Closers Patents (Class 16/71)
  • Patent number: 11913259
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a closing assembly for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a closing assembly for body closures of motor vehicles. An example vehicle includes an immovable body component, a moveable body component configured to move relative to the immovable body component, and a closing assembly. The closing assembly includes a locking bolt configured to engage a latch moveable relative to a guide slot between a release position and a closed position. The closing assembly further includes a spring exerting a restoring force urging the latch in the direction of the closed position. The restoring force has no force component along a section of the guide slot corresponding to the release position of the latch. The closing assembly is a low cost and robust assembly which reduces noise associated with closing a vehicle door. These and other benefits will be appreciated from the following description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David van Bebber, Jacco Poleij
  • Patent number: 11447995
    Abstract: A device for moving a door leaf between an open position and a close position with regard to a door opening in a wall includes lever kinematics with a lever for assisting the movement of the door leaf. The lever includes a first section and a second section, and a connecting element for accommodating a transmission component configured for transmitting electrical energy and/or data. The device is provided for the connecting element to be rotatably supported at the first section of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: DORMAKABA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Konstantin Lygin
  • Patent number: 11215001
    Abstract: A positionable hidden hydraulic hinge configured for installation of a door is provided. The positionable hidden hydraulic hinge includes a non-movable device body configured to be connectable with a door frame, a rotatable device body configured to be connectable with a door leaf, and a hinge configured to connect the non-movable device body and the rotatable device body. The rotatable device body includes a bearing guiding base having a guiding groove and a hydraulic chamber body. The positionable hidden hydraulic hinge also includes a linkage assembly configured to penetrate throughout the hinge. Two ends of the linkage assembly are configured to pivotably connect with the non-movable device body and an internal mechanism of the rotatable device body, respectively. A first end of the bearing guiding base is fixedly connected with the hinge, and a second end of the bearing guiding base is connected with the hydraulic chamber body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO PENTAGON DAMPER CO., LTD
    Inventor: Fuyong Cai
  • Patent number: 10982480
    Abstract: A device for at least partially automatically actuating a door leaf, includes a drive having a drive axis of rotation for driving the door leaf at least partially during a movement between an opening position and a closing position, a casing element having a casing axis of rotation for assisting a movement of the door leaf, lever kinematics having at least one lever arm for establishing an operative connection between the drive and the casing element. The lever arm includes a drive-sided connection section, which is supported to be rotationally movable around the drive axis of rotation. The lever kinematics includes at least one transmission component for transferring electric energy and/or data between at least one casing-sided energy source and a drive-sided energy recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: DORMAKABA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Konstantin Lygin, Sven Busch
  • Patent number: 10392848
    Abstract: A damping or return device for sliding door leaves, particularly for furniture, which is constituted by a steel pin that slideably and axially interacts within a magnet constituted by a diametrically differently-polarized collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BORTOLUZZI SISTEMI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Guido Bortoluzzi, Adriano Girotto, Lucio Moliner
  • Patent number: 9731825
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark LeQuesne Cloud, Christopher Lyle Schwitters, Kwun-Wing Cheung, Paul Andrew Kinzer
  • Publication number: 20150061314
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a flap mounted moveably on a component between a closed position and an opened position, in particular for a flap mounted moveably on a housing of an automobile, comprising: a first actuation part and a second actuation part which are designed to engage with one another in a movement direction, locking means with a locking reception provided on the first or second actuation part and a locking element provided on the other of the first or second actuation part, wherein the locking element engages in the locking reception during engagement of the actuation parts and thus holds the actuation parts together in a locking position, wherein the locking reception has sufficient size so that in the locking position a relative movement between the locking element and the locking reception in the movement direction of the actuation parts and thereby a corresponding relative movement of the actuation parts in their movement direction with regard to one another is possible,
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Christian Beck
  • Patent number: 8943652
    Abstract: A hinge for cold rooms, swing gates or the like includes a stationary support structure and at least a door movable between an open door position and a closed door position. The hinge comprises a box-like hinge body and a pin rotatably coupled to rotate about a first axis between the open door position and the closed door position. Closing means are provided for automatically returning the door, as well as a working fluid acting thereon to hydraulically contrast their action. The closing means comprise a cam element unitary with the pin interacting with a plunger element housed in an operating chamber defined within the box-like hinge body. The box-like hinge body has an elongated shape to define a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: IN&TEC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luciano Bacchetti
  • Patent number: 8931138
    Abstract: A movement assist device includes a retraction tool having a case, a latch switched between a standby position which is locked inside the case and a retraction position which releases the locking so as to be capable of sliding, and an urging device; and a striker switching the latch from the standby position to the retraction position, or vise versa. The retraction tool or the striker is provided in a fixed body, or a moving body movably disposed in the fixed body. When the latch is switched from the standby position to the retraction position, a sliding door moves by an urging force. The case includes a striker leading portion notched such that a width of the case becomes thin to a middle of the other end from one end in a longitudinal direction. Also, one portion of the latch is exposed and disposed in the leading portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yohel Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8910345
    Abstract: A door closer has a housing for connection to a door and a drive spindle (10) coupled to the door. As the door moves the spindle (10) and housing (11) rotate relative to one another. The relative movement is translated by a piston and cam mechanism (21, 22) into a force that is used to separate a pair of magnets (28). The magnetic attraction of the magnet pairs (28) serves as a force to resist opening of the door and biases the door from an open to a closed position. At least one first magnet is coupled to the drive member and at least one second magnet (32) coupled to the housing. The magnets are arranged in the housing with their opposite poles facing one another such that there is a magnetic force of attraction between them. At least one further biasing spring (36) may be provided to provide a biasing force after the magnetic force has diminished by separation of the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Bland, James Frost, David Williams, Lee Melville
  • Patent number: 8875344
    Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and in particular a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Salutzki, Volker Bienek, Thomas Wildförster, Thomas Pabst, Sabine Wiemann
  • Patent number: 8863357
    Abstract: An adjustable door closer has a hollow pedestal with a first and a second chamber as well as an actuating groove. An actuating device is set into the actuating groove. A first piston assembly is set into the first chamber and a second piston assembly set into the second chamber. A partition wall is formed between the first and second chambers. Due to a laterally configured flow resistance unit, the holes to be set into the first and second chambers are reduced to three, including a connecting hole and first and second backflow bypass holes, all of which are connected only to the second chamber from the partition wall. As such, the flow path structure is simplified compared to the five holes required for typical structures. The adjustable door closer could reduce significantly the manufacturing cost and realize better regulating functions with improved applicability and economic benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Heng Kuo Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hui-Chen Chang
  • Publication number: 20140290144
    Abstract: A door operator for opening and/or for closing a door includes a housing, an output shaft with a cam disc, and a first piston guided in the housing, which first piston bears against the cam disc. The output shaft includes a first axle body supported in the housing. The first axle body is connected to the cam disc in a torque-proof manner by a first plug-in connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander Hellwig, Sabine Wiemann, Thomas Salutzki
  • Publication number: 20140283336
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Mark LeQuesne Cloud, Christopher Lyle Schwitters, Kwun-Wing Cheung, Paul Andrew Kinzer
  • Publication number: 20140285079
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a cabinet; a door, a bar, and a puller. The door is rotatable relative to the cabinet. The bar is mounted to the door. The puller includes a cylinder and a rod. The cylinder is fixed to the cabinet. A joint is attached to one end of the rod. The joint is slidable on the bar. The cylinder can draw the rod. The rod can pull the door relative to the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHUAI WU, SHU-QI WU, YU-LIN LIU
  • Patent number: 8826494
    Abstract: A door closer including a free-swing function, including a door closer housing, an output shaft connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a free-swing assembly adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked, and a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring. The output shaft is a cam-shaped rolling contour, in particular a cam disc, and the piston assembly includes at least one cam roller abutting on the rolling contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Bienek, Sabine Wiemann, Thomas Pabst
  • Patent number: 8819895
    Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, having a free-swing function, including a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked, and which is embodied as a sliding-coupling which exclusively transmits compressive forces between the closer spring and the piston assembly, and a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Volker Bienek
  • Patent number: 8806715
    Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and a spring-loaded check valve arranged between the lock compartment and a space becoming smaller during the opening process of the door, in particular an accommodating space for the closer spring. The spring-loaded check valve locks toward the space becoming smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Bienek, Sabine Wiemann, Thomas Pabst
  • Patent number: 8793838
    Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Patrick McKibben, Brian Christopher Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8793839
    Abstract: Provided is a retracting device in which dampers have improved durability and strokes of operation of the dampers are not reduced. A first slider 14-1 for assisting closing, a second slider 14-2 for assisting opening, and a damper base 22 are provided in an elongating base 12 to be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the base 12. The damper base 22 is disposed between the first slider 14-1 and the second slider 14-2. A first damper 24 is provided over between the first slider 14-1 and the damper base 22 and a second damper 25 is provided over between the second slider 14-2 and the damper base 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junpei Iwaki
  • Publication number: 20140196252
    Abstract: An opening-closing control device drives an opening-closing member with use of a drive device and controls the opening-closing member to open or close an opening portion. The opening-closing control device includes a load detector and a drive-force stopping device. The load detector detects an increase of load on the opening-closing member due to pressing of the opening-closing member against an elastic member that is disposed on an end of the opening portion and is opposed to the opening-closing member in a moving direction of the opening-closing member. The drive-force stopping device stops a drive force supplied to the drive device at a timing just before the opening-closing member reaches a mechanically limit position in a closing direction of the opening-closing member when the increase of load is larger than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shin SAKAI
  • Patent number: 8773237
    Abstract: A door closer with a teach mode is disclosed. The door closer that can be self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The control unit includes a teach mode that can be invoked at installation time, or any other time, so that appropriate information can be stored in memory regarding an installation configuration, relative jamb position, swing (right or left handed) and other parameters. These values can be accessed by control circuitry in the controller for use in controlling the door closer during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
  • Patent number: 8756759
    Abstract: A door closing device has a door closer and a fastening plate for the door closer, having a receptacle side provided for receiving the door closer and having a support side opposite to the receptacle side, the sides being separated by a peripheral edge. At least one projection which protrudes outward on the edge is implemented on the peripheral edge, the projection being provided for the purpose of engaging in a formfitting manner in a corresponding recess on the door closer to be fastened, to thus cause an alignment of the door closer to be fastened relative to the fastening plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Kaestle, Fritz Feucht
  • Publication number: 20140165329
    Abstract: An arm, forming a linkage arm, includes: a first linkage arm part; and a second linkage arm part. The first linkage arm part is arranged with one end at a driven shaft of a swing leaf operator so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the driven shaft, so that the swing leaf operator can swivel the first linkage arm part around a first end of the first linkage arm part, as a center point of a rotational axis of the first linkage arm part, the first linkage arm part being configured, at a second end of the first linkage arm part, to be arranged at a first end of the second linkage arm part, so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the second linkage arm part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Wildförster
  • Patent number: 8745821
    Abstract: An auto-closing device has a base, a cylinder, a slider, a spring and an adjusting device. The adjusting device is connected to an end of the spring opposite to the slider and has an adjusting frame and an adjusting bolt. The adjusting frame has a first end connected securely to the spring and a second end provided with a threaded hole. The adjusting bolt is mounted rotatably on the base and is screwed into the threaded hole in the adjusting frame. Accordingly, when the adjusting bolt is rotated, the adjusting frame is moved relative to the body so that the pulling force provided by the spring is adjusted to fit with different door panels with different weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Door & Window Hardware Co.
    Inventors: Wei-Hung Chang, Sung-Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20140143979
    Abstract: A sliding member for a door closer that is operatively connected to the sliding member by a lever arm. The sliding member includes: a body, having two sliding surfaces disposed at opposite lateral surfaces of the body; an adapter member, configured to be connectable to the lever arm; and an insert configured to be inserted into the body to accommodate the adapter member. The insert is retained in the body in an exchangeable manner and has at least one unlatching geometrical device adapted to absorb forces of a held-open device without damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Bernd Winkler
  • Patent number: 8732904
    Abstract: A door closer is described, which has an output shaft, on which a cam disc is torsion-resistantly disposed, and has a pressure roller. By means of an operational connection, a closer spring presses the pressure roller against a running surface of the cam disc. In relation to an axial center of the output shaft, the pressure roller is disposed such that, during opening or closing of a swing leaf coupled to the output shaft, the pressure roller is movable along a path. Due to the fact that the path bypasses the axial center of the output shaft and on account of the configuration of the running surface of the cam disc, at a respective opening angle of the swing leaf, in different modes of operation of the door closer, a very similar or identical torque is respectively applied to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Sven Busch
  • Patent number: 8732905
    Abstract: A spring power setting indicator for a closing apparatus for a wing such as a door or window, including a closer housing in which a compression spring is disposed. The spring power setting indicator includes a collar defining a threaded opening adapted to engage an adjustment screw for adjusting the bias of the compression spring. The collar may be substantially disc-shaped, and has a peripheral side that defines an annular channel in which a magnetic ball is disposed. An indicator housing with indicia of closer size may be mounted to the closer housing. Another magnetic ball may be disposed in the indicator housing. The magnetic balls are attracted to each other, and the ball in the indicator housing follows the ball in the channel as the collar moves in response to turning of the adjustment screw, permitting external reading of closer size with the indicia based on ball position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Matthew Bell
  • Patent number: 8713756
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a door closer stopper, comprising a housing mounted around a door closer, a finger press block assembly and a stop assembly disposed in the housing. The housing is provided with a slot and an opening; The finger press block assembly comprises a press block and a rotary press block hinged to the slot of the housing, and a positioning mechanism limiting the rotary press block at a position propping a catch plate; The stop assembly comprises the catch plate with a central through hole to allow the pull rod of the door closer to extend therethrough, the catch plate is perpendicular to the pull rod and has a top end in a scope of movement of the rotary press block, the rotary press block can abut against the top end of the catch plate to make the catch plate incline when the rotary press block rotates to a certain position. The present disclosure is overly compact and reasonable in structure, simple and easy to operate, and practical, safe and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Cmech (Guangzhou) Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Fengqing Wu
  • Patent number: 8677560
    Abstract: A door closer for doors, particularly glass doors, which are supported by a stationary support structure and are movable between an open door position and a closed door position. The door closer comprises a box-shaped body and a pin reciprocally coupled to rotate around a first axis between the open door position and the closed door position. A closing mechanism causes the door to return automatically and a braking mechanism counteracts the action of the closing mechanism. First and second cam elements are unitary with the pin and interposed between a first and second plunger elements acting thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: IN&TEC S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luciano Bacchetti
  • Patent number: 8677562
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of a first member relative to a second member in a piece of furniture includes a damper. When relative movement occurs between the first and second members, force is transmitted through a clutch drive mechanism to a movable member in the damper. A viscous damping medium in the damper resists movement of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: William Ernest Taylor Vallance
  • Publication number: 20140033475
    Abstract: A movable body assisting apparatus according to an embodiment includes a received body provided on either one of a support body and a movable body that moves relatively against the support body; and a base body. A contact body is provided to be capable of coupling and uncoupling with the received body, to be capable of moving along a course of movement from a first position to a second position on the base body, and to be capable of rocking while moving in a direction retreating from the course of movement. An urging mechanism for urging the contact body is provided on the other of the support body and the movable body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Norio Saito
  • Patent number: 8613126
    Abstract: A door closure apparatus with boost for latching a door to which the apparatus is attached. The door closure includes two pivotal arms, an outer covering and an elongated housing. In the housing are a main piston with a rack to engage a pinion connected to rotate with one of the pivotal arms, a piston rod, a main spring, a divider wall, an adjustable main spring seat, a supplemental piston and a supplemental spring. The housing is filled with hydraulic fluid and is divided into three chambers with ports and passageways to move fluid during door opening, which stores energy in both the main and the supplemental springs, and door closing, which begins with energy from the main spring and latches with a boost of energy from the supplemental spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: William Edward Blockley
  • Patent number: 8600567
    Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: David James Copeland, II, Keith James Weepie, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., Charles E. Burris, John J. White, Jr., Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph Ralph McGinty, Wade C. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20130264930
    Abstract: A refrigerator which improves the structure of an auto closing apparatus, increases the sealing ability of a door, and omits mounting of a separate spring. The refrigerator includes at least one door opening and closing at least one storage chamber provided in a main body, at least one upper hinge module including a body part and an extension part rotatably coupled to the at least one door, at least one lower hinge module, a door cap installed on an upper portion of the at least one door and including a hinge receiving part, an auto close lever coupled to the door cap and has elasticity to transmit elastic force to the door, and a cam member including a cam surface contacting the auto close lever so that the auto close lever accumulates elastic force and then transmits the elastic force to the door when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Mo KIM, Jong Hoon OH, Sang Hyuk KANG, Youn Tae SHIN, Jae Kyoung JANG, II Young JUNG
  • Patent number: 8528459
    Abstract: A cushioning system for a pneumatic cylinder powered differential engine door opening and closing device for use in passenger transportation vehicles wherein the cushioning initiation point can be adjusted. This cushioning initiation point is adjusted through the use of a linearly adjustable slider member within the large cylinder. The slider is linearly adjustable through the use of an adjustment screw located outside of the pneumatic cylinder and allows one to adjust the time and the mode of the opening/closing of power doors, without disassembly of the cylinder, and significantly improve the safety of the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Gennady Plavnik
  • Publication number: 20130227815
    Abstract: A door operator or a door closer having at least one housing and at least one piston supported to be movable in a reception of the housing. The surfaces of the reception and/or of the at least one piston have been treated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Wulbrandt
  • Patent number: 8527101
    Abstract: A door closer comprises a piston cooperating with a rotating pinion. Upon rotation of the pinion in the door opening direction, the piston moves toward the second end of the housing forcing fluid from a second variable volume chamber through a passage to a first variable volume chamber and compressing a spring assembly for storing energy. The spring assembly urges the piston toward the first end of the housing for forcing fluid from the first variable volume chamber to the second variable volume chamber and rotating the pinion in the door closing direction. A controller controls the position of a valve in the passage based on the sensed angular position of a door and the position of the valve for determining the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
  • Patent number: 8510912
    Abstract: A self-closing device is for sliding doors of the type including at least one sliding leaf (2) which is hung from an upper profile (3). The device (1) includes a drive belt (10) configured to be joined to the sliding leaf (2); a closing pulley (20), provided with an elastic device (30), which is arranged on a first rotation axis (4) integral to the upper profile (3) and which engages with a first end (11) of the drive belt (10); and a brake pulley (40), provided with a stop (50), which is arranged on a second rotation axis (5) integral to the upper profile (3) and which engages with a second end (12) of the drive belt (10) opposite to the first end (11). The rotation movement of both pulleys (20, 40) is connected by the drive belt (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Klein Iberica, S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Tarrega Lloret
  • Patent number: 8443487
    Abstract: A door closer for doors, particularly glass doors, which are supported by a stationary support structure (S) and are movable between an open door position and a closed door position. The door closer comprises a box-like body (10) and a pin (20) reciprocally rotatably coupled to rotate around a first axis (x) between the open door position and the closed door position. Closing means are provided (30) to automatically return the door, as well as a braking means (40) acting thereon to counteract their action. First and second cam elements (31, 41) unitary with the pin (20) and interposed between a first and second plunger elements (32, 42) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: In & Tec S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luciano Bacchetti
  • Patent number: 8443551
    Abstract: A sliding door with a door leaf, which is suspended from two carriages and displaceably guided along a roller rail profile, which is disposed at a wall or at a ceiling, the sliding door having at least one closing device, which is suitable to displace the decelerated door leaf into a closed position. The at least one carriage has a carrier, at or in which the closing device is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Walhorn
  • Patent number: 8402606
    Abstract: A door closer for a top hung sliding door has a buffer mechanism and a trolley hanger. The buffer mechanism includes a stationary base, a sliding block, a hook, two buffers and two resilient members. The sliding block is slidably mounted on the stationary base. The hook is pivotally mounted on the sliding block. The buffers are mounted on the stationary base and each buffer has a piston rod secured to the sliding block. The resilient members are mounted on the stationary base and each resilient member has one end secured to the sliding block. The trolley hanger has at least one engaging recess selectively engaging the hook. Therefore, the buffers can provide a buffering force and the resilient members can release a resilient force to reduce a moving speed of a door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Tsai
  • Patent number: 8393054
    Abstract: A door operator includes a first component having a right-hand thread, a second component having a left-hand thread, and a plug-in or rotatable coupling having two complementary threads. The first and second compartments are interconnected to each other by the coupling when the right-hand thread of the first compartment and the left-hand thread of the second compartment engage the respective complementary threads of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Volker Bienek
  • Publication number: 20130019432
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-closing sliding door assembly operable to allow manual opening and controlled automatic closing of a sliding door. The door assembly comprises storage spools for storing biasing members biased in a wound position around the storage spools. The door assembly further comprises a main spool for winding a cable and the biasing members. When the door is moved towards an open position, the cable is unwound from the main spool, causing the spool to rotate in a first direction. When the main spool is rotated in the first direction, the biasing members are wound onto the main spool and store energy operable to generate a force to cause the main spool to rotate in a second direction. When the door is released, the energy stored in the biasing members rotates the main spool in the second direction, thereby winding the door cable and providing a sufficient force to move the door towards the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: Gary R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8356386
    Abstract: A door closer includes a damping device having a cylindrical housing which has a compartment formed by an inclined inner peripheral surface and which includes a greater inner diameter at one end than the other end, a cap attached to the cylindrical housing and having an air perforation for an air to flow into and out of the cylindrical housing, a piston rod slidably engaged in the cylindrical housing, and a sleeve attached to the piston rod and having an outer diameter for engaging with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing at one end of the cylindrical housing, but not engaged with the inner peripheral surface at the other end of the cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nan Juen International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui Chung Liao
  • Patent number: 8307497
    Abstract: A soft-closing device has a base, a cylinder, a slider and a resilient member. The base has a track channel and at least one guiding channel. The cylinder is mounted in the base and has a housing and an expansion rod. The slider is mounted slidably in the track channel, is connected pivotally to the expansion rod and has two holding arms, a positioning pin and a holding recess defined between the holding arms. The positioning pin is mounted slidably in the at least one guiding channel. The resilient member has two ends connected respectively with the base and the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Door & Window Hardware Co.
    Inventors: James Chang, Sung-Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20120210540
    Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Aaron Patrick McKibben, Brian Christopher Eickhoff
  • Publication number: 20120210647
    Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Aaron Patrick McKibben, Brian Christopher Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8240005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a regulating valve, which is attachable in particular in a bore, executed with a female thread, of a hydraulic door closer. The regulating valve has a body adjoined by a regulating area. The regulating valve also has a thread provided with an anti-rotation element. The thread, including the anti-rotation element, being screwed into the female thread of the bore. In order to provide a regulating valve of a simple design, in which any unwanted adjustment of the regulating valve during operation is excluded, the anti-rotation element of the regulating valve has a plastic material layer at the thread flanks of the thread. The plastic material layer cooperates with the female thread of the door closer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hufen
  • Patent number: 8214971
    Abstract: A pneumatic door closer with a protective external telescoping cylinder and angled handhold. Such a closer is generally outfitted with a structural tubular support that follows the telescoping and collapsing of the closer's piston and that has sufficient stiffness to limit the stresses imposed on the piston throughout its extension. The support provides a resistance to perpendicular force. Moreover, when the piston is collapsed within the exterior chamber, the support pivots to the exterior chamber with bushing(s) fixed to the end of the support that travel along the length of the exterior column as the closer telescopes or collapses, to permit continued smooth sliding motion throughout the extension stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward V. Carter, Charles Hull