Starter-type Operator; E.g., Seal Breaker Patents (Class 49/276)
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Patent number: 11776724Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a base module including a base case; a manipulation module including a manipulation case, and a grip mounted on an external circumferential surface of the manipulation case; a magnetic mechanism including a base-side magnetic unit provided to the base module, and a manipulation-side magnetic unit provided to the manipulation module; and a grip force sensing unit provided between the manipulation case and the grip, wherein the grip force sensing unit detects whether a grip force applied to the grip is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the magnetic mechanism is configured to vary a magnetic force generated between the base-side magnetic unit and the manipulation-side magnetic unit in accordance with a magnitude of the grip force detected by the grip force sensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, ALPS ELECTRIC KOREA CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Hoon Shin, Hoo Sang Lee, Jong Hyun Choi, Dae Woo Park, Youn Tak Kim, Nam I Jo
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Patent number: 11566463Abstract: A vehicle door presenter actuator, including: an extension bar that is driven outward from the door presenter actuator by a nut that threadingly engages a power screw operatively secured to a motor of the vehicle door presenter actuator; and a barrel cam that is pivoted into contact with a switch as a pin of the nut slides within a cam path of the barrel cam as the nut drives the extension bar outward from the vehicle door presenter actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Luis Arturo Melendez Valdez, Hector Sanchez, Estrada Eduardo, Donald Michael Perkins
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Patent number: 11414910Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Myoungju Kang, Dongjeong Kim
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Patent number: 10907397Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet and a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between an opened position and a closed position. A door opening assembly is coupled to one of the cabinet and the door. The door opening assembly includes a motor coupled to a cam. The cam is operably coupled to an actuator arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Christopher A. Jones
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Patent number: 10865512Abstract: There is disclosed a laundry treating apparatus comprising a cabinet having an opening; a laundry accommodating portion mounted in the cabinet and comprising an opening aperture which is communicable with the opening; a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet and provided to open and close the opening; a locking portion detachably coupled to the door; and a coupling portion provided in the cabinet to be repeatedly coupled to or decoupled from the locking portion whenever an external force is applied to the door, wherein the door comprises a first frame provided to open and close the opening; and a second frame coupled to one surface of the first frame, and the locking portion is provided in the first frame and prevented from contacting with the second frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jongsung Lee, Youngbae Park, Soobong Kim
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Patent number: 10697224Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door that is movably mounted to the body. The door has a powered latch and an electrically-powered actuator that extends and retracts a plunger from an inner side of the door. A controller unlatches the powered latch and actuates the electrically-powered actuator such that the plunger contacts the body and pushes the door open. The controller then controls the electrically-powered actuator to retract the plunger while the door is open.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Constantin Manolescu, James Parsons Sullivan
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Patent number: 10633893Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a door configured to be pivotably mounted to a body structure of a vehicle and a door locator mechanism. The door locator mechanism comprises a plunger and a retraction device. The plunger is configured to be actuated between extended and retracted positions. The retraction device is disposed on the plunger and configured to engage the body structure magnetically. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to withdraw the plunger to the retracted position while activating the retraction device electromagnetically connecting the plunger to the door.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Asaa Yehia Harajli, Jonathan Paul Weiler, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, David Darius Wooten, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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Patent number: 10386111Abstract: For the purpose of improving properties regarding construction a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The device has at least one main body defining at least one storage space; at least one door mounted to the main body and featuring at least one sealed door section that forms at least a portion of a front wall of the storage space; and at least one protrusion unit arranged next to the sealed door section outside the storage space and protruding from the door towards the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Serdar Akca, Mehmet Ciyanoglu, Lars Dinter, Emre Guentav, Tanzer Yildizgoecer, Rasit Oenver
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Patent number: 10227810Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a frameless door glass system, a powered latch, electrically-powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and a powered door protector including a protective member that is movably mounted to the door structure. A controller selectively actuates the frameless door glass system, powered latch, powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and powered door protector according to predefined criteria to coordinate the powered door functions and provide seamless powered operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, John Eddy, III, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Spencer Hicks, John Thomas Ricks
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Patent number: 10100566Abstract: A cabinet structure includes a frame having a plurality of panels; a door pivotally secure to a panel of the plurality of panels; a foot bracket secured to the door, the foot bracket forming a c-shaped structure having an opening configured to receive a foot therein; a door stop secured to an outer surface of the foot bracket and configured to engage with the frame and configured to secure the door in a locked positioned; and a foot grip disposed within the opening of the foot bracket and configured to engage with the foot.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventor: Suwandi Chandra
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Patent number: 9874392Abstract: A refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, has a body and a door leaf which is hinged to the body and delimits a storage compartment. At least one door-opening aid is mounted on the body and includes a pusher element that can move between a rest position and an active position. A drive mechanism for the door-opening aid is housed in a machine compartment in the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Stephan Kempfle
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Publication number: 20150000198Abstract: A door is formed into a folding door by dividing the door into two parts to left and right, that is, a hanging door and a door-end door pivotally supported by the hanging door, and the door-end door is used as the pressure difference mitigating mechanism, and the two doors are integrally operated in a normal time, while if a pressure difference is generated, the door-end door can be first opened in order to reduce an opening force, and the door device with a pressure difference mitigating mechanism with excellent operability is provided. A handle position, a latch position, and a torque are adjusted for a handle for door opening/closing, a door closer, a hinge closer for rotating the door-end door with respect to the hanging door, a latch A of the door-end door to a door frame, and a latch B of the door-end door to the hanging door.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicants: BX Tetsuya Co., Ltd., Bunka Shutter Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoji Takahashi, Masanari Tetsuya, Tetsuya Imabayashi
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Patent number: 8523302Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body, a door to open and close the front of the refrigerator body, and a door handle provided at one side of the door. The door handle includes a handle unit having a grip part to allow a user to grip the door handle, an actuating rod fixed inside the handle unit such that the actuating rod is moved along with the handle unit, a guide unit to guide movement of the actuating rod, a pusher configured to be advanced and retreated through movement relative to the actuating rod to push the refrigerator body, and a gear unit disposed between the actuating rod and the pusher such that the gear unit is engaged with the actuating rod and the pusher.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong In Shin, Jae Sek Oh, Kyu Su Cho
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Patent number: 8469469Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may have a door opening device which is connected at an external surface of a main body, and includes a pushing unit operated by a driving unit to open a refrigerator door by pushing one side of the refrigerator door. Also, a buffering member may be provided between the door opening device and the external surface of the main body. Accordingly, the reliability of the refrigerator is improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Sang Chul Ryu, Young Rak Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Soung Joon Park, Ki Youn Kim
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Patent number: 8398185Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator having a door opening device which includes a cabinet and a door to open and close a front surface of the cabinet, the door opening device comprising: a handle which is mounted on a front surface of the door to perform a seesaw motion; and a push kit which is mounted on a side surface of the door to interwork with the handle, wherein a portion on which the handle and the push kit are mounted is formed to be recessed in the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong Man Seo
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Patent number: 8347649Abstract: A door seal arrangement and method for sealing between a door and a door frame on food processing equipment are provided. The door seal is inflatable to create a seal between the door and the door frame and deflatable to release the seal between the door and the door frame. An air supply applies positive air pressure to the door seal to inflate the door seal. A vacuum applies a negative air pressure to the door seal to deflate the door seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak-MP Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Jesse A. Gavin, Bryan Davis, Robert Wayne Fessenden, Dennis Conohan
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Patent number: 8297725Abstract: A refrigerator equipped with a door opening device opening doors by driving a motor and a method of controlling the same. In the method of controlling the refrigerator includes a door opening device including a plurality of sliding bars selectively opening first and second doors, a motor opening the first door or the second door by moving back and forth the sliding bars in directions opposite to each other, a plurality of position detectors detecting at least one protrusion provided at one side of the sliding bar, a switch unit inputting door opening signals, and a controller controlling operation of the first door and the second door according to the door opening signals. If door opening signals used to open the first and second doors, the door opening device is controlled so that the first and second doors are easily open/closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gang Hyun Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Seok Jun Son
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Patent number: 8226132Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening means (1) for a closing unit (14), having a bearing (2) which can be fastened on a closing unit (14), and having two pivotable lever arm parts (3, 4), of which one circle sector-like pivoting plane is perpendicular, and a further pivoting plane is essentially parallel to the plane of the closing unit (14), wherein one lever arm part is a force arm (4) and one lever arm part is a load arm (3), characterized in that when the force arm (4) is pivoted in its circle sector-like plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the closing unit (14), the load arm (3) is simultaneously pivoted via a coupling, in the opposite direction to the force arm (4), in its circle sector-like plane perpendicular to the plane of the closing unit (14).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Steinbach & Vollmann GmbHInventor: Jürgen Zinn
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Patent number: 8161684Abstract: An assembly for securing a hinged building window (11) in closed position relative to an aperature defined by a main frame (12). The assembly includes a compressible gasket disposed between the hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) defining the aperature. The hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) each includes a respective portion (20) of a magnetic means for securing the hinged building window said (11) to the frame (12), where the magnetic means for securing includes a two magnetic magnets that are magnetically attracted to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: VKR Holding A/SInventor: Torben Allesen Pedersen
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Patent number: 8083269Abstract: The apparatus comprises a gripping-operating unit including a gripping subassembly, a base subassembly for mounting the components of the unit and an operating subassembly. The gripping subassembly includes a gripper, from which, at one of its vertical extremity, a lever, integral with the gripper, extends horizontally. The base subassembly generally includes an elongated body and a positioning-attachment element connected to the latter. The operating subassembly comprises a spring guide block with opposed channels, a helical compression spring, located in one of the channels, and a pushing pin having a tooth like extension. Should the lever act on the pushing pin, the later, via the tooth like extension, operates against the helical compression spring, and simultaneously moves beyond the spring guide bloc. When a lock is used, a subassembly strike-stopper and a lock actuator-stopper deactivator subassembly are included.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Vanguard Plastics Ltd.Inventor: Ross Mitchell
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Publication number: 20100257786Abstract: A striker assembly includes a plate configured for attachment to a vehicle and a striker attached to the plate. The striker is configured for securing a latch assembly of the vehicle in a first position. The striker assembly also includes a first resilient member configured for contacting the latch assembly in the first position and a second resilient member configured for cooperating with the first resilient member to move the latch assembly to a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Michael D. Rock
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Patent number: 7739835Abstract: An opening mechanism having a cover assembly, a base mounting plate, and a lever member. The lever member has a first arm and a second arm, which pivot from a first position to a second position. The movement of the arms from the first position to the second position causes one of the arms to move a closure from a closed position to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Inventor: Steven Levine
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Publication number: 20090229186Abstract: provided is a refrigerator door opening apparatus comprises: a foot pedal; a sliding unit for sliding said foot pedal downwardly; and a unit for providing a repelling force with a first and a second portions, the first portion coupled with the foot pedal and the second portion located separately from the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: Keon-Woo PARK
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Patent number: 7543409Abstract: A door pull (10) has a fixing portion (11) fixed on a door stopper stile (8A) of a door, an operating portion (12) fixed slidably in the opening direction of the door and adapted to slide relative to the fixing portion (11) in the opening direction of the door, and a turning portion (13) supported by the fixing portion (11). A first end of the turning portion (13) is linked turnably with the operating portion (12),and turning in conjunction with sliding of the operating portion (12). A second end of the turning portion (13) projects towards a jamb. When the operating portion (12) slides, an abutment (132) at the second end of the turning portion (13) abuts against the jamb and biases the door in the direction away from the jamb, and the opening operation of the door is assisted.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: YKK AP Inc.Inventors: Norikazu Higashitani, Yoshinori Ishikuro, Yasushi Yamamoto, Hiroaki Kubo, Shuhei Ohno
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Patent number: 7506474Abstract: A cam mechanism has different portions thereof arranged on a main unit, which may be a refrigerator, and on a door. When the door is closed, a hinge pin is locked at one end of a hinge groove, keeping the cam mechanism in a first locked position. As the door is opened, the hinge pin is guided by the hinge groove and a guide pin is guided by a guide groove, permitting the door to rotate and slide. Thus, the hinge pin is locked at the other end of the hinge groove, bringing the cam mechanism to a second locked position. A boss slides on a rib and thereby maintains the second locked position, permitting the door to rotate about the hinge pin. This structure helps realize a door opening/closing mechanism with enhanced operability at reduced cost.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Itsuo Fujibayashi
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Patent number: 7467493Abstract: The invention relates to a raising device for raising or opening a closure panel, in particular a rear flip glass, decklid, door or hood of a vehicle, after the closure panel has been unlocked. The raising device includes a raising lever moveably supported by a base frame, a spring having one part coupled to the raising lever for providing a raising force and securing means associated with the base frame for securing another part of the spring to secure the spring in different spring conditions, where each spring condition yields a different spring force and raising the force.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Keykert USA, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Udriste, Vasanth Suratkal, Keith Gordon Robertson
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Patent number: 6883841Abstract: A door opening/closing mechanism fitted on a door that closes and opens an opening formed in the body of an apparatus by being brought into and out of contact with the rim of the opening has cam mechanisms that permit the door to engage with and disengage from the body at either of the right and left sides of the door. The cam mechanisms can be brought into a first lock position in which they lie symmetrically at both sides of the door and into a second lock position in which they lie symmetrically at both sides of the door, and each have a hinge pin that serves as a rotation axis in the second lock position and a groove cam that engages with the hinge pin in such a way as to be movable relative to the hinge pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masuo Kawabata, Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura
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Patent number: 6883274Abstract: A method and device for opening a door includes a receptacle structure. The receptacle structure is coupled to the door. The receptacle structure has a top surface and an angled guiding surface. The top surface forms an angled protrusion. The receptacle structure has a receptacle and the receptacle is formed between the top surface and the angled guiding surface. The device also includes a latching rod and a sliding assembly coupled to the latching rod. Movement of the sliding assembly causes the latching rod to contact the angled protrusion. The contact of the latching rod with the angled protrusion of the receptacle structure causes the rod to push the receptacle structure and the door to a partially open position. After contacting the angled protrusion, the latching rod navigates across the angled guiding surface of the receptacle structure, pushing the door to a further partially open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Fred C. Webb, Gerald Drafflorn, Jr.
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Patent number: 6811236Abstract: An apparatus assists a user to move a door between closed and open states. The apparatus includes a permanent magnet provided on the door. An electromagnet is located on the door frame adjacent thereto when the door is closed and is energizable to provide a magnetic field which reinforces the permanent magnetic field or to provide a magnetic field in opposition to the permanent magnetic field. A detector detects the state of the door and an interface detects the presence of a user. A controller receives input from the detector and the interface and energizes the electromagnet to provide a reinforcing magnetic field if a user is attempting to open the door and provides an opposing magnetic field to the permanent magnetic field if the door is closed and the user is attempting to open the door.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Fisher & Paykel LimitedInventors: Keith Brookes Spong, Graeme Colin Fuller, Gerald David Duncan
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Publication number: 20040093799Abstract: A cam mechanism has different portions thereof arranged on a main unit and on a door. When the door is closed, a hinge pin is locked at one end of a hinge groove, keeping the cam mechanism in a first locked position. As the door is opened, the hinge pin is guided by the hinge groove and a guide pin is guided by a guide groove, permitting the door to rotate and slide. Thus, the hinge pin is locked at the other end of the hinge groove, bringing the cam mechanism to a second locked position. A boss slides on a rib and thereby maintains the second locked position, permitting the door to rotate about the hinge pin. This structure helps realize a door opening/closing mechanism with enhanced operability at reduced cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Itsuo Fujibayashi
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Patent number: 6457675Abstract: A door actuation system for an outwardly opening aircraft door for use in an aircraft having a door opening, a cam post, and a plurality of latch pins. The door actuation system includes a locking mechanism operably coupled to the door, wherein the locking mechanism is positionable in a locked position preventing the door from being opened and an unlocked position. The system further includes a pull-in mechanism that is hydraulically actuated and includes a cam slot member capable of operably engaging the cam post of the aircraft. The pull-in mechanism is positionable in an uncammed position and a cammed position. A latching mechanism is also provided that is hydraulically actuated and includes a plurality of cam latches each capable of operably receiving one of the plurality of latch pins. The latching mechanism is positionable in a latched position and an unlatched position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Leo W. Plude, Stephen A. Locantore
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Patent number: 6447233Abstract: An automated door assembly is provided for sealing an opening in a barrier to a contaminant-free environment suitable for semiconductor wafer processing. The door assembly comprises a base pivotable toward and away from the opening along an arcuate path and a closure plate linearly movably coupled to the base and configured to a seal the opening in the barrier. The closure plate is removable in synchronization with the pivoting of the base to traverse a horizontal linear path into contact with the barrier to close the opening. A vacuum system is provided in conjunction with the door assembly to extract particles from the sealed environment. A sensor disposed on the closure plate is operable to sense the position of wafers or other objects disposed adjacent the opening, to detect misalignment or omission thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: PRI Automation, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Denker
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Patent number: 6347485Abstract: An assist for use with a motorized door operating device to assist in the opening of a door during its movement from the closed position to an ajar position, and to assist in the closing of the door during its movement from the ajar position to the closed position. The device includes a connector mounted on one of the door and the wall and a motorized catch on the other of the door and wall for engaging and releasing the connector. During a door closing cycle, the assist remains inactive until the catch engages the connector, after which the motorized catch is moved in a first direction to move the door from the ajar position to the closed position. Upon the commencement of a door opening cycle, and upon completion of any unlatching cycle whereby any door latch retaining the door is released, the catch is moved in a second direction for moving the door from the closed position to the ajar position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventor: Thomas J. Hebda
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Patent number: 6338536Abstract: A door opening device for a food storage apparatus such as a household refrigerator includes a generally cylindrical coil unit mounted on a body of the storage apparatus and having an axially extending through hole, a plunger mounted in the hole of the coil unit so as to be axially moved with respect to the coil unit, the plunger being moved in a direction when the coil unit is energized, and a pushing member mounted on one axial end of the plunger so as to be moved with the plunger, the pushing member pushing the door in an opening direction against an attractive force of the magnet gasket when moved in the one direction with the plunger.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shunji Ueno, Takehisa Okamoto, Yasushi Takagi, Masahiko Maeda, Koichi Nagao
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Patent number: 6293050Abstract: An arrangement for automatic opening of a motor vehicle rear door which can be pivoted about a horizontal swivel axis contains a pneumatic spring-and-ejector combination in which a pneumatic spring is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the rear door so that it exerts a closing torque on the door when the door is in a closed and a predetermined partially open position, and exerts an opening torque when the door is opened beyond the predetermined position to swing the door fully open. An ejector is arranged to pivot the door from the closed position to a position past the partially open position, thereby reducing the energy requirement of the ejector and avoiding high frictional forces in the door lock.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Benno Jöhnk
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Patent number: 6106213Abstract: An automated door assembly is provided for sealing an opening in a barrier to a contaminant-free environment suitable for semiconductor wafer processing. The door assembly comprises a base pivotable toward and away from the opening along an arcuate path and a closure plate linearly movably coupled to the base and configured to a seal the opening in the barrier. The closure plate is movable in synchronization with the pivoting of the base to traverse a horizontal linear path into contact with the barrier to close the opening. A vacuum system is provided in conjunction with the door assembly to extract particles from the sealed environment. A sensor disposed on the closure plate is operable to sense the position of wafers or other objects disposed adjacent the opening, to detect misalignment or omission thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: PRI Automation, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Denker
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Patent number: 6089648Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a closure panel fully retractable below the level of the floor of the vehicle. Typically, the motor vehicle includes a body having a rear bumper assembly and first and second laterally spaced apart sides. The body defines a rear opening. A floor extends between the pair of laterally spaced apart sides. A rear storage area is at least partially defined by the first and second laterally spaced apart sides and the floor. The rear storage area is accessible through the rear opening. The closure panel is a rear closure panel operative for selectively closing the rear opening. The closure panel is attached to the body for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the closure panel at least partially closes the opening and is positioned immediately above the rear bumper assembly. In the open position the closure panel is disposed completely below the floor.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Darren Schurig, Jonathan L. Rundels
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Patent number: 5515649Abstract: A door operating system is disclosed which includes a remotely or manually controlled fluid supply system (10) which pressurizes a reciprocable striker release assembly (50), and activates an opening cylinder assembly (30) functionally mounted to a door (17) and door frame (18) for opening the door.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Gentleman Door CompanyInventor: Thomas J. Strab
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Patent number: 5469661Abstract: A foot treadle for use in opening a sliding door of the type mounted for initial movement in three directional dimensions from its closed position comprises a lever having an axis of rotation. The lever has a leg that depends generally downwardly from the axis and an arm that extends generally laterally from the axis. A pedal is mounted to the arm distally from the axis of rotation. The lever is mounted to a door jamb of a sliding door with the lever leg closely adjacent a lower end of the door for pivotal movement about the lever axis of rotation in pushing and sliding engagement with the door lower end. Upon a person stepping upon the pedal the lever leg applies a force laterally and upwardly against the door lower end thereby urging the door laterally and upwardly out of sealed engagement with the door jamb and floor as the door lower end slides outwardly from the door jamb in sliding contact with the lever leg.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.Inventors: Burl Finkelstein, Thomas A. Thorsen
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Patent number: 5357713Abstract: An opener of the door of a gravity flow vehicle which allows a mechanical advantage in initially raising the door. After the material within the vehicle begins to flow and decrease the effort required to raise the door, the mechanical advantage is bypassed so that the door may be quickly raised and lowered.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Sid Jiskoot, Walter Lammers
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Patent number: 4884368Abstract: An ice breaker arrangement of forcing open the door of an enclosure such as a radio frequency shelter for electrical equipment comprises a threaded stud (3) which, when turned by a key, is made to project from the door frame (5) so as to force a reaction plate (2) attached to the door (1) away from the frame, thus opening the door (1). Appropriate apertures (21, 73) are provided at each end of the stud (3) to allow access to the stud (3) by the key.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1989Date of Patent: December 5, 1989Assignee: The Marconi Company LimitedInventors: David J. Thornley, Moira A. Smith, Philip Dale, Samuel H. Leask, Ian M. Coutts
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Patent number: 4679841Abstract: A counterbalancing device for a hatchback lid on a road vehicle includes a lid hinged at the top about a horizontal axis to the superstructure of the vehicle and at least one counterbalancing unit such as a pneumatic spring. One end of the counterbalancing unit is pivoted to the superstructure and the other end is pivoted to the lid. The counterbalancing unit is pivotally connected to one of the lid and the superstructure by a first lever. A first end of a link is pivotally connected to the first lever; a second end of the link is pivotally connected to a second lever which, in turn, is connected to the one of the superstructure and the lid. A roller carried by the second lever bears against the superstructure or the lid near the closed position of the lid. The device is more efficient than known devices irrespective of the layout of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1986Date of Patent: July 14, 1987Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Automobiles CitroenInventor: Claude Taunay
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Patent number: 4552326Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an aircraft door opening outwardly by a preliminary movement enabling stops borne by said door to be disengaged from stops borne by the frame thereof, after which complete opening of the door is obtained by a simple thrust or pull, wherein said safety device comprises at least one mobile lock and one stop, one mounted on the door and the other on the frame thereof and adapted to cooperate with one another to interrupt the prior movement of disengagement of the stops on the door and the stops on the frame, and said mobile lock is controlled by manometric means receiving the pressures inside and outside the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1984Date of Patent: November 12, 1985Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et AerospatialeInventor: Jean Bokalot
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Patent number: 4328853Abstract: A folding screen is formed by a plurality of successively hinged, rigid, radiation-controlling planar panels supported so the screen can be opened (or extended) and closed (or collapsed). Adjacent panels are supported only at their edges, by a hinge member having symmetrical back-to-back tubular channels. The hinge member possesses sufficient rigidity to permit hinged, side-by-side coaction of the panels from a stacked, generally vertical relationship when the screen is collapsed, to an undulating planar relationship when the screen is opened, which relationship is essential if the screen is to be collapsed without binding. The screen is translatable on a pair of parallel, mono-level tracks, and operated by a flexible drive member extending along a rail and connected to the screen's leading ("lead") panel.A novel skylight includes a curb assembly, a "bubble" (or "dome") and a folding screen translatable to-and-fro below the bubble.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1979Date of Patent: May 11, 1982Inventors: George R. Gall, Charles R. Gates
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Patent number: 4183177Abstract: A remote controlled automobile door opening system having solenoid assemblies for unlocking, unlatching and partially opening the automobile door in response to a remote radio signal. The unlocking, unlatching and partial opening of the door occur sequentially after the radio signal is received.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1978Date of Patent: January 15, 1980Inventor: George R. Kurdziel
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Patent number: 4011688Abstract: A door closure mechanism provided with a frame and a door adapted to be closed into the frame in a manner so as to provide RF shielding. The door is provided with a closure mechanism having a motor-driven threaded shaft mounted on a floating platform adapted to have several degrees of freedom with respect to the plane defined by the door. The frame includes a threaded receptacle adapted to receive the threaded shaft. Electrical switches are provided with respect to the door such that the threaded shaft will rotate uon reaching proximity with the threaded receptacle, thereby securing the door to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1975Date of Patent: March 15, 1977Assignee: All-Shield Enclosures, Inc.Inventor: Charles Geiss
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Patent number: 3991520Abstract: A push to open door opening assembly for appliance doors including a single molded opening piece positioned between front and back panels of a substantially hollow door with a pushbutton section projecting through the front panel and an actuator ram projecting through the back panel. A fulcrum point is provided on the molded piece and an integral spring maintains the fulcrum against the front panel and the pushbutton projecting through the front panel. Actuation of the pushbutton pivots the device around the fulcrum against the spring to force the actuator ram from the rear panel into contact with an appliance cabinet wall thereby biasing the door away from the cabinet wall and overcoming a releasable closure device which maintains the door in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1974Date of Patent: November 16, 1976Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Dale Wells Graham