Abstract:
An automatic closure assembly for a sliding panel (20), particularly of the screen door type, is disclosed. One or more power springs (40, 41, 42) operable in their linear ranges are mounted within a compact housing (30) configured for ready attachment to a surface adjacent the sliding panel (20). The springs (40, 41, 42) apply tension to a cord (34) wound on a take-up reel (45) within the housing (30). One end of the cord (34) is screwed to the sliding panel (20) such that as the panel is moved in an opening direction, the power spring(s) (40, 41, 42) are wound in tension to apply closure forces to the panel (20). An adjustment is provided for enabling an operator to select a plurality of different discrete tension forces to be applied by the closure assembly to the sliding panel (20).
Abstract:
The present invention provides a refrigerator, having a door (1), where one side of the door (1) is connected to a rotatable mullion bar (20), a cable (23, 33) is arranged inside the mullion bar (20), and the cable (23, 33) is connected to the inside of the door (1) by a cable-connecting part (32) between the mullion bar (20) and the door (1). According to the present invention, a shell forming the mullion bar (20) has a first accommodating part (31) that extends along a rotation axis (44) of the mullion bar, and the cable (23, 33) is at least partially received in the first accommodating part (30).
Abstract:
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.
Abstract:
A window regulator assembly including a shaft (12) having a pinion gear (14) and a counter balance spring (16) mounted on the shaft which winds or unwind as the shaft rotates. A spring housing (20) is mounted on the shaft. A cable-guiding drum (24) having an inner gear (26) is driven directly by the pinion gear, as the drum has a rotational axis that is offset from a rotational axis defined by the shaft, thus providing mechanical advantage. A casing (28) houses the spring (16), spring housing (20) and the drum (24) in abutting relationship. A guide such as a rail (42) is disposed on at least one of the spring housing and the drum for maintaining rotational alignment of the drum relative to the shaft.
Abstract:
To avoid complex, larger, expensive automatic closers having ineffective braking of the slamming of the closure, a retraction device (10) including a drum (18), a coiled spring power assembly (22) for driving the drum, a centrifugal brake (24) for controlling the power assembly and the drum to eliminate slamming of the panel during closing, and a gear train transmission assembly (26) to connect the power assembly and the centrifugal brake. In one embodiment, the drum is a spool which carries a cable (20) to connect the panel to the retraction device. In another embodiment, the drum has a rim (131) which frictionally engages a frame (12a) supporting the closure. The centrifugal brake is adjustable to take into account a wide range of closure sizes and frictional conditions.
Abstract:
A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window (10) that has tilt post brackets (20). The tilt post brackets (20) selectively mount to the vertical side elements (17) of a window sash (12). Accordingly, the tilt post brackets (20) need not be manufactured into the structure of the sash (12). The tilt post bracket (20) has a vertical section (21) that mounts directly with the vertical side elements (17) of the window sash frame. A brake element (22) extends from the vertical section (21), therein providing the window sash (12) with a tilt-in pivot post. The brake element (22) provides both a novel braking system and a novel curl spring support structure.
Abstract:
A modular spring support mounting (24) for a sash window spring counterbalance arrangement (16). The modular spring support mounting (24) comprises at least a first spring support mounting element (30b) and a second spring support mounting element (30a) each for supporting a respective coil spring (22). The first spring support mounting element (30b) includes a pair of wedged shaped cross section projections (34). The second spring support mounting element (30a) includes an interengagement fitting (36) which engages the pair of wedged shaped cross section projections (34) to in use securely interconnect the first and second spring support mounting elements (30b,30a) together. Also a method of installing such a modular spring mounting (24) in which the spring mounting elements (30b,30a) are laterally slidingly engaged to securely interlock the elements (30b,30a) together.
Abstract:
A window regulator assembly including a shaft (12) having a pinion gear (14) and a counter balance spring (16) mounted on the shaft which winds or unwind as the shaft rotates. A spring housing (20) is mounted on the shaft. A cable-guiding drum (24) having an inner gear (26) is driven directly by the pinion gear, as the drum has a rotational axis that is offset from a rotational axis defined by the shaft, thus providing mechanical advantage. A casing (28) houses the spring (16), spring housing (20) and the drum (24) in abutting relationship. A guide such as a rail (42) is disposed on at least one of the spring housing and the drum for maintaining rotational alignment of the drum relative to the shaft.
Abstract:
An apparatus for selectively raising, lowering or otherwise moving load such or panel, or other article such as a pet door comprises a frame, a panel, a motor, a constant tension spring, and a control system. The panel is carried by the frame for movement between an open position and a closed position. The spring is attached to the panel to bias the panel open. The frame includes a plurality of groves retaining seals such as fibrous weatherscal to sea] the interface between the panel and the frame against penetration by the elements. The control system is in communication with the motor to actuate the motor, thereby moving the panel with the assistance of the spring. The control system includes an antenna in the panel for emitting a low frequency (RFID) signal, and a fob that is worn by a pet to communicate with the antenna to actuate the motor.