Track Guided Patents (Class 160/118)
  • Patent number: 11015379
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller. The controller performs control so as to set an entrance in a state in which the entrance is open if the number of people detected in a space is greater than the number of people reserving the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kengo Tokuchi
  • Patent number: 10894295
    Abstract: A welding power supply having an adjustable cover is disclosed. The welding power supply includes an enclosure housing an engine, a porous radiator thermally coupled to the engine, and a fan configured to propel air through the radiator. A ventilation opening is in fluid communication with the fan and radiator. The fan is configured to move heated air along an air path and out of the ventilation opening. The air may be heated by the welding power supply components (e.g. engine, radiator, charge air cooler, oil cooler, compressor, generator, weld circuitry, and/or other components), for example. The adjustable cover is positioned over the ventilation when in a fully closed and/or partially open/closed position. The adjustable cover may be moved between fully closed, partially open/closed, and fully open positions. The amount of air that is allowed to exit the enclosure, and the amount of air that is recirculated within the enclosure, may be altered by adjusting the position of the adjustable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Dale Taylor, David Radtke
  • Patent number: 10794108
    Abstract: A bi-fold door pin brace braces the exposed shafts of bi-fold door pins against the force exerted on the pin assemblies by door movement out of alignment with the track. The bi-fold door pin brace has a header mounting plate generally defines a generally planar surface and is configured to mount into a door header, ceiling, or the like. A coupling plate extends from the header mounting plate in a plane angularly offset therefrom. A bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate defines a third generally planar surface that extends from the coupling plate in a plane generally parallel to the header mounting plate. The bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate is configured to engage with and provide support to a bi-fold pin shaft, and can be used in conjunction with or as part of an assembly with a bi-fold door stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds
  • Patent number: 10625860
    Abstract: A tongue module for a partition, which can be mounted underneath a storage compartment in a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft, has a base support, which can be attached to a fixed section of the partition. The fixed section can be mounted in the passenger cabin. The tongue module has a tongue, which is guided on the base support in such a way as to be movable, and a guiding device for the tongue. The guiding device has a first guiding section for the translational movement of the tongue between a release position and an intermediate position. A second guiding section is provided for the rotation of the tongue about a rotational axis between the intermediate position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Diehl Aviation Laupheim GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Rafler, Dirk Pfinder
  • Patent number: 10350977
    Abstract: An apparatus for partially covering a door or window opening in a vehicle comprises a collapsible cover. The cover may include a plurality of movable members adapted for moving along a support to at least partially expose the door or window opening. A plurality of movable members in the form of panels may be provided, along with actuators for rotating and/or moving one or more of the panels between the raised and collapsed configuration. One or more of the panels may be at least partially transparent or translucent, and seals may be provided for sealing the panels within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Michael Babbage, Henry W Hausler, Danielle Marie Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9624710
    Abstract: A door operating system or door opening and closing apparatus comprising at least one motive source, a linkage assembly and a door. Preferred door operating systems will include two linkage assemblies, two doors and two motive sources, one for each door. Each motive source is preferably attached to an interior facing surface of a frame of a structure and the door is pivotally attached to an exterior facing surface of the frame of a structure. Each linkage assembly operatively connects the respective motive source to the respective door. By having the motive source attached to the interior facing surface of the frame, doors of the operating system can preferably be opened the full width of the frame opening to maximize available vehicle clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Door Engineering and Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Bowman, Kevin Landgraff, Christopher Adams, Michael Tenney
  • Patent number: 9598898
    Abstract: A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Jeffrey A. Park
  • Patent number: 9302684
    Abstract: A railcar door apparatus includes: a side sliding door that opens and closes an opening of a side bodyshell of a railcar; a first elastic member attached vertically to an end of the door; and a second elastic member opposed to the first so they do not touch when the door is closed. The first elastic member includes a first base portion and a first projecting wall portion projecting from the base toward the second elastic member; the second elastic member includes a second base portion and a second projecting wall portion projecting from the base toward the first elastic member; when the door is closed, a gap space is formed between the first and second elastic members, and the projecting wall portions overlap; and vertical grooves or projections are formed on the outside of at least one of the projecting wall portions, the outer surface facing the gap space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Kawashima, Tsunetoshi Goto, Hiroyuki Hirata
  • Publication number: 20140332171
    Abstract: A door structure is described which includes a door frame having a threshold. The door frame encloses an upper door section and a lower door section. An upper door guide track guides movement of the upper door section between a closed position enclosing the upper portion of the door frame and an open position moved upwardly clear of the door frame. A lower door guide track guides movement of the lower door section between a closed position enclosing the lower portion of the door frame and an open position moved downwardly into the threshold clear of the door frame. The upper door section and the lower door section are independently operable to enable the lower door section to remain in the open position while the upper door section remains in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Clifford OLSEN
  • Patent number: 8826964
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8616261
    Abstract: An end retention system for a rolling shutter system is provided. The end retention system comprises a fastener that has a head and a shaft, and a washer that has an outer diameter and an aperture having an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the aperture of the washer is at least twice the diameter of the shaft of the fastener. The shaft is configured for insertion into a screw boss receptacle of a shutter slat. The end retention system may also comprise a guide track that has retention fins spaced apart a distance that is less than the outer diameter of the washer. The guide may include a channel that partially bounded by the retention fins. The channel may have a width that is greater than the outer diameter of the washer. The washer is located in the channel, and is retained near the slat by the head of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Qualitas Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130284382
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8522853
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure assembly for a fire door, including a first lead post having a longitudinal cavity located therein, an opening extending through a wall of the first lead post into the longitudinal cavity and a locking member may be positioned within the longitudinal cavity that is configured to obstruct the opening into the longitudinal cavity upon reaching a predetermined temperature, is disclosed. In additional embodiments, fire doors including such closure assemblies and methods of locking fire doors are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
  • Patent number: 8479798
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 8356387
    Abstract: To the top or bottom edge of a bi-fold door panel near either its pivoting or channel guided mechanisms is attached a base plate with an opening in it through which is passed into the panel either pivoting or track sliding hardware. A clamping plate is attached to the panel's face at that site to provide strong lateral support so that pin wobble is avoided. A backing plate may also be attached to the opposing side of the panel for reinforcement. It is generally necessary to drill some holes in the door to complete the arrangement. If desired, the plates may be welded to one another along an edge or otherwise manufactured as one-piece unified structure. The hardware may be sold in kits for repair or preventive maintenance. Undertaking the steps involved provides a reliable method toward that end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Jude Mattix
  • Patent number: 8307877
    Abstract: A two-sided fire door system includes a horizontal head track having a first end and a second end; a first door including a plurality of interconnected panels suspended vertically from the head track by trolleys arranged for horizontal movement between the first end and a point remote from the first end; a second door including a plurality of interconnected panels suspended vertically from the head track by trolleys arranged for horizontal movement between the second end and a point remote from the second end; and an endless chain in an elongate loop having a first end looped around a drive sprocket and parallel first and second runs fixed to respective first and second lead trolleys. A drive motor rotates the drive sprocket in opposite rotational directions to open and close the doors, the motor being blocked against rotation when the motor is not operating. A suspended weight closes the doors automatically by means of a cable attached to one of the lead trolleys when the blocking is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: McKeon Rolling Steel Door Co.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Lambridis, Ashraf Gomaa, Oscar A. Escobar
  • Patent number: 8269600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that controls access to a secured area using an automated gate controlled secured environment is disclosed. The method may include receiving an indication that an individual attempting to pass through a clearance area has not been authorized to pass through the clearance area, automatically moving one or more gates to create a channel for the non-authorized individual to be directed to a manual screening area, determining if the non-authorized individual has passed one or more sensor; wherein if the non-authorized individual has been determined to have passed the one or more sensor, then moving a gate located behind the non-authorized individual to enable other authorized individuals to pass through the clearance area while maintaining the channel created to the manual screening area, and preventing the non-authorized individual from gaining access to the automated gate controlled secured environment once the non-authorized individual reaches the manual screening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Arinc Incorporated
    Inventor: Jon Floyd
  • Patent number: 8226160
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicular roof structure, which can adjust the quantity of daylighting and which can be set to give a sense of spaciousness to a passenger in the rear seat by the wide field of view from the vehicular upper side while blocking the incident light upon the front seat side. Three louvers are enabled to change their angles of inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. If the individual louvers arranged at the blocking positions are oriented to slope in a slightly downward direction of the vehicle toward the rear side thereof, a passenger in a rear seat can see, while an incident light to the front seat side is being blocked by the three louvers, the outside of the upper side of the vehicle through the three inclined louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Hirai, Hitoshi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8176963
    Abstract: An accordion-style storm shutter panel and system for use in covering an opening in a building structure including an outer frame assembly and a plurality of vertically mounted elongated panels foldably connected together in accordion style fashion. The panels are joined by slip fitted lateral knuckle joints and a track engaging a guide which extends from ends of the knuckle joints. A plurality of spaced apertures are formed through and extend over the substantial length of each of the panels, each of said apertures preferably having a notch-and-tab arrangement extending around a periphery thereof. A plurality of transparent, translucent or opaque locking plugs are sized and have a spaced locking tab arrangement around a periphery thereof, which matably and releasably lockingly engages within each aperture. Alternately, the plugs may be fixed in place and be light-transmitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 8087444
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20110247764
    Abstract: Movable partition systems may include a chain guide structure extending along a curved path. The chain guide structure may have a specified maximum width, and may include attachment flanges that project laterally from a central beam beyond laterally outward ends of chain guide members of the chain guide structure by a specified minimum distance. Overhead support systems for movable partition systems may include such chain guide structures. Methods of forming overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include stretch forming a bent chain guide structure. Methods of installing overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include inserting fasteners at least substantially perpendicularly through attachment flanges of a chain guide structure to secure the chain guide structure to an overhead structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, Mark B. Laraway
  • Patent number: 7854248
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Michael D. George, E. Carl Goodman
  • Patent number: 7845384
    Abstract: A partition system is provided as well as an apparatus and method for securing movable partitions. In one embodiment, a movable partition, such as a folding door, includes a post member (e.g., a lead post) having a latching structure associated therewith. Another post member, such as associated with a wall or another movable partition, includes a latching structure configured to form a magnetic coupling with the first latching structure. One of the latching structures may be slidingly displaced relative to its associated post member so as to selectively bring the two latching members into or out of alignment with one another. When a magnetic coupling has been formed, relative displacement of the two latching structures results in the weakening, if not defeat, of the magnetic coupling so that the post members, and their associated partitions, may be displaced away from one another. Other latching structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Ronald A. Smart, Craig Bell
  • Patent number: 7730929
    Abstract: A multi-level window shutter has a shutter frame movably supporting at least one first level external shutter panel via an external panel opening mechanism mounted on the shutter frame. The external panel movably supports at least one second level internal shutter panel via an internal panel opening mechanism mounted on the external panel and connected to the shutter frame and to the internal panel for simultaneous displacement of the internal panel upon displacement of the external panel relative to the shutter frame. The panels move between a closed position in which they are in a side-by-side configuration relative to one another in spaced apart parallel planes and an open position in which they are in an over-one-another configuration relative to each other in the spaced apart parallel planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jocelyn Perron
  • Patent number: 6997230
    Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements providing pivot axes received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. At least one guide rail has a stop across which the wings cannot move. The free wing edge has a profiled strip at a side facing the stop. The profiled strip projects past the pivot axis of the guide element provided at the free wing edge and has a slanted portion facing the stop and slanted in a direction toward the free wing edge. The slanted portion extends at least across the stop height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Solarlux Aluminium Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Niehausmeier
  • Patent number: 6923238
    Abstract: A multi-panel sliding door includes a main drive to directly move a leading door panel and includes an auxiliary drive to smoothly accelerate a lagging door panel. In some embodiments, the auxiliary drive includes a hanging weight that urges the lagging panel to its open position. In another embodiment, the auxiliary drive includes a belt and sheave arrangement attached to the lagging panel. The leading panel is coupled to move the belt around two sheaves as the leading panel moves relative to the lagging one. The belt's movement is limited by a bumper that is attached to one point on the belt and is constrained to travel between one of the sheaves and a fixed stop attached to a wall or the track. As the main drive starts moving the leading panel to its open position, the relative movement between the two panels causes the belt to move the bumper up against the fixed stop. From there, continued opening movement of the leading panel continues rotating the belt around the sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Kern, James Schwingle
  • Patent number: 6920908
    Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. The guide elements on the free wing edge of the opening wing have a hinge, respectively. The hinges have a first end connected to the opening wing and a second end connected to holding elements in the guide rails. The free wing edge has a fixed profiled strip arranged between the holding elements. The profiled strip covers at least a width of the holding elements outside of the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Solarlux Aluminium Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Niehausmever
  • Patent number: 6880610
    Abstract: A door system having first and second sets of panels with each set having leading and trailing panels, and having a different width. The leading panel of the first set includes a stop and the leading panel of the second set includes a pair of stops. First and second cable runs connected to a motor for driving the first and second sets of panels. The first cable run includes a clamp disposed within the stop of the leading panel of the first set and the second cable run includes a clamp disposed between the pair of stops of the leading panel of the second set. The space between the clamp of the second cable run and the pair of stops provides for a delayed engagement of the clamp of the second cable run with one of the pair of stops during initial movement of the second cable run. Notwithstanding the delayed engagement, the first and second sets of panels arrive at their full open positions simultaneously. Each set of panels includes a latch to connect the leading and trailing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Harold D. Bush
  • Patent number: 6820675
    Abstract: A sash system comprises a pair of sash doors including an inner sash door and an outer sash door; an upper sash frame and a lower sash frame; and an inner guide rail built in the upper frame and an outer guide rail built in the lower frame, the door front frame and the door end frame corresponding to each sash door being engaged with the inner guide rail and with the outer guide rail, respectively. Each of the sash doors includes a vertical door front frame, a vertical door end frame, and a pair of horizontal divider panels joined by an intermediate locking frame and connecting the door front frame and the end frame. The intermediate interlocking frame being foldable with respect to a vertical shaft thereof, and is engaged so as to be detachable from each guide rail or from an interlocking frame guide rail in parallel to each guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kazumaro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6748998
    Abstract: The present invention provides an opening/closing device, comprising an opening disposed on a partitioning system, driving wheels mounted on each side of lower end of the opening, driven wheels mounted on each side of upper end of the opening, and flexible members to be run between the driving wheels and the driven wheels, wherein one end and the other end of each of the flexible members are engaged with an opening/closing panel respectively, the driving wheels on both sides are driven synchronously and the opening/closing panel is moved up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Inaryo Technica Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatoshi Yamagami, Masahiro Nagata, Mitsuaki Nakata, Zenichi Koide
  • Patent number: 6705377
    Abstract: An improved horizontal folding door system includes a first folding door, a second folding door, a trolley track, and at least two trolleys. The improved horizontal folding door system covers a large door frame opening of an airplane hanger or some other building structure. Each folding door includes a first door section pivotally attached to a second door section. At least one trolley is attached to a top of each second door section. The trolley track is attached to a top of the door frame opening. The at least two trolleys ride in the trolley track. Each door section is pivotally attached to one side of the door frame opening and is slidably retained by at least one trolley. Preferably, at least two locking pins extend from each second door section to retain each second door frame in an closed or open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Coolman
  • Patent number: 6688374
    Abstract: A barrier includes a curtain vertically movable between a closed and open position. The curtain is interposed between right and left vertical tracks, which guide the curtain's movement. A drive unit raises and lowers a right edge of the curtain, while a clever strap system supports the curtain's left edge. The strap system includes a strap having one end fixed to an upper end of the left track and an opposite end fixed to a lower end of the right track. The strap runs across a leading edge of the curtain while passing across a left side roller and a right side roller mounted to opposite ends of the curtain's leading edge. The strap runs underneath the left roller to support the left side of the curtain. The strap runs across the top of the right roller to keep the strap from simply dropping out from underneath the left roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Jason T. Dondlinger
  • Patent number: 6667438
    Abstract: A pad-mounted transformer enclosure may have a wiring compartment utilizing multiple hinge points on each side panel with an additional set of hinges located at the back of the compartment area to allow the doors to be opened as normal or to allow the sides to be also opened, allowing the wiring compartment to be totally exposed on all three sides. The tank of the transformer enclosure may have a cover secured in a manner that allows the cover to be removed with simple hand tools while preventing unauthorized removal thereof, that increases tank top structural rigidity, and that does not trap water on the tank cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ermco
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schneider, Rad J. Hunsley, Greg V. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20030217818
    Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements providing pivot axes received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. At least one guide rail has a stop across which the wings cannot move. The free wing edge has a profiled strip at a side facing the stop. The profiled strip projects past the pivot axis of the guide element provided at the free wing edge and has a slanted portion facing the stop and slanted in a direction toward the free wing edge. The slanted portion extends at least across the stop height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: SOLARLUX ALUMINIUM SYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Niehausmeier
  • Publication number: 20030217817
    Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. The guide elements on the free wing edge of the opening wing have a hinge, respectively. The hinges have a first end connected to the opening wing and a second end connected to holding elements in the guide rails. The free wing edge has a fixed profiled strip arranged between the holding elements. The profiled strip covers at least a width of the holding elements outside of the guide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: SOLARLUX ALUMINIUM SYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Niehausmeier
  • Publication number: 20030141022
    Abstract: A sash system is provided that can selectively change the use mode of sash doors by means of a simplified engagement/disengagement mechanism. The sash system comprises a pair of sash doors including an inner sash door and an outer sash door; an upper sash frame and a lower sash frame; and an inner guide rail built in the upper frame and an outer guide rail built in the lower frame, the door front frame and the door end frame corresponding to each sash door being always engaged with the inner guide rail and with the outer guide rail, respectively. Each of the sash doors includes a vertical door front frame disposed on the right end of each sash door, a vertical door end frame disposed on the left end of each sash door, a horizontal divider panel connecting the door front frame and the end frame, and an intermediate interlocking frame disposed to a horizontal intermediate portion of the divider panel, the intermediate interlocking frame being two-folded horizontally with respect to a rotational shaft thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Kazumaro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6598355
    Abstract: An anti-stacking system for an operable wall includes a guide rail mounted on or adjacent to the track so that the guide rail is engaged by panel orienting members attached to the trolley bolt. The guide rail may be mounted on the track or to the track suspending brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is integral with the track. Panel orienting members that engage the guide rails are mounted to the bolts of the trolleys, which bolts in turn are fixed rotationally to the panels. At designated areas in the room, the track is free of the guide rail to allow stacking of the wall panels when not in use. In wall forming areas, the panel orienting members engage the guide rails so as to cause the trolley bolts, and thus the panels, to be properly rotated into a proper wall-forming arrangement and to remain in the wall forming arrangement until moved to a storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Modernfold, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 6581985
    Abstract: The description relates to a latch closure for walls, doors, shutters which are articulated at frames, housings or the like by hinges, wherein the frame surfaces, housing surfaces, door surfaces or wall surfaces which are connected with one another by the hinges are essentially flush with one another in the closed position, comprising a first closure housing which can be fastened to the frame or the like and which has a rear-engagement portion for receiving the latch of the latch closure in a locking manner and a second closure housing which can be fastened to the door or the like and in which the latch is arranged so as to be displaceable against spring force by means of a handle, wherein, according to the invention, the second closure housing forms a projection which contacts an end face formed by the first closure housing essentially parallel to the door plane when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Publication number: 20030089464
    Abstract: A panel system comprises at least one bi-fold panel assembly (2, 3) of two panels hinged together along one edge (18) of each so as to be foldable thereabout, with at least one edge (20, 22, 24, 26) of the bi-fold panel assembly (2, 3) supported by a hinge device (30, 32, 34, 36) comprising two parallel pivot supports spaced apart in a plane orthogonal to pivot axes thereof, and a connecting link for in-situ connection therebetween. Hence the bi-fold panel assembly (2, 3) can be optionally connected in-situ by the connecting link to thereby obtain optional configurations of the panel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Warren P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6470952
    Abstract: A laterally symmetrical bi-folding door assembly permits manual operation in the event of a power failure, without requiring readjustment or realignment of any of the door components for operation when power is restored. Each (left and right) door assembly comprises a pair of rigid panels, with the panels hingedly attached to the jamb edge of the door opening having a width substantially half that of the main panels. The two main panels are pivotally secured to upper drive mechanisms along their vertical centerlines, and abut one another along the doorway vertical centerline when the door assembly is closed. When they door assembly is opened, the inwardly disposed edges of the jamb panels and attached outward lateral edges of the main panels, move inwardly. The central edges of the two central panels thus swing outwardly relative to the building structure, due to their vertical centerline attachment to the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: John Cline, Hal Gebert
  • Patent number: 6352097
    Abstract: A multi-panel sliding door includes a main drive to directly move a leading door panel and includes an auxiliary drive to smoothly accelerate a lagging door panel. In some embodiments, the auxiliary drive includes a hanging weight that urges the lagging panel to its open position. In another embodiment, the auxiliary drive includes a belt and sheave arrangement attached to the lagging panel. The leading panel is coupled to move the belt around two sheaves as the leading panel moves relative to the lagging one. The belt's movement is limited by a bumper that is attached to one point on the belt and is constrained to travel between one of the sheaves and a fixed stop attached to a wall or the track. As the main drive starts moving the leading panel to its open position, the relative movement between the two panels causes the belt to move the bumper up against the fixed stop. From there, continued opening movement of the leading panel continues rotating the belt around the sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Kern, James Schwingle
  • Patent number: 6345476
    Abstract: A pleated panel shutter system for an opening in a dwelling in which the pleated panel portions can be drawn to the side rendering the bulk of the opening available for ventilation, light, and the normal function of a window or a door. The pleated panel can be closed shut, and optionally locked, with securement against vandalism as well as high winds and flying debris damage, such as occurring in a hurricane. The strength of the pleated panels in the vertical orientation permits perforation over more than 50% of the surface of each of the panels, while still providing ample impact against winds up to 125 mph., and survive the impact test of a two by four (2×4) six (6) feet long fired at 34 mph. without deflecting more than 2½ inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6296038
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a number of door panels slidably engaged with a track and a leader end secured to one end of the door panels. A retaining device forms a channel for receiving the leader end and has a pair of opposite resilient stops trapezoidal in cross-section and extended inwardly into the channel for engaging with the leader end and for retaining the leader end within the retaining device. The retaining device may be secured to a supporting abutment, usually a wall member, or may be secured to and moved in concert with the leader member of another sliding door subassembly for coupling the sliding door subassemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 6283189
    Abstract: An emergency opening device for a swinging folding door or a swinging folding gate, using an electric motor drive with a switchable electromagnetic coupling for closing and opening the door panels. The door has an emergency opening device, whereby the emergency opening device consists of an elastic tension or compression device to which a pre-load can be applied during the closing of the door. The tension or compression device can be engaged in the drive shaft of the outer panel or in the vicinity of the main closing edge of the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH +Co. KG
    Inventor: Arne Liebscher
  • Patent number: 6209613
    Abstract: A garage doorway enclosure for mounting within the opening of a garage includes a primary guide track extending along a length of the top wall of a garage doorway. The enclosure further includes a plurality of door panels hingedly connected to each other. A guide element protrudes from each panel and is received in the primary guide track for slidable movement of the panels therealong. The panels are movable in an accordion-like manner between a closed position in which the panels cover the doorway and a folded position adjacent a side wall of the doorway. The guide element of the panel adjacent the side wall is slidable within a secondary guide track that is normal to the primary guide track such that the panels can be outwardly displaced from the doorway. The panels are pivotal from the displaced position to a storage position adjacent an outer wall of the garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Forry
  • Patent number: 6186444
    Abstract: A sliding pocket door adapted for aircraft use comprising two generally tabular door segments, each laying in a common sliding plane and each attached to a carrier frame which is mounted to an aircraft bulkhead. Each door segment is attached to its carrier frame by unique hinges that allow the door segment to rotate out of the sliding plane while simultaneously dropping along their axes of rotation. This rotation will allow a nondestructive depressurization of the doors, for example, during rapid decompression in the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Charles F. Steel
  • Patent number: 6176292
    Abstract: A door assembly with an automatic misalignment accommodating finger guard comprising a door panel assembly having a panel member having an edge space and a door edge defining member including an inner portion configured to be positioned in an operative relation within the space by a relative longitudinal movement with respect to the panel member. A longitudinal position determining member is detachably fixed to the door edge defining member in a position to extend within a longitudinal position determining opening in the elongated panel member. A spring system is provided which acts between the door edge defining member and the panel member to resiliently bias the door edge defining member into a longitudinally determined limiting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: George H. Norton, II
  • Patent number: 6152208
    Abstract: A door assembly comprising a non-rigid door panel which is selectively moved to open and close an opening, the opening having a perimeter defined by opposed first and second sides, a top and a bottom. The door panel includes a first frame member positioned proximate and extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening and a second frame member spaced apart from and co-aligned with the first frame member to define a through-way for passage of a margin of the door panel therethrough. At least a portion of at least one of either the first frame member or the second frame member includes a movable member that pushes the door panel toward at least a portion of the other of the first or second frame members when the door panel is in the through-way thereby sealing the margin of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Rytec Corporation
    Inventors: Walenty Kalempa, Christopher C. Genthe
  • Patent number: 6056037
    Abstract: A folding curtain wall acts as a large door in an exterior wall of a building such as a garden centre greenhouse. The door includes upper and lower bi-fold panels which are hinged to one another about a horizontal axis. The upper panel is hinged to the wall of the building above the opening to be closed by the door. The door can be opened and closed by raising or lowering the lower panel from its bottom edge. In the open position, the panels are folded generally flat against one another in an overhead position above the opening and effectively provide an awning above the opening. In the closed position, the door panels adopt a flat configuration or an outwardly angled configuration. In the latter case, spaces at the sides of the door are closed by fixed panels that extend outwardly from the wall of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Frank Jonkman and Sons Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank Jonkman, Sr., Jan-Willem Gritters
  • Patent number: 6021839
    Abstract: This invention relates to a strong, light weight accordion shutter system that increases strength while decreasing weight, and is especially resistant to hurricane force winds and flying objects when used to cover doors, windows or openings. More specifically, this invention relates to a shutter system comprising a plurality of connectable subsystems of shutters that are connected via a shutter mating system which provides sufficient strength to obviate the need to drill locking holes during installation and connection. This accordion shutter system also offers a unique ability to secure doors, windows and openings of any size from forced entry and enables the user to operate from either side of the shutter system. This invention further provides a unique and improved elongated header and extruded sill which come into contact with and provide greater support to the shutter blade while reducing load upon the guide pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Vladimir John Knezevich, Frank S. Cornelius, John William Knezevich