Patent Publication Number: US-11661775-B2

Title: Latchbolt damping module

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/027,529 filed Jul. 5, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,156,025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to the reduction of the noise generated during the operation of door hardware, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to systems and methods for reducing the amount of noise generated during the operation of exit devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Acoustic noise is becoming a growing concern in many different environments, including theaters, auditoriums, schools, libraries, and healthcare settings. Noise is of particular concern in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. In healthcare settings, a loud environment can affect the sleep of patients, which can be detrimental to their recovery times. Noise is often one of the lowest scoring items on patient surveys, which can lead to lower reimbursements to the medical facility. In addition to disturbing patients, noise can also be distracting or bothersome to the medical staff, and may lead to loss of focus and errors. 
     In many settings, door hardware can be a significant factor contributing to undesirable environmental noise. When a person enters or exits a room through a door, the hardware can make loud and distracting sounds. Building codes and other regulatory requirements often dictate that certain doors be equipped with exit devices, which can be louder than certain other types of door hardware. While many manufacturers have made efforts to reduce the noise generated by their devices, certain conventional exit devices nonetheless generate noise in excess of the maximum recommended levels set forth in industry guidelines. 
     It has been found that a significant factor contributing to noise generation is the free return of the latchbolt from its retracted position to its extended position. During this latching movement, the components of the exit device may impact or grind against one another, which may lead to undesirable noise generation. During relatching operations (i.e., where the latchbolt extends to engage the strike) impact and other contact between the latchbolt and the strike can also contribute to noise generation. 
     As is evident from the foregoing, certain conventional exit devices generate more noise than is desirable in many environments, particularly as the latchbolt moves toward its extended position. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exemplary damper module is configured for use with a latchbolt assembly, and generally includes a mounting bracket, a first slowing mechanism, and a second slowing mechanism. The latchbolt assembly generally includes a drive member, a latchbolt, and a retractor connected between the drive member and the latchbolt. Each of the slowing mechanisms is independently operable to slow the extension speed of the latchbolt. The first slowing mechanism includes a rack gear and a rotary damper including a pinion gear. The rack gear is configured to be mounted to the drive member, and the rotary damper is mounted to the mounting bracket. The second slowing mechanism includes a slowing arm and a biasing member engaged with the slowing arm. The slowing arm is movably mounted to the mounting bracket and is configured to engage the retractor. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is an illustration of an exit device installed to a door. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional illustration of the exit device. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the exit device. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a latch control assembly of the exit device. 
         FIGS.  5 A,  5 B and  5 C  respectively illustrate a portion of the exit device with a latchbolt in a retracted position, an extended position, and a partially-retracted position. 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded assembly view of a damper module according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the damper module illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective illustration of a rotary damper that may be included in the damper module illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional illustration of the rotary damper illustrated in  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the damper module illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7    as installed to the exit device illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary. 
     The disclosed embodiments may, in some cases, be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried by or stored on one or more transitory or non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable storage medium may be embodied as any storage device, mechanism, or other physical structure for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory, a media disc, or other media device). 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “transverse” are used to denote motion or spacing along three mutually perpendicular axes. In the coordinate system illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the X-axis defines the longitudinal directions, the Y-axis defines first and second transverse directions, and the Z-axis defines first and second lateral directions. Additionally, the longitudinal directions may alternatively be referred to as the proximal direction (to the right in  FIG.  2   ) and the distal direction (to the left in  FIG.  2   ). These terms are used for ease and convenience of description, and are without regard to the orientation of the system with respect to the environment. For example, descriptions that reference a longitudinal direction may be equally applicable to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or an off-axis orientation with respect to the environment. 
     Furthermore, motion or spacing along a direction defined by one of the axes need not preclude motion or spacing along a direction defined by another of the axes. For example, elements which are described as being “laterally offset” from one another may also be offset in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions, or may be aligned in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions. The terms are therefore not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , illustrated therein is a closure assembly  80  including a frame  82  and a swinging door  84  pivotally mounted to the frame  82 . The door  84  has an interior side face  85  and an opposite exterior side face. The door  84  is mounted to the frame  82  by a set of hinges such that a pushing force on the interior side face  85  urges the door  84  to swing outwardly in an opening direction. An exit device  100  is mounted to the interior side face  85  of the door  84 , and is configured to interact with a strike  90  to selectively retain the door  84  in a closed position relative to the frame  82 . While other forms are contemplated, the illustrated strike  90  is mounted to the interior side of the frame  82 , and includes a roller  92 . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the exit device  100  includes a pushbar assembly  101  which may also be referred to as an actuation assembly or actuating assembly. The pushbar assembly  101  includes a mounting assembly  110  configured for mounting to the door  84 , a drive assembly  120  including a pushbar module  130 , and a latch control assembly  140  operably connected with the drive assembly  120 . The exit device  100  further includes a latching module  150  that includes a latchbolt  152 , and which is operably connected with the latch control assembly  140 . The pushbar module  130  is operable to transition the drive assembly  120  from a deactuated state to an actuated state when manually actuated by a user. Actuation of the drive assembly  120  causes a corresponding actuation of the latch control assembly  140 , thereby moving the latching module  150  to a retracted position. With the latching module  150  in the retracted position, the latchbolt  152  is capable of clearing the strike  90  such that the door  84  can be moved from the closed position. As described herein, the exit device  100  is capable of a plurality of operational movements, one or more of which involves retraction and/or extension of the latchbolt  152 . 
     The mounting assembly  110  generally includes an elongated channel member  111 , a base plate  112  mounted in the channel member  111 , and a pair of bell crank mounting brackets  114  coupled to the base plate  112 . The channel member  111  extends in the longitudinal (X) direction, has a width in the transverse (Y) direction, and has a depth in the lateral (Z) direction. Each of the mounting brackets  114  includes a pair of transversely spaced walls that extend laterally away from the base plate  112 . The illustrated mounting assembly  110  also includes a header plate  113  positioned adjacent a proximal end of the channel member  111 , and a header casing  117  mounted to the header plate  113 . The mounting assembly  110  also includes a header bracket  118  that is mounted to the header plate  113  within the header casing  117 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the ceiling of the header bracket  118  includes a first guide slot  116 , and each sidewall of the header bracket  118  includes a second guide slot  119 . 
     The drive assembly  120  includes the pushbar module  130 , a drive bar  122  connected between the pushbar module  130  and the latch control assembly  140 , and a return spring  126  engaged with the drive bar  122  and the mounting assembly  110 . The return spring  126  biases the drive bar  122  in a distal extending direction, thereby biasing the drive assembly  120  toward its deactuated state. As described herein, the drive assembly  120  is operationally connected with the latch control assembly  140  via a first lost motion connection  128 , which may include a spring  129  biasing the latch control assembly  140  toward its deactuated state. 
     The pushbar mechanism  130  generally includes a manually actuated pushbar  132 , a pair of pushbar brackets  134  coupled to the underside the pushbar  132 , and a pair of bell cranks  136  operably connecting the pushbar  132  with the drive bar  122 . Each bell crank  136  is pivotably mounted to a corresponding one of the bell crank mounting brackets  114 , and includes a first arm pivotably connected to a corresponding one of the pushbar brackets  134  and a second arm pivotably connected to the drive bar  122 . The pivotal connections may, for example, be provided by pivot pins  103 . The pushbar  132  is laterally movable between an extended or deactuated position and a depressed or actuated position, and the bell cranks  136  translate lateral movement of the pushbar  132  to longitudinal movement of the drive bar  122 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  4   , the latch control assembly  140  generally includes a longitudinally-sliding control link  141  connected with the latching module  150 , a fork link  142  connected between the control link  141  and the drive assembly  120 , and a drive pin  143  mounted to a proximal end portion of the control link  141  and extending through the guide slot  119  of the header bracket  118 . The illustrated latch control assembly  140  further includes a pair of laterally-sliding connector links  146  and a pair of pivot cranks  147 . The pivot cranks  147  connect the control link  141  with the connector links  146 , and translate longitudinal movement of the control link  141  to lateral movement of the connector links  144 . As described herein, the latch control assembly  140  is operationally connected with the latching module  150  via a second lost motion connection  148 , and a spring  149  biases the latching module  150  toward its deactuated state. 
     The control link  141 , the pin  143 , the connector links  146 , the pivot cranks  147 , and the fork link  142  may alternatively be referred to as control components  140 ′ of the latch control assembly  140 . Each of the control components  140 ′ has an extended position and a retracted position, and a corresponding extending direction and retracting direction. Each control component  140 ′ is configured to move in its retracting direction (i.e., toward its retracted position) in response to actuation of the drive assembly  120 , and is operable to move in its extending direction (i.e., toward its extended position) in response to deactuation of the drive assembly  120 . As will be appreciated, the extending and retracting directions for one component  140 ′ may be different from the extending and retracting directions for another component  140 ′. By way of example, the extending and retracting directions for the control link  141  and the fork link  142  are longitudinal directions, the extending and retracting directions for the connector links  146  are lateral directions, and the extending and retracting directions for the pivot cranks  147  are rotational directions. 
     The latching module  150  includes the latchbolt  152 , which is pivotably mounted to the header bracket  118  by another pivot pin  106  such that the latchbolt  152  pivots between an extended latching position and a retracted unlatching position. The latching module  150  also includes a retractor  154 , which is pivotably coupled with the latchbolt  152  via a pivot pin  153 . The retractor  154  is also operationally coupled to the control link  141  via the second lost motion connection  148 , and partially defines the second lost motion connection  148 . More particularly, the retractor  154  includes an elongated opening  155  through which the pin  143  extends, thereby forming the second lost motion connection  148  between the control link  141  and the retractor  154 . The retractor  154  also includes an extension  156 , which projects through the first guide slot  116 . 
     While the illustrated latching mechanism  150  includes a latchbolt  152  that is mounted in the header case  117 , it is also contemplated that the latching mechanism  150  may take another form. For example, the exit device  100  may include one or more remote latching mechanisms in addition to or in lieu of the illustrated latching mechanism  150 . Such remote latching mechanisms may, for example, be provided as a top latch mechanism configured to engage the top jamb of a door frame, and/or as a bottom latch mechanism configured to engage the floor. The remote latching mechanisms may be connected to the connector links  146  via a connector, such as a rod or a cable. In such forms, movement of the connector links  146  in a laterally inward retracting direction (i.e., toward one another) may serve to actuate the remote latching mechanisms. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the control components  140 ′ are operationally coupled with one another for joint movement between the extended and retracted positions thereof. As a result, movement of one of the control components  140 ′ causes a corresponding movement of the remaining components  140 ′, and increasing or decreasing the movement speed of one of the components  140 ′ causes a corresponding increase or decrease in the movement speed of the remaining components  140 ′. Additionally, the latchbolt  152  and the retractor  154  are operationally coupled with one another for joint movement between the extended and retracted positions thereof, and are operationally coupled with the latch control assembly  140  via the second lost motion connection  148 . 
     An opening/closing cycle of the closure assembly  80  may be considered to begin with the door  84  in its closed position and the exit device  100  in its deactuated state. In this state, the drive assembly  120  and the latch control assembly  140  are in the deactuated states thereof, and the latchbolt  152  is extended and engaged with the strike  90 , thereby preventing opening of the door  84 . In this state, a user may depress the pushbar  132  to actuate the exit device  100  and retract the latchbolt  152 . More specifically, depressing the pushbar  132  actuates the drive assembly  120 , thereby moving the drive bar  122  distally toward the retracted position thereof. This distal movement of the drive bar  122  is transmitted to the fork link  142  via the first lost motion connection  128 , thereby actuating the latch control assembly  140  and retracting the latchbolt  152 . This operational movement may be referred to herein as the actuating operational movement, following which the door  84  can be opened. 
     After opening the door  84 , the user may release the pushbar  132  to initiate a deactuating operational movement. Upon release of the pushbar  132 , the internal biasing mechanisms of the exit device  100  return the drive assembly  120  to its deactuated state. More specifically, the return spring  126  moves the drive bar  122  proximally toward its extended state, thereby causing the bell cranks  136  to drive the pushbar  132  to its projected position. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B and  5 C , the proximal movement of the drive bar  122  initiates a latching operational movement, which involves deactuation of the latch control assembly  140  and the latching module  150 . This operational movement begins with the latch control assembly  140  in its actuated state and the latching module  150  in its retracted position ( FIG.  5 A ). As the drive bar  122  moves proximally, the spring  129  of the first lost motion connection  128  urges the fork link  142  in the proximal direction, thereby deactuating the latch control assembly  140  and moving the control components  140 ′ to the deactuated positions thereof ( FIG.  5 B ). As the control link  141  and the pin  143  move in the proximal direction, the spring  149  drives the retractor  154  to return the latching module  150  to its extended position ( FIG.  5 B ). 
     As the door  84  reaches its partially-closed position, the strike  90  engages the latchbolt  152  and drives the latching module  150  to an intermediate or partially retracted position ( FIG.  5 C ) against the biasing of the spring  149 . As a result of the second lost motion connection  148 , however, this movement of the latching module  150  does not necessarily drive the pin  143  from its deactuated position. Accordingly, the latch control assembly  140  may remain in its deactuated state during closing of the door  84 . 
     As the door  84  moves from its partially-closed position to its fully-closed position, a relatching operational movement is initiated. Movement of the door  84  from its partially-closed position to its fully-closed position causes the latchbolt  152  to clear the roller  92  of the strike  90 . Once the roller  92  is cleared, the return spring  149  drives the retractor  154  proximally to return the latching mechanism  150  to its extended or deactuated position. 
     It has been found that certain of the above-described operational movements may result in the generation of noise that can be objectionable in certain circumstances. During the latching operational movement, for example, the control components  140 ′ may slide against or impact one another or other components of the exit device  100 , such as the mounting assembly  110 , the drive assembly  120 , and/or the latching mechanism  150 . Similarly, during the relatching operational movement, the latching mechanism  150  may slide against or impact other components of the closure assembly  80 , such as the latch control assembly  140  and/or the strike  90 . However, the exit device  100  is provided with one or more noise reduction mechanisms that reduce the generation of this noise. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , illustrated therein is a noise reduction mechanism in the form of a damper module  200 , which is configured for use in exit devices such as the exit device  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5   . In the illustrated form, the damper module  200  is configured as a modular subassembly that can easily be installed to or removed from the exit device  100  by maintenance personnel. In other embodiments, various components of the damper module  200  may be incorporated into the exit device  100  prior to installation, for example at the time of manufacture. 
     The damper module  200  is configured to reduce the amount of noise generated during at least the latching and relatching operations by slowing the deactuating speeds of the latch control assembly  140  and the latching mechanism  150 . The damper module  200  generally includes a mounting bracket  210 , a cover or housing  220  mounted to the mounting bracket  210 , a rotational damper  230  mounted to the mounting bracket  210  and housed in the housing  220 , a rack member  250  slidably mounted to the housing  220  and engaged with a pinion gear  240  of the rotational damper  230 , and a slowing arm  260  movably mounted to the mounting bracket  210 . 
     As described herein, the damper module  200  is configured to slow the extension speed of various components of the exit device  100 , thereby slowing the extension speed of the latchbolt  152 . More particularly, the rotary damper  230  and the rack member  250  cooperate to slow the extension speed of the drive pin  143 , thereby slowing the extension speed of the retractor  154  and the latchbolt  152 . Additionally, the slowing arm  260  engages the retractor extension  156  to independently slow the extension speed of the retractor  154 , thereby further slowing the extension speed of the latchbolt  152 . Accordingly, the damper module  200  may alternatively be referred to herein as a latchbolt slowing module  200 , the rotary damper  230  and rack member  250  may collectively be referred to herein as a first slowing mechanism  201 , and the slowing arm  260  and the biasing members  206  may collectively be referred to herein as a second slowing mechanism  202 . 
     The mounting bracket  210  is configured for mounting to the header bracket  118 , and generally includes a laterally-extending first bracket portion  211  and a second bracket portion  212  extending transversely from the first bracket portion  211 . The first bracket portion  211  includes a pair of pockets  216  for receiving springs  206 , which are engaged with the slowing arm  260  and urge the arm  260  in the distal (X − ) direction. Formed on a distal end of the first bracket portion  211  is a mounting plate  218  that facilitates attachment of the mounting bracket  210  to the exit device  100 . The second bracket portion  212  includes a recess  213  in which a base plate  231  of the rotary damper  230  is seated, and which includes a pair of projections  214  that aid in rotationally coupling the base plate  231  with the mounting bracket  210 . The mounting bracket  210  further includes a plurality of mounting apertures  219  that aid in securing the housing  220  to the mounting bracket  210 , for example via fasteners  209 . 
     Like the mounting bracket  210 , the housing  220  includes a laterally-extending first housing portion  221  and a second housing portion  222  extending transversely from the first housing portion  221 . The first housing portion  221  includes a slot  226  which, when the damper module  200  is mounted to the header bracket  118 , is aligned with the first guide slot  116  and is operable to receive the extension  156  of the retractor  154 . The second housing portion  222  includes a gradated recess sized and shaped to house the rotary damper  230  when the base plate  231  thereof is seated in the recess  213  of the mounting bracket  210 . More specifically, the gradated recess includes a first recessed portion  223  operable to receive a body portion  232  of the damper  230  and a second recessed portion  224  operable to receive the pinion gear  240 . The second housing portion  222  further includes a channel  225  that is operable to slidably receive a portion of the rack member  250 , and which includes a longitudinal guide slot  227  operable to slidably receive a guide projection  257  of the rack member  250 . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the rotary damper  230  generally includes a base plate  231 , a stator  232  mounted to the mounting bracket  210 , a rotor  234  rotationally mounted to the stator  232 . In the illustrated form, the stator  232  defines a chamber  233 , and the rotor  234  is mounted within the chamber  233 . In other forms, the chamber  233  may be defined within the rotor  234 , and the stator  232 , may be mounted within the chamber  233 . The base plate  231  includes a pair of notches  204  that interface with the projections  214  and facilitate rotational coupling of the stator  232  with the mounting bracket  210 . The rotary damper  230  further includes a cap  236  that encloses the chamber  233 . The rotor  234  is mounted in the chamber  233 , and includes a stem  235  that extends through an opening in the cap  236 . The cap  236  cooperates with the stator  232  and the rotor  234  to form a fluid-tight seal for the chamber  233 . The sealed chamber  233  is filled with a hydraulic fluid  237  that generates a resistive torque in response to rotation of the rotor  234  relative to the stator  232 , such as silicone oil. The stem  235  is engaged with a shaft  238  via a one-way clutch  239  that couples the stem  235  and shaft  238  for joint rotation in one rotational direction while allowing relative rotation of the stem  235  and shaft  238  in the opposite rotational direction. The pinion gear  240  is mounted to the shaft  238  such that the gear  240  is engaged with the rotor  234  via the one-way clutch  239 . 
     The rack member  250  generally includes a gear rack  252  that is engaged with the teeth  242  of the pinion gear  240 , and which is formed on a body portion  254  of the rack member  250 . The rack member  250  further includes a receiving recess  253  sized and shaped to receive an end portion of the drive pin  143 , and a shoulder portion  255  in which the receiving recess  253  is formed. Projecting from the body portion  254  adjacent the gear rack  252  is a guide projection  257 , which is received in the guide slot  227  to guide the rack member  250  for sliding movement in the longitudinal directions. 
     The slowing arm  260  generally includes a central arm portion  262 , a pair of tabs  264  formed on opposite sides of the arm portion  262 , and a finger  266  projecting from the arm portion  262  in the same direction as the tabs  264 . The tabs  264  and the springs  206  are received in the pockets  216  of the mounting bracket  210  such that the springs  206  urge the slowing arm  260  in the distal direction (i.e., toward the mounting plate  218 ). When installed to the exit device  100 , the finger  266  projects toward and/or into the first guide slot  116  and is operable to engage the extension  156  of the retractor  154 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates the damper module  200  installed to the exit device  100 . In the interest of more clearly illustrating the internal components of the damper module, the housing  220  is depicted in phantom in  FIG.  10   . With the damper module  200  installed, the mounting bracket  210  is seated on the header bracket  118 , and is secured to the mounting assembly  110  by a pair of screws that pass through the mounting plate  218 . 
     The housing  220  is secured to the mounting bracket  210  via the screws  209  such that the housing  220  at least partially covers the moving components of the damper module  200 . For example, the first housing portion  221  at least partially covers the slowing arm  260 , and the second housing portion  222  at least partially covers the rotary damper  230  and the rack member  250 . More specifically, the recessed portions  223 ,  224  at least partially cover the rotary damper  230 , and the walls of the channel  225  at least partially cover the rack member  250 . Additionally, the channel  225  is generally aligned with one of the guide slots  119  formed in the header bracket  118 . 
     The rotary damper  230  is captured between the mounting bracket  210  and the housing  220 . As a result, the stator  232  is rotationally coupled with the mounting bracket  210  and the rotor  234  and pinion gear  240  are capable of joint rotation relative to the stator  232 . 
     The rack member  250  is slidably mounted in the channel  225 , and one end of the rack member  250  is mounted to the drive pin  143 . More specifically, an end portion of the drive pin  143  is seated in the receiving recess  253  such that the shoulder portion  255  is supported by the drive pin  143 . With the body portion  254  supported by the floor of the channel  225  and the shoulder portion  255  captured between the drive pin  143  and lip of the channel  225 , the rack member  250  is constrained to movement in the longitudinal directions in which the drive pin  143  travels. Additionally, with the guide projection  257  received in the guide slot  227 , the guide components  227 ,  257  cooperate to aid in limiting the travel of the rack member  250  in the longitudinal (X) directions. 
     The slowing arm  260  is positioned adjacent the ceiling of the header bracket  118 , and the finger  266  extends into the guide slot  116  and increases the surface area at which the extension  156  can contact the slowing arm  260 . Additionally, the tabs  264  and the biasing members  206  are seated in the pockets  216  such that the slowing arm  260  is biased toward the retractor extension  156 . Thus, the biasing members  206  bias the slowing arm  260  in the retracting direction of the extension  156  and resist movement of the slowing arm  260  in the extending direction of the extension. In the illustrated form, the biasing members  206  are provided in the form of springs  206 . In other embodiments, the biasing members  206  may be provided in another form, such as unidirectional linear dampers. 
     With the damper module  200  installed, operation of the exit device  100  may proceed along the lines set forth above. During actuation of the exit device  100 , the drive pin  143  moves in a distal actuating direction from its deactuated position ( FIG.  5 B ) to its actuated position ( FIG.  5 A ). This movement of the drive pin  143  causes relative movement of the rack member  250  and the pinion gear  240 , thereby causing the rack member  250  to drive the pinion gear  240  in an actuating rotational direction. The configuration of the one-way clutch  239  is selected such that this rotation of the pinion gear  240  is not transmitted to the rotor  234 . As a result, a resistive torque is not generated by the rotary damper  230 , and the actuating movement of the latch control assembly  140  is not materially altered by the first slowing mechanism  201 . 
     As a result of the actuating movement of the drive pin  143 , the retractor  154  and the extension  156  thereof are likewise driven from their deactuated positions ( FIG.  5 B ) to their actuated positions ( FIG.  5 A ). This movement of the retractor  154  enables the biasing members  206  to drive the slowing arm  260  in the distal direction such that the tabs  264  engage end walls of the pockets  216 . Due to the fact that the second slowing mechanism  202  does not resist the actuating movement of the retractor  154 , the actuating movement of the latching mechanism  150  is not adversely affected by the second slowing mechanism  202 . 
     During deactuation of the exit device  100 , the drive pin  143  moves in a proximal deactuating direction from its actuated position ( FIG.  5 A ) to its deactuated position ( FIG.  5 B ). This movement of the drive pin  143  causes relative movement of the rack member  250  and the pinion gear  240 , thereby causing the rack member  250  to drive the pinion gear in a deactuating rotational direction. The configuration of the one-way clutch  239  is selected such that this rotation of the pinion gear  240  is transmitted to the rotor  234 . As a result, the rotary damper  230  generates a resistive torque that resists rotation of the pinion gear  240  in the deactuating direction. This resistance is transmitted to the drive pin  143  via the rack member  250 , thereby slowing the deactuating movement of the latch control assembly  140  and the extension speed of the latching mechanism  150 . 
     During deactuating movement of the drive pin  143 , the return spring  149  drives the retractor  154  and the extension  156  thereof from their actuated positions ( FIG.  5 A ) to their deactuated positions ( FIG.  5 B ). As the retractor  154  moves toward its deactuated position, the extension  156  travels along the guide slot  116  and engages the slowing arm  260 . To reduce the noise generated as a result of this impact, the slowing arm  260  may be formed of or coated with a vibration-damping material. Additionally or alternatively, a damping pad may be mounted to the portions of the arm  262  and/or the finger  266  that are impacted by the extension  156 . With the extension  156  in contact with the slowing arm  260 , further movement of the retractor  154  in its deactuating direction is resisted by the biasing members  206 . As a result, the second slowing mechanism  202  further slows the extending or deactuating speed of the latching mechanism  150 . 
     As is evident from the foregoing, the slowing mechanisms  201 ,  202  independently slow the deactuating speed of the latch control assembly  140  and the latching mechanism  150  during the latching operational movement. More particularly, the first slowing mechanism  201  slows the deactuating speed of the latch control assembly  140  by slowing the movement of the drive pin  143 , which also causes a corresponding slowing of the deactuating speed of the latching mechanism  150 . Additionally, the second slowing mechanism  202  independently slows the deactuating speed of the latching mechanism  150  by providing an additional resistance that slows the deactuating speed of the retractor  154 . Furthermore, while the slowing mechanisms  201 ,  202  provide for slowing of the deactuating speeds of the latch control assembly  140  and latching mechanism  150 , neither slowing mechanism  201 ,  202  provides material resistance to the actuation of those components. As a result, the amount of force that must be exerted by a user in order to retract the latchbolt  154  is not adversely affected. 
     During the relatching operational movement, the second slowing mechanism  202  functions in a manner substantially similar to that described above. As the latchbolt  152  is driven from its extended position ( FIG.  5 B ) to its partially-retracted position ( FIG.  5 C ) under the urging of the roller  92  of the strike  90 , the retractor  154  and the extension  156  thereof are likewise driven from their deactuated positions toward their actuated positions. This movement of the retractor  154  enables the biasing members  206  to drive the slowing arm  260  in the distal direction such that the tabs  264  engage end walls of the pockets  216 . Due to the fact that the second slowing mechanism  202  does not resist this movement of the retractor  154 , the amount of force that must be imparted by the strike roller  92  in order to drive the latchbolt  152  to its partially-retracted position is not increased. 
     As the latchbolt  152  clears the strike roller  92 , the return spring  149  drives the retractor  154  to move the latchbolt  152  toward its extended position. As the retractor  154  and the extension  156  move from their partially-retracted positions ( FIG.  5 C ) to their actuated positions ( FIG.  5 B ), the extension  156  travels along the guide slot  116  and engages the slowing arm  260 . With the extension  156  in contact with the slowing arm  260 , further movement of the retractor  154  in its deactuating direction is resisted by the biasing members  206 . As a result, the second slowing mechanism  202  slows the extending or deactuating speed of the latching mechanism  150  during the relatching operational movement. 
     As is evident from the foregoing, the damping module  200  is capable of slowing the deactuating or extending speeds of various components of the exit device  100 . Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that this slowing of the extension speeds can reduce the amount of noise generated during the operation of the exit device  100 . For example, slowing the deactuating speed of the latch control assembly  140  can reduce vibrations and noise resulting from metal-to-metal contact, such as sliding, grinding, or impact vibrations and noises. Slowing the extension speed of the latchbolt  154  itself can similarly reduce vibrations resulting from contact between internal components of the exit device  100 , as well as vibrations resulting from contact between the latchbolt  154  and the strike  90 . Thus, in slowing the deactuating speeds of various components of the exit device  100 , the damper module  200  may facilitate quieter operation of the exit device  100 , particularly during latching and relatching operations. 
     Although the damping module  200  has been illustrated and described as being configured for use with a rim-type exit device  100  (i.e., one in which a single latching mechanism  150  is mounted to the pushbar assembly  101 ), it is also contemplated that the damping module  200  may be used in combination with other forms of exit devices, such as those including remote latching mechanisms. Such exit devices typically include one or more latching mechanisms that are positioned remotely from the pushbar assembly  101  (e.g., at the top and/or the bottom of the door  84 ), and which are connected to the pushbar assembly  101  via vertical connectors. 
     In vertical exit devices, the connectors may be surface-mounted (i.e., mounted to the interior side face  85  of the door  84 ), or may be concealed (i.e., mounted in channels formed within the door  84 ), and typically take the form of rods or cables. Regardless of the form, the connectors are typically connected to the connector links  146  of the latch control assembly  140  such that actuation of the drive assembly  120  causes a corresponding actuation of the remote latching mechanisms. When so connected, the remote latching mechanism and the latch control assembly  140  actuate and deactuate in unison with one another. Thus, in slowing the deactuation speed of the latch control assembly  140 , the damper module  200  is capable of slowing the deactuating speeds of the remote latching mechanisms. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.