Patents Examined by Patricia Engle
  • Patent number: 7407199
    Abstract: A self-latching sash latch device for use with a sliding closure. The latch device has a primary bolt (15) which in use engages with a strike (12). The primary bolt (15) is coupled to an operating element (13) whereby the primary bolt is moveable from a latching position to a retracted position. A retainer (38) retains the primary bolt (15) in the retracted position. A secondary bolt (16) is moveable with or independent of the primary bolt (15) and is engageable with the retainer (38) to release the retainer and enable the primary bolt (15) to move from a retracted position to the latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Financial Services AB
    Inventor: Leigh Richardson
  • Patent number: 7406749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-link hinge (10) for hinging a door leaf (12) to the body of a piece of furniture with a body fitting which may be fixed to the support wall (14) of the body and a door leaf fitting (20) connected to the above by means of a joint mechanism. The support wall fitting, embodied as an extended support arm is arranged on a fitting plate (18) which may be fixed to the support wall of the body and coupled to the door leaf fitting, embodied as a hinge cup fitted in a recess in the back face of the door leaf (12), by means of the joint mechanism, embodied with two joint arms (22; 24) each connected to one of the fittings such as to pivot. A damping device acts on a support wall side hinge piece, for example the body fitting (16) or the fixing plate (18) and one of the joint arms (24), at least during a locking part of the pivoting motion of said joint arm on a closing or opening motion of the door leaf fitting (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mepla-Werke Lautenshlaeger GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Markus Herper
  • Patent number: 7406846
    Abstract: An electronic lock incorporating one or more shape memory metal wire segment as its electromechanical transducer. An electronic control circuit injects electrical current into the shape memory metal wire, causing it to heat up and contract. A gate is positioned by the action of the shape memory metal wire(s) to either allow or block the movement of a locking bolt that affect locking or unlocking. Millions of operational cycles are achieved by limiting the stretching of the shape memory metal wire at low temperature to small percentages of its total length. The design lends itself to miniaturization, with commensurate reduction in power consumption, that is useful to the evolution of future electronic locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Nanotechnology, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wun-Sing Chu
  • Patent number: 7406726
    Abstract: Four cross member struts, two on each long side of an open hammock frame, permit full collapse of the frame for closure and transportation when the cross member struts are composed of an unbroken tube pivotally connected with a second tube divided into two overlapping sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jianrong Deng
  • Patent number: 7399010
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a housing, latch parts in the housing operable to unlock a vehicle door, and an actuating element. A linkage engageable between the actuating element and the latch parts is shiftable between a coupled position for operation of the latch parts by the actuating element and a decoupled position operatively disconnecting the actuating element from the latch parts. A blocking element connected to the linkage is operable to shift the linkage between its coupled and decoupled positions. A drive motor operates the blocking element, and a quick-unlock element pivoted on the blocking element is operable by the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Keykert USA, USA
    Inventors: Robert Hunt, Keith Julien
  • Patent number: 7399008
    Abstract: A safety locking mechanism includes an engaging device, which holds a mass in a deflected position, and a restoring device effective by applying an overpressure to a receptacle and which directs the mass into a basic position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: fischerwerke GmbH. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunter Leopold
  • Patent number: 7398664
    Abstract: A handle and housing assembly includes a housing having front and rear sides. A handle is connected on the front side of the housing to a shaft that extends through the housing along a forwardly-rearwardly extending axis. The handle may be used to turn the shaft, to turn components connected to a rear portion of the shaft, and/or to move shaft-connected components forwardly and rearwardly along the axis of the shaft. In some embodiments, the housing defines a forwardly facing recess, and the handle is nestable within and extendable from the recess. In some embodiments, the handle is nestable within the recess in a variety of orientations. In some embodiments, housing-defined stop formations limit the range through which a shaft-connected component is permitted to turn. In some embodiments, housing-defined formations guide movement of a lock bolt that may engage a shaft-connected component to retain the shaft, the handle and the shaft-connected component in one or a plurality of orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott S. Kalanish
  • Patent number: 7395766
    Abstract: A valuables case (1) for holding securities with a safety device having at least one holding chamber (5, 6) for an ink and having a measuring and triggering device for registering at least one parameter of the valuables case and for releasing the liquid from the holding chamber (5, 6) into the valuables container on the basis of the measured parameter is distinguished by at least one vibration generator (14) associated with the safety device for the purpose of generating vibrations in the liquid (7) in the at least one holding chamber. In this context, the measuring and triggering device is designed to register at least one vibration parameter and to release the liquid from the holding chamber (5, 6) into the interior (2) on the basis of the measured vibration parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Landwehr, Juergen Schlueter
  • Patent number: 7396056
    Abstract: A gate lock is composed of a lock base, a lock core with a slot defined therein, a latch member and a bolt assembly. A gate is mounted in a frame, which can be mounted in a doorway. The gate lock is mounted on the gate and the bolt assembly of the gate lock is mounted on the frame. When the gate is closed, the bolt is engaged in the slot in the lock core. The lock core is then rotated 90 degrees. The bolt will not slide out of the slot, and the gate is locked. To unlock the gate, the lock core is rotated 90 degrees in the opposite direction. The gate is then lifted upward allowing the bolt to slide out of the slot, thus enabling the gate to swing open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7393026
    Abstract: A lock mechanism holds a moving member on a main body immovably in a locked state and allows movement in an unlocked state. The lock mechanism includes a circulating cam groove formed on the main body or the moving member, and a trace member having an angle bracket shape with one and the other trace parts to sway on the main body or moving member. The one trace part circulates along the circulating cam groove in each approaching and moving away operation of the moving member, and locks the moving member in a state having coupled with the coupling part. A wall surface is formed on the main body or moving member to be disposed in a different position from the circulating cam groove so that the other trace part of the trace member is operable to contact the wall surface only in the locked state of the moving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ikeda, Yasushi Ueki, Shigemitsu Tomita
  • Patent number: 7393022
    Abstract: A backset adjustable deadbolt for mounting in a lock cylinder is provided. A deadbolt assembly includes an actuator connected to and movable by the movement of the lock cylinder through the lock cylinder connector. A link bar connects the actuator to the deadbolt at a plurality of attachment points. The deadbolt, lock cylinder connector, actuator, link bar form the deadbolt assembly and are mounted in a housing. A releasable connector extends through the housing. In the engaged position, a releasable connector contacts the actuator to lock the actuator remote end in one of the plurality of attachment points in the link bar. In the disengaged position, the releasable connector releases the actuator remote end from the link bar to allow the link bar move relative to the actuator from one of the plurality of attachment points to a different point for reengagement with the actuator remote end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Shin An Enterprise Inc.
    Inventors: Chen Fu Shan, Chia Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7393023
    Abstract: An apparatus for remotely opening a door of an enclosure. The apparatus has a linear solenoid connected to a latch on the enclosure. The solenoid is connected to an electrical outlet and the outlet is operated by a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Howard L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7393025
    Abstract: A mine door system for closing a mine doorway comprises a door hinged adjacent the doorway for swinging relative to the stopping between a closed position and an open position swung outwardly away from the stopping. A keeper is mounted in fixed position relative to the doorway. The system further comprises a trigger-actuated latch mechanism including a detent engageable with the keeper for latching the door in its closed position and a trigger operably connected to the detent in a latched position. The mechanism is constructed and configured so that actuation of the trigger causes the detent to move from a latched position in which the detent engages the keeper for latching the door closed to an unlatched position in which the detent is disengaged from the keeper for allowing the door to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7389991
    Abstract: A leakage seal for use in a gas path between two relatively rotatable members of a gas turbine comprises a foil layer and a cloth layer. The foil layer has two expansive surfaces, a single one of which is covered by the cloth layer. The leakage seal has a proximal end, a distal end, and a generally flat region between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is attached to an associated one of the turbine members. The distal end diverges from the generally flat region so as to define a curved hook, along which the cloth portion is wrapped over the foil layer, when the distal end is viewed in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Turbine Services, Ltd.
    Inventors: Vincent T. Riggi, Jr., Ronald A. Riggi
  • Patent number: 7390034
    Abstract: In a latch apparatus, a latch mechanism arranged at a vehicle body or a door, holds the door towards the vehicle body in a half closed state and a fully closed state. An open lever, a door opening action of which cancels the half closed state or the fully closed state of the door held by the latch mechanism, is arranged to be interlocked with the latch mechanism and to be able to swing. A first handle lever performs an opening action based on an opening operation of a first operation handle. A second handle lever performs an opening action based on an opening operation of a second operation handle. A cancel lever coupled to a closer apparatus that brings the door in the half closed state to the fully closed state, is caused to abut on the open lever to perform a canceling action, thereby disabling a drive of the closer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7389661
    Abstract: A deadbolt door lock assembly operates a deadbolt between an unlocked and locked position. It generally comprises an actuator, a ring, and a biasing member. The ring contacts the actuator and rotates it in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to lock the deadbolt. Once the deadbolt is locked, the biasing member urges the ring out of contact with the actuator. In one aspect, the assembly is operable in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction without disconnecting the biasing member. In another aspect, the biasing member includes different portions to urge the ring out of contact with the actuator depending on whether ring operation is in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The assembly may include a backstop to indicate rotational direction of the ring to lock the deadbolt. The assembly may also include a stabilizing bridge to inhibit transverse rotation of mounting screws that secure the assembly to a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Viviano, Robert D. Boehlow
  • Patent number: 7386900
    Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Lemire
  • Patent number: 7386899
    Abstract: A medical examination table has a step that is movable between a stowed position within the base of the table, to an extending position for use by persons mounting or dismounting the table. Slide members are coupled to the step inboard from the lateral sides of the step, so that the slide members are hidden from view even when the step is placed in the extended position. The step is suspended above a floor surface by the slide members and lower support members provided on a bottom side of the step, to facilitate movement of the step between the stowed and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7386897
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product having a spring core comprising coil springs having unknotted end turns made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns of the coil springs are generally U-shaped having one leg longer than the other, the legs being joined by an arcuate connector. The springs are oriented in the spring core such that a long leg of one end turn abuts a short leg of the adjacent end turn prior to be wrapped in helical lacing wire. The high tensile wire enables the coil springs to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Guido Eigenmann, Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 7387301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush seal for sealing a gap between a rotor and a stator, with at least one brush ring, comprising a number of sealing brushes and at least two annular brush ring carriers, running in the circumferential direction of the rotor. Each brush ring is fixed between a first front face of a first brush ring carrier and a second front face of a second brush ring carrier, whereby the second brush ring carrier is directly axially and radially fixed to the first brush ring carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Rupp, Karl Urlichs