Abstract:
A dampened hinge and hinge system for appliances is provided. The system includes first and second hinge portions, at least one of which includes a dampener. The dampener can be a push-dampener, a pull-dampener or a push/pull-dampener. The hinge system allows for movement of the door between a closed position, a fully opened position and a secondary opened position such as a broil-stop position, and the door is self-supporting in the secondary opened position. The first and second hinge portions each include a guide channel, a claw pivotably connected to the guide channel and a link having a first end connected to the claw. The first hinge portion includes a spring having a first end connected to a second end of the link and a second end connected to the guide channel. The second hinge portion includes a dampener that is operably connected between the guide channel and the second end of the link. Both the first and second hinge portions can include a dampener.
Abstract:
A hinge used to mount a door to an overhead storage cabinet is disclosed. The hinge provides a combination linear and articulated motion to provide the clearance between the door of the cabinet and the upper, outer corner of the cabinet. Further, the hinge provides a user assist on the opening of the cabinet door and a self-dampening motion on the closing of the cabinet door without the use of pneumatic cylinders.
Abstract:
A counteraction system for a sectional door includes a counterweight system that helps counterbalance the weight of the door and helps hold the door in place when the door is fully open. The counterweight system comprises a suspended string of individual deadweights. As the door opens, the weights sequentially lower onto the floor, in a stacked arrangement, one atop the other. Thus, the hanging weight of the counterweight system decreases as the door opens. To avoid having the counterweight system slam the door open against a hard stop, the counteraction system also includes a brake system that helps bring the door to a smooth stop at the door's fully open position. In some embodiments, the brake system includes a cable that traverses the direction that the door travels. As the door approaches its open position, a protrusion on the door catches the cable, which deflects to decelerate the door.
Abstract:
A heavily insulated emergency smoke hatch door is equipped with an operating mechanism which is located external to a cooler and/or freezer. This external location of the operating mechanism provides for the accommodation of heavier weight doors without effecting the venting area or access to the interior of the cooler and/or freezer. A latching mechanism keeps the door in the closed position and may be equipped with an automatic release device which will release the door upon sensing of a fire for heat within the cooler and/or freezer. Once the hatch door is released, the operating mechanism is operable to open the door for venting and access.
Abstract:
An automatic sliding door in which a main drive moves at least one door panel to open and closed positions. An electromagnetic clutch is located between the main drive and the door panel for the purpose of disconnecting the panel from the drive and to open the door in event of a power failure. An auxiliary drive is connected to the door panel and stores energy received when the door panel is in a closed position, so as to drive the door to the open position when the clutch disconnects the main drive from the door panel in event of power failure. The auxiliary drive has a rubber cable actuated always with the door so that the auxiliary drive can be tested with every movement of the door panel.
Abstract:
A garage door spring stretching device having hook means for attachment to the bracket of a garage door hinge and spring support assembly. The chain is attached to the hook and also to one end of a lever. The lever has a slot in which a slidable hook is held for attachment to the garage door spring. By use of the lever and slidable hook a garage door spring may be stretched and affixed to the garage door bracket assembly.