Abstract:
A method for operating a hydraulic closure system for a motor vehicle includes automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotally mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system used in the method includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by relatively slow manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position. Also, an obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system. A level detection and compensation feature adjusts the amount of energy stored in the biased energy storage system for opening the closure based on the detected inclination or declination of the vehicle so that the amount of energy stored is commensurate with the amount required to open the closure.
Abstract:
An automatic door closer whose housing confines a reciprocable damper piston cooperating with a rotary shaft to rotate the shaft in a direction to close the door or to be moved by the shaft in response to opening of the door. The piston can be biased in a direction to close the door through the medium of the shaft by a strong coil spring as well as by a relatively weak second spring in the form of a torsion spring, an extension spring or a compression spring. The second spring ensures that the party opening the door invariably encounters some resistance to movement of the door from closed position as well as that the door begins to move toward the closed position as soon as the door opening force is reduced below the force of the second spring. The first spring is acted upon by a stressing device to ensure that such spring cannot oppose movements of the door to open position but is available to close the door with a certain delay following a relaxation of the door opening force so that the first spring can assist the second spring in closing the door if the first spring cannot close the door alone.
Abstract:
Hydraulic door closer apparatus includes means for counter-balancing the bias of a return spring, to either assist in opening the door by reducing the force needed to open, or, in an alternative embodiment and mode of operation, to open the door by over-balancing the bias of the return spring. In the latter mode, a remotely manually operable switch, such as, for example, a so-called palm button, may initiate opening the door.
Abstract:
Emergency door opening system in which pressurized gas is supplied to a pneumatic door opening device through a solenoid control valve automatically opening in the event of power failure. Preferably, the gas flow is restricted downstream of the control valve to open the door at a safe rate.
Abstract:
1,029,830. Ventilators. COLT VENTILATION & HEATING Ltd. Dec. 18, 1963 [Dec. 18, 1962], No. 47843/62. Heading F4V. [Also in Divisions A5 and F2] Two hinged cover-plates of a roof ventilator are normally held closed and are automatically opened in the event of fire acting on fire-detecting means. As illustrated, the roof ventilator comprises a throat 14, fixed side baffles 23 and end plates 15, and overplates 17 hinged at 18. The plates are normally held closed by cords 27 connected to a further cord by a link which fuses in the event of fire to allow springs 26 to move the plates to the fully open position. Side openings 20 of the ventilator are controlled by closure plates 29 pivoted at 30 and biased to the closed position by springs 31. The closure plates are normally operated by pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies 32 supplied from a common compressed air source, Fig. 6 (not shown). The air line includes a connection to atmosphere, Fig. 7 (not shown), which is normally closed but which in the event of fire opens to allow the springs 31 to close the plates 29 and also to shut off the compressed air supply. In an alternative arrangement, Fig. 8 (not shown), springs 62 bias the cover plates 17 to the open position, this bias being over-ridden by springs 60 including fusible links 61. The plates 17 may be independently operated by pneumatic cylinder and piston assemblies 63, the plates 17 being held in engagement with the piston rods 64 by the springs 60. A manual valve 43 allows compressed air from a source 40 to open the plates or connects the cylinders 63 to atmosphere to close the plates. A valve 38 similarly controls the closure plates 29. A further valve 39 in the air supply to the piston and cylinder assemblies 32 is connected to the supply to the assemblies 63 so that when valve 43 passes compressed air to open the plates 17 compressed air is allowed to escape from assemblies 32, thus closing the plates 29 and vice versa. As described above, in the event of fire, the plates 17 open and the plates 29 close. In modifications, not shown, the cover plates 17 may be biased to open by weights and the means detecting the presence of fire to open the cover plates may be a device responsive to thermal radiation, rate of charge of temperature, light or sound.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a truck bed system with a plurality of powered actuators which can raise a raisable platform above the truck bed floor to create a second platform in addition to the truck bed floor surface. The additional or second truck bed platform allows the truck user to use the upper platform for carrying tools and other goods or materials, with the space between the truck bed floor and platform for storing or moving large flat items like lumber and plywood or drywall sheets without displacing or disturbing the contents stowed on the upper platform. The present invention also allows the upper platform to be used for stowing large items like lumber and plywood or drywall sheets, with the space between the truck bed floor and upper platform for carrying tools and other goods or materials. The present invention allows the space between the truck bed floor and the upper platform, when in a raised position, to be used as secure storage when the tailgate is locked. The plurality of actuators can be attached to the truck bed floor, the truck bed walls or integrated into the space within the truck bed side walls.
Abstract:
A door operator includes a housing; first and second pressure compartments; an unpressurized reservoir chamber; a drive unit disposed in the housing and coupleable to a door via an output shaft, the drive unit being associated with the first pressure compartment; a hydraulic pump in hydraulic connection with the first and second pressure compartments; a motor in driving relationship with the hydraulic pump; a spring force accumulator disposed in the housing, the spring force accumulator being associated with the second pressure compartment and coupled to the drive unit; a hydraulic circuit connecting at least one of the first and second pressure compartments with the hydraulic pump; and a fire-protection/releasing device disposed between the hydraulic circuit and the unpressurized reservoir chamber.
Abstract:
A hydraulic closure system is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle that enables automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotably mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position for a prescribed distance in more than a prescribed time. An obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system. A level detection and compensation feature adjusts the amount of energy stored in the biased energy storage system for opening the closure based on the detected inclination or declination of the vehicle so that the amount of energy stored is commensurate with the amount required to open the closure. An energy monitoring and control system maintains the amount of energy stored in the biased energy storage system for opening the closure within a predetermined range.
Abstract:
A window propelling system for rapidly opening a window or door. The window propelling system is designed for installation with existing units and preferably includes a lift assembly, a cylinder assembly, a hammer assembly, a firing assembly and a secondary triggering assembly. The lift assembly includes a lift cable attached at opposite ends to the window or door. The cylinder assembly includes a piston cable which drives the lift cable during emergency opening. The cylinder assembly, in turn, is actuated by the firing assembly in response to operation of the hammer assembly. The hammer assembly is released by either an interior trigger or the secondary trigger assembly.