Operating Means Patents (Class 292/138)
  • Patent number: 9624693
    Abstract: Provided are integrated locks, aircraft galley systems using such locks, and aircraft including such galley systems. An integrated lock has a low profile and provides secure locking and visual indication of the lock status to meet various FAA regulations. The visual indication may be provided mechanically (e.g., by moving a two-color indicator between two positions) or electronically (e.g., by triggering a switch connected to a light or an electro-chromic device). Furthermore, a main indicator may be connected to multiple different locks to provide a combined visual indication of the status of all locks. A visual indicator may be disposed on a galley system frame. Each integrated lock may include a handle portion and a locking portion connected to the handle portion and configured to engage the galley system frame when the handle portion is in the locked position and the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Vandewall, Kai Shen Elston Cheah, Jun Yuan Dexter Tan
  • Patent number: 9512635
    Abstract: A knob structure of a glove box for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a push-type knob unit which is coupled to a glove box by a first fixed hinge, and operated by being pushed; a pull-type knob unit which is coupled to the glove box by a second fixed hinge, and operated by being pulled; and a rod unit which is connected to the push-type knob unit and the pull-type knob unit, and converts rotational motion by an operation of the push-type knob unit or the pull-type knob unit into rectilinear motion so as to open and close the glove box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong Sun Woo
  • Patent number: 9255357
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus may facilitate input and removal of laundry items. The laundry treatment apparatus may include a door which may selectively open and close an opening into a receiving space formed in a cabinet in which laundry items may be received for treatment. The door may serve as a laundry guide when positioned at an angle relative to the cabinet so as to guide laundry items into the receiving space, and may serve as a shelf to support laundry items thereon when positioned at another angle relative to the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sanghun Bae, Jeongyun Kim, Hongjun Cho, Hyunwoo Noh, Yongcheol Jin, Seungphyo Ahn, Donghyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20150130194
    Abstract: A glove box for a vehicle according to the present invention includes: a push rod housing which is fixed to a glove box door; a push rod which is slidably disposed in the push rod housing in order to lock or unlock the glove box door; and a guide rod which is coupled to the push rod, and moved along an outer surface of the push rod housing when the push rod slides, such that when a user presses the knob, the knob is operated without rattling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Kil Seok Yang
  • Publication number: 20150115623
    Abstract: This invention relates to a latch (preferably a slam latch) and to methods of operating a door/gate/panel using the latch. The latch comprises: (i) a mounting body; (ii) a latch bolt mounted relative to the mounting body for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, said latch bolt having a keeper-engaging region extending from the mounting body and terminating at a keeper-engaging end; and (iii) a keeper having at least a first wall and a second wall which are spaced to define an opening for receiving the keeper-engaging region, wherein the first and second walls are adapted to engage the keeper-engaging region of the latch bolt when the latch bolt is in the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ashley Dean Olsson, Ashley Norman Olsson, Nathanael Dean Olsson, Stafford James Olsson, Kieran Blake Olsson, Reginald Trethewey
  • Publication number: 20150115622
    Abstract: A power management module for a solenoid-driven industrial safety lock minimizes energy consumption, protects the power supply line, and improves reliability of the safety lock. The power management module comprises a capacitor bank that stores energy from the power supply line. The stored energy is discharged to the solenoid of the safety lock as needed to actuate the safety lock mechanism (e.g., armature or plunger). The capacitor bank shields the power supply line from high current fluctuations caused by actuation of the solenoid, and allows the safety lock to be operated even in the event of power loss. A discharge controller can closely control the duration of the discharge based on position sensors or a discharge timer to minimize the amount of energy used to transition the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Burdenko, Suresh Nair, Derek W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150101369
    Abstract: A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the transformer of the doorbell chime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Frank Scalisi
  • Publication number: 20150097377
    Abstract: A locking assembly and method of securing a dump truck tailgate to a sidewall of the dump truck, and a truck incorporating the same. The locking assembly includes a pressurized pin mechanism mounted on one of tailgate and the sidewall; and a spool mounted on the other of the tailgate and the sidewall. The spool is engageable with the pin mechanism to lock the locking assembly and secure the tailgate to the sidewall, and is disengageable from the pin mechanism to unlock the locking assembly and release the tailgate from its securement to the sidewall. A hinge assembly is provided on an opposite side of the tailgate from the locking assembly. The tailgate is selectively pivotable relative to the truck bed about a vertical axis extending through the hinge assembly or about a horizontal axis extending through both of the locking assembly and the hinge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Scott A. Kibler, Michael A. Conny
  • Patent number: 8985643
    Abstract: A position-limiting mechanism includes a first position-limiting element, a second position-limiting element, and a knob. The first and second position-limiting elements and the knob are slidably configured on a main body. A first component and a second component are secured to the main body by the first and second position-limiting elements, respectively. The knob is movably connected to the first and second position-limiting elements. When the knob slides relatively to the main body along a first direction, the knob drives the first position-limiting element to release the first component. When the knob slides relatively to the main body along a second direction, the knob drives the second position-limiting element to release the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peir-Yun Fang, Cheng-Chao Peng
  • Patent number: 8967677
    Abstract: An anti-intrusion lock includes a sliding element at a handle shaft, a stop element under the handle shaft, wherein the stop element is suitable for moving upward or downward, a clamp button and a sliding lever connected to the clamp button, wherein the clamp button is led to be exposed and protruded from a side of the lock. When the lock is locked, the clamp button is pressed down to drive the sliding lever to push the stop element upward such that the stop element is stopped at the handle shaft. Thereby, when a thief turns the handle shaft, only the sliding element is driven to move along a sliding groove set at the lock such that the lock pretends to open and the thief misunderstands the lock has been broken and gives up intruding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Te-Yu Chen, Te Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8960732
    Abstract: A seal for use with a reciprocating rod in which a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion formed on the rod defining opposed walls. The seal has an inner diameter greater than the small diameter portion of the rod such that the seal is disengaged from the rod during reciprocating movement of the rod; but sealingly engages one of the opposed walls on the rod at first and second end positions of travel of the rod. In a specific implementation, the seal and the reciprocating rod are mounted on a vehicle fuel door housing for sealingly locking the fuel door in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh David Fraley
  • Publication number: 20150042107
    Abstract: A latch bolt mechanism for tilting window sashes includes an actuating spring that is integrally molded of plastic material in one piece with the latch bolt. The spring has a transversely corrugated configuration, comprised of at least two transversely disposed wave-like spring sections. Each spring section includes a pair of oppositely oriented U-shaped sections having spaced apart semi-cylindrical portions at opposite sides joined by transverse connecting sections. In a relaxed configuration of the spring, the several connecting sections are substantially parallel to each other and are longitudinally spaced apart. In a compressed configuration of the spring the connecting elements lie at an angle to each other and the several semi-cylindrical portions are closely spaced or in contact providing for the required spring compression without excessively stressing the plastic material. Significant production economies are realized with the one-piece, molded construction of the latch bolt and spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joel I. Glickman, Charles Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8926479
    Abstract: A collapsible mechanism for a treadmill is composed of a support frame, a stand, and an operational console. The stand includes a frame body, a first positioning assembly, and a second positioning assembly. The frame body has a bottom side pivotably attached to the support frame in such a way that the frame body is collapsible relative to the frame. The first and second positioning assemblies are connected with the frame body and the support frame separately. Each of the first and second positioning assemblies includes a first (second) fastener and a first (second) sheet member. The first and second fasteners are inserted through the first and second sheet members separately. Each of the first and second sheet members includes two first specific positions. The operational console is pivotably attached to a top side of the frame body and collapsible relative to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Nan Chen, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 8899632
    Abstract: A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventors: John Tremble, Gordon Liebel, Kevin Vilhauer, Dan Blasé, R. Lee Rawls, James A. Duncan
  • Publication number: 20140312638
    Abstract: A spreader assembly comprising a spreader having container engagement devices for engaging and disengaging a container; a lid engagement device mounted to the spreader, said lid engagement device having an actuator for positioning a lid engagement frame proximate to a lid of said container, said frame arranged to engage said lid so as to permit the actuator to move said lid relative to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: NSL ENGINEERING PTE LTD
    Inventors: Ghee Hua Ng, Krishna Murari, Robert Arthur Mills, Cameron Hay
  • Publication number: 20140260446
    Abstract: A door lock secures a door when closed within a doorframe. The lock includes a bolt guide, a bolt, a bolt actuator, and a bolt receiver. The bolt includes a first portion that is adjacent to a proximal end and a second portion that is adjacent a distal end of the bolt. The actuator moves the bolt along the bolt guide between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second portion extends beyond the guide when in the locked position and is received by the receiver. The bolt deforms within the receiver and thereby predominantly absorbs energy from an intrusion load. A maximum deformation of the bolt prior to failure of the lock from the intrusion load is at least 4%, 25%, or 120% of a thickness of the bolt. A maximum deformation of the bolt prior to failure of the lock may be at least 40%, 55%, or 72% of a maximum overall deflection of the lock. The receiver may include a deformation guide that guides deformation of the bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FLEXIBLE SECURITY LLC
    Inventor: BRADLEY A. LILA
  • Publication number: 20140259956
    Abstract: A latch assembly as provided includes a latch bolt configured to engage a frame at an earlier position than a standard bolt and/or to urge the window or door toward a secured position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Todd A. Bernhagen, Derek D. Anderson, Jeff S. Van Zante
  • Publication number: 20140246868
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a latch lever connectable to a latch mechanism, a latch rod coupled to the latch lever, and a door handle operative to effect movement of the latch rod to unlatch the latch mechanism via actuation of the latch lever. The latch rod is configured so as to attenuate vertical motion of the latch rod in response to a sufficient force associated with a side-impact event. In one embodiment, the latch rod has a first member operatively connected to the door handle, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member. The second member is coupled to the latch lever, and the-second member is pivotally movable with the latch lever laterally in a direction away from the first member in response to a sufficient force associated with a side-impact event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ADAC PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Cort Corwin, Jerry Cummins, Eric Vandenbrink, Marcus Merideth
  • Publication number: 20140191515
    Abstract: A catch member within one of a movable door or fixed jamb head or frame for the door, cooperates with a probe member within the other one of the movable door or fixed jamb head or frame for the door in closing and opening the door via attracting forces between an embedded rare earth magnet in one with respect to a steel pin in the other in a construction wherein both the magnet and the pin are hidden from view when the door is open or closed—in presenting a more attractive appearance in high-end interior door constructions and high-end fashionable cabinetry installations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Gorlewski
  • Publication number: 20140167424
    Abstract: An actuator housing assembly comprising an actuator housing having an opening therein, a movable actuator member received in the opening, the actuator member having a front surface and a rear surface and being digitally movable in said opening, and a cam extending from the rear surface of said movable actuator member to operate a bolt which is biased by magnets of opposing polarity. The actuator housing assembly has means adapted to enable the attachment to and detachment from a bolt mechanism assembly having complementary means adapted to enable attachment and detachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: THE YOUNG ENGINEERS, INC.
    Inventor: Samuel Dale Frias
  • Publication number: 20140132009
    Abstract: A latch device for an exit device (1) includes a base (20) mounted to a side of a door. A first sliding member (30) is mounted to the base (20) and is movable relative to the base (20) between a first position and a second position. A stop (72) is mounted in a receiving portion (322) of the first sliding member (30) and is pivotable relative to the first sliding member (30) between first and second angular positions. A latch head (60) is mounted to the base (20) and is pivotable relative to the base (20) between a retracted position and in extended position. An abutment portion (725) of the stop (72) in the second angular position is located in a pivotal path of the latch head (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: STANLEY SECURITY SOLUTIONS TAIWAN LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang CHIANG, Kun-Chen LEE, You-Fang YE, Po-Yang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140125068
    Abstract: A remote lock assembly includes a housing and a bolt adapted for sliding linear movement within the housing between an extended position and a retracted position. A latch disposed within the housing is adapted to releasably hold the bolt in the retracted position. A trigger disengages the latch from the bolt when contacting the latch. The trigger is biased into a position extending out from the housing. A spring biases the bolt into the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Hagemeyer, Dan Raap, Gary E. Tagtow
  • Patent number: 8651534
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a leaf of a leaf installation has first and second locking elements with respective first and latching elements. The second latching element is located at an end facing the first latching element and capable of a latching operative engagement with the first latching element. The second locking element is stationarily disposed relative to the leaf installation. The first locking element is disposed with regard to the leaf to move correspondingly to a movement of the leaf, so that the first locking element is moved translationally into a locking position towards the second locking element and away from the second locking element into an unlocking position. One of the locking elements has an activating element operable to allow for the latching operative engagement between the latching elements in a blocking position and to prevent the latching operative engagement in a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH +Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Finke, Ralf Höher
  • Publication number: 20140008920
    Abstract: A lock assembly (20) including a lock bolt (28), a first hub (36) and a first hub locker (72). The lock bolt (28) is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The first hub (36) is adapted to move the lock bolt (28) in response to movement of a first handle. The first hub locker (72) is positionable in at least three positions. The first hub locker (72) allows movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in two of the at least three positions and prevents movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in another of the at least three positions. Alternatively, the first hub locker (72) prevents movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in two of the at least three positions and allows movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in another of the at least three positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Gainsborough Hardware Industries Limited
    Inventors: Ian Bartos, Harris Lambrou
  • Patent number: 8602463
    Abstract: A latch which is suitable for latching a window in a closed and sealed position. The latch has latch furniture 10 adapted to fit into a window section S with minimal protrusion from the section. The furniture includes a sealing lever handle 17 and a latch release handle 16 located in a recess 15 in the latch furniture. The latch further includes a latch mechanism 11 adapted to engage with the latch furniture 10. The latch mechanism 11 has one or more latch bolts 65 operable by the latch release handle 16 and a latch pin 41 engageable with a striker assembly which is mounted to a section of a window frame. The latch pin 41 is coupled to the sealing lever 17 whereby operation of the sealing lever 17 moves the window section S into a sealing position relative to the striker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Assa Abloy New Zealand Limited
    Inventors: Garth Colin Keighley, Andrew John Terei
  • Patent number: 8555685
    Abstract: An electrically controlled door lock device with a lockset with an inside handle, an outside handle, a spring loaded continuous spindle, biased to maintained a lockset's latch in a projected position and connecting the lockset and the outside handle, a first half and a second half of a clutch connecting the continuous spindle and the inside handle with a spring maintaining the second half of the clutch in predetermined position relative to the first half of the clutch. There is also a mechanical means blocking the first half of the clutch from rotation and electromechanical means controlling the blocking means, the mechanical means built into the second half of the clutch, allowing the second half of the clutch a predetermined degree of free rotation before it engages with the first half of the clutch, the mechanical means built into second half of the clutch, mechanically inhibiting the blocking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: George Frolov, James Scott
  • Publication number: 20130256102
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for a door. In an embodiment, the locking device includes a locking slider which is slidable into at least two positions, wherein in the first position the door is locked and in the second position the door is released for opening; and includes a guide within which the locking slider is slidably arranged. The locking slider includes a door interrogator, wherein the door interrogator can be displaced by the door into at least two door interrogator positions, wherein in the first door interrogator position with the door closed the locking slider can be shifted into one of its at least two positions, and wherein in the second door interrogator position with the door open the locking slider cannot be shifted into the first position for locking the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Alexander HAGER, Jürgen KUMMER
  • Publication number: 20130228296
    Abstract: A window security screen and latch assembly are disclosed. The window security screen includes a screen frame, an infill attached to the screen frame and a latch assembly attached to the screen frame. The latch assembly includes a latch housing, a locking pin extending through the latch housing and through a side of the screen frame to establish a locked position, and a latch release disposed within the latch housing. The latch release is biased to prevent the locking pin from moving from the locked position in the absence of an external force applied to the latch release, the locking pin being movable between the locked position and an unlocked position when the external force is applied to the latch release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: HARMONY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas SMITH, Scott BEVERIDGE, Christopher GEESEY
  • Patent number: 8485568
    Abstract: A locking device having positioning and floating adjustable capability is provided, which includes a positioning part, disposed on a lateral side of an apparatus, the lateral side has at least one fixing opening, having a positioning opening at a periphery of the at least one fixing opening, and at least one side of the positioning opening has a necking channel; a bracket, having a sliding slot while being disposed on a frame; and a locking element, slidably coupled to the sliding slot, and enters the positioning opening under the guide of the necking channel while sliding in the sliding slot, so as to be aligned with the fixing opening. Moreover, the locking device is applicable to an apparatus having different fixing opening locations, so that the locking element can be aligned with the fixing opening easily and conveniently, thereby locking the apparatus to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Tzu-Wen Sung
  • Publication number: 20130175811
    Abstract: A device for securing a spindle to a hub in a mortise lock for a door. The device includes a hub defining a central opening about an axis of rotation and a spindle with a first end adapted to be received in the opening in the hub to apply rotational force to the hub. A securing element is moveable between a first position in which the securing element engages the spindle and the spindle is secured to the hub, and a second position in which the securing element is disengaged from the spindle and the spindle may be freely removed from the opening in the first hub. The securing element may be adapted for reciprocal linear movement in the housing, and may engage the first spindle by part of the securing element being received in a peripheral groove in the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventor: Chris Hodgin
  • Patent number: 8474884
    Abstract: A door lock with a bolt, wherein the bolt pieces of the dual-action bolt are prevented from turning away from each other as the bolt pieces have two projections (24, 26) arranged to cooperate with the inner surface (30) of the front plate. In relation to the support of the bolt piece on the shaft (29), one of the projections (26) is arranged on the opposite side in the axial direction compared to the other away-facing projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventors: Mika Helisten, Jari Kervinen
  • Patent number: 8465062
    Abstract: A latch, latching system and other components are disclosed that are particularly well suited for use with the heavy doors of armored military vehicles. Some component embodiments are usable in normal and emergency modes to provide access, entry, egress and rescue through vehicle door openings. Included among the disclosed components are latches having separate operating components that can be used to retract spring projected latch bolts and that usable advantageously in pairs and readily reconfigurable for use on left, right, front and rear doors of a vehicle at locations where door thicknesses differ. Also disclosed are operating linkages intended to extend exteriorly of door armor to turn shafts to operate latches situated interiorly of the door armor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs, David J. Wolf, Gerald M. Szpak, John W. Jostworth
  • Publication number: 20130111819
    Abstract: A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Tremble, Gordon Liebel, Kevin Vilhauer, Dan Blase, R. Lee Rawls, James A. Duncan
  • Publication number: 20130097938
    Abstract: A mortise lock comprising: a case having opposite inner and outer sides which are horizontally spaced when the mortise lock is mounted on a door; a latchbolt supported by the case for movement between extended and retracted positions, the latchbolt extending from the outer side of the case; an element configured to be operably connected to a latch adjacent a top or a bottom of the door, the element being movably supported by the case and partially extending from the inner side of the case; and a latchbolt bar movably supported by the case, the latchbolt bar having an outer end operably connected to the latchbolt for moving the latchbolt between the extended and retracted positions, and the latchbolt bar having an inner end operably connected to the element for moving the element when the latchbolt bar moves the latchbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Allen L. Madrid
  • Publication number: 20130099647
    Abstract: A sliding switch for fastening a first object to a second object includes a base, an operating member, and a cooperating member. The operating member is connected to one side of the base. The cooperating member is connected to the other side of the base. The cooperating member defines a gap and projects a grasping member, the grasping member capable of holding the second object. The gap enables the operating member located at the inside of the first object when the sliding switch is located at a first position with respect to the first object. The sliding switch can move to the second position with respect to the first object to enable the operating member to pass out of a slot defined in the second object located at the exterior of the first object. The first position is different from the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HE-LI WANG, YUAN-MING WANG, YONG-JUN YU, WEI LIU
  • Patent number: 8408610
    Abstract: A door handle apparatus includes first and second handle cases constituting a door handle, a rotational-portion extending portion, an operational-portion extending portion, and a lock detection electrode of an electrostatic capacity sensor detecting that a door lock command is inputted, on the basis of a fluctuation of electrostatic capacity. The lock detection electrode includes an upper lock detection electrode and a lower lock detection electrode arranged to face an inner surface of an upper wall and an inner surface of a lower wall, respectively. A first electrode end surface of the upper lock detection electrode and a second electrode end surface of the lower lock detection electrode are formed into different shapes, so that a level of capacitive coupling between the lower lock detection electrode and the outer panel is set to be smaller than a level of capacitive coupling between the upper lock detection electrode and the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ieda, Eiji Mushiake
  • Patent number: 8398127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening and closing device of push-push type for lids, with particular reference to the lids of fuel tanks in cars and motorcycles, which uses a mechanism comprising a heart-shaped cam (6) and a roto-translating pin (3), in which the cam (6) is positioned in detached and parallel position with respect to the roto-translating pin (3) and in which the heart-shaped cam (6) and the pin (3) are connected by means of a rocker (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: SO.GE.MI.-S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Persiani, Giuseppe Rossetti
  • Publication number: 20130009409
    Abstract: A lock device includes a tongue engaged in a housing, an anchoring device slidably disposed in the housing and movable with a moving device, the includes two sides each having a latch socket and an anchoring member, when one side of the anchoring device is directed toward the tongue, the lock device is locked when the moving device is turned off, and the lock device is locked when the moving device is turned on and when the other side of the anchoring device is directed toward the tongue, such that the electric lock device is adjustable and operatable when the electromagnetic mechanism of the moving device is either switched on or switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Chih Chung Chang
  • Publication number: 20120326455
    Abstract: A lock structure with at least one latch comprises a base, a link member, a sliding member and a rotating member. The link member is moveable relative to the base to drive the latch. The sliding member is engaged with the link member and being capable of driving the link member. The rotating member is rotatably disposed between the base and the sliding member, wherein the rotating member is capable of driving the sliding member and the link member to drive the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi HUANG, Kuang-Chun Chiang
  • Publication number: 20120313383
    Abstract: An electronic blocking unit for adding to a manually operateable locking device in particular a mortise lock, to provide a manually and electronically operateable locking system. The electronic blocking unit includes a blocking element, which is moveable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, a drive mechanism for moving the blocking element, a control unit for operating the drive mechanism and a power supply for operating the control unit and the drive mechanism. The blocking element is constructed in such a way that in the blocking position it blocks an opening of a door, a window or the like and in the non-blocking position it does not block the opening of the door, the window or the like. A locking system of a door, a window or the like is formed by a manually operateable locking device and an electronic blocking unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Lundberg, Hakan Nordvall
  • Publication number: 20120313382
    Abstract: An opening and closing device for a fuel door of a vehicle including a push type latch device for locking or unlocking the fuel door that may be rotatably mounted to a side of a housing by a hinge unit, may include a locking rod movable by an actuator and selectively locked to a locking slot provided in the hinge unit to which the fuel door may be attached, thereby controlling rotation of the hinge unit, and an anti-thrust lever operated in conjunction with the locking rod actuated by the actuator to selectively support the fuel door so as to prevent the fuel door from being thrust backwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Lee, Jae Hoon Choi
  • Publication number: 20120305565
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a storage container is provided. The locking mechanism is positioned on a center post of the storage container and includes a sled, a handle or knob, a connecting mechanism, a sled arresting mechanism, and a lock. Depending upon the position of the lock, the handle can unlatch the container. When the lock is in the unlocked position, the sled arresting mechanism allows the unlatching of the container. When the lock is in the locked position, the sled arresting mechanism prevents the unlatching of the container. The locking mechanism is resistant to drill attack due to its vertical configuration and positioning of a cover on the center post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: KNAACK LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Hansen, Curtis J. Scadden, Robert A. Bergum, Pravin E. Lokhande
  • Patent number: 8297467
    Abstract: A slow cooker comprising a housing, a container disposed in a hollow body of the housing, a lid, and a sealing ring sealingly engages the lid and the container. The container has a rim disposed with an engaging means. The engaging means comprises a movable member and an upper stationary member. The upper stationary member has an upper surface disposed with a sliding plate. The sliding plate has a limiting end surface atop for limiting movement of the movable member. A space is formed between the limiting end surface and the sliding plate for a tongue of the movable member to pass through. The movable member is disposed on the sliding plate. The tongue of the movable member passes through the space to press onto the lid, and the movable member is secured onto the sliding plate via a snapping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Midea Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chengen Zhong, Pingtao Chen, Yun Yang
  • Patent number: 8267442
    Abstract: An outer operational device includes a cover mounted to a side of a door. An actuating member is mounted in the cover and includes an end engaged with a handle to rotate therewith. A driving member is pivotably received in the cover and includes a wing. A link includes an upper end pivotably coupled with the wing and a lower end pivotably coupled with an end of the actuating member. A driving rod is coupled with the driving member and operably connected to a latch of a lock mounted in the door, so that rotation of the handle causes retraction of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Jen Tien, Chen-Wei Huang
  • Publication number: 20120205226
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a latch plate having an opening therethrough; and a latch shaft having a shaft member and a positioning shoulder disposed on the shaft member. The positioning shoulder has a seating surface thereon. The shaft member passes through the opening of the latch plate. The latch plate engages the positioning shoulder of the shaft member. The seating surface of the shaft member is swaged to retain the latch plate to the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: ANDREW L. GOTTSCHALK, Roger W. Helms, David A. Parks, Robert M. Slepian
  • Publication number: 20120205920
    Abstract: An autonomous door defense system for use with a door moveable between open and closed positions, wherein the door is secured within a doorway, includes at least one brace assembly selectively moveable between at least a defense position, wherein a portion of the brace assembly is positioned to substantially prevent the door from being moved into the open position, and a standby position. The system further includes an activation assembly configured to move the at least one brace assembly between the at least defense and standby positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: CHANDLER PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gold, Keith Kritselis, Richard H. Wetnight, Ko Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120205921
    Abstract: A barrier release mechanism for a construction including a barrier and frame has a latch biased towards an unlatching position. An actuation device adjacent the construction is movable, under pressure from a fluid pressure source, into an engaged position in abutment with the latch to urge the latch against the bias to cause constraining of the barrier. Reduction of the pressure allows the actuation device to move to a disengaged position wherein the bias moves the latch to the unlatching position in which the barrier is not constrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BREAKOUT BARRIER RELEASE SYSTEMS PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Justin Luke Manny, Carlos Alfred Freund, Michael John Watmough
  • Patent number: 8231151
    Abstract: A system for securing and releasing doors includes at least two electromagnetic latches and a controller. Each of the electromagnetic latches includes a coil configured to be energized by a power signal to create a magnetic field. The controller switches the power signal between the electromagnetic latches so that the power signal is supplied to the electromagnetic latches one at a time. The electromagnetic latches may be electromagnetic door holders, electromagnetic door locks, or any combination of the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Mark P. Barrieau
  • Publication number: 20120187128
    Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: FRANK DEAN WEBER, Christoph Potakowskyj, Johannes Pollhammer
  • Publication number: 20120161454
    Abstract: A vehicle door fixing apparatus, a fixed wedge configured to be fixedly attached to one of a vehicle body panel and a door panel, a base plate configured to be fixedly attached to the other one of the vehicle body panel and the door panel, a movable wedge slidably provided at the base plate, a biasing member biasing the movable wedge toward the fixed wedge, and a cover fixedly attached to the base plate and covering around the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira MURAMATSU, Kosuke Tsukamoto, Yoshiki Odaka