Patents Examined by Alyson M. Merlino
  • Patent number: 10208507
    Abstract: A center slide assembly for a multi-point exit device. Upper and lower spool assemblies may be displaced from first positions to second positions along an inner region of a center slide. The displacement of the spool assemblies may displace upper and lower pull cables so as to retract latch mechanisms from extended positions to retracted positions. A first latching pin may be displaced, along with the displacement of the upper spool assembly, along an abutment surface of a tilting link so as to pivotally displace the tilting link from an unlocked position to a locked position. Displacement of the lower spool assembly may displace a second latching pin to a position wherein the second latching pin may be received and retained within a jog of the tilting link when the tilting link is in the locked position, which may thereby retain the associated latch mechanism in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Sushanth Anand Rao Kondi, Mohammed Maksood Ali, Kemparaju Putaswamy, Michael D. Coleman, Matthew S. Graham
  • Patent number: 10208510
    Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for limiting movement of a first element, such as a drawer or door of a cabinet, relative to a second element in a first position of the latch assembly, and allowing non-restricted movement of the first element relative to the second element in a second position of the latch assembly. Abase plate is mounted to the first element, and a stop element is mounted to the second element. The latch assembly also comprises a latching plate reciprocally, vertically and moveably mounted on the base plate, such that the latching plate is moveable between a first vertical position engaging the stop element and a second vertical position where said latching plate is disengaged from said stop element. An unlock lever is pivotably mounted to the base plate, and the unlock lever is manually moveable from a first position out of engagement with the latching plate to a second position where the unlock lever secures the latching plate in its second vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Alex Van Dyck
  • Patent number: 10202784
    Abstract: A clutch and handle for applying rotation to a lockable mechanism is disclosed. In particular, the handle is adapted to prevent damage to the handle or a lockable mechanism when excess pressure or torque is applied to the handle. The torque limiting clutch mechanism limits the torque which can be applied by the handle such as to a lockable mechanism for securing a leaf within a frame. The torque limiting clutch mechanism comprises first and second rotors in confrontation to transmit rotational drive from the handle to the lockable mechanism. The first and second rotors are arranged to slip against each other beyond a maximum transferred torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: SURELOCK MCGILL LIMITED
    Inventors: Stuart Kenneth Parker, Glen Davies
  • Patent number: 10196840
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a flap mounted moveably on a component between a closed position and an opened position, in particular for a flap mounted moveably on a housing of an automobile, comprising: a first actuation part and a second actuation part, wherein the first actuation part is to be fastened on the flap and is moved together with the flap when the flap is moved between the closed position and the opened position, and wherein the second actuation part is to be fastened on the component, locking means with a locking reception provided on the first or second actuation part and a locking element provided on the other of first or second actuation part, wherein the locking element engages in the locking reception upon a movement of the first actuation part with the flap from its opened position into its closed position, whereby the locking element holds the first actuation part against a spring pretension in a locking position on the second actuation part, and a remote unlocking dev
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Christian Beck
  • Patent number: 10190336
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a door-lock device for a household appliance, said door-lock device comprising a mechanical unit, provided with a movable member, such as a slider and the like, capable of assuming a releasing position, in which it allows the opening of said door, and a locking position, for retaining said door when closed, and a control unit connected with the control logic of said household appliance, comprising a locking pin capable of assuming at least one position, in which it is disengaged from said movable member, and an extracted position, in which said locking pin is capable of engaging with said movable member, when the latter is in said locking position, said movable member being capable to pass from said locking position to said releasing position when said locking pin is disengaged from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BITRON S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Promutico, Felice Paglia
  • Patent number: 10190343
    Abstract: A rotatable window lock including a cam positioned within a housing and rotatably connected to a handle. The housing defines a vertical protrusion on the exterior surface sized and configured to be inserted within an aperture defined in the bottom surface of the handle. By positioning the protrusion closer to the housing edge than the housing center, the protrusion is able to rotatably refrain the handle, preventing inadvertent rotation of the handle and unauthorized window access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 10186176
    Abstract: A rotary security seal assembly includes a housing body defining a socket including a top opening and a peripheral socket wall. A rotor body is receivable in the socket that includes a top flange, a bottom flange, and a center body area between the top and bottom flanges. A locking filament includes a first end area permanently secured to the housing body by hardened material forming the housing body and a second end area dimensioned and configured to be received in and extend at least in part through a housing locking filament receiving bore defined by the housing body and a rotor locking filament receiving bore defined by the rotor body. At least one axial locking structure extends radially inward from the peripheral socket wall and between the top and bottom flanges of the rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: NIC PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ian A. Nazzari
  • Patent number: 10174522
    Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and book mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TriTeq Lock and Security, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Denison, Gary L. Myers, Richard Paeth, Catalin Captarencu, Calin V. Roatis
  • Patent number: 10174532
    Abstract: A door security system is provided which is used to prevent a door, which separates first and second spaces, from opening. The door security system includes a security apparatus which is configured to be engaged with the floor within a first space. If the door is to be opened into the first space, the security apparatus blocks the door from opening into the first space. If the door is to be opened into the second space, an attachment assembly of the door security system acts in concert with the attachment assembly to block the door from opening into the second space. The door security system further includes a release mechanism which can be manipulated from the second space to disengage the security apparatus within the first space, thereby allowing for the door to be opened into either the first or second spaces, as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Robert J. Couturier
  • Patent number: 10174525
    Abstract: An over-travel mechanism configured to couple an input shaft and an output shaft in an exit device assembly. The input shaft is connected to an actuator that linearly displaces the input shaft, and the output shaft is connected to a locking member of the exit device. The over-travel mechanism includes a link coupled to the output shaft, and a preloaded elastic member transmits force between the input shaft and the link. Movement of the input shaft from a first input shaft position to a second input shaft position causes the elastic member to urge the link from a first link position toward a second link position. Movement of the input shaft from the second input shaft position to a third input shaft position causes the elastic member to elastically deform without moving the link from the second link position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Paul Raymond Arlinghaus, Jack R. Lehner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10145148
    Abstract: A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Tremble, Gordon H. Liebel, Kevin D. Vilhauer, Dan Blase, R. Lee Rawls, James A. Duncan
  • Patent number: 10145155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door handle having a handle for a motor vehicle, which handle is arranged in a handle housing and which is displaceable from a rest position into an operating position by means of a rotation around a rotation axis, wherein a handle hook arranged on the free end of the rear side of the handle is kinematically coupled with a deflection lever, wherein the deflection lever directly or indirectly acts on a motor vehicle door lock when being displaced from the rest position into the operating position in order to effect a release of the lock and to enable opening the motor vehicle door, the handle hook comprising at least one guidance element by means of which the handle hook is guided in a corresponding profile of the handle housing, the guidance element performing a form-fit with the handle hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: HUF HUELSBECK & FUERST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Reinhold Mathofer
  • Patent number: 10145156
    Abstract: A swing bolt lock mechanism for preventing false status switch enabling is described. The lock mechanism is a swing bolt lock mechanism wherein the swing bolt has an inner ramp wall against which a blocker rod is spring-biased. A ramp extension arm is displaceably secured with the swing bolt and provides an extension of the ramp wall whereby the blocker rod may only be displaced when the swing bolt is at its fully locked position whereby to arrest the swing bolt at that position. The displacement of the blocker rod also toggles a lock status switch to provide an indication that the lock is at its locked position. Accordingly, the lock status switch cannot be prematurely actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: KABA MAS, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Aker
  • Patent number: 10138661
    Abstract: An ingress/egress aid for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a door movable relative to the vehicle body between an open state and a closed state is provided and includes a handle rotatably supported by the door between a non-actuated state and a deployed state. The handle extends from the door in the deployed state. A locking mechanism restricts rotation of the door relative to the vehicle body in a locked state and permits rotation of the door relative to the vehicle body in an unlocked state. The locking mechanism is movable from the unlocked state to the locked state when the door is in the open state and the handle is moved from the non-actuated state to the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Carl Mather, Elaine M Herbon, Kenric P Socks
  • Patent number: 10132108
    Abstract: A lock device for an opening/closing device, is provided with: lock sections located on both sides of the lid; a pair of link rods provided with hook sections provided at the front ends of the pair of link rods; pressing means for pressing the hook sections in the direction in which the hook sections engage with the lock sections; a pusher for sliding the hook sections in the direction in which the hook sections do not engage with the lock sections; pressing members disposed on both sides of an opening and pressing the lid in the direction in which the lid opens; and a holding lever and a holding protrusion which hold the hook sections in a state in which the hook sections do not engage with the lock sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Shimizu, Hisashi Nakasone
  • Patent number: 10119307
    Abstract: A vehicle handle device includes a handle base, an operation portion that is rotatably connected to the handle base, a cable device that includes an outer cable and an inner cable inserted into the outer cable and transmits operating force to a door lock device of a vehicle, a cable connection unit mounted to a tip end of the outer cable, a unit case that is provided in the cable connection unit, and a cam portion that is provided in the unit case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichiro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10119325
    Abstract: A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock-out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael A. Barton, Gordon H. Liebel, Eric A. Baczuk
  • Patent number: 10094147
    Abstract: A latch is provided including a claw configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A pawl is rotatable in and out of engagement with the claw. The latch includes a first release mechanism, a second release mechanism, and a third release mechanism. The first release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The second release mechanism applies a rotational force to a second portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The third release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Lujan, Ian J. Dow, Fernando Burciaga, Rodrigo Alonso Galindo, Donald M. Perkins, John R. Rice
  • Patent number: 10094142
    Abstract: A latch mechanism having an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the distance to which a latch bolt extends into a mating recess. The adjustment mechanism may include a driver component and a driven component. Rotation of the driver component about a first axis may displace the driven component, thereby causing the position of the latch bolt to be adjusted along a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis. According to certain embodiments, the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. The latch mechanism may also include an inner housing that is displaced as the latch bolt is extended into, and retracted from, a mating recess in an adjacent structure. Further, the position of the inner housing may remain generally static as the position of the latch bolt is adjusted along the second axis via operation of the adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Sushanth Anand Rao Kondi, Mohammed Maksood Ali
  • Patent number: 10077589
    Abstract: Disclosed is a door catch that can help to prevent door sag, especially for heavy or tall residential or commercial doors, and provides for post-installation catch tension adjustment without removal or adjustment of mounting members. In one aspect, the door catch can include a ball catch base, a threaded ball plunger assembly, a catch bumper, and a bumper base. In another aspect, the catch bumper and the bumper base can optionally be combined into a single catch bar bracket. The ball plunger assembly is adjustably mounted within a threaded aperture of ball catch base. A ball captive in one end of the ball plunger assembly engages a detent in the catch bumper, or catch bar bracket, providing friction to hold the door open. The position of the ball plunger assembly can be adjusted vertically to increase or decrease the tension between the detent and the ball plunger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory Header