With Manually Actuated Operator Patents (Class 49/140)
  • Patent number: 11891856
    Abstract: A roller shutter with dual operation modes includes a door frame, a roller shutter body, a driving motor, a connecting device, a rotating shaft and a connecting rod. The roller shutter body is slidably configured on the door frame, the rotating shaft is rotatably configured on the door frame, and the rotating shaft is connected with the driving motor through the connecting device. When the connecting device is in a connected state, the driving motor drives the connecting rod to retract or extend the roller shutter body; when the connecting device is a separated state, the rotating shaft is manually operated to drive the connecting rod to retract or extend the roller shutter body. The roller shutter can be opened or closed by manual operation in the absence of power supply or in case of circuit failure, which greatly improves the reliability and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Dongguan City GeShengMei Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Taotao Lei
  • Patent number: 11732520
    Abstract: Hinged window drive systems and window assemblies incorporating them provide for a combination of powered or motorized operation in addition to manual operation using a hand crank, with the opportunity for a user to switch between motorized operation and manual operation as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: ANDERSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad Wernlund, David Plummer
  • Patent number: 11629544
    Abstract: A door opener includes a first side cover fixed to a mounting seat. A mode switching device is disposed on the first side cover and includes an anti-theft control module. A driving device is operatively connected to a door for moving the door. A control device is electrically connected to the mode switching device and the driving device. The control device includes a control panel for operating the driving device. The mode switching device is switchable to a wake-up mode only when the anti-theft control module is unlocked. The driving device is operable by the control panel only when the mode switching device is in the wake-up mode. An outer cover is coupled to the first side cover and covers an outer side of the driving device and an outer side of the control device. The control panel is exposed via a window of the outer cover to permit operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: I-TEK METAL MFG. CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Patent number: 9754432
    Abstract: In an approach for enhancing physical security, a processor receives, via a wireless communication protocol, a first set of information from a first device associated with a first person. A processor compares the first set of information to a predefined rule, wherein the predefined rule specifies whether a lock can be engaged. A processor determines that the lock cannot be engaged, based on the first information and the predefined rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Bender, Rhonda L. Childress, David B. Kumhyr, Michael J. Spisak
  • Patent number: 9556664
    Abstract: A motorized tilting window operator and a tilting window. The motorized tilting window operator including one or more motorized drive units configured to connect with and drive one or more manual tilting window operators of the tilting window. The motorized tilting window operator including a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: JMAC, INC
    Inventors: Gregory Ronald Hudepohl, Matthew Michael Barrett, Paul David Bader, Craig Randall Shilling
  • Patent number: 9045025
    Abstract: An articulated gull-wing door is described. The articulated gull-wing door comprises an upper section and a lower section mounted in a modular frame or directly in the body of a motor vehicle between two pillars. The upper section is overlapable with the lower section when the door is in a closed position to provide a leak proof interface. The upper section is attached to a top of the modular frame with a plurality of hinges and comprises a sliding rod that is couplable to a mechanical link in the lower section. The lower section comprises a plurality of linear bearings arranged at an upper portion of a front side and a rear side of the lower section to slidably couple the lower section to corresponding rails attached to upper front and upper rear portions of the modular frame. The lower section is capable of slidably displacing itself in a vertical direction on the rails in the modular frame to fixed upper pivot points and then rotating upward upon the fixed upper pivot points to a fully opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Spintek Filtration, Inc.
    Inventors: William Greene, Jose Pauletti, Jason Gilmour
  • Patent number: 8806806
    Abstract: Embodiments of the resent invention provide an electric motor driven door or barrier opener with a manually operable drive for use in the event of a power failure. The operator includes a manually rotatable drive wheel and manual rotation of the drive wheel effects a movement of at least one drive coupler in generally radially extending direction relative to the drive shaft to effect a drive coupling between the drive wheel and the drive shaft to input drive to permit manual opening and or closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Openers Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jack Leivenzon, Glen Edward Flemming, Eric Vellere
  • Patent number: 8671623
    Abstract: A door of a vehicle having a door inner panel, a door latch assembly mounted to the inner panel adjacent to a fish mouth opening, with the latch assembly having a lock lever; and a door trim panel mounted on the inner panel including a lock hole on a surface of the trim panel. A manual lock assembly has a mounting bracket, a button cap, a main shaft and a cam. The mounting bracket is mounted to the door trim panel. The button cap telescopically slides in the bracket and has an end extending through the lock hole. The main shaft slides in the bracket, engages with the button cap and extends into contact with the cam. The cam engages the lock lever to cause locking of the latch assembly when the button cap is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lisa J. Dodson, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Richard K. Mette, Carolyn J. Thor, Frank J. Arabia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8601742
    Abstract: An orientation-independent hydraulic system comprises a dynamic fluid reservoir defining a first volume substantially equal to the volume of the fluid therein, and a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with the dynamic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder has a second volume of hydraulic fluid and a piston rod configured to extend and retract in response to changes in the second volume. A first hydraulic pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the dynamic fluid reservoir, thereby moving the piston rod between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: NPC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Domholt, John David, Richard Reid
  • Publication number: 20130247469
    Abstract: A composite pull-chain disc mechanism with brake function for a door operator comprises a torsional spring having de-twisting and twisting sides. The weight of a door curtain always acts on the de-twisting sides, so that the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to shrink to brake the rotation of the central shaft of the door operator. If twisting sides bears an external force, the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to enlarge to release braking of the central shaft. Furthermore, the composite pull-chain disc mechanism can be adapted to an electric door operator. In the case of detaching an electric motor mechanism during maintenance, the door operator can still be operated to open/close a door in a manual mode through the composite pull-chain disc mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8453706
    Abstract: An assembly for an automatic garage door including a slide bar, a motor, and a drive assembly connected to the slide bar, and a tie connected to the garage door; the assembly including a first “C” bracket having a lower web, the first “C” bracket receiving the slide bar and the motor and drive assembly being operatively connected to the first “C” bracket for longitudinally moving the first “C” bracket; a second “C” bracket having a lower web, the second “C” bracket nestingly receiving the first “C” bracket, and the tie being further connected to the second “C” bracket; a latching mechanism incorporated within the first and second “C” brackets' lower webs, the latching mechanism being adapted for resisting movements of the first and second “C” brackets away from each other; and a third “C” bracket having lower web, the third “C” bracket nestingly receiving the second “C” bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Elizabeth Ann Shepherd
  • Patent number: 8381442
    Abstract: A hand pulling drive mechanism includes a hand drive device and a shaft connected with the hand drive device. The mechanism further includes a gear pair, a rotation propelling device connected with the shaft, and an eccentric pulling device including a shaft pin placed on the shaft and a torsion jacket pivotally connected to the shaft and rotated relative to the shaft pin. The gear pair includes a drive gear sleeved on the shaft for switching, and a follower gear secured to a motor shaft. The rotation propelling device is connected with the drive gear. The torsion jacket and the drive gear pull the torsion jacket through eccentric rotation of the shaft pin when the shaft is rotated, so that the drive gear moves in an axial direction and the follower drive engages with and disengages from the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Wan
  • Patent number: 8365469
    Abstract: A door operator operates a door that is rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door operator comprises an output shaft, a closing assembly, and a motor. The output shaft is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and is coupled to the door such that rotation of the output shaft pivots the door about the axis of rotation and rotation of the door about the axis of rotation rotates the output shaft. The closing assembly is coupled to the output shaft to apply a torque to the output shaft, wherein the torque applied by the closing assembly rotates the output shaft such that the rotation of the output shaft by the closing assembly rotates the door toward the closed position. The motor is coupled to the output shaft via a clutch to selectively apply opening and/or closing torque to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Kowalczyk, Michael S. Tignor
  • Publication number: 20120240470
    Abstract: Embodiments of electric motor driven door or barrier opener with a manually operable drive for use in the event of a power failure are provided. The operator comprises a gear box drive connectable with an electric motor of said operator, said gear box comprising an output for drive coupling with said door to effect opening and closing of said door by said motor and a shaft that drive rotates when said motor rotates. The shaft carries a free wheeling manually rotatable drive wheel as said manually operable drive and useable in the event of power failure to effect manual drive rotation movement of said shaft to open and close the door via said gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Smart Openers PTY LTD
    Inventors: Jack Leivenzon, Glen Edward Flemming, Eric Vellere
  • Patent number: 8230759
    Abstract: An integrated brake and chain disk device for a door operator includes an electrical motor with a main shaft coupled to a gear box for rolling a rolling door through an output shaft of the gear box; a brake device for braking the main shaft; a chain disk device for manually rotating the main shaft upon power failure; a clutch device which disengages the intermediate shaft from the chain disk device or engages the intermediate shaft with the chain disk device. The brake device includes at least one torsion spring fitting on a fixed hub. The torsion spring tightly fits on the hub and becomes immovable when a force in a spiral direction of the torsion spring is exerted on either end of the torsion spring, and can be released from the hub when a force in a direction opposite to the spiral direction of the torsion spring is exerted on either end of the torsion spring. In this way, the brake device and the chain disk device are integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Chung Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7963069
    Abstract: A safety device for motorized pedestrian access passageways, comprising a movement and supporting mechanism of an oscillating access shutter, which includes an electric motor (30) for activating the shutter, and a mechanical control system, which uses a series of levers (12, 13, 14, 14?), associated with respective elastic elements (22, 25), and a pushing element (31), suitable for allowing the automatic opening of the passageway, in the case of a lack of power supply, due, for example, to an electric black-out; in particular, the position in which the shutter almost completely closes the access passageway is an unstable equilibrium position, which is maintained thanks to the action of an electric motor (30), with an incorporated reducer, which contrasts the opening movement of the shutter, and the pushing element (31), which intervenes in the opening, when the shutter is positioned for completely closing the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Gunnebo Entrance Control S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tomaso Ropelato
  • Patent number: 7707774
    Abstract: A portable, tactical building door opener comprises a door opening mechanism comprising: a body; a door opening arm pivotally connected to the body at a first end and having a roller for engaging the surface of the door at a second end; and an actuator for rotating the door opening arm with respect to the body, from a ready position in which the roller is not forced against the surface of the door, to a door-opened position in which the roller is forced against the surface of the door to open the door. The actuator is remotely and manually operable. The device further includes a support for temporarily and removably bracing the door opening mechanism with respect to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Allen—Vanguard Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Molnar, Christopher Graham
  • Patent number: 7513078
    Abstract: A novel electrical floor-hinge device is provided, which contains an electrical motor and a speed reducing element configured on top of a platform element at a side on top of a body member. A vertical input shaft connected to the speed reducing element is joined to a lateral involute shaft via bevel gears. The involute shaft in turn engages a driven gear on a vertical output shaft. The top end of the output shaft is attached to a seat element whose top surface is fixedly joined to a lower inner corner of a door. By the electrical motor's driving the seat element into clockwise or counterclockwise swing, the door is closed or opened automatically. The speed reducing element can be easily replaced to fit doors of different weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Grand Finale International Corp.
    Inventor: Shun-Cheng Ho
  • Patent number: 7509772
    Abstract: A controller controls, based upon a manual operation signal from a first operating means and the automatic operation signal from a second operating means, a driving of a driving power source for generating a driving force for an opening/closing operation of a vehicle door. The controller switches control for driving the driving power source. An automatic operation mode is selected when the automatic operation signal is inputted to the controller, in which the driving power source is driven to output a predetermined first driving output value. A manual operation mode is selected when the manual operation signal is inputted to the controller in which the driving power source is driven to output a second driving output value which is higher than the first driving output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Ohta, Takaya Aiyama
  • Patent number: 7481133
    Abstract: An auxiliary operating device for manually operating a normally motor-operated closure between open and closed positions, the device comprising a shaft, a driving member mounted to the shaft and displaceable between an idle position and an operational position wherein the driving member is operatively coupled to the closure. The device further comprises a manual actuator for first displacing the driving member from its idle position to its operational position and then driving the driving member in order to displace the closure. The actuator can be advantageously mounted at either end portions of the shaft irrespectively of the position of the driving member on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Manaras Somfy ULC
    Inventors: Christophe Walravens, Daniel Lelièvre, Christian Claudel
  • Patent number: 7249441
    Abstract: A power unit to replace the manual crank handle of a vehicle window, including a housing for a drive unit that will connect to the splined shaft from which a crank handle has been removed, the power unit including drive means to be affixed to a vehicle door when the drive means is coupled between a splined output shaft of the drive means and a splined shaft connected to operate the window; the housing having an exterior face plate and a surrounding wall with each having an exterior decorative finish and with a control switch for the motor projecting through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Charles Wayne Hartle
  • Patent number: 7063373
    Abstract: The clutch includes a drive disk, a follower disk and a brake disk. When current flows, the follower disk is connected with the drive disk to transmit a power from a driving unit to a door-opening/closing mechanism. When no current flows, the follower disk is separated from the drive disk to cut off the power transmission from the driving unit to the door-opening/closing mechanism. In a state that the drive disk and the follower disk are separated from each other, the brake disk is connected to the follower disk to brake the door-opening/closing mechanism in the opening direction of the door, and to allow the door-opening/closing mechanism to move in the closing direction of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Chikata, Takuya Kakumae
  • Patent number: 7007427
    Abstract: A separating device for a door leaf that is moveable overhead has a coupling element movable between a coupling position, in which the coupling element couples an output element of the drive device to the structural component, and a freewheeling position, in which the output element of the drive device is decoupled from the structural component. A locking member is provided which is movable between at least one release position, in which the locking member allows a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position, and at least one locking position, in which the locking member counteracts a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position. The locking member can be coupled to the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hörmann KG Antriebstechnik
    Inventors: Michael Sanke, Viktor Schütz
  • Patent number: 7000353
    Abstract: A transmission joint with a coupling having frontal teeth (20,21) is inserted between an output shaft of a gear motor and a worm screw. A release element is associated in a radial way to the coupling so that the coupling can be manually released in an emergency. The release element includes an eccentric pin that engages the coupling element in a radial way so that the coupling element can be moved from an engagement position to a release position by being turned by a lock barrel (26) with its key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: RIB S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bosio
  • Patent number: 6915608
    Abstract: A motorized operator for opening and closing a window sash relative to a window frame via an arm mechanism connected to the window frame and being adapted to be installed in a cavity defined in the window frame. The operator comprises a motor, a drive axle rotated by the motor, and first and second gears in meshed engagement. The first gear is mounted on the drive axle, while the second gear is mounted to the arm mechanism such that motorized rotation of the first gear rotatably drives the second gear thereby causing the arm mechanism to pivot for opening and closing the window sash. A manual operator is adapted to disengage the first and second gears from one another while becoming engaged to the second gear for manually rotating the second gear and so manually operate the arm mechanism. The manual operator comprises a handle and a manual actuator which includes a sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: André Labarre
  • Patent number: 6880609
    Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle
  • Patent number: 6813860
    Abstract: A railroad crossing gate is repaired by lowering the crossing gate mechanism with a lever. The end of the lever can contain a conical opening mating with the conical pivot pin on the gate mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne Board Burnette, Charles Glenn Perkins
  • Patent number: 6539670
    Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., Ronald James Wilde, Thomas Ralph Osborn
  • Patent number: 6270147
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for articulating a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The liftgate is mounted to a body of the motor vehicle for articulation about a pivot axis. The drive arrangement includes a mounting member for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle. A drive motor is attached to the mounting member. A crank arm is pivotally interconnected to the mounting member. The crank arm includes a driven gear. A linkage includes a first end attached to the crank arm and a second end attached to the liftgate. A drive gear is driven by the drive motor. A clutching mechanism is operative for selectively coupling and decoupling the driven gear to the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Atoma International Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C Butler, Peter L Oxley
  • Patent number: 6181094
    Abstract: A power operator for opening and closing a trunk lid of a motor vehicle has a spring engaged between the vehicle and the lid for urging the lid from a closed position into an open position, a rod having an outer end connected to the door and an inner end, and a clutch rotatable about a clutch axis and having an output member connected to the rod inner end and an input member. A drive motor connected to the input member is energizable for rotating the clutch elements and thereby displacing the rod and door. Another spring in the clutch rotationally decouples the clutch elements from each other only when a torque applied to the input element exceeds a predetermined limit. A controller energizes the motor for a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Johannes-Theodor Menke
  • Patent number: 6055885
    Abstract: A door operator comprising electric actuating motor; a reduction gear; manual transmission mechanism between the electric actuating motor and the reduction gear, the electric actuating motor and the manual transmission mechanism independently actuating the reduction gear; a proximal clutch with a proximal disc, which is mounted on a rotating shift of the manual transmission shaft; an end disc of the proximal clutch secured on the rotating shaft of manual transmission mechanism; and an electromagnet secured on a bearing seat inside a housing of the manual transmission mechanism, which is controllable to produce a magnetic effect for a pull chain disc sleeved on the bearing seat to move axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Chung-Shien Shea
  • Patent number: 6021691
    Abstract: A window operating system for moving a vehicle window up and down that includes an electric drive motor having a gear coupled to a window movement mechanism through a magnetic clutch assembly wherein the drive gear includes a crank extending outwardly therefrom and through the door facing surface and is selectively connectable to a roll up crank having a fold out handle and a protruding socket member. The door facing surface includes a cavity or chamber into which the emergency crank can be stored and rapidly retrieved in an emergency. The magnetic clutch is only engaged when the power is supplied to the electric motor in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Clarence Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6006473
    Abstract: A window regulator comprises a rail defining a central channel which receives an elongate flexible plastic tape having a plurality of slots, the width of the tape being sized to fit within the central channel, a drive mechanism for moving the tape, either electric or manual, and a universal housing connecting the rail and the drive mechanism. The universal housing can be used with either manual or electric window regulator designs. The universal housing has a central cavity which can receive an insert bracket for a manual drive drum when the drive mechanism includes a hand crank. The central cavity is sized to receive a larger, electric drive drum when the drive mechanism includes an electric motor. Either drive drum has teeth sized to engage the slots of the tape so that the drive mechanism can impart motion to the tape to raise and lower a windowpane. When the insert bracket is used, the tape is routed in the universal housing from a first slot, around the manual drive drum to a second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Atwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Mariel, Michael D. Kobrehel, Larry B. Walker
  • Patent number: 6006475
    Abstract: An spring apparatus for use with an automatic swinging door closure system wherein the system includes a motor linked to a door via a gear train and a drive arm, the train including a plurality of gears including a first gear adjacent the motor, the motor driving the gears to move the door in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and the apparatus for driving the gears in the direction opposite motor direction when motor power is cut off, the apparatus including a spring mounted within a housing which is linkable to the first gear in a first orientation to cause clockwise door movement and is linkable to the first gear in a second orientation to cause counter-clockwise door movement, the apparatus is easily modifiable so as to be configured in either of the first or second orientations and also includes a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting spring tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Nabco Entrances Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Schwantes, James R. Scott, Michael L. Slosiarek, Donald G. Mussa, James A. Treichel
  • Patent number: 5982124
    Abstract: An adaptive vehicle power window control apparatus (20) includes an electric motor (28) for moving a member (34) between a first position and a second position. The space between the first position and the second position is divided into a plurality of trap zones and each zone has an associated sensitivity value. A controller 24 determines (40) a value functionally related to the present motor speed and determines (44) a value functionally related to a reference motor speed. The sensitivity value is adjusted as a function of the two determined values. A window zone determining function (62) determines which of the plurality zones the member (34) is located. The value functionally related to present motor speed is adjusted (52) as a function of the sensitivity value for the zone that the member is located. A comparing function (48) compares the adjusted value with the value functionally related to reference motor speed. The motor direction and movement is controlled as a function of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 5857061
    Abstract: A system for enabling a vehicle operator to control the speed or rate of raising and lowering of a powered lift window. The actuator or switch includes a pressure responsive variable impedance device comprising a variable resistance in one embodiment and a variable capacitance in another embodiment. Increasing force directly on the variable impedance device by the user's finger or an actuator decreases the impedance which is sensed by a voltage divider which outputs a voltage which increases with increasing force. This latter voltage is compared with the output of a triangle wave oscillator and the output of the comparator is a pulse width modulated signal with pulse-width proportional to applied force. The pulses are applied to a power device (Mosfet) which modulates the duty cycle (%) of the current to the window lift mechanism drive motor to give variable motor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Y. Chang, Michael G. Taranowski, Brian T. Pier, James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, Lewis J. Gohde, Edward J. Hummelt, Richard A. Baumann, Peter J. McGinnis, Arlene M. Klumb
  • Patent number: 5851049
    Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic closure system for a motor vehicle includes automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotally mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system used in the method includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by relatively slow manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position. Also, an obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Atoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Squire, Maciej Bigoszewski, Gareth J. Selfe
  • Patent number: 5851050
    Abstract: A hydraulic closure system is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle that enables automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotably mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position for a prescribed distance in more than a prescribed time. An obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Atoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Squire, Maciej Bigoszewski, Gareth J. Selfe
  • Patent number: 5839555
    Abstract: An automatic clutch type chain pulling mechanism for a motor rolling door for releasing the brake and winding up the door curtain by pulling the chain during electricity cutoff. The chain pulling mechanism is enclosed in a housing and is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor from the outside end inward with a drive block fixed on the rotating shaft of the motor which forms along its circumference a plurality of lugs protruding radially outward, an intermediate disk having an elongated radial slot and formed with a raised circular flange on its circumference with a friction clamping ring inserted within the inner surface of the flange, and a releasing rod mechanism. The releasing rod mechanism includes a brake releasing rod with one end fixed with a pin inserted into the elongated slot and the other end pivoted and having a pair of wing plates inclined upward fixed on the pivoted end for pushing an intermediate lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Tsung-Wen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5760554
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system for opening or closing windows and other apertures having a plurality of conditions ranging from fully open to fully closed. The system includes a panel which is moved over an aperture by a movement mechanism, and an electrical switch having a plurality of touch positions, with the switch in electrical communication with the movement mechanism. Each touch position corresponds to an aperture condition from fully opened to fully closed. Upon actuation of one of the touch positions, the panel is moved to a particular position corresponding to the touch position actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: James M. Bustamante
  • Patent number: 5673515
    Abstract: The invention concerns a two-strand cable window regulator for motor vehicles having two guide rails which is specifically designed to control spherically curved windows. The invention ensures exact conformity with a predefined raising/lowering path with extremely different radii of curvature of the window at the locations of the two guide rails.The present invention ensures exact conformity by modifying the travel distance of the window near at least one guide rail such that the travel distance of the window is either larger or smaller than the distance traveled by the respective carrier connected to the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Weber, Gerhard Hofmann
  • Patent number: 5535551
    Abstract: An electrical window operator for opening and closing a window comprises at least one arm connected pivotally and detachably in a first end with a sash coupling member slidable side within a limited part of the length of the sash, said arm being pivotally connected at the other end with a second coupling member connected with the main frame. An operator housing arranged at the main frame accommodates an elongate drive shaft with a threaded section engaged by a nut element forming part of the second coupling member and an electrical drive unit in axial extension of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: V. Kann Rasmussen Industri A/S
    Inventors: Morten Falk, Leon Geisshirt
  • Patent number: 5422552
    Abstract: An automated actuator is fabricated in kit form and adapted to be assembled and disassembled for use with sliding doors, windows or other similar panels. The actuator includes a support column which is adjustable to be braced at the existing door jamb at either side of the door frame to move the panel. Mounting of the actuator does not require the surrounding frame or wall structure to be structurally altered. Circuitry for the actuator ceases the sliding movement of the door when the door meets resistance, such as by a child or animal in the path of the door, and re-tests for the resistance to determine whether the door should continue along the intended path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Gary Parisi
  • Patent number: 5299385
    Abstract: A detention cell locking system affording improved securement and reliability in the locking network of multiple detention cell doors. Mechanical actuation linkages are interconnected for motion responsive to either select manual, mechanical, or electrical signals actuating a DC motor drive. The locking mechanism incorporates an elongate toggle plate mounted to a carriage plate and a pair of cell door support rollers forming part of a mechanical locking system. The toggle plate assembly on the carriage plate permits a turning moment to be generated for lost motion actuation which effects locking and unlocking of the detention cell doors. A control network determines the length of time that the DC motor is electrically actuated and disengages the power to the motor during manual mechanical actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Glitsch, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd McConnell
  • Patent number: 5076014
    Abstract: Window raising device electrically and manually operated, of simple construction and providing for a firm retention of the window in order to obtain a burglar-proof window. A carriage fixed to the window and sliding in a guide is secured to both ends of a flat belt which slides on two return pads made of synthetic material. The belt is perforated or toothed in its portion passing on a toothed drum. The drum is slidingly mounted on a gear of a main sliding shaft which traverses an electrical driving mechanism. The sliding of the main shaft disengages the shaft from the motor drive but does not disengage its gear from the drum in order to provide a manual drive. The device is useable in a door or in a fixed part of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Christian Cuyl
  • Patent number: 4641458
    Abstract: A jail door operating and locking mechanism is provided, comprising a sliding jail door mechanism, lockable by a vertical lock bar, and having a mechanism permitting selective manual operation of cell doors, as well as selective power operation of cell doors, from a remote location. A spring loaded index assembly is provided, enabling indexing of selected doors as well as release of cell door control to prison inmates and retrieval of control when desired, all from a remote location. A carriage lock regulator assembly is also provided, comprising a regulator gear rack, regulator gear, regulator lock bar and regulator lock plate, in combination, which allow for overtravel in door operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventors: Walter R. Pilcher, James W. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 4553656
    Abstract: A power actuator for a window includes a rotary drive member and a rotary driven member which is turned by the drive member and which is connected to the sash of a window to open and close the sash as the drive member is turned in one direction or the other. A reversible electric motor drives a speed reducing gear train and the output gear of the train is coaxial with and rotatable relative to the drive member, a crank arm with a projecting pin is pivotally mounted on the drive member to swing between an active or radially projecting position and an inactive position overlying the drive member. When the arm is in the inactive position, the pin connects the output gear and the drive member so that the motor may turn the driven member. With the arm in the active position, the pin no longer couples the output gear and the drive member and the latter may be turned manually by the crank arm independently of the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Amerock Corporation
    Inventor: Robert F. Lense
  • Patent number: 4348835
    Abstract: An auxiliary door opening device comprises an extendible motor driven rotatable output shaft that engages and rotates a pivot shaft of a conventional door closing mechanism. The pivot shaft is drivingly connected to a pair of pivotally connected arms of the door closing mechanism, such that rotation of the pivot shaft causes the arms of the door closing device to pivot, urging the door open. The door opening device is activated by a remote switching device so that a handicapped person may open the door with a minimum of effort. A limit switch causes the motor to shut off and the output shaft to retract out of engagement with the pivot shaft when the door is fully opened. A solenoid apparatus holds the door open long enough to allow a handicapped person to pass through the door before allowing the door closing mechanism to urge the door closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventors: Stanley Jones, Willard Nyenbrink
  • Patent number: 4257192
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an automotive window regulator and drive mechanism which includes a rotatable flexible drive shaft to transmit rotational forces from the regulator arm to a worm gear supported on a lower edge of the window. The worm gear engages a rack secured to a portion of the vehicle so as to vary the position of the window. In one embodiment, both electric motor drive and manual crank drive means are provided either of which may be selectively engaged to drive the rotatable flexible shaft. The regulator end of the flexible drive shaft may be supported in meshing engagement with a portion of the regulator drive gear by means of a pinion pivot arm which arm includes indexing gears to enable the flexible cable to track the worm gear thereby reducing the flexing of the flexible drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Merit Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 4159599
    Abstract: An improved gate-opening and closing assembly which is designed to shiftably move a gate from an opened position to a closed position, and from the closed position to the opened position in a relative planar path. This assembly comprises a lever arm connected to the gate and a drive arm pivotally connected at one end to the lever arm. At the other end, the lever arm is connected to a motor through a clutch mechanism for opening and closing the gate. The drive arm is operatively connected to the motor, such that it moves in a somewhat arcuate path and which causes the lever arm to move in an arcuate path. According to this construction, the assembly permits opening and closing of a relatively large gate with simple harmonic motion. The pair of relatively small arms and the entire assembly can be located within a relatively confined space in order to permit movement of a gate of substantial size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Inventor: Moscow K. Richmond