by pulling on a line attached to a counterbalance control mechanism. The counterbalance control mechanism comprises a cylinder having a damper-controlled flow of water arrangement which allows an enclosed quantity of water to shift when the gate is opened and to then slowly return past the damper to effect a subsequent gate closing. Water is also used within the gate support structure to provide an additional shifting of weight when the gate is opened or closed.

Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a spherical head. A housing member connected to the cable has an elongated slot formed in a lateral wall and receiving the spherical head of the pin. A ramp surface formed on the housing member at the end of the elongated slot furthest from the cable is engaged by the head of the pin. A spring clip mounted on the housing member has opposed spring arms which encircle the spherical head to retain the head of the pin in the elongated slot of the housing member to connect the motor driven drive element and the vehicle body closure. The spring arms yield in response to a predetermined level of forced imposed thereon by the spherical head of the pin so that the pin is ejected laterally through the opening to disconnect the drive element from the closure.

Abstract: A device for automatically opening and closing a door by turning the door through an angle of 90.degree. from an open to a closed position and vice versa.

Abstract: A window opener for a remote open-and-close operation of a quater window of an automobile or the like comprises an actuating device, a driving device and pull-cables as a power transmitting member so that freedom of cable-arrangement is widened and large cabin space is remained in an automobile. The actuating device has a pulley, a rotary shaft connected to the pulley, and a link mechanism for converting a rotational torque of the rotary shaft into an opening-and-closing force for a wing member of a window. The pull cables are connected with the pulley so that reciprocal pull-operation through the driving device causes reciprocal rotation of the pulley.

Abstract: A device for motorized opening and closing of pivotable body panels of motor vehicles, especially the rear trunk lid or rear hatch and/or the hood of automobiles, has a motor-actuated lever system engaging in an articulated manner, on the one hand, with the body panel, and on the other hand, with the body. The body end of the lever system is articulated at a slide block guided slidingly in a guide track. The slide block is operatively connected to a driver that is secured to a control cable. The ends of the control cable can be wound onto or off a common cable pulley actuated by an electric motor.

Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a head supported by a necked down stem. A cylindrical housing member has an opening in a lateral wall thereof which receives the pin. A slide member is attached to the drive cable and is reciprocably carried by the housing member. The slide member has an open ended slot smaller than the head of the pin and receiving the necked down stem. A spring acts between the housing member and the slide member to urge the members to relative positions in which the head of the pin is captured to effect a connection between the drive cable and the closure. The spring yields upon imposition of force to permit energy absorbing limited relative movement between the members and yields further to permit withdrawal of the open ended slot of the slide member beyond the head of the pin so that the pin is released from the housing member.

Abstract: A swinging gate is operated in one direction between open and closed positions by a winch and cable system driven by an electric motor which may be controlled remotely by radio, the winch and motor being carried on a support arm extending from a gatepost on one side of the gate. The gate is operated in the other direction by a falling weight connected to the gate by a cable extending around a pulley on a second support arm extending from the gatepost. The weight is raised when the gate is moved in the one direction by the winch and cable system and is held in raised position by the winch and cable while the gate remains in one of the open and closed positions. When the gate is to be moved in the other direction, the winch is released and the weight is allowed to fall. In a modification of the invention, the winch and cable system and weight are replaced by a reversible electrically operated linear actuator connected between the gate and a support arm extending from the gatepost.

Abstract: A releasable grip-lock device for flexible elongate connectors such as ropes are used, particularly, in the cattle industry. The device is especially applicable to guillotine-type doors which are raised, maintained in a raised position in rock condition, and subsequently dropped at rather precise times so as to retain cattle in enclosures. The accommodating structure includes the principal of jaws, one of which is spring-loaded, for the purpose of gripping the rope holding the door open, for example, or actuates as a feeder which serves as a detent to keep the jaws open so that a rope will slip therethrough when a door to which the rope is attached or to which the same cooperates is dropped at desired times. A control lever is incorporated for the purpose of requiring a positive situation to urge the jaws from locked to unlocked position.

Abstract: A shutter operating system for a shutter hinged along a horizontal axis of an opening such as a fenestration in a wall includes cables attached to the free end of the shutter which are threaded through passages in the wall above the fenestration and to a horizontal counterweight member operating multiple cable pull points evenly through use of vertical equalizer brackets and restraint roller assemblies, assisted in operation by a hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly, which opens and closes the shutter. The shutter operating system can also be operated manually without the assistance of the hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly.

Abstract: There is provided an assembly for opening and closing a closure lid of a grain bin or silo from a remote position, such as ground level. When a flexible cord or cable connected to the upper end of a lower lever is operatively pulled there is relative pivotal movement between this lower lever and an upper lever against the influence of a spring acting therebetween, with a latch arm the upper end of which is pivotally connected through an operating arm to the upper end of the upper lever being initially pivotted relative to the closure lid to move a latch member presented by the latch arm out of engagement with a fixed bracket member with resilient deformation of a relatively stiff but resiliently deformable strip connected between the closure lid and the operating arm. Thereafter, the closure lid is pivotally raised about a fixed pivot axis thereof. Releasing of the cord or cable results in the closure lid being urged under the influence of the spring pivotally to be lowered to its closed condition.

Abstract: Window controls for controlling large window units to permit the windows to be mechanically raised and lowered for ventilation purposes in a reliable, efficient, and low cost manner. The controls include means for automatically locking the window units against intrusion, when the windows are closed or partially open, and further the window controls are simplified by providing edge mounting frames for the glass only at the top and bottom edges of the glass. In some forms of the invention, where it is desired, the windows can carry automatically positionable screens for screening the vent openings.

Abstract: The filling lid for sealed silos has a base plate adapted to close an inlet in the silo roof, the base plate having an opening therethrough registering with the silo inlet. A filling hopper is provided on the base plate around the opening, the hopper being open at its top to receive the usual gooseneck of a silage blower. A closure plate is hingedly mounted on the underside of the base plate adapted in operative position to cover the opening in said base plate in an airtight manner. Linkage is provided for swinging the closure plate into operative position, including a bell crank lever pivoted on the side of the hopper having one arm disposed substantially vertically when the closure plate is normally hanging freely in inoperative position. The other arm of the bell crank lever extends downwardly and rearwardly and is pivotally connected to the upper end of a link extending downwardly through a slot in the base plate with its other end pivoted to the closure plate.