Improvements in Springs for Self-closing Doors and other Analogous Purposes, and in Checks for Preventing Slamming, and in the Methods of Adjusting the same.
Year: 1886

page_text: Improvements in Springs for Self-closing Doors and other Analogous
Purposes, and in Checks for Preventing Slamming, and in the
Methods of Adjusting the same.
I ROBERT ADAMS, of 17 Blackman Street Southwark, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is to effect improvements in the application of springs to
self-closing doors, either alone or in combination with door checks; and also to effect
improvements in door checks, either alone or in combination with the before mentioned
or any other description of door springs.
In carrying out my invention, so far as it relates to the application of the combined
action of the self-closing spring or springs and checks, I fit a spindle or pivot into
the shoe of the door, or into equivalent levers or other suitable fittings, the lower end
of the spindle working in and being supported by suitable bearings in a box sunk
in the floor. The box is usually made fluid and dust proof and (preferably) filled up
with oil (but air or other fluid may be used) after receiving the fittings.
One or more levers or levers is or are so fitted in the box that the pivot operates the
same when the door is opened, and such pivot is operated upon by the lever or levers,
when the door is closing or held open. Such lever or levers also operate to retain the
door in a closed position, when shut.
Each lever is caused to operate upon one or more other lever or levers, the latter
being fitted with one or more spring or springs in such a position that it tends, or
they tend, to close the door, and the arın, or first lever, operates upon the second
lever in such a manner that the leverage decreases as the angle of the opened door
increases, or otherwise; the secondary lever being sometimes provided with a check-
thumb, or additional lever, which acts as a wheel guide.
The space in the box is also fitted with one or more cylinder or cylinders fitted with
a piston or pistons, which is or are operated by the secondary lever or levers, by means
of connecting rods or equivalent appliances.
Adjusting screws, vents, valves, and other usual appliances are fitted wherewith to
regulate and adjust the action of the springs and pistons.

page_text: The forms of the levers, the positions of the fulcrums and several working centres,
the form and direction in which the springs are made and act, and the several
combinations and arrangements, are obviously capable of much variation in form and
detail.
The springs may be applied without the door checks, or with other door checks ;
and the door checks may be applied without the springs, or with other forms of springs,
and the position of the invention with relation to the door may also be varied and
placed in other positions, in cases in which it is inconvenient to place it under the
shoe.
The piston or pistons and cylinder or cylinders act so as to retard the closing of the
door and prevent slamming, in a manner analogous to that of the well-known
cataract"; which principle has been adopted in connection with my previous Patent,
and application for a Patent, Nos. 12,644 and 271885.
፡፡
I also sometimes make a steel spring check, with limiting links, staple, and
adjusting plate and hook, so that in the closing of the door it cannot become over-
strained and for the purpose of setting the same open at any desired angle, in lieu of
the well-known leather straps and wood springs usually fitted for such purposes.

page_text: Improvements in Springs for Self-closing Doors and other Analogous
Purposes, and in Checks for Preventing Slamming, and in the
Methods of Adjusting the same.
I, ROBERT ADAMS, of 17 Blackman Street, Southwark, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
The object of my Invention is to effect improvements in the application of springs
to self closing doors, either alone or in combination with door checks; and also to
effect improveinents in door checks, either alone or in combination with the before
mentioned or any other description of door springs.
In carrying out my invention, so far as it relates to the application of the combined
action of the self-closing spring or springs, and checks I fit a spindle or pivot into the
shoe of the door or into equivalent levers or other suitable fittings, the lower end of
the spindle working in and being supported by suitable bearings in a Box sunk in the
floor. The box is usually made fluid and dust proof, and (preferably) filled up with
oil, (but air or other fluid may be used) after receiving the fittings.
One or more lever or levers is or are so fitted in the box that the pivot operates the
same when the door is opened, and such pivot is operated upon by the lever or levers,
when the door is closing or held open. Such lever or levers also operates to retain
the door in a closed position, when shut.
Each lever is caused to operate upon one or more other lever or levers, the latter
being fitted with one or more spring or springs in such a position that it tends, or they
tend to close the door, and the arm, or first lever, operates upon the second lever or
levers in such a manner that the leverage decreases as the angle of the opened door
increases, or otherwise the secondary lever being sometimes provided with a check-
thumb, or additional lever, which acts as a wheel guide.
The space in the box is also fitted with one or more cylinder or cylinders fitted with
a piston or pistons, which is or are operated by the secondary lever or levers, by
means of connecting rods or equivalent appliances.
Adjusting screws, vents, valves and other usual appliances are fitted wherewith to
regulate and adjust the action of the springs and pistons.
The forms of the Levers, the position of the fulcrums and several working centres ;
the form and direction in which the springs are made and act, and the several com-
binations and arrangements, are obviously capable of much variation in form and detail.
The springs may be applied without the door checks, or with other door checks; and
the door checks may be applied without the springs; and the position of the invention
with relation to the door may also be varied and placed in other positions, in cases
in which it is inconvenient to place it under the shoe.
The piston or pistons and cylinder or cylinders act so as to retard the closing of the
door and prevent slamming, in a manner analogous to that of the well known
"cataract"; which principle has been adopted in connection with my previous patents
Nos. 12,644, and 27188.
I also sometimes make a steel spring check, with limiting links, staple and adjusting
plate and hook, so that in the closing of the door it cannot be overstrained; and for
the purpose of setting the same open at any desired angle, in lieu of the well known
leather straps and wood springs usually fitted for such purposes.

page_text: In adjusting springs and checks to doors which are fitted with my improvements it
is sometimes necessary to fit an adjustable shoe, by which the relation of the door to
the centre of motion can be accurately fixed and by which all tendency to tortion and
undue strain and the necessity for specially prepared shoes is avoided, and provision is
thus also made to meet the requirements of butt hinges.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and ascertained,
reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters of
reference indicate corresponding parts.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a novel method of combining my improved door checks
with the door springs described in my said former specification No. 12,64484 or
other springs. The bent levers b b are provided with studs or pins 66, which are
attached to the cylinder g, (containing a piston and valve at b¹ 6; p being the regu-
lating screw for controlling the exit of the fluid, the screw p may be placed in any
other position for the convenience of access.
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 represent another form of combined spring and check for single-acting
doors, that is to say, doors which open in one direction only. Fig. 3 shows the position
when the door is closed; Fig. 4 shews the same with the door open and Fig. 5 shows
the internal arrangement. b is a slotted lever which engages the friction pulley d¹ on
the end of the piston rod g². glis the piston: a a are the springs which press down the
piston. is a travelling nut having an internal thread fitting the screw h¹. This
screw is fixed to the head 2, and also carries a flange h³, whereby it is kept in position
in the cylinder cover g³. The nut h is prevented from turning round by two guides g³,
which enter spaces formed in the nut for that purpose. p is the regulating valve
governed by the screw, as shewn, whereby the speed of emission of the oil from
under the piston is regulated, and the descent of the piston is checked. * is the inlet
valve which freely admits the oil under the piston through suitable perforations when
the piston is ascending, and closes the same when the piston descends.
Fig. 6 shews the application of another form of combined springs and check,
as manufactured for double-acting or swing doors. . is the box containing the
mechanism bb are the levers, having their fulcrums at 63; d is the pivot which
enters the shoe of the door, is an anti-friction wheel attached to the Lever such
lever being pivotted at d, and which wheel acts upon one of the two levers b, b. when
turned to the right or left. a a are volute springs which press the levers against the
wheel d¹ and tend to close the door, 7 is the check, for preventing slamming; the
action of which will be readily understood from the drawing and from the further
descriptions hereinafter contained.
Fig. 7 shews another modification of double acting door spring. a are the springs,
of circular form, engaging the levers b. b, between the fulcrum and the working pivot d.
This form is preferably fitted with two wheels d', as shewn in plan and elevation in
Figs. 22 and 23. The two wheels may be fitted with one two or three webs d². The
levers bb (Fig. 7) are recessed at 62 to provide for wear, and, one or two set screws is
or are provided for taking up wear, as shewn, the stops and the screws may be other-
wise fitted.
Fig. 8 represents a modification for converting ordinary springs and adapting my
improvements thereto, for single acting doors. The lever bis fitted with a thumb
piece to prevent the wheel d' leaving the jaw of the Lever. The box is fitted
with loose pieces having provisions for letting in centres y, z, whereby the pressure
of the spring a is caused to operate at 1 upon the lever b. g, is the silent check
cylinder shewing the same and its internal fittings, in section. The piston i is fitted
with the cup leather k. 1, is a flexible valve which is held to its seat by the small
cylinder m, inclosing a spring sustained by a screw as shewn, n is one of the per-
forations for admitting the oil or other fluid below the piston, when the same is
ascending. These holes are, however, so placed that they occur in the lower half of the
piston (or thereabouts) in order that any air, which may happen to enter, may be duly
trapped. When the door is being closed by the power of the spring a the inlet holes
are closed by the flat valve l, and the only exit for the fluid is by the governing port p,
which may be wholly or partially closed and otherwise regulated, to prevent slamming.

page_text: Fig. 9 shews another arrangement, the special features of which consist in the
application of additional levers 66, 66, against which the springs a, a, impinge, the outer
ends of these additional levers 66 being fitted to the silent check g. The lower half of
the piston is fitted with inlet ports, as above described. 66 are two grub screws,
which not only serve to take up wear, but also to adjust the door in its proper position
when shut.
Figs. 10 and 11 shew other modifications which will be readily understood from the
drawings.
Figs. 12, 13, and 14 are detail views of the Cylinder, piston and valves, forming the
means for preventing slamming. g is the cylinder, 2 is a small vent leading to the
passage 3. 4 is a screw plug for controlling the area of the passage, is the piston
and the piston rod. 5 is a passage formed in the piston rod, in which a ball 6 is
fitted held to its seat by a spring, as shewn, or its equivalent.
The Cylinder g is sometimes provided with a slot 7, or with perforations, or with an
enlargement of the diameter of the Cylinder, for the purpose of providing for a rapid
closing of the door at the commencement of such closing, and the necessary check
afterwards; but when an equalized slow motion is required, such slots, holes, or
enlargement is or are dispensed with. In some cases the ball valve (with or without
an adjusting screw acting directly on the ball or otherwise) is fitted in the Cylinder
bottom or at the side, instead of in the piston rod and other forms of valves may he
used for effecting the same purpose.
These arrangements apply to either form of Cylinder described or referred to in this
Specification, and whether fitted for oil, water, air or any other fluid.
Fig. 15 shews an arrangement for operating single-acting doors the special feature
of which is the method of providing for the thrust of the spring by means of a socket
nut, screw, and screw nut, shewn enlarged in Fig. 16. 8 is the socket nut, 9 is the
screw, and 10 is the screw nut. The head of the screw is fitted into the socket of the
nut 8, so that when the nut S is turned by a spanner the screw is also turned thereby,
and, at the same time the screw nut 10 is prevented from turning, whereby the spring.
can be adjusted, as required. The screw head 9 is able also to take various angles
with respect to the nut 8.
Figs. 17 to 21 shew an arrangement of adjustable shoe, for adjusting doors as
hereinbefore referred to, the special feature of which is the serrated surfaces 11, the
slot 12 and the adjusting screw 13.
Instead of using serrations the surfaces may be smooth, and a horizontal screw
may be used to adjust the boss; and it will be obvious to practical men that the boss
can be otherwise adjusted to effect the same object.
Fig. 24 shews an arrangement of spindle, with ball valve and accessories, applicable
to such spindles as are described in Fig. 9 of No. 271885; and to other pivots of
other hinges.
Figs. 25 and 26 are respectively a plan and side view, shewing the method of
applying my improved silent check to the forms of springs described in Gossage's
Specification No. 415380; g is the fluid chamber attached to and forming an extension
of the ordinary spring barrel, or the same may be formed in one therewith. The
method of forming and applying the connecting rods to suit the various positions
they may be required to occupy, may be varied to meet the same.
Fig. 27 shews an arrangement for retaining doors in an open or partly open
position. 14 is the door frame, 15 the door, 16 a bracket fixed to the frame, 17 is a
spring, 18 a chain with a hook 19 taking into any one of the holes in the plate 20
fitted to the door.
The hook may be dispensed with and other mounting substituted. The Spring is
wound round a pair of links which links interlap each other inside the spring, when
the same is not extended, but which links limit the extension of the spring, when in
action. The two ends of the spring are contracted over cones formed on the links for
the purpose of securing the spring in position and amalgamating the links therewith
and preventing the opening of the eyes.
Figs. 28 and 29 are respectively elevation and plan, shewing 1 method of adapting

page_text: my improved check to doors. 21 is the transome, and 22 the door, to which the
bracket 23 is fitted. g is the check which is hinged to the transome at 24.
The method of mounting and arrangement of my direct arm 23 may be varied to
suit various positions and requirements.
Figs. 30 to 35 shew various other methods of applying my improved door checks to
doors and windows, and other analogous purposes. In Figs. 30 and 31 the Cylinder
is fixed to the transome, and the arm 25 is jointed to the transome at 26, which
position may be varied. A connecting rod 27 connects the piston rod with the joint
of the power arm. The extreme end of the lever is attached to a link jointed to the
door, or a slotted plate may be substituted therefor. In opening the door or other
object the piston rod is drawn outwards, the air being admitted through the before
mentioned valves, can only escape and the door closed at a regulated speed, by the
set screw or equivalent device as hereinbefore described.
Fig. 33 shews another arrangement for applying the check to a door fitted with
what is known as a monkey-tail spring. In this case a door attachment by link 30
(as shewn) or slotted plate, traversed by a guide wheel is applied to hold it to its
work.
Fig. 34 shews a check let into the door and attached by a clip or other means to
the last mentioned description of spring.
The arrangements shewn in Figs. 33 and 34 may be similarly applied to other back
of door springs.
Fig. 35 is another modification. In this case the bracket 31 is fixed to the door,
and the check g is hinged to the transom. When the door is opened the traverse of
the bracket causes the piston rod to be withdrawn, and on again closing the door
its motion is retarded and regulated as before described. The action of these springs
may be reversed and varied, so as to cause the barrel to slide while the piston remains
relatively a fixture.
It will be obvious that many of the various constructions, arrangements and modi-
fications herein before described are interchangeable and that the combinations of the
several parts may be varied in many useful ways, without departing from the general
principles involved therein.
The door checks and other checks herein described may be fitted with or without
springs according to requirements.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1
1. The manufacture and use of the respective constructions adaptations and arrange-
ments of mechanism and appliances together or separately, severally operating
substantially as and for the purposes herein before described and as shewn in the
drawings.
2. The general arrangements, constructions and combinations of the several and
respective parts or of any one, two or more of them constituting my improvements in
springs for self closing doors and other analogous purposes, and in checks for
preventing slamming, and in the methods of adjusting the same, substantially as
herein before described and shewn in the drawings.
GEO. DOWNING,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Mar., 1886.
Complete Left, 30th Dec., 1886.
Complete Accepted, 4th Feb., 1887.
Improvements in Springs for Self-closing Doors and other Analogous
Purposes, and in Checks for Preventing Slamming, and in the
Methods of Adjusting the same.
I ROBERT ADAMS, of 17 Blackman Street Southwark, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is to effect improvements in the application of springs to
self-closing doors, either alone or in combination with door checks; and also to effect
improvements in door checks, either alone or in combination with the before mentioned
or any other description of door springs.
In carrying out my invention, so far as it relates to the application of the combined
action of the self-closing spring or springs and checks, I fit a spindle or pivot into
the shoe of the door, or into equivalent levers or other suitable fittings, the lower end
of the spindle working in and being supported by suitable bearings in a box sunk
in the floor. The box is usually made fluid and dust proof and (preferably) filled up
with oil (but air or other fluid may be used) after receiving the fittings.
One or more lever or levers is or are so fitted in the box that the pivot operates the
same when the door is opened, and such pivot is operated upon by the lever or levers,
when the door is closing or hield open. Such lever or levers also operate to retain the
door in a closed position, when shut.
Each lever is caused to operate upon one or more other lever or levers, the latter
being fitted with one or more spring or springs in such a position that it tends, or
they tend, to close the door, and the arm, or first lever, operates upon the second
lever in such a manner that the leverage decreases as the angle of the opened doo
increases, or otherwise; the secondary lever being sometimes provided with a check-
thumb, or additional lever, which acts as a wheel guide.
The space in the box is also fitted with one or more cylinder or cylinders fitted with
a piston or pistons, which is or are operated by the secondary lever or levers, by means
of connecting rods or equivalent appliances.
Adjusting screws, vents, valves, and other usual appliances are fitted wherewith to
regulate and adjust the action of the springs and pistons.

page_text: The forms of the levers, the positions of the fulcrums and several working centres,
the form and direction in which the springs are made and act, and the several
combinations and arrangements, are obviously capable of much variation in form and
detail.
The springs may be applied without the door checks, or with other door checks;
and the door checks may be applied without the springs, or with other forms of springs,
and the position of the invention with relation to the door may also be varied and
placed in other positions, in cases in which it is inconvenient to place it under the
shoe.
•
The piston or pistons and cylinder or cylinders act so as to retard the closing of the
door and prevent slamming, in a manner analogous to that of the well-known
"cataract"; which principle has been adopted in connection with my previous Patent,
and application for a Patent, Nos. 12,644 and 271885.
I also sometimes make a steel spring check, with limiting links, staple, and
adjusting plate and hook, so that in the closing of the door it cannot become over-
strained; and for the purpose of setting the same open at any desired angle, in lieu of
the well-known leather straps and wood springs usually fitted for such purposes.
GEORGE DOWNING,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: Improvements in Springs for Self-closing Doors and other Analogous
Purposes, and in Checks for Preventing Slamming, and in the
Methods of Adjusting the same.
I, ROBERT ADAMS, of 17 Blackman Street, Southwark, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
The object of my Invention is to effect improvements in the application of springs
to self closing doors, either alone or in combination with door checks; and also to
effect improvements in door checks, either alone or in combination with the before
mentioned or any other description of door springs.
In carrying out my invention, so far as it relates to the application of the combined
action of the self-closing spring or springs, and checks I fit a spindle or pivot into the
shoe of the door or into equivalent levers or other suitable fittings, the lower end of
the spindle working in and being supported by suitable bearings in a Box sunk in the
floor. The box is usually made fluid and dust proof, and (preferably) filled up with
oil, (but air or other fluid may be used) after receiving the fittings.
One or more lever or levers is or are so fitted in the box that the pivot operates the
same when the door is opened, and such pivot is operated upon by the lever or levers,
when the door is closing or held open. Such lever or levers also operates to retain
the door in a closed position, when shut.
Each lever is caused to operate upon one or more other lever or levers, the latter
being fitted with one or more spring or springs in such a position that it tends, or they
tend to close the door, and the arm, or first lever, operates upon the second lever or
levers in such a manner that the leverage decreases as the angle of the opened door
increases, or otherwise the secondary lever being sometimes provided with a check-
thumb, or additional lever, which acts as a wheel guide.
The space in the box is also fitted with one or more cylinder or cylinders fitted with
a piston or pistons, which is or are operated by the secondary lever or levers, by
means of connecting rods or equivalent appliances.
Adjusting screws, vents, valves and other usual appliances are fitted wherewith to
regulate and adjust the action of the springs and pistons.
The forms of the Lovers, the position of the fulcrums and several working centres ;
the form and direction in which the springs are made and act, and the several com-
binations and arrangements, are obviously capable of much variation in form and detail.
The springs may be applied without the door checks, or with other door checks; and
the door checks may be applied without the springs; and the position of the invention
with relation to the door may also be varied and placed in other positions, in cases
in which it is inconvenient to place it under the shoe.
The piston or pistons and cylinder or cylinders act so as to retard the closing of the
door and prevent slamming, in a manner analogous to that of the well known
cataract"; which principle has been adopted in connection with my previous patents
Nos. 12,644, and 2718***
I also sometimes make a steel spring check, with limiting links, staple and adjusting
plate and hook, so that in the closing of the door it cannot be overstrained; and for
the purpose of setting the same open at any desired angle, in lieu of the well known
leather straps and wood springs usually fitted for such purposes.

page_text: In adjusting springs and checks to doors which are fitted with my improvements it
is sometimes necessary to fit an adjustable shoe, by which the relation of the door to
the centre of motion can be accurately fixed and by which all tendency to tortion and
undue strain and the necessity for specially prepared shoes is avoided, and provision is
thus also made to meet the requirements of butt hinges.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and ascertained,
reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters of
reference indicate corresponding parts.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a novel method of combining my improved door checks
with the door springs described in my said former specification No. 12,644 or
other springs. The bent levers bb are provided with studs or pins bb, which are
attached to the cylinder g, (containing a piston and valve at bb; p being the regu-
lating screw for controlling the exit of the fluid, the screw ? may be placed in any
other position for the convenience of access.
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 represent another form of combined spring and check for single-acting
doors, that is to say, doors which open in one direction only. Fig. 3 shews the position
when the door is closed; Fig. 4 shews the same with the door open and Fig. 5 shows
the internal arrangement. b is a slotted lever which engages the friction pulley d¹ on
the end of the piston rod y. g₁ is the piston: a a are the springs which press down the
piston. is a travelling nut having an internal thread fitting the screw h². This
screw is fixed to the head h², and also carries a flange ³, whereby it is kept in position
in the cylinder cover g³. The nut is prevented from turning round by two guides g³,
which enter spaces formed in the nut for that purpose. is the regulating valve
governed by the screw, as shewn, whereby the speed of emission of the oil from
under the piston is regulated, and the descent of the piston is checked. g is the inlet
valve which freely admits the oil under the piston through suitable perforations when
the piston is ascending, and closes the same when the piston descends.
Fig. 6 shews the application of another from of combined springs and check,
as manufactured for double-acting or swing doors. e is the box containing the
mechanism; bare the levers, having their fulcrums at 63; d is the pivot which
enters the shoe of the door, is an anti-friction wheel attached to the Lever such
lever being pivotted at d, and which wheel acts upon one of the two levers b, b. when
turned to the right or left. a a are volute springs which press. the levers against the
wheel and tend to close the door, is the check, for preventing slamming; the
action of which will be readily understood from the drawing and from the further
descriptions hereinafter contained.
Fig. 7 shews another modification of double acting door spring. a are the springs,
of circular form, engaging the levers b. b, between the fulcrum and the working pivot d.
This form is preferably fitted with two wheels d', as shewn in plan and elevation in
Figs. 22 and 23. The two wheels may be fitted with one two or three webs d². The
levers (Fig. 7) are recessed at 2 to provide for wear, and one or two set screws is
or are provided for taking up wear, as shewn, the stops and the screws may be other-
wise fitted.
t1
Fig. 8 represents a modification for converting ordinary springs and adapting my
improvements thereto, for single acting doors. The lever is fitted with a thumb
piece to prevent the wheel a leaving the jaw of the Lover. The box a is fitted
with loose pieces having provisions for letting in centres y,, whereby the pressure
of the spring a is caused to operate at 1 upon the lever b. 9, is the silent check
cylinder shewing the same and its internal fittings, in section. The piston i is fitted
with the cup leather k. 1, is a flexible valve which is held to its seat by the small
cylinder m, inclosing a spring sustained by a screw as shewn, n is one of the per-
forations for admitting the oil or other fluid below the piston, when the same is
ascending. These holes are, however, so placed that they occur in the lower half of the
piston (or thereabouts) in order that any air, which may happen to enter, may be duly
trapped. When the door is being closed by the power of the spring a the inlet holes
are closed by the flat valve l, and the only exit for the fluid is by the governing port p,
which may be wholly or partially closed and otherwise regulated, to prevent slamming.

page_text: Fig. 9 shows another arrangement, the special features of which consist in the
application of additional levers 6, 6, against which the springs a, a, impinge, the outer
ends of these additional levers 6 being fitted to the silent check g. The lower half of
the piston is fitted with inlet ports, as above described. are two grub screws,
which not only serve to take up wear, but also to adjust the door in its proper position
when shut.
Figs. 10 and 11 shew other modifications which will be readily understood from the
drawings.
Figs. 12, 13, and 14 are detail views of the Cylinder, piston and valves, forming the
means for preventing slamming. g is the cylinder, 2 is a small vent leading to the
passage 3. 4 is a screw plug for controlling the area of the passage, i is the piston
and the piston rod. 5 is a passage formed in the piston rod, in which a ball 6 is
fitted held to its seat by a spring, as shewn, or its equivalent.
The Cylinder is sometimes provided with a slot 7, or with perforations,.or with an
enlargement of the diameter of the Cylinder, for the purpose of providing for a rapid
closing of the door at the commencement of such closing, and the necessary check
afterwards; but when an equalized slow motion is required, such slots, holes, or
enlargement is or are dispensed with. In some cases the ball valve (with or without
an adjusting screw acting directly on, the ball or otherwise) is fitted in the Cylinder
bottom or at the side, instead of in the piston rod and other forms of valves may be
used for effecting the same purpose.
These arrangements apply to either form of Cylinder described or referred to in this
Specification, and whether fitted for oil, water, air or any other fluid.
Fig. 15 shews an arrangement for operating single-acting doors the special feature
of which is the method of providing for the thrust of the spring by means of a socket
nut, screw, and scrow nut, shown enlarged in Fig. 16. 8 is the socket nut, 9 is the
screw, and 10 is the screw nut. The head of the screw is fitted into the socket of the
nut 8, so that when the nut 8 is turned by a spanner the screw is also turned thereby,
and, at the same time the screw nut 10 is prevented from turning, whereby the spring
can be adjusted, as required. The screw head 9 is able also to take various angles
with respect to the nut 8.
Figs. 17 to 21 shew an arrangement of adjustable shoe, for adjusting doors as
hereinbefore referred to, the special feature of which is the serrated surfaces 11, the
slot 12 and the adjusting screw 13.
Instead of using serrations the surfaces may be smooth, and a horizontal screw
may be used to adjust the boss ;. and it will be obvious to practical men that the boss
can be otherwise adjusted to effect the same object.
Fig. 24 shows an arrangement of spindle, with ball valve and accessories, applicable
to such spindles as are described in Fig. 9 of No. 27188; and to other pivots of
other hinges.
Figs. 25 and 26 are respectively a plan and side view, shewing the method of
applying my improved silent check to the forms of springs described in Gossage's
Specification No. 415380; g is the fluid chamber attached to and forming an extension
of the ordinary spring barrel, or the same may be formed in one therewith. The
method of, forming and applying the connecting rods to suit the various positions
they may be required to occupy, may be varied to meet the same.
Fig. 27 shews an arrangement for retaining doors in an open or partly open
position. 14 is the door frame, 15 the door, 16 a bracket fixed to the frame, 17 is a
spring, 18 a chain with a hook 19 taking into any one of the holes in the plate 20
fitted to the door.
The hook may be dispensed with and other mounting substituted. The Spring is
wound round a pair of links which links interlap each other inside the spring, when
the same is not extended, but which links limit the extension of the spring, when in
action. The two ends of the spring are contracted over cones formed on the links for
the purpose of securing the spring in position and amalgamating the links therewith
and preventing the opening of the eyes.
Figs. 28 and 29 are respectively elevation and plan, shewing 1 method of adapting

page_text: my improved check to doors. 21 is the transome, and 22 the door, to which the
bracket 23 is fitted. is the check which is hinged to the transome at 24.
The method of mounting and arrangement of my direct arm 23 may be varied to
suit various positions and requirements.
Figs. 30 to 35 shew various other methods of applying my improved door checks to
doors and windows, and other analogous purposes. In Figs. 30 and 31 the Cylinder
is fixed to the transome, and the arm 25 is jointed to the transome at 26, which
position may be varied. A connecting rod 27 connects the piston rod with the joint
of the power arm.
The extreme end of the lever is attached to a link jointed to the
door, or a slotted plate may be substituted therefor. In opening the door or other
object the piston rod is drawn outwards, the air being admitted through the before
mentioned valves, can only escape and the door closed at a regulated speed, by the
set screw or equivalent device as hereinbefore described.
Fig. 32 shews an adaptation in which the arm acts direct from the bracket to the
end of the piston rod. In this case the bracket 28 is fixed to the side frame or
transom, and the arm may be formed in any manner suited to the purpose. The
check is fixed to the door. The dotted line 29 represents a link, spring or chain, or a
combination thereof or its equivalent, to limit the shutting of the door to any desired
angle as shewn by dotted lines.
Fig. 33 shews another arrangement for applying the check to a door fitted with
what is known as a monkey-tail spring. In this case a door attachment by link 30
(as shown) or slotted plate, traversed by a guide wheel is applied to hold it to its
work.
Fig. 34 shews a check let into the door and attached by a clip or other means to
the last mentioned description of spring.
The arrangements shewn in Figs. 33 and 34 may be similarly applied to other back
of door springs.
Fig. 35 is another modification somewhat similar to that shewn in Fig. 32. In
this case the bracket 31 is fixed to the door, and the check gis hinged to the transom.
When the door is opened the traverse of the bracket causes the piston rod to be
withdrawn, and on again closing the door its motion is retarded and regulated as
before described. The action of these springs may be reversed and varied, so as to
cause the barrel to slide while the piston remains relatively a fixture.
It will be obvious that many of the various constructions, arrangements and modi-
fications herein before described are interchangeable and that the combinations of the
several parts may be varied in many useful ways, without departing from the general
principles involved therein.
The door checks and other checks herein described may be fitted with or without
springs according to requirements.
2 Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The manufacture and use of the respective constructions adaptations and arrange-
ments of mechanism and appliances together or separately, severally operating
substantially as and for the purposes herein before described and as shewn in the
drawings.
2. The general arrangements, constructions and combinations of the several and
respective parts or of any one, two or more of them constituting my improvements in
springs for self closing doors and other analogous purposes, and, in checks for
preventing slamming, and in the methods of adjusting the same, substantially as
herein before described and shewn in the drawings.
GEO. DOWNING,
Agent for Applicant.