Having Power Driven Means Patents (Class 312/319.5)
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Patent number: 8061790Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator, includes a drawer mounted within a cabinet for movement between an opened position and a closed position. A driving mechanism, including an electric motor and a transmission assembly, connects to the drawer for driving the drawer between the opened position and the closed position. The driving mechanism has an engaged state wherein the drawer is power driven by the driving mechanism between the opened and closed positions and a disengaged state wherein the drawer is manually movable between the opened and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sanjay Manohar Anikhindi, Mark W. Wilson, Solomon Muthumani
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Patent number: 8056991Abstract: A furniture drive for moving a furniture part is mounted in a vertically adjustable manner includes a drive apparatus, which has an electric motor, for moving the movable furniture part, and includes a compensation device which exerts a force which is opposite to the weight force on the movable furniture part. A measuring device is provided for detecting the weight of the movable furniture part. Therefore, the force exerted by the compensation device on the movable furniture part can be variably adjusted as a function of the measured weight of the movable furniture part by an adjusting device which has a further electric motor and can be actuated by the measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Helmut Hollenstein
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Patent number: 8052235Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Paul H. Kelly, Aaron W. Arvia, Edmund Scott Richardson, Kenneth L. Pope, Richard B. Moulder, David A. Simoni
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Publication number: 20110254418Abstract: A trigger sensor for triggering an electric furniture drive depending on a movement of the furniture part to be driven by the furniture drive caused by a user, wherein the trigger sensor comprises at least one actuator which can be moved by the furniture part into an assembly position, wherein the trigger sensor can capture movements of the furniture part along at least two directions which are orthogonal to each other, wherein the trigger sensor has at least one actuator which captures each of the at least two directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Christian HAUER
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Patent number: 8029078Abstract: An ejection device for a furniture component moveably housed in or against a furniture body. The ejection device includes a swivellably housed lever. A first castor is attached to a free end of the lever, and a second castor is attached to the lever at a distance from the free end.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Julium Blum GmbHInventor: Ingo Gasser
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Patent number: 8025348Abstract: A support element to be secured in a furniture carcass. One or more components, preferably push-out devices for pushing out a movable furniture part mounted in the furniture carcass, are securable to the support element without a tool, preferably in a manner such that they may be snap-fitted on.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Ingo Gasser
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Patent number: 8011741Abstract: A flap drive system for moving a flap mounted in a movable manner on the body of a piece of furniture has a mechanical actuating unit with an actuating arm that can be linked to the flap, and has an energy accumulator that can apply a force to the actuating arm. The flap drive system also has an electric drive secured to the actuating unit for driving the flap. The electric drive has at least one electric motor and is designed as a self-contained component, such that the electric drive can be secured to the actuating unit even when the actuating unit is already mounted on the body of the piece of furniture.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Klaus Mattle
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Patent number: 7960924Abstract: A drive mechanism for a furniture portion, in particular a drawer or a door which is mounted movably in or to a furniture item, includes a drive device which is guided movably with respect to a base and which is acted upon by a force storage means, a damping device, and a retraction device. The drive device has an ejection element for moving the furniture portion from a closed end position into an open position, and a locking element which is guided by a preferably heart-shaped guide track which is formed on the base. The damping device, the force storage means which acts on the drive device, and the refraction device are connected in series.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Helmut Fitz
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Patent number: 7926891Abstract: A support construction is provided for fixing at least one furniture drive for a movable furniture part in a furniture body. The support construction includes two lateral holding portions and a transverse bearer extending between the holding portions. The holding portions have fixing means for preferably releasably fixing the holding portions to a respective pull-out-guide assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Thomas Ritter
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Patent number: 7928684Abstract: An article of furniture includes a drive device for moving a movable furniture part. The drive device includes an electric drive unit and a coupling device for at least temporarily transmitting a force of the electric drive unit to the movable furniture part, and the coupling device has a drive and a drive output. Operating between the drive and the drive output are coupling elements by which, in a first operating position, a clamping connection between the drive and the drive output and thus coupling between the drive and the drive output can be produced, and, in a second operating position, the coupling elements are movable into a position in which the drive and the drive output are not coupled.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Christian Hauer
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Publication number: 20110062842Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture drive for driving a movable piece of furniture, comprising an electric motor, an actuator that can be moved back and forth between two end positions to apply a force on the piece of furniture to be driven, and a gearbox connected between the electric motor and actuator, the gearbox having at least one gear stage that is configured as an eccentric gearbox and comprising two gear wheels that mesh with each other, characterized in that one of the two gear wheels (7, 8) is firmly connected or coupled to the actuator (4) and the other gear wheel (7, 8) is coupled to the electric motor (3) such that the eccentric gearbox (6) has two limit positions, which correspond to the end positions of the actuator (4), and upon a rotation of the gear wheels (7, 8), starting from a first of the two limit positions to the other limit position, the gear ratio decreases steadily.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Edgar HUBER, Gerald FRIESENECKER
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Patent number: 7883162Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture and to a device for influencing the movement of furniture parts which can be moved with respect to one another, having a guide unit for guidance of a first furniture part on a second furniture part, and having a drive unit to move the first furniture part in a driven manner relative to the second furniture part, with the guide unit having a fixed rail, which is associated with the second furniture part, and a moving rail, which is associated with the first furniture part. A pulling-pushing element is provided in order to apply a drive effect from the drive unit to the first furniture part, guided on the fixed rail via guide means.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignees: Grass GmbH, Küster Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Peter Langguth, Thomas Nussbaumer, Martin Bluecher
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Publication number: 20100327717Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture drive for driving a movable piece of furniture, comprising an electric motor, an actuator that can be moved back and forth between two end positions to apply a force on the piece of furniture to be driven, and a gearbox connected between the electric motor and actuator, wherein the gearbox has at least one gear stage configured as an eccentric gearbox and comprising two gear wheels that mesh with each other, wherein one of the two gear wheels is firmly connected or coupled to the actuator and the other gear wheel is coupled to the electric motor such that the eccentric gearbox has two limit positions, which correspond to the end positions of the actuator, and upon a rotation of the gear wheels, starting from the limit positions, the gear ratio decreases over a deformed rotational angle range.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Edgar Huber, Gerald Friesenecker
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Publication number: 20100308704Abstract: A drawer that includes a container and a slide assembly is disclosed. The container includes a receptacle and a lid. The slide assembly includes a slider configured to move laterally along a longest axis of the slider, and an actuator, coupled to the slider, having a detent contact area. When the slider is moved in a first direction along the axis, the actuator is placed into a first orientation, relative to a latch, in which the detent contact area of the actuator is configured to engage the detent of a latch. When the actuator is coupled with the detent of the latch and the slider is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, the actuator is placed into a second orientation, relative to the latch, in which the actuator actuates the latch, thereby decoupling a fastener from the latch and placing a lid in an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: CARDINAL HEALTH 303, INC.Inventor: Michael RAHILLY
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Patent number: 7821163Abstract: A panel is provided on a front side of an electronic device. A driving unit opens and closes the panel. A position detecting unit detects whether the panel is open. An object detecting unit detects whether there is an object on the panel when the panel is open. A control unit controls the driving unit not to close the panel when there is an object on the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7806490Abstract: An appliance elevator includes a lift mechanism mounted to a substantially planar mounting panel at least a portion of which extends beyond the body of the lift mechanism to provide an area by way of which the mounting panel and lift mechanism pre-mounted on the mounting panel can be easily positioned within a piece of furniture and attached to the furniture by way of one or more fasteners such that substantially the entire mechanical load on the lift mechanism when it is in use is transferred to the furniture by way of the mounting panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: ImportAdvantage, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Buehl
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Patent number: 7793650Abstract: When a user manually opens/closes the door of the drawer-type heating cooker, a pulse generation means attached to an electric motor generates pulses for counting the number of revolutions. A determination means determines whether the door is opened/closed manually or not on the basis of detection of the pulses. A prediction means predicts whether the manual operation is door opening or door closing in response to the status of position detection switches for detecting the position of the door. A motor control means decides the rotation direction of the electric motor in accordance with the prediction by the prediction means and controls the rotation of the electric motor on the basis of the decision. Hence the burden of door opening/closing operation is alleviated with the help of the driving force of the electric motor even when both hands of the user are occupied.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hirokazu Nishio
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Patent number: 7780251Abstract: A retracting device for a drawer, including a pulling device which can be connected to the drawer, a drive unit having an electric motor, and a roller drivable by the drive unit for winding up the pulling device, wherein the drive unit is activatable by a rotation of the roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventors: Fredi Dubach, Klaus Brüstle
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Patent number: 7735432Abstract: A vehicle-mounted display elevating device comprising a display rack for mounting a display, and being provided with a threaded structure; a screw rod, engaging with the threaded structure; a gear transmission pair for coupling the output shaft of a motor with the screw rod; a guide bar carrier, one end of which is connected to the base support, and on which lower guide bars are provided; upper guide bars located in the display rack; and a stop block, on which are provided with lower guide holes and upper guide holes, and stoppers. The vehicle-mounted display elevating device is provided with anti-clamping and self-protection functions, and can be fixed inside an instrument panel, thus reducing the possibility that the display is damaged due to long time exposure.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Shenzhen Roadmate Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Philip Jin, Vicky Chen, Yucong Zou
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Patent number: 7690317Abstract: A computer workstation includes a worksurface moveable a first distance between first and second worksurface positions and a monitor support coupled to the worksurface. At least one of the worksurface and the monitor support is automatically moveable in response to a movement of the other of the worksurface and the monitor support. The monitor support is moveable a second distance between first and second monitor positions as the worksurface is moved the first distance between the first and second worksurface positions, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. A method of adjusting the position of a monitor support on a computer workstation is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Joel R. Dral, John C. Groelsma, Jeffrey A. Weber
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Publication number: 20100072868Abstract: An automated door system comprising a plurality of overlapping horizontal slats; wherein the plurality of overlapping slats are individually selectably removable. The plurality of overlapping horizontal slats further comprise an inward stair-step configuration. In addition, the system further comprises a control module, wherein the control module includes a touch screen interface. Furthermore, the system still further comprises a lifting system coupled to the plurality of slats and in communication with the control module; wherein the lifting system is configured to raise and lower the plurality of slats. The lifting system further comprises a rotor coupled to a stepped wheel and a pulley system configured to raise and lower the plurality of slats. The lifting system further comprises a plurality of tracks configured to guide the plurality of slats when raised and lowered.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: ANVIL CONSTRUCTION, INCORPORATEDInventors: Randy O. Deem, Kip W. Deem, Russell O. Deem, Nathan R. Deem, John W. Packer, Dustin E. Yates, Ryan B. Eddington, Tim B. Bair, Nathan D. Hall
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Publication number: 20100026153Abstract: A flap drive system for a flap mounted in a movable manner on the body of a piece of furniture has a mechanical actuating unit with an actuating arm that can be linked to the flap and with an energy accumulator that can apply a force to the actuating arm. The flap drive system also has an electric drive secured to the actuating unit for driving the flap. The electric drive has at least one electric motor and is designed as a self-contained component, such that the electric drive can be secured to the actuating unit even when the actuating unit is already mounted on the body of the piece of furniture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: Klaus MATTLE
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Patent number: 7645002Abstract: A piece of furniture with a furniture body and a first and at least one second drawer, displaceable relative to the furniture body, the front panel of the first drawer essentially completely covering the front panel or front wall of the second drawer in the closed position for both drawers, characterized in that the first and the at least one second drawer comprise an opening device for displacing the drawers from a closed position to an open position and a switch element is provided between both opening devices which couples both opening devices in a first switch position and uncouples the same in a second switch position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Helmut Fitz
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Patent number: 7621605Abstract: A cabinet having opposing side walls and an open, or openable, frontal area, provides a pair of arms pivotally engaged with each of the side walls. The arms are rotatable between a downwardly and rearwardly directed position and a forwardly directed position extensive of the frontal area for exposing a shelf or basket. Each of the pair of arms is engaged with slots in a guide plate fixed at one side of the shelf or basket, whereby the basket is driven linearly, by the arms, between a retracted position inside the cabinet to a frontal position, while the arms traverse the slots, and then the arms lift the basket in an arc to an extended and raised convenient height. Such movement is facilitated by a motor driven linear actuator or by pulleys rotated by drive cords or belts.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Easy Lift LLCInventors: Steve Bond, Andrew Tiffin
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Publication number: 20090284114Abstract: The invention relates to an ejector for ejecting a mobile furniture part from a closed final position in or on a furniture base. Said ejector comprises a first ejector lever, which can be driven by an electric drive unit, especially an electric motor, an additional ejector lever, being interspaced from the first ejector lever and being mechanically coupled thereto in such a manner that when the first ejector lever is driven by the drive unit, the additional ejector lever is displaced, too.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Helmut FITZ
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Publication number: 20090273262Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ejecting a movable furniture part from a closed end position in or on a furniture body, having an ejector comprising a motor-driven ejector lever, wherein a power transmission device interacting with the ejector lever is provided such that the force exerted on the movable furniture part by the ejector lever can be transferred in the mounted state of the device in a furniture body, in which the movable furniture part in the closed end position is at a distance from the ejector lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventor: Klaus BRUSTLE
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Patent number: 7607742Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a basket accommodated in the cooling chamber arranged at a lower portion of the body in a slidable manner back and forth; a basket lift apparatus installed at the basket, for lifting the basket when the basket is drawn out; and a break unit for locking the basket when the basket is lifted to the maximum and thereby preventing the basket from being descended. When the basket is lifted to the maximum, a driving motor is locked thereby to prevent the basket from being descended.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Patent number: 7600831Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a basket accommodated in the cooling chamber in a slidable manner; and a basket lift apparatus installed at the basket and lifting the basket when the basket is drawn out of the cooling chamber. When the basket is drawn out of the lower cooling chamber, the basket is lifted by using the basket lifting apparatus thereby to enhance the user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Patent number: 7600830Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a basket arranged at the lower cooling chamber arranged at a lower portion of the body to be movable back and forth, and having a door at a front side thereof; a lifting frame arranged at a rear surface of the door to be movable up and down and on which the basket is placed; a driving arm roll-motioned at a lower surface of the lifting frame and hinge-connected to the door, for lifting the lifting frame; a driving unit for rotating the driving arm; and a locking unit installed at the lifting frame, for maintaining a lifted state of the basket by locking the driving arm when the lifting frame is lifted up.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Patent number: 7600832Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a basket accommodated in the cooling chamber in a slidable manner; and a basket lift apparatus installed at the basket and lifting the basket when the basket is drawn out of the cooling chamber. When the basket is drawn out of the lower cooling chamber, the basket is lifted by using the basket lifting apparatus thereby to enhance the user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Patent number: 7600833Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a basket accommodated in the cooling chamber in a slidable manner; and a basket lift apparatus installed at the basket and lifting the basket when the basket is drawn out of the cooling chamber. When the basket is drawn out of the lower cooling chamber, the basket is lifted by using the basket lifting apparatus thereby to enhance the user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Patent number: 7600829Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a basket accommodated in the cooling chamber arranged at a lower portion of the body in a slidable manner; a lifting unit for lifting the basket when the basket is drawn out of the cooling chamber; and a damping unit installed at the lifting unit, for absorbing an impact generated when the basket lifted by the lifting unit is descended. When the basket is descended, a damping force is generated thereby to absorb an impact due to a drastic descent of the basket.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Publication number: 20090243448Abstract: A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator and a refrigerator employing this system is provided. This system and method allows for the automatic opening and closing of multiple drawers of a refrigerator either sequentially or simultaneously. The system automatically closes a first drawer after a second drawer has been opened to reduce the loss of cooling air and to preserve freshness of items stored in the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Ok Sun YU, Yong Hwan Eom, Hyoun Jeong Shin
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Patent number: 7593002Abstract: Positioning a front panel of a telematics terminal includes receiving an electronic signal that indicates a change in a physical position of a display panel of the telematics terminal. The front panel, which is distinct from the display panel of the telematics terminal but located on a same side of the telematics terminal as the display panel, is moved from a first position to a second position based on the control signal. The second position is physically displaced from the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Jin-Hee Tak
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Publication number: 20090134753Abstract: A method for configuration of a device for controlling the movement of a plurality of movable furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit and a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the movable furniture parts. In order to match the movement of the movable furniture parts, at least an inner furniture part is associated with an outer furniture part such that, when a configuration mode is activated, the association of the at least one inner furniture part with the outer furniture part is created by a sequence of opening and/or closing movements of the movable furniture parts that are associated with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicants: Grass GmbH, Kuster Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Holger Wenzel, Helmut Wetschko, Jurgen Zipp, Carmelo Gutierrez, Steffen Medebach
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Publication number: 20090134752Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the movement of a plurality of moveable furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the moveable furniture parts. According to the invention, the monitoring unit is designed such that, as long as one moveable furniture part is being moved in a driven manner on a predetermined movement section, none of the other furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner are moveable in a driven manner. The invention also relates to a piece of furniture and to a method for configuration of a device for controlling the movement of moveable furniture parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicants: Kuster Automotive Door Systems GmbH, Grass GmbHInventors: Holger Wenzel, Helmut Wetschko
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Patent number: 7527343Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a frame accommodated in the cooling chamber arranged at a lower portion of the body in a slidable manner; a basket placed on the frame and for storing food; a door positioned at a front side of the frame and hinge-connected to the frame; a first link hinge-connected between the frame and the basket; a second link hinge-connected between the first link and the door; and a driving unit for rotating the first link in order to lift the basket. When the basket arranged at the lower portion of the body is opened, the basket is lifted up thereby to enhance a user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Patent number: 7513580Abstract: A storage system for mounting to a ceiling or overhead structure comprises a mounting frame, a storage compartment, a lift mechanism and a tilt mechanism. The mounting frame is mounted to the ceiling or overhead structure. The storage compartment is coupled to the mounting frame for pivotal movement relative to the ceiling or overhead structure between an access position and a storage position. The storage compartment comprises a frame and at least one shelf having a support surface. The shelf is mounted to the frame for pivotal movement relative thereto. The lift mechanism is coupled to the frame of the storage compartment and configured to raise the storage compartment from the access position to the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Inventor: Rodney K. Merrell, II
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Publication number: 20090079309Abstract: A method for adjusting a closing gap in a piece of furniture, which comprises a device for moving a movable furniture part relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit, by means of which the furniture part can be driven to move relative to the stationary furniture part via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the movable furniture part, with the closing gap being formed between a front part of the movable furniture part and the stationary furniture part when the movable furniture part is in a closed position with respect to the stationary furniture part. According to the invention, the closing gap is adjusted in an activated, electronically assisted, adjusting mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicants: Grass GmbH, Kuster Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Ronald Liebsch, Holger Wenzel
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Publication number: 20090072687Abstract: Drive mechanism for a furniture part, in particular a drawer or door, which is mounted moveably in or on an item of furniture, having a drive apparatus which is guided moveably with respect to a base and is loaded by a force accumulator, having a dampening apparatus and a pulling-in apparatus, wherein the drive apparatus has a pushing-out element for moving the furniture part from a closed end position into an open position and a locking element which is guided by a preferably heart-shaped guide track which is formed on the base, and wherein the damping apparatus, the force accumulator which loads the drive apparatus and the pulling-in apparatus are connected in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Helmut Fitz
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Patent number: 7441738Abstract: A monitor driving apparatus of a car audio/video system having a monitor is provided. The apparatus includes: a monitor main body hinged, at its lower end, to inside of the car audio/video system, and having a pair of mutually spaced pins provided at one side surface; a sliding plate installed at one side surface of the monitor main body, and having a first guide hole and a second guide hole; a driven gear installed at a gear shaft fixed to the inside of the car audio/video system; a driving arm having one end connected to the second guide hole, and the other end engaged with the driven gear; a worm wheel having a small-diameter part and a large-diameter part, the small-diameter part being toothed with the driving arm; a worm gear toothed with the large-diameter part; and a driving motor for providing a rotary force to the worm gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Autonet Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyung Wook Kim
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Patent number: 7375439Abstract: A panel is provided on a front side of an electronic device. A driving unit opens and closes the panel. A position detecting unit detects whether the panel is open. An object detecting unit detects whether there is an object on the panel when the panel is open. A control unit controls the driving unit not to close the panel when there is an object on the panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20080047909Abstract: A drawer unit of storage racks comprises a base frame and roller conveyer portions attached to both sides of the base frame and in which a plurality of rollers are arranged rotatably in parallel on each conveyer frame so that an article storage tray is movable in a back and forth direction. A drawer slider on which an article storage tray is to be placed is disposed movably in a back and forth direction of the base frame, and an actuator for driving the drawer slider in a back and forth direction is provided on the base frame. In this drawer unit, an article storage tray for storing articles is placed on the drawer slider and when an instruction for picking out is issued, the drawer slider is moved in a forward direction by an operation of the actuator in such a way that the article storage tray is pulled out of a storage section of the racks in a forward direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Shinji Hamaji, Seiji Ushida
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Patent number: 7331643Abstract: A piece of furniture with a movable furniture component, in particular a drawer or door, includes a drive unit and a device for the mechanical transmission of force from the drive unit to the movable furniture component or the body of the furniture. In particular, a pin is arranged on a lever that can be powered by the drive unit, for the ejection and/or insertion of the movable furniture component. The device for the mechanical transmission of force is arranged in a guide track for the transmission of tensile and thrust forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventors: Edgar Huber, Uwe Scheffknecht
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Patent number: 7246865Abstract: A storage system for mounting to a ceiling or overhead structure comprises a mounting frame, a storage compartment, a lift mechanism and a tilt mechanism. The mounting frame is mounted to the ceiling or overhead structure. The storage compartment is coupled to the mounting frame for pivotal movement relative to the ceiling or overhead structure between an access position and a storage position. The storage compartment comprises a frame and at least one shelf having a support surface. The shelf is mounted to the frame for pivotal movement relative thereto. The lift mechanism is coupled to the frame of the storage compartment and configured to raise the storage compartment from the access position to the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Rodney K. Merrell, II
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Patent number: 7159957Abstract: A movable portion of an article of furniture, in particular a drawer, flap or door, includes at least one preferably electrical drive unit and a triggering device for actuation of the drive unit. The triggering device is at least partially arranged at the movable portion of the article of furniture, and has at least three different switching states. The triggering device has two touch switches (5a, 5b), preferably mechanical touch switches, IR-touch switches or capacitive touch switches, and the direction of actuation (Y1, Y2, Z1, z2) of the switches is identical to the desired direction of movement (X1, X2) of the moved portion of the article of furniture.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft M.B.H.Inventors: Edgar Huber, Klaus Mattle
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Patent number: 7051985Abstract: A drawer device or container holder includes a member disposed in a closed position to be able to draw into an open position, a driving device attached to the member to move the member between the closed position and the open position, and a sensing device for sensing whether or not the member is drawn out for a predetermined amount from the closed position. A control device controls the driving device to cause the member to be housed when the sensing device senses that the member is not drawn out for a predetermined amount. Also, a container placed on a tray can be sensed assuredly regardless of vibration during a movement of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Hideaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 7006876Abstract: The invention pertains to a safety cabinet with an interior that is enclosed by a housing and a housing front side with a work opening that can be closed with a height-adjustable window. The safety cabinet contains an operating unit for controlling device functions which is integrated into the housing. The operating unit comprises at least one rocker button, the button assignment of which changes depending on the operating state of the safety cabinet in such a way that a certain device function can be controlled in the respective operating state by actuating a button of the rocker button.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products GmbHInventor: Gerd Ross
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Patent number: 6902243Abstract: The present invention is a sub-cabinet readily insertable and removable from a larger decorative cabinet. The invention is comprised of a box-like structure having at least three panels perpendicularly disposed with respect to a floor panel and attached thereto, a lift vertically disposed within the box-like structure and fastened thereto, and a control module disposed within the box-like structure and fastened thereto. The control module receives commands from a limit switch so as to stop the lift motion when filly retracted or extended. Furthermore, the control module regulates electrical power to a display device fastened to the lift based upon the direction of travel of the support unit. The control module receives function commands from either a wireless remote or a switch. An alternate embodiment of the present invention further comprises a safety strip attached about an edge along one or more panels adjacent to a movable lid hinged to a decorative cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Wieslaw Bober
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Publication number: 20040256963Abstract: An automated biological sample analysis system and method for use in incubating and analyzing multiple samples for protein crystallization. A temperature controlled cabinet houses sample storage, sample transport, and sample imaging systems. The operation of the system is automated and can be controlled by software, which can be reconfigured remotely. An array of storage shelves includes multiple shelf columns arranged around a core. Multiple banks of removable shelves arranged as magazines are accessed through a door on the cabinet. Each shelf stores a multi-well plate and different sizes can be stored in different shelves. The core houses a sample transport system that includes a multi-axis robot that rotates about a vertical axis to access the shelves in the shelf array. The transport system retrieves and replaces the multi-well plates in the shelves and can move plates from the shelves to an imaging system where each sample can be automatically imaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Rhett L. Affleck, Mike Bodnar, Robert K. Levin, John E. Lillig, Robert K. Neeper