Patents Assigned to Von Duprin, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5927765
    Abstract: A dogging device for securing a panic exit and actuation device in an unlatched condition. The dogging device uses a U-shaped spring clip to secure a base plate, a dogging adapter and a dogging hook together. The base plate, dogging adapter and dogging hook are rotated about a common axis by an operator, which can either be a hex shaft or a cylinder adapter operated by a keyed lock, from a disengaged position to an engaged position where the dogging hook engages a control rod of the exit device thereby holding, or dogging, the exit device in an unlatched condition. An over center spring is used to bias the dogging hook into either the engaged or the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlin D. Austin, Richard B. Cohrs, Jr., Stephen M. Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 5904384
    Abstract: A push pad releasable exit device with continuous deadlocking for mounting near a door edge for engaging a lock strike includes a housing having first and second sidewalls upon which are mounted two end walls and an internal wall parallel to the end walls, each of the end walls and the internal wall having a hole, the holes being aligned on a common axis, the first sidewall having a wedge stop projecting inwardly therefrom toward the axis of the holes in the end walls and the internal wall; a tapered latch bolt mounted on a cylindrical shaft the shaft extending through the holes and having a provision for urging the latch bolt toward the lock strike; a wedge plate having a hole providing clearance around the shaft and aligned with the holes in the end walls, having a tab pivotally resting in a slot of the second wall, and having a corner distal from the tab resting against the wedge stop when the door is in an open position; a provision for sensing when the door is in a closed position and for flipping the we
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Mader, William P. Dye, Matthew S. Prucinsky
  • Patent number: 5794382
    Abstract: A fire-rated removable mullion, includes a top fitting mounted to a door frame lintel, a bottom fitting assembly, a mullion head capable of detachably engaging the top fitting, a mullion tube having provisions for mounting between the mullion head and the bottom fitting assembly, and another provision for accommodating thermal expansion of the mullion assembly to resist warping of the assembly. Where desired, a mortise cylinder lock can be included to limit removal by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Prucinsky
  • Patent number: 5762385
    Abstract: A push pad releasable exit device with continuous deadlocking for mounting near a door edge for engaging a lock strike includes a housing having first and second sidewalls upon which are mounted two end walls and an internal wall parallel to the end walls, each of the end walls and the internal wall having a hole, the holes being aligned on a common axis, the first sidewall having a wedge stop projecting inwardly therefrom toward the axis of the holes in the end walls and the internal wall; a tapered latch bolt mounted on a cylindrical shaft, the shaft extending through the holes and having a provision for urging the latch bolt toward the lock strike; a wedge plate having a hole providing clearance around the shaft and aligned with the holes in the end walls, having a tab pivotally resting in a slot of the second wall, and having a corner distal from the tab resting against the wedge stop when the door is in an open position; a provision for sensing when the door is in a closed position and for flipping the w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Mader, William P. Dye, Matthew S. Prucinsky
  • Patent number: 5690501
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing an electrical connection from a power source, through a stationary door frame, into a door to connect to door-mounted electrically-operated hardware, includes an electrical junction box installed in a mortise cavity in the door frame adjacent to a similar electrical junction box installed in a mortise cavity in an edge of the door. The junction boxes are adjacent each other when the door is in a closed position; and a housing is installed in each junction box, each housing having a longitudinal slot in a face plate thereof of a length substantially equal to the length of the junction box. A cover plate is longitudinally slidably engaged in grooved fingers on a rear surface of the face plate, the cover plate having a substantially circular hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Mader
  • Patent number: 5682778
    Abstract: A lead-in device is used during installation of a rim-type lock cylinder having a tailpiece in an exit mechanism including a cam having a tailpiece receiving aperture. The lead-in device includes a converging tunnel having an exit aperture sized to match the tailpiece receiving aperture and an entrance aperture that is larger than the exit aperture. The lead-in device also includes a pair of arms positioned to be inserted into the cam aperture to hold the exit aperture in registry with the cam aperture and to maintain the entrance aperture at a predetermined distance from the cam. When the arms are positioned in the cam aperture and the exit aperture is in registry with the cam aperture, the converging tunnel guides a tailpiece inserted into the entrance aperture through the exit aperture and into the cam aperture to engage the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Cohrs, James Mason, Benjamin H. Akers, III
  • Patent number: 5673949
    Abstract: A push pad releasable exit device with continuous deadlocking for mounting near a door edge for engaging a lock strike includes a housing having first and second sidewalls upon which are mounted two end walls and an internal wall parallel to the end walls, each of the end walls and the internal wall having a hole, the holes being aligned on a common axis, the first sidewall having a wedge stop projecting inwardly therefrom toward the axis of the holes in the end walls and the internal wall; a tapered latch bolt mounted on a cylindrical shaft, the shaft extending through the holes and having a provision for urging the latch bolt toward the lock strike; a wedge plate having a hole providing clearance around the shaft and aligned with the holes in the end walls, having a tab pivotally resting in a slot of the second wall, and having a corner distal from the tab resting against the wedge stop when the door is in an open position; a provision for sensing when the door is in a closed position and for flipping the w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Mader, William P. Dye, Matthew S. Prucinsky
  • Patent number: 5664816
    Abstract: A door lever assembly has capability for changing the handing of the lever during installation. It includes a housing having a face with a bore for receiving a lever shaft and an input cam rotatably mounted in the housing. The input cam has a shaft for transmitting rotary motion to a latch spindle and a lever arm for rotatably driving the input cam and the shaft. A slider plate surrounds the shaft and the lever arm of the input cam and has a branched slot for permitting the slider to move relative to the shaft while driving the lever arm. A cover plate protects and retains all parts within the housing. Provision for removably mounting a cam on the lever shaft to be driven thereby against the slider plate, moving the slider plate to drive the lever arm of the input cam and to thereby rotate the shaft of the input cam to drive the latch spindle. A tailpiece, adjustable to indexed lengths, drivably connects the input cam and the latch spindle. A torque limiting and damage prevention feature is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Nigro, Jr., Theodore J. Fritsch
  • Patent number: 5658026
    Abstract: A modular door handle assembly has a door handle on a rotatable handle shaft mounted on a housing having a face with a bore for receiving the handle shaft. Dual-function studs retain a cover on the housing and have provision for mounting the door handle assembly to a door. Other provisions, within the housing, provide for operating a door latch in response to rotation of the door handle together with a mechanism for returning the handle to a parked position upon release of the handle from rotating force and a locking feature for releasably locking the door handle assembly to prevent operation of the door latch. The handle return and locking features are both driven by a pair of dual acting springs. The modular design simplifies repair and replacement of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Nigro, Jr., Theodore J. Fritsch
  • Patent number: 5610794
    Abstract: A doorholder for retaining a door in an open position by magnetic interaction with an armature secured to the door has an electromagnetic flux generator which includes a core having a face confronting the armature and a coil of wire surrounding the core. A cup having an inside diameter somewhat greater than the coil outside diameter receives the coil, the core extending from the face to the cup bottom. A power control circuit including a resistor circuit controls electrical power supplied to the coil, the power control circuit being mounted on a circuit board situated between the coil rear surface and the cup bottom. The resistor circuit being situated in sufficiently close proximity to the cup bottom for transfer of heat from the resistor circuit to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Dye, Paul J. Hoggard
  • Patent number: 5609371
    Abstract: A push pad releasable exit device with continuous deadlocking for mounting near a door edge for engaging a lock strike includes a housing having first and second sidewalls upon which are mounted two end walls and an internal wall parallel to the end walls, each of the end walls and the internal wall having a hole, the holes being aligned on a common axis, the first sidewall having a wedge stop projecting inwardly therefrom toward the axis of the holes in the end walls and the internal wall; a tapered latch bolt mounted on a cylindrical shaft, the shaft extending through the holes and having a provision for urging the latch bolt toward the lock strike; a wedge plate having a hole providing clearance around the shaft and aligned with the holes in the end walls, having a tab pivotally resting in a slot of the second wall, and having a corner distal from the tab resting against the wedge stop when the door is in an open position; a provision for sensing when the door is in a closed position and for flipping the w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Mader, William P. Dye, Matthew S. Prucinsky
  • Patent number: 5570916
    Abstract: A door lever assembly for disengaging an unlocked latch of a lockable door latch assembly includes a lever handle rotatably connected to a trim housing supporting a stop plate. A cam is operably connected to the lever handle and positioned to rotate in response to rotation of the lever handle, converting its rotational movement to linear movement of a movable slider positioned adjacent to the cam. A lift arm is operably connected to vertical rods of the door latch assembly and an over-ride spring is connected between the slider and the lift arm. The over-ride spring transmits motion of the slider to the lift arm to lift the lift arm and the connected vertical rods when the door latch assembly is in an unlocked position. The over-ride spring compresses in response to slider movement when the blocking slide is positioned to block movement of the lift arm when the door latch assembly is in its locked position, preventing damage to components of the door lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Mader
  • Patent number: 5566994
    Abstract: A door lever assembly having a locked and an unlocked position includes a trim housing and a lever handle and cam rotatably connected to the trim housing. A rotatable shaft extends between the lever handle and the cam, with the shaft defining a connection groove therethrough to provide access to a shaft interior. The shaft interior is configured to a accept a pin for connecting the cam and the shaft. This pin can be resettably disconnected following controlled slippage of frictional contact surfaces in response to excessive force applied to rotate the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Mader
  • Patent number: 5564760
    Abstract: A door lever assembly includes a lever handle rotatably connected to a trim housing. A pair of guide rods positioned in the trim housing support a stop plate and a movable slider. A cam is operably connected to the lever handle and positioned to rotate in response to rotation of the lever handle, converting its rotational movement to linear movement of the movable slider positioned adjacent to the cam. A lift arm is operably connected to the slider to engage and disengage door latches in response to movement of the slider when the door lever assembly is unlocked. When the door lever assembly is locked, an over-ride spring connected between the slider and the lift arm compresses in response to slider movement, preventing damage to components of the door lever assembly. When the door lever assembly is unlocked, a pivot rotates to control contact between the slider and the stop plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Mader
  • Patent number: 5566376
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil for use in a doorholder for retaining a door in an open position by magnetic interaction with an armature secured to the door includes a coil of wire for surrounding a core within a cup. A power control circuit including a resistor circuit, controls electrical power supplied to the coil, the power control circuit being mounted on a circuit board situated between the coil rear surface and the cup bottom. The resistor circuit being situated in sufficiently close proximity to the cup bottom for transfer of heat from the resistor circuit to the cup. The power control circuit also includes a low resistance circuit coupled to the resistor circuit, the low resistance circuit including a fusible link, the fusible link being selected to carry current when the power input terminals are coupled to a lower voltage power source and to stop carrying current when the power input terminals are coupled to a higher voltage power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Dye, Paul J. Hoggard
  • Patent number: 5555484
    Abstract: An electromagnetic doorholder for retaining a door in an open position by magnetic interaction with an armature secured to the door. The doorholder includes a core having a face confronting the armature and a coil of wire surrounding the core. A cup having an inside diameter somewhat greater than the coil outside diameter receives the coil, the core extending from the face to the cup bottom. A power control circuit including a resistor circuit controls electrical power supplied to the coil, the power control circuit being mounted on a circuit board situated between the coil rear surface and the cup bottom. The resistor circuit being situated in sufficiently close proximity to the cup bottom for transfer of heat from the resistor circuit to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Dye, Paul J. Hoggard
  • Patent number: 5520427
    Abstract: A door lever assembly having a locked and an unlocked position includes a trim housing and a lever handle and cam rotatably connected to the trim housing. A rotatable shaft extends between the lever handle and the cam, with the shaft defining a connection groove therethrough to provide access to a shaft interior. The shaft interior is configured to accept a pin for connecting the cam and the shaft. This pin can be wedgably disconnected following controlled slippage of frictional wedge surfaces in response to excessive force applied to rotate the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Mader
  • Patent number: 5516161
    Abstract: A door lever assembly having a locked and an unlocked position includes a trim housing and a lever handle rotatably connected to the trim housing. A cam is rotatably connected to the trim housing, and a pin mechanism is movably positionable to connect with the lever handle. A slider is attached for movement in the trim housing in response to rotation of the cam, anda lift arm is connected to the slider. The lift arm is rigidly movable with the slider when the door lever assembly is in its unlocked position and the lever handle is rotated. When the door lever assembly is in its locked position, the lift arm pivots toward the cam to disengage the pin mechanism from its connection between the lever handle and the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Mader, Paul J. Haeck
  • Patent number: 5484179
    Abstract: A door lever assembly for disengaging an unlocked latch of a lockable door latch assembly includes a lever handle rotatably connected to a trim housing and a cam operably connected to the lever handle. The cam is positioned to rotate in response to rotation of the lever handle, converting its rotational movement to linear movement of a movable slider positioned adjacent to the cam. An electrically activated block arm is positionable to prevent movement of the movable slider, effectively locking the door lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Mader
  • Patent number: D425810
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene K. Siller, Daniel N. Nigro, Jr.