In the opinion of the author, the handsomest hinge for double-acting doors is the New Idea double-acting spring hinge, shown in Figs. 352 and 354. This hinge is entirely different in principle from all other spring hinges, as the door really swings on a pivot or pintle, which is supported by the arms (A) of the jamb plate, Fig. 353, and let into the door, so that nothing but the face plates and the arms of the jamb plate are exposed. With this hinge a concave jamb strip must be used, as shown in Fig. 352; this strip, however, is more ornamental than the plain strip commonly used, and the joint between the door and strip is much closer than is possible with other double-acting hinge's. The leaves of the hinge that are fastened to the door divide on the line of the pintle for convenience in applying; this also allows of two finishes on one hinge. Besides the plain hinge shown in Fig. 352, an ornamental hinge is made, as crudely indicated by Fig. 354, which is, in fact, a very handsome hinge. Aside from the ornamentation this pattern differs from the plain one in that the jamb plate has moulded edges which are exposed, the wooden jamb strip being made of the same profile and cut against it. Although it has been advertised but little, this hinge appears to have met with much favor from architects.

Fig.357.

Fig. 353.

Fig- 354.

Some years ago the Bardsley checking spring hinge was quite extensively used for double-acting doors in first-class buildings. This hinge is really two pivots, one fitting into a socket mortised into the top of the door, while the lower one works in connection with a spring encased in a cylinder and sunk in the door sill. The cylinder containing the spring is filled with oil, which prevents any jar or sudden movement. This device works very nicely, closing the door without slamming. The author understands, however, that it has been largely superseded by overhead checks of the liquid type.

The Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Co. also make a double-acting ball-bearing floor hinge with which both the top and bottom of the door are pivoted.