Patent ID: 6032418
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B64C,Y10T

Abstract:
In a driven hinge having fixed and movable hinge sections arranged to be selectively rotated relative to one another about an axis between first and second relative angular positions, having a drive shaft adapted to be rotated, and having a locking mechanism associated with said hinge sections and being selectively movable between an unlocked position at which said hinge sections are permitted to be rotated relative to one another and a locked position at which said hinge sections are prevented from being rotated relative to one another, the improvement comprising:a differential coupling for transmitting motion of said drive shaft to said movable hinge section and to said locking mechanism; anda selector mechanism for permitting said shaft motion to selectively produce (a) relative rotational movement between said hinge sections, and (b) movement of said locking mechanism, as a function of the relative angular position between said hinge sections.