Abstract: A hood prop attaches to right and left side hoods and engages a receptacle plate attached to a fire wall. The hood prop includes a mounting plate attached to hood latch fasteners at a bottom rear position of each side hood. A mounting plate end of a prop arm is pivotally attached by a friction fit. The friction fit allows the arm to pivot on the rod but retain a position to reduce or eliminate any rattles. The arm includes at least one bend to align a firewall end of the prop arm with a receptacle reaching out from the receptacle plate.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses and related methods involving a screening apparatus and assembly. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of panels, a frame and, for each panel, a locking mechanism coupled to the frame and a mechanical actuator connected to the panel and the frame. The locking mechanism locks the panel in place when engaged with the panel, and may do so at a different angle of rotation, relative to the other panels. The mechanical actuator positions the panel relative to the frame and offset from the other panels, and facilitates rotation of the panel about an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the frame, in response to the panel being disengaged from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo lid assembly includes a reversible vehicle cargo lid, a plunger movably mounted to the cargo lid for movement between an extended position for latching the vehicle cargo lid in a closed position and a retracted position for unlatching the vehicle cargo lid, a first handle mounted on a first side of the cargo lid and a second handle mounted on a second, opposite side of the cargo lid. The first and second handles are arranged so that rotation of either handle moves the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position. At least one of the first handle and the second handle includes at least one tab laterally offset from a center line of the plunger that engages and moves the plunger when said at least one of the first side handle and the second side handle is rotated.

Abstract: A foot-operated sanitary door opener for a door supported in a door frame for swinging movement between open and closed conditions. A foot pedal is attached to the door frame. A strike pad is disposed in a pocket of the stop strip portion of the door frame. When depressed, the foot pedal imparts movement to the strike pad, which in turn thrusts open the door. In one embodiment, the foot pedal is guided for linear movement between its home and actuated conditions. In one embodiment, a retrofit mounting bracket enables a flush fit installation with respect to the swing side of the door frame. Various linkage arrangements are proposed to achieve pivotal, linear and other motions of the strike pad.

Abstract: A door assembly for protecting structural enclosures with an opening with a frame assembly mounted to and surrounding the opening. The enclosures are typically storm shelters. A door panel is hingedly mounted to the frame assembly along a longitudinal hinge axis. Outer and inner lever assemblies are pivotally mounted to fixed reference axes outside of the frame assembly. Force multipliers provide the torque necessary to move the door panel between two extreme positions. The lever assemblies used to create the pertinent moments of force are telescopic, having the longest dimensions that the space permits. Users can readily open and close the heavy hingedly mounted door assemblies. To further facilitate the smooth opening and closing of the door panel, gas spring assemblies and/or coil springs can be utilized.

Abstract: A frame includes a seat attached to a lower beam, and an anchor attached to an upper beam and having a pivotal catch tongue, a tubular member has a lower portion detachably engaged with the seat and having an upper latch shaft for engaging with the catch tongue and for detachably locking the latch shaft and the tubular member to the anchor, a follower is slidably attached to the tubular member for disengaging the catch tongue from the latch shaft, a lock device is secured to the tubular member and includes an actuating shank having a rocker arm for moving the follower to disengage the catch tongue from the latch shaft, and for preventing the tubular member from being disengaged from the anchor by unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a hatch door. One embodiment includes a vertical launcher system that has a hatch door disposed in a plane at the top of a hold. The hatch door includes a leading edge and a trailing edge at opposite ends of the hatch door. When an actuator arm for maneuvering the hatch door is extended, the leading edge is lifted away from the plane by the actuator arm while the trailing edge remains in the plane and slides across the top of the plane toward the point where the leading edge was first lifted away. Such a sliding hatch mechanism allows for quick opening and closing of a hatch door while providing more efficient use of mechanical energy for breaking ice build up or prevent intrusion.

Abstract: A vehicle door switch actuation system is provided. The system includes an exterior handle mechanically coupled with a rotatable shaft. The shaft is mechanically coupled with a door latch. Rotation of the exterior handle to an open door position moves the door latch to release a vehicle door. A first arm and a second arm are mounted to the shaft. The first arm engages a close switch in response to rotation of the exterior handle to a close door position. The second arm engages an open switch in response to rotation of the exterior handle to the open door position.

Abstract: A door module for a sliding door of a vehicle is disclosed. The door module includes two closing modules. When in a first installation position, the first closing module does not protrude beyond a first outer edge of the door module. When in a first functional position, the first closing module protrudes beyond the first outer edge of the door module. While the second closing module is in a second installation position, it does not protrude beyond a second outer edge of the door module; however, when in a second functional position, the second closing module protrudes beyond the second outer edge of the door module and the first and second outer edges are spatially separated from each other. Finally, at least an actuating rod, comprised of plastic, transmits an actuating force from the first closing module to the second closing module.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a flap of a piece of furniture includes a spring loaded actuating arm and a mechanical locking connection provided at each end of the actuating arm. The mechanical locking connections connect the arm in a detachable manner to a body of the piece of furniture and to the flap of the piece of furniture. By this arrangement the actuating arm can be hinged in a simple manner to the base body and removed again if necessary.

Abstract: A cover secured to an opening in a tank may be safely removed by controlling a flow of material stored within the tank through the opening. A remotely controlled actuator is carried by a frame and attached near the opening. An arm connected to the actuator engages the cover for providing sufficient force against the cover for preventing the cover from being dislodged so that the cover may be unsecured. The actuator is then remotely controlled for safely moving the cover from a closed position to an open position for controlling a flow of material from the tank. A guide may be employed for guiding the cover longitudinally outward from the opening along the arm.

Abstract: An automated garage door opener for opening an outwardly swinging door pivotally mounted about a vertical axis. The garage door opener includes a track, a trolley slidably mounted on the track, and at least one push bar having a first end and a second end. The push bar pivotally couples with the trolley at the first end and with the outwardly swinging door at the second end. A trolley coupling is provided for pivotally connecting the first end of the at least one push bar with the trolley. A door coupling for pivotally connecting the second end of the least one push bar with the outwardly swinging door is also provided. The door coupling is mountable on the outwardly swinging door. The push bar includes a spring biased slip joint for automatically adjusting the length of the push bar as the door opener is operated.

Abstract: An article handler having an article storage area and an article dispensing opening at a top portion thereof, with a hinged lid mounted so as to have at least a predetermined range of arcuate movement thereover. The lid has a lifting portion thereon adapted for engagement with a lid opening/closing mechanism, and a lid opening/closing mechanism mounted adjacent the cooled article storage area.

Abstract: A securing device for a window includes a fixed support, a slide rod pivoted to the window and displaceably passed through a transverse hole of the fixed support, and a knob screwed into an axial screw hole of the fixed support for securing the slide rod after the window is moved to an intended position; a pair of curved pads is used for protecting the slide rod from scratching of the fixed support; each pad has a curved main body with convex and concave sides, an engaging protrusion on the convex side, and several ribs formed around and connected to the engaging protrusion; the pads are respectively positioned in the axial hole, and the fitting cavity with the concave sides facing each other, and with the ribs being pressed against inner sides of the fixed support for preventing the pads from falling off.

Abstract: With the advent of this new and unique spring-loaded slot door latching bar the individuals involved in the operation of removing the contents of the moneyboxes and the like will have at their disposal a device that by inserting and pushing down on the bar handgrip, the latching mechanism will be set and then, by turning the three separate keys the latches will be relocated in place holding the door mechanism. This rapid and safe operation will easily speed up the operation and eliminate a lot of skinned knuckles.

Abstract: A building escape system, method and apparatus employs a door as both the egress opening from the building, and as the structural member to support the escapee during descent.

Abstract: An awning-type insulated glazing assembly includes an insulated glazing having a first glazing pane and a second glazing pane mounted parallel to and spaced from the first glazing pane. The first glazing pane has a marginal portion extending beyond the second glazing pane in at least a first direction in a plane of the first glazing pane. A mounting hinge defines a hinge axis and is secured to the insulated glazing for hingedly mounting the insulated glazing for awning-type movement about the hinge axis. A window regulator is secured to the insulated glazing for controlling the awning-type movement of the insulated glazing about the hinge axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balance load actuator for effecting motion between a first part and a second part. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a main housing; a shaft; a motion transfer assembly; and a load balancing assembly. The balance load actuator receives substantial external loads through a load balance assembly and distributes the loads to the main housing, thus relieving undue stress otherwise exerted on the shaft and enabling lighter and smaller design components and construct.

Abstract: An awning-type insulated glazing assembly includes an insulated glazing having a first glazing pane and a second glazing pane mounted parallel to and spaced from the first glazing pane. The first glazing pane has a marginal portion extending beyond the second glazing pane in at least a first direction in a plane of the first glazing pane. A mounting hinge defines a hinge axis and is secured to the insulated glazing for hingedly mounting the insulated glazing for awning-type movement about the hinge axis. A window regulator is secured to the insulated glazing for controlling the awning-type movement of the insulated glazing about the hinge axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a vacuum chamber having a plurality of long cylinders for linearly moving first piston rods. The first piston rods connect with a frame elevator. The frame elevator has a second piston rod and guide stems parallel to the first piston rods. A lever, a transmitting rod and a connecting rod are synchronously moved, when the second piston rod is moved parallel to the guide stems by a short stroke cylinder. The transmitting rod is pivoted with a middle of the connecting rod. Direction-changing mechanisms are pivoted at the two ends of the connecting rod for horizontally moving a door to seal the vacuum chamber. The moving direction of the door pushed by the direction-changing mechanisms is perpendicular to the moving direction of the second piston rod so that the apparatus has a thin configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a door remotely includes a remote radio control, electrically operated strike plate, and a door opening assembly attached to the door. A double acting piston is attached to a fixture on the floor. An actuator rod coupling assembly allows the door to move freely in a normal manner when the apparatus is deactivated. The coupling assembly has a detent which will release the piston rod in case of a sudden excessive force on the door that would otherwise damage the apparatus. The piston is a double acting piston that includes pressure switches to deactivate the pump when the pressure exceeds a threshold to prevent damage to the assembly. The mechanism can use potable water as the hydraulic fluid to eliminate contamination and fire hazards. The electrical system uses 12 volt DC operating voltages to eliminate electric shock.

Abstract: A tabletop high relocateable shelter for protecting individuals from dangerous conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes and the like, that can withstand winds of approximately 450 mph. The shelter can be attached and detached from a concrete foundation. A rectangular frame that is formed from L-shaped longitudinal members are fastened together and can be anchored to the concrete foundation by hook ended anchor bolts that have exposed threaded ends that nuts can attach thereto, or by concrete type bolts made for that purpose. Removable panels can be attached to the outside of the frame to form walls and a roof using fasteners such as screws and bolts. A door can be attached to an opening in the side of the frame, and include L-shaped members that form door braces and hinge guards that allow the door to stay in a stationary closed position. Slideable latching members can further hold the door in a locked position.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement for opening and closing a hinged motor vehicle panel has a fluid drive, a control unit, and a sensor unit. The hinged motor vehicle panel is movable between a starting position and an end position, and the control unit evaluates start signals from the sensor unit and stopping the movement of the motor vehicle panel in an intermediate position. The start signals from the sensor unit correspond to current angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel, and predetermined angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel define certain criteria. It is possible to set at least the angle of opening of the intermediate position via the control unit.

Abstract: In a serving window having a pair of center-opening swinging window members of the type illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,639, a crank pin, extending downwardly from the crank arm of each window member, extends into a channel carried by an elongated bar extending between the crank pins. The bar is pivoted asymmetrically and is rocked about its pivot point by an operator shaft positioned substantially midway between the window members. A link is pivoted at one end to the operator shaft and at its other end, to the bar adjacent one end thereof.

Abstract: A vertically movable cantilevering type gate is disclosed. All that is required is an elongated cylinder mounted vertically and a piston rod slidably mounted therein. The piston rod is mounted for vertical movement in the cylinder and suitable laterally spaced vertically movable guides are provided to maintain the gate in alignment with the gate opening. Preferably a channel shaped cap bar is positoned to overlie a trough into which interconnected link members are adapted to fold. The link members support laterally extending mesh type closure members which close the gate opening when the gate is elevated. The gate is controlled by a water pressure operated system. The valves controlling the flow of pressurized water to actuate the gate are controlled electrically. In one desirable construction when no electric power is applied, the valves direct water under pressure to urge the piston rod upwardly in the cylinder to maintain the gate in the obstructing or closed position.

Abstract: A door control device is disclosed, which comprises a full closing lock device mounted to the door and latchingly restraining the door to the vehicle body when the door is pivoted to its fully closed position; a lock cancelling operation switch mounted on the door at a position to be manipulatable from the outside of the vehicle body; a full closing lock cancelling device mounted on the door and cancelling a locked condition of the full closing lock device upon operation of the lock cancelling operation switch; a door driving device arranged between the door and the vehicle body, the door driving device driving the door to a predetermined half-open position upon cancellation of the locked condition of the full closing lock device; a half opening lock device mounted on the door and latchingly restraining the door to the vehicle body when the door is pivoted to the half-open position; and a half opening lock cancelling device mounted on the door for cancelling a locked condition of the half opening lock device.

Abstract: A rapid deployment surveillance vehicle is disclosed for detecting illegal immigration across national borders and the like. An off-the-road vehicle (V) is equipped with a rapid mast erection/retraction assembly (A) which includes a carriage mechanism (24) which carries a telescoping mast (12). A track mechanism (20) slidably carries the carriage mechanism (24) by means of a fixed support (22) and pivoting support arms (26). Ram air cylinders (52, 54, 56) move the carriage mechanism in translational and rotational movement as guided on the track mechanism in a manner that the mast (12) is moved from a stowed horizontal position to an erect vertical position. During erection of mast (12), a longitudinal roof opening (10) is opened by means of a main door (14) and displacement door (16) in an automatic manner. Once erect, a leveling system (B) checks to ensure that the vehicle is within one degree of level.

Abstract: In a formed window sash (1) a holder (5) for an operating handle (11,12) is inserted between the frame and window glass (3) and an associated leaf spring (6,7) is provided to prevent an unintentional release of the handle after this has been mounted on the holder in that a slit portion (11) of the handle is stuck onto a stepped flap portion (9) of the holder.

Abstract: A housing and telescoping arm are supported by a shaft pivot pivotally mounted in the ground. The telescoping arm includes a rotating rod actuator journalled for rotation in a bearing mounted atop the shaft. The rod includes a threaded portion extending longitudinally from the shaft to the gate. A traveling tubular member is mounted concentrically with the rod and includes a block having a threaded bore for receiving the threads of the rod. The arm is connected to the gate through a pinned connection between one end of the traveling member and a lower rail of the gate. Relative rotation between the rod an the traveling member is prevented by the pinned connection. As a result, the traveling member extends outwardly and retracts inwardly in response to the counter-clockwise and clockwise rotation respectively of the rod. A motor and transmission for driving the rod in rotation are mounted in the housing along with a motor control circuit.

Abstract: The service window is constructed from a universal extruded framing member which can be cut to any desired window dimensions. A bell crank linkage with hip actuator or either of the pair of handles can be used to swing both doors open simultaneously about their respective vertical hinges. The bell crank linkage is mechanically efficient and space saving, and includes an automatic spring return mechanism. The handles are located over center with respect to the hinges. A U-shaped channel-formed member with wedge-shaped insert slips over the handles to prevent the window from being opened. The innermost edges of the handles confront the wedge insert to prevent the handles from following the arc trajectories followed during opening. These trajectories pass closest as they cross the plane between vertical hinges, thus, the wedge insert provides a solid, stable locking condition which is not readily jarred loose by vibration or prying.

Abstract: This invention concerns about an electric device for opening or shutting automotive doors, which comprises a transmitting device controlling opening or shutting the door and an electromagnetic coil controlling the door lock. The transmitting device uses a motor and an electromagnetic clutch which are able to operate to open or close the door by pushing of a rack and attain the aim of automatically controlling the opening or closing of the door.

Abstract: By providing two separate units for actively opening and closing a door of an automobile, safe and reliable door opening and closing operation may be achieved. The first unit is operated to open the door in a normal way and closes the door to its not fully latched state while the second unit completes the door closure operation by closing it to the fully latched state, thereby reducing the unfavorable influences arising from the impact which is otherwise unavoidable for complete closure of the door.

Abstract: A Door Control designed especially for a service passage in a cubicle disposed, say, at or near the entrance of a quick food establishment or the like, i.e., for serving customers on one side of the passage by an employee on the other side. This application is in part a continuation of my copending applications Ser. Nos. 78,095 filed Sept. 24, 1979, now abandoned, and 179,961 filed Aug. 20, 1980, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,102, which disclose and claim mechanism for simultaneously opening a pair of doors mounted on vertical parallel axes. In both of said inventions the door opening mechanism is characterized by a horizontally translatable device, such as a pushrod, by an operator's muscular force applied below the service table, leaving the hands free. Upon release of such muscular force, the doors are automatically returned to their original closed positions by means of energy stored, as in a spring, in the opening action.

Abstract: A pivotable window which is moved between locked and opened position by means of a single operating handle. The window comprises a window frame, a window screen, an endless belt mounted within the window frame, a plurality of locking means, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is connected to both the endless belt and the locking means. Moving the operating mechanism moves the endless belt; and this, in turn, moves the locking means between a locking position, for securely holding the window screen closed, and an unlocking position, disengaged from the window screen. Further movement of the operating mechanism moves the window screen between the closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A releasable retaining means for mounting on the inside of an outward opening closure element movable to open and close an opening. First and second mounting means (13 and 14) are respectively mountable on the closure element (11) and opening surround (12) with a stay (15) slidably and pivotably coupled to the second mounting means (14). Stay (15) is pivotably couplable by engagement means (22) to the first mounting means (13) and releasable therefrom by sliding stay (15) relative to mounting means (14) but only when the closure element is closed. Recoupling means (16, 24) automatically cause the engagement means (22) to couple to said first mounting means (13) when the closure (11) is moved into the closed position.The retaining means thus prevents closure element (11) from opening more than a predetermined amount unless the stay (15) is released from the first mounting means (13) prior to opening the closure element (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety interlock system that is associated with the door of a vehicle such as the door of a school bus, and which assures that the door of the vehicle is not inadvertently open and that certain safe conditions exist before the door can be opened. The safety interlock system comprises an electrically actuated locking mechanism, that includes a manual override, for locking the door handle of the vehicle. Forming a part of the safety interlock system along with the locking mechanism is an array of switch control means, all of which must be simultaneously actuated in order to unlock and release the door handle in order that the door be opened. First, the array of switch control means includes two independent switches that must be actuated by two separate individuals, preferably the driver of the vehicle and another individual such as the passenger or a monitor.

Abstract: A remote controller for remotely controlling the opening position of a hinged window of a vehicle, which comprises a flexible cable with one end operatively connected to a free end portion of the window, a cable guide member for guiding the cable, an operating device connected to the cable to longitudinally move the same causing opening and closing movements of the window when operated, and a one-way braking mechanism for braking the longitudinal movements of said cable induced by the opening and closing movements of the window while freely permitting the movements of the cable via the operation of the operating device.

Abstract: An improved linkage assembly is provided for opening and closing a panel, such as a window or the like, and for locking said panel in an infinite number of positions between a fully opened and a fully closed position. The linkage assembly has a plurality of symetrically arranged and pivotally interconnected links with a lock for securing two overlapping links together to set the ends of the linkage assembly in a fixed position relative to each other.

Abstract: The method of converting a jalousie-type window to a safety-type window, the steps comprising removing the hinges for each of the panels except one, removing the operating mechanism, interconnecting the panels to make a single unitary window, and adding operating means for activating and locking the single panel.

Abstract: A passenger carrying vehicle having a side door providing means to enter and exit the vehicle. A hand-operated door operating apparatus has a hand crank assembly that is manually movable by the operator of the vehicle to open and close the door. The door operating apparatus has a first linkage and a second linkage operatively connected to join the door to the hand crank assembly. The first linkage is movable to an over-center position to hold the door in a closed position. The second linkage is movable to an over-center position to hold the door in an open position. A common control link connects the first linkage to the second linkage.