With Operating Means Patents (Class 160/188)
  • Patent number: 11920394
    Abstract: In example implementations, an end cap for a panel of a vertically stacking panel door is provided. The end cap includes a body to be coupled to an end of a panel of a vertically stacking panel door, a first track wheel coupled to the body, a second track wheel coupled to the body, and a vertical stability roller coupled to the body, wherein the first track wheel, the second track wheel, and the vertical stability roller are arranged along a vertical line, wherein the first track wheel is located vertically above the second track wheel and the vertical stability roller is located between the first track wheel and the second track wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: CornellCookson, LLC
    Inventors: James Janick, Joseph A. Garrah
  • Patent number: 11813932
    Abstract: A drive system for operation of a roll top cover for covering a cargo bed of a vehicle enables improved and smoother roll top cover movement. The drive system includes: an elongate housing that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the housing including an axially extending aperture for receiving the roll top cover therethrough; first and second receiving plates disposed transversely within the housing at the respective first and second ends thereof, the receiving plates comprising opposed spiral-shaped slots extending therethrough, each of the spiral-shaped slots having an open end proximally and a closed end distally; and a drive shaft assembly disposed within the housing and extending axially between the first and second ends thereof; wherein the drive shaft assembly is adapted for being operably connected to a drive chain and driving movement thereof within the spiral-shaped slots during operation of the roll top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Oakmoore Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Shane Fowler, Wolfgang Schollhammer, Zenon Theodoulou
  • Patent number: 11814779
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a cabinet forming an outer appearance and having an inlet port formed at the front, a tub provided inside the cabinet for storing wash water, a drum provided inside the tub to be rotatable, and a door installed in the cabinet for opening and closing the inlet port. The door is provided with an auxiliary door which can be freely opened and closed during the washing process independently of the door, so that laundry can be added even during the washing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Young Kim, Adam Wishney, Doo Young Ryu, In Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11814777
    Abstract: A contactless laundry treating apparatus may include a cabinet having a front panel defining an access opening configured to receive laundry items, door attached to the front panel via a hinge assembly, where the hinge assembly may include a hydraulic system arranged on an interior of the front panel within the cabinet configured to engage with a connecting hook arranged within the door to selectively apply an outward force on the connecting hook to open the door and an inward force on the connecting hook to close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mayuresh P. Arankalle, Mohsin M. Attar, Ameya S. Kshirsagar, Sagar Kumar, Vivek Mansing Patil, Manish Saha
  • Patent number: 11761251
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus (100) includes a connector assembly (110) with a first connecting member (120), a second connecting member (130) and a connecting link (140), the first and second connecting members (120, 130) configured to be pivot-mounted at first ends (122, 132) to a first stationary component (200), and a pneumatic supporting member (150) is coupled to the first and second connecting members (120, 130) via the connecting link (140). The connector assembly (110) and the pneumatic supporting member (150) are configured to perform a lifting motion, wherein, when performing the lifting motion, the first and second connecting members (120, 130) transition from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) and the pneumatic supporting member (150) transitions from an extended position (EP) to a compressed position (CP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Shepherd
  • Patent number: 11761222
    Abstract: The solution is directed to a bleacher step access prevention system. The system is configured to be locked in place over a stairway of a retracted bleacher system in order to prevent climbing of the stairway when the bleacher system is in a retracted state. Certain embodiments are configured to accommodate handrails of the bleacher system so that handrails do not have to be removed from the stairwell when the bleacher system is in a retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Koala Wall, LLC
    Inventors: Peyton Hart, James Reid, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11692391
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a roller blind idle end assembly for roller blinds comprising a splined bush, a support, a spring, two sealed ball bearings, rotor, metal strap, and an end pin. This assembly reduces friction, wear and the likelihood of failure of the idle end assembly, creating a quiet design and dissipating static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Joe Nash Morgan, III, Kia Kheng Kho, Derek Bollhoefer, Adam Vandewalle
  • Patent number: 11682119
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein that may be used to monitor a movable barrier operated by a movable barrier operator. In some embodiments, a system includes a camera configured to capture frames, and a control circuit. The camera has a field of view that defines a boundary of each of the frames. The control circuit is configured to receive a first frame, identify a stationary object in the first frame, and define a region of interest “ROI” relative to the stationary object in the first frame. The control circuit is further configured to receive a second frame, identify the stationary object in the second frame, determine whether at least a portion of the ROI is outside of the second frame, and cause the movable barrier operator to enter a failsafe mode upon the at least a portion of the ROI being outside of the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group LLC
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Thomas Jason Grinter
  • Patent number: 11614109
    Abstract: An automatic disengaging linkage system including a housing operably connectable to a garage door trolley and a garage door arm. The housing can define a main bore configured to receive a portion of the garage door arm. A ball can be receivable in a ball bore defined in the housing. A biasing member can be configured to force the ball in engagement with the garage door arm or an arm pin associated with the garage door arm. The ball or the biasing member can be configured to disengage with the garage door arm with the housing when a predetermined pulling force is applied to the housing. The garage door arm can automatically be disengaged with the housing upon encounter a sufficient pulling force that retracts the ball into its ball bore thereby allowing the garage door arm to move freely out from the main bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventors: Trever Nykilchuk, Dave R. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 11566706
    Abstract: A shift drive including an actuating mechanism, a rack, and a gear housing. The actuating mechanism is driven by a driving mechanism. The rack is linked with the actuating mechanism. The rack includes a connection portion connected to the actuating mechanism through a connecting member 301 The gear housing is provided with an induction gear that meshes with the rack. The gear housing includes a track slot includes a take-up release section and a straight rail section, and an end portion of the rack is capable of a recoverable deformation that can slide in or out of the take-up release section and the length of projection of the take-up release section on an extension line in the direction of the length of the straight rail section is less than the length of the track thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: FICOSA INTERNATIONAL (TAICANG) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Qiang Chen, Santiago Gimeno Grane
  • Patent number: 11428036
    Abstract: A bi-fold overhead door system that includes a frame, a bi-fold overhead door and a hydraulic cylinder. The bi-fold overhead door has an upper door leaf and a lower door leaf. The upper door leaf is pivotally mounted to the frame. The lower door leaf is pivotally mounted to the upper door leaf. The hydraulic cylinder has a first cylinder end and a second cylinder end. The first cylinder end is operably attached to the frame. The second cylinder end is operably attached to the upper door leaf. The hydraulic cylinder is capable of moving the bi-fold overhead door between a closed configuration and an open configuration. At least one of the frame and the upper door leaf has a slot formed therein. When the bi-fold overhead door is in the closed configuration, the hydraulic cylinder is substantially recessed in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: PowerLift Door Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ernest Peterson
  • Patent number: 11359704
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes: a screw shaft that has a screw thread and a longitudinal axis A and a nut movable along the screw shaft from a retracted position to an extended position. The actuator also includes a plurality of rollers movable with the nut, each of which includes a cylindrical surface configured to roll along one or more flanks of the screw thread, such that rotation of the screw shaft causes the rollers to roll along the flank(s) so that the nut translates in an axial direction along the screw shaft. The screw thread includes one or more detents (e.g., grooves) configured to lock the nut in one or more axial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Davies
  • Patent number: 11328424
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein that may be used to monitor a movable barrier operated by a movable barrier operator. In some embodiments, a system includes a camera configured to capture frames, and a control circuit. The camera has a field of view that defines a boundary of each of the frames. The control circuit is configured to receive a first frame, identify a stationary object in the first frame, and define a region of interest “ROI” relative to the stationary object in the first frame. The control circuit is further configured to receive a second frame, identify the stationary object in the second frame, determine whether at least a portion of the ROI is outside of the second frame, and cause the movable barrier operator to enter a failsafe mode upon the at least a portion of the ROI being outside of the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group LLC
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Thomas Jason Grinter
  • Patent number: 11295567
    Abstract: An information-based access control system for facilities. The control system includes a mobile app and securely connected central server, which is cloud-based. The app collects and transmits multiple biometric and other authentication factors and the facility enabling the server to verify identity and check to ensure the person is authorized to obtain access. If so, the server issues a limited-duration access token, which can be displayed to the facility guards and transmitted to signal lights and electronic gates to obtain access quickly, conveniently, inexpensively, and securely. Also, a vehicle on the move can acquire access without having to slow down or stop. An RFID device in a person's vehicle who is seeking access is provided, along with an RFID reader which obtains approval, based on the multiple authentication factors and the RFID tag, to permit access to the moving vehicle. A controlled access building, room, venue or meeting is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Robert William Kocher, Douglas Earl Dyer
  • Patent number: 11267323
    Abstract: A tonneau cover that includes a first panel, a second panel, a hinge between the first panel and the second panel, and a torsion element between the first panel and the second panel. The torsion element applies an urging force onto one or both of the first panel and the second panel during movement of the first panel and/or the second panel about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Tectum Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Facchinello, Chad A. Carter
  • Patent number: 11084557
    Abstract: A closing device configured to close an outer shell opening of a surface ship, including several substantially vertically mounted shutter lamellas and a drive device by means of which the shutter lamellas can be actuated such that they move between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYSTEMS GMBH, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Hans Oesmann, Marko Schulz, Sebastian Halfmann
  • Patent number: 11053731
    Abstract: A roller shade adapted to adjustably cover a structural opening comprising a pair of longitudinal side panel assemblies each comprising a tensioning assembly and adapted to be attached at opposite sides of the structural opening and a roller tube assembly adapted to be attached to and between the pair of longitudinal side panel assemblies. The roller tube assembly comprises a roller tube comprising at least one channel and a shade material attached to the roller tube and adapted to unroll from the roller tube from an opened position to a closed position. The roller tube assembly further comprises at least one cable cone secured to an end of the roller tube and comprising a lateral wall comprising a plurality of index slots disposed at radial intervals along the lateral wall. The roller shade also comprises at least one cable adapted to be wound about the cable cone, be tensioned by the tensioning assembly, and be attached to a free end of the shade material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Fang Lin
  • Patent number: 10935053
    Abstract: An electric motor-driven, rolling element screw linear actuator is presented which work in cooperation with an hydraulic actuator and share several components. This is achieved through the integration of a screw-driven integrated nut piston assembly. Combining the use of an electric screw driven actuator can also reduce the need for a redundant hydraulic system, resulting in the elimination of 50% of connections, valves, piping, pumps, filters etc., while still being 100% redundant. An additional advantage is that the two drive systems are technologically independent, and therefore will not both fail because of an identical component flaw or failure point. The systems may also be used at the same time if conditions require force in excess of that generated by the hydraulic actuator alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: D. Christopher Orino
  • Patent number: 10871021
    Abstract: A balance system used with a door of a cupboard comprises a transmission shaft, a first pulley on the transmission shaft, and a balance component. The first pulley is connected to a door belt, one end of the door belt is secured to the first pulley, and the other end of the belt is connected to the door. The balance component comprises a balancing member, a balancing belt and a second pulley on the transmission shaft. One end of the balancing belt is connected to the second pulley, and the other end of the balancing belt is connected to the balancing member, such that the balancing member is hung on the second pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley rotate synchronously, and the door belt and the balancing belt are wound oppositely. With the balance system, a small driving force can open/close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: CMECH (GUANGZHOU) LTD.
    Inventor: Ding Gou Kun
  • Patent number: 10745258
    Abstract: An adjustable bladder assembly for use with a closed hydraulic power system is provided. The bladder assembly includes a rigid body and a bladder cover slidably engaged therein. The bladder cover divides an interior area of the bladder assembly into first and second portions. The first portion of the bladder assembly is configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir of the hydraulic power system, with internal pressure of the hydraulic power system acting on an inner surface of the bladder cover, thereby biasing the bladder assembly towards an inflated configuration. The second portion of the bladder assembly is open to the environment such that ambient air pressure acting on an outer surface of the bladder cover biases the bladder assembly towards a deflated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: HANGZHOU TIANHENG MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haoliang Zhou, Zhengwei Gong
  • Patent number: 10738412
    Abstract: A dual type drying machine includes a main drying unit, a main unit door configured to open and close a front side of the main drying unit, an auxiliary drying unit positioned vertically above the main drying unit and defining a laundry accommodation space, an auxiliary unit door configured to open and close a top surface of the laundry accommodation space, a cabinet that accommodates the main drying unit and the auxiliary drying unit, the cabinet defining an exterior of the drying machine, and an operation panel disposed at a front side of the auxiliary drying unit. When the auxiliary unit door is closed, top surfaces of the cabinet and the auxiliary unit door define a top exterior surface of the drying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Hun Bae
  • Patent number: 10669666
    Abstract: A folder type door unit and a clothes treating apparatus having the same are provided. The clothes treating apparatus includes a main body in which an internal space configured to receive clothes is formed and a door unit configured to open and close an opened upper portion of the internal space. The door unit includes a first door rotatably disposed about a first hinge shaft with respect to the main body, a second door coupled to the first door and configured to be rotatable about a second hinge shaft with respect to the first door, and a damper configured to press the second door to a second direction opposite to a first direction in response to the second door being rotated to the first direction with respect to the first door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-hyun Jang, Myung-won Jeon
  • Patent number: 10546442
    Abstract: An automatic opening/closing door 10 has an opening/closing portion 11 located at a lower side and a storage portion 12 located at an upper side. The opening/closing portion 11 has vertically arranged guide rails 14, 14 having a U-shaped cross section for guiding both ends of a roll-type shutter 13 in the width direction. The shutter 13 is slidable in the vertical direction without being detached from the guide rails 14, 14. When the shutter motor 15 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the shutter 13 located between the guide rails 14, 14 is wound up and the opening/closing portion 11 is opened. When the shutter motor 15 is rotated in a reverse direction, the shutter 13 is fed between the guide rails 14, 14 and the opening/closing portion 11 is closed. A controller 24 performs a predetermined guiding according to the approaching of the small-sized flying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Toshiyasu Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 10519712
    Abstract: The present invention is generally a movable barrier assembly that includes a screen garage door that may be remotely operated to open and close an entry to a garage, thereby facilitating ventilation, and preventing debris such as leaves, insects, etc. from entering the garage. In an exemplary embodiment, a screen assembly includes a first track running substantially parallel to a second track on which a garage door travels. A movable barrier operator that actuates the garage door and screen door may include a first motor to operate the screen door, and a second motor to operate the garage door. In exemplary embodiments, a single control unit is configured to operate both motors and thus operate each movable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Maryam Alirezaei
  • Patent number: 10415288
    Abstract: An operable wall assembly having a prime mover for deploying and stowing or stacking the wall panels. The operable wall assembly includes a control system for controlling operation of the prime mover and sensors for determining when the panels are fully deployed and fully stacked. The wall panel is installed by applying a three-point camber for spans in the range of 33-40 feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Rebarchek, Dustin W. Miles
  • Patent number: 10415301
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic released foldable door having a two-way door structure, which foldable door comprises a first closing door device (11) and a second closing door device (13), wherein a first door leaf (2) is connected to one side of the first closing door device (11), the second closing door device has one side connected to the first door leaf (2) and the other side thereof connected to a second door leaf (6), the second door leaf (6) is a door-in-door and a two-way door structure; and the foldable door further comprises a plurality of fixing devices (3, 31, 7) and at least one hinge (4). The foldable door has a relatively small turning radius and can be folded for receiving, and the door-in-door can be rotated in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Hsing-hua Kuan
  • Patent number: 10329837
    Abstract: A roller shade assembly comprising a roller tube having an inner surface defining an axial bore, a spindle including an outer threaded portion defining a helical groove, the spindle configured to be received in the axial bore of the roller tube for axial movement in the roller tube at one end roller tube and at least one tracking element operatively associated with the roller tube, the at least one tracking element configured for riding in the helical groove to convert axial rotation of roller tube into axial movement of the roller tube on the support tube. The tracking element engages the helical groove from a position more proximal to one end of the roller tube. The starting axial position of the roller tube in relation to the support tube is configured to be adjustable by manually rotating the spindle without rotating the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: AUTO-MOTION SHADE INC.
    Inventor: Hans Grützner
  • Patent number: 10151130
    Abstract: A trigger has an upper board and a lower board. The lower board is detachably mounted on the upper board and has an open slot and an elongate board. The open slot is formed through an end of the lower board, and the elongate board is formed on the middle of the open slot and extends to the end of the lower board. The free end of the elongate board is bent perpendicularly to the elongate board. The door track with the trigger includes two installation boards, and two ribs are formed on the two installation boards respectively and extend toward each other. The upper board is mounted on the top surfaces of the ribs of the installation boards, and the lower board is mounted on the bottom surfaces of the ribs. When the sliding door collides with the trigger, the trigger can be deformed and prevents the slider of the sliding door from being restricted by the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Weider Metal Inc.
    Inventors: Grace Show-Yin Wang, Jennifer Wu, Andy Wu, Jacqueline Wu
  • Patent number: 10107313
    Abstract: A rotary actuator where a thrust bearing ring is positioned at an inside of a tube assembly accommodating oil, thereby reducing abrasion and damage caused by rolling friction and improving rotary power of an axle load by increasing hydraulic pressure of a piston. The rotary actuator includes the tube assembly, a piston, an axle load assembly, and a thrust bearing ring. The tube assembly is provided with a tube spiral portion where a spiral is formed at an inner circumference surface, and is formed of a first passage where oil flows into and out and a second passage spaced apart from the first passage by a fixed distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: SUNGJI HYDRAULICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gwang Ryel Kwon, Gye Yong Song
  • Patent number: 10096189
    Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATION, MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark Kenneth Siegesmund, Vivien Neil Delport
  • Patent number: 10053901
    Abstract: A latch assembly connected to the drive unit of a bi-fold door for retaining the bi-fold door secure to a building has elongated straps attached to rotatable latch drums mounted on the outer ends of the drive shaft of the drive unit. Lift drums powered by a motor driven gearbox raise and lower the bi-fold door. Latch assemblies having springs attached to the straps maintain tension on the straps during the opening and closing of the bi-fold door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SORREL QUARTERS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Schweiss
  • Patent number: 9989368
    Abstract: A set of smart devices includes a first smart device physically placed at a first geolocation and a second smart device physically placed at a second geolocation. The first and second smart devices obtain their first and second current geolocations. The first smart device sends the first current geolocation and a first roadway status information indicating a start of the roadway to a mapping service over a wireless communications network, and the second smart device also sends the second current geolocation and a second roadway status information indicating an end of the roadway to the mapping service. The first and second roadway status information may further indicates that the roadway defined by the first and second current geolocations is a closed roadway or a detour. The mapping service may calculate routes based on the first and second geolocations and the first and second roadway status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. True
  • Patent number: 9834977
    Abstract: A new door system and related technology for a passenger carrying rail vehicle, such as a President's Conference Committee (PCC) streetcar rail vehicle, and a method for retrofitting a rail vehicle door system with the new door system. In some embodiments, the new door system includes an electro-mechanical angle drive motor, a solid door control pivot rod, a door leaf panel clamp that is permanently connected to the solid door control pivot rod, a lever arm that includes a positive locking device and that is coupled to the solid door control pivot rod, and a connecting rod that is attached to the electro-mechanical angle drive motor and to the lever arm to enable the connecting rod to impart motion generated by the electro-mechanical angle drive motor to the lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: JAKES ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: John David Mori
  • Patent number: 9822584
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit for use with motorized window shades includes an antenna connected to a motor controller having a printed circuit board, a receiver or transceiver, a microprocessor and memory that are connected to and operate a motor. The ESD circuit is connected to the line-in between the antenna and the downstream components of the printed circuit board. The ESD circuit includes an inductor in parallel with two anti-parallel diodes in reverse polarity to one another. The ESD circuit shunts damaging signals or ESD events to ground by providing a lower impedance or lower resistance path to ground for these signals, whereas the ESD circuit allows the signals of interest to pass by the ESD circuit as the ESD circuit provides a higher impedance or higher resistance path to ground as compared to the signal of interest passing through the receiver or transceiver of the motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Craig Peter Anderson
  • Patent number: 9765569
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator is provided that includes a motor coupled to a movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a computing device which controls movement of the motor, a manual drive coupled to the movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a ring coupled to move with the manual drive, and a sensor that senses and communicates rotation of the ring to the computing device. In response to receiving the sensed rotation of the ring, the computing device prevents operation of the motor to move the movable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Chamberlain Australia PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott James Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9610830
    Abstract: An automatic door opener for delivery trucks may include a door opener motor, clutch, and transmission which are connected to a door opener rail. The automatic door opener is attached to the roof of a delivery truck cargo bay and the door opener motor is operable to open and close a cargo door. The clutch and motor are controlled by a motor control computer which may be programmed to automatically operate the clutch, close the cargo bay door, and disengage the clutch as desired. A rail carriage may be connected to the cargo bay door by a door connector arm which includes a quick release connection to the carriage and which may be operated from the outside of the cargo bay door. A sensor may be connected to the door opener rail and to the motor control computer such that the motor control computer tracks the position of the carriage along the door opener rail independent of the operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: LIFT TECH HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Josh Orton, Michael France
  • Patent number: 9532675
    Abstract: This motorized carriage for opening/closing a curtain is able to move along a rail thanks to a friction wheel driven by an electric motor and pivot mounted in a casing containing this electric motor. The casing is provided with at least two members for suspending it from the rail or from the rod, which include a support and/or a base element and at least one pivoting roller. The casing is equipped with at least one housing for partially accommodating and reversibly immobilizing each suspension member, so that the pivoting rollers or the shoes of the suspension members are mounted removably on the casing. The support is mounted, removably and via a rotational movement (F4), in the housing. Elements allow the support to be immobilized about its axis of rotation. The movement assembly (E) includes a casing and at least two sets of two suspension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Perache, Josiane Dunand, Marc Brechemier
  • Patent number: 9512639
    Abstract: A security shield to cover a release mechanism for a motorized garage door opener provides an enclosure adapted for location around an overhead guide rail release mechanism and a blocking shield including a device for attaching the blocking shield and the enclosure to the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Fredrick Charles Schulte, Gary H. Mason, Julia Schulte Maddox
  • Patent number: 9399883
    Abstract: An automatically operated door system for an aircraft toilet is provided. The system has a folding door and a door frame. The folding door is arranged in the door frame to be movable between a closed door position and an open door position. The system also has a drive apparatus for moving the folding door between the closed door position and the open door position, a guiding member connected to the drive apparatus and a displacement element arranged on the folding door. The guiding member engages the displacement element to transfer the driving force of the drive apparatus to the displacement element; accordingly, the folding door is moved from the closed door position into a pre-folded door position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: DIEHL COMFORT MODULES GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Swoboda, Eric Stuchly
  • Patent number: 9382728
    Abstract: A security system for prevent unauthorized release of a garage door opener from outside the garage, includes a generally J-shaped bracket having a generally L-shaped extension on the distal end thereof, for installation on a garage door opener track. The bracket has one or a plurality of slots or holes through a distal leg of the generally L-shaped portion for accommodating an attachment device for attaching the bracket to garage door release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Edward David Williams
  • Patent number: 9376864
    Abstract: A door curtain anti-dropping device comprises at least one rotating shaft, a brake mechanism, a rotational speed detecting module, and a control circuit, the rotating shaft being coupled to the winding shaft, the brake mechanism being used to brake the rotating shaft, the rotational speed detecting module being used to detect the rotational speed of the rotating shaft. When the door operator drives the winding shaft to rotate, the control circuit controls the brake mechanism to release the brake and to drive the rotating shaft and winding shaft. Once the chain is broken, an abnormal rotational speed of the winding shaft is detected by the rotational speed detecting module, the control circuit switches off the power source immediately to make the brake mechanism lock the winding shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9316268
    Abstract: A clutch switching device for electric rolling doors contains: a housing, a rotating plate, and a shifting bar. The rotating plate is provided in the housing for connecting with the clutch pulling cord. The shifting bar is coupled with the rotating plate and is pulled to drive the rotating plate to move toward a manual mode position or an automatic mode position. The rotating plate has a wrenching portion for matching with a wrench tool so as to wrench the rotating plate. The housing includes a movable fixing element, the rotating plate has a first positioning aperture and a second positioning aperture, such that when the rotating plate is located at a manual mode position, the first positioning aperture aligns and retains with the movable fixing element; when the rotating plate is located at the automatic mode position, the second positioning aperture aligns and retains with the movable fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Inno Digic Limited
    Inventor: Shih-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 9234377
    Abstract: A powered garage door opener is provided for operating a garage door between an open and closed position. The powered garage door opener comprises a main housing mounted adjacent the garage door. An electric motor and gear train assembly is mounted within the main housing and coupled to the garage door to drive the garage door between the open and closed positions. A power supply is mounted within the main housing and electrically connected to the electric motor and gear train assembly. A control module is mounted within the main housing and electrically connected to the power supply and the electric motor and gear train assembly for controlling selective actuation of the electric motor and gear train assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Schatz, J.R. Scott Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9027628
    Abstract: A shutter-blind system for windows is provided. The system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable parallel louvers coupled within the frame. Each louver of the plurality of louvers is operatively coupled to adjacent louvers with a collapsible linkage. The system may further comprise a biasing member coupled to a first louver located at a first end of the plurality of louvers and a resisting member coupled to a second louver located at a second end of the plurality of louvers. The biasing member pulls against the resisting member to maintain tension in the collapsible linkage. According to certain embodiments, the frame elements are coupled within a window opening and trim elements are coupled to cover gaps between the frame elements and the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Comfortex Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Watkins, Jason Vandervoort, John Corey, Mark Kitterman, Thomas Marusak
  • Patent number: 8935883
    Abstract: A barrier operator system including, method and kit described herein contemplate the use a rack and pinion drive mechanism which is mounted on tracks of the operator system such that the pinion is positioned to engage the rack which is coupled to the barrier to move the barrier along the tracks in both the upstream and downstream direction. Pre-positioning the pinion relative to the rack and using the rack and pinion drive permits coupling the rack and motor at any variety of points along the barrier to move it. Further when the barrier is an over head door, such as a garage door, the door is connected to the rack through a coupling assembly which connects the door to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Arthur Coubray, Alan Keith Coubray
  • Patent number: 8915335
    Abstract: The electrical braking device according to the present invention includes a braking element (2) which is formed, on the one hand, by electric jaws (7) and at least one sliding block (8) mounted in the proximity of the brake disk (3) in such a way that the latter passes at least partially through the electric jaws (7) and sliding block (8), and, on the other hand, by means (4) for fastening the electric jaws (7) and the sliding block (8) to the fixed frame (6) while providing the jaws and block with degrees of freedom obtained by the combination of different connections of the “flat plane contact” (FC), “point contact” (PC) and “annular linear contact” (AC) types, in order to compensate for the misalignments and defects in the shape of the brake disk (3) when the latter is driven in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sofineco
    Inventors: Anne-Sophie Panseri, Armand Poyet, Romain Simon
  • Patent number: 8910695
    Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 8899299
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include a movable trolley, a leading structure coupled to the movable trolley, a diagonal member comprising at least one movable feature enabling the leading structure to move from an initial position to a displaced position, and at least one sensor for sensing movement of the leading structure. Movable partition systems may include a leading structure suspended from a trolley and a sensor configured to sense rotation of the leading structure relative to the trolley. Methods of operating a movable partition may include moving at least a portion of a movable partition along a path from a retracted position to an extended position, rotating a leading structure of the movable partition about a coupling, using a sensor to sense rotation of the leading structure, and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal generated by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: Ivan W. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140345811
    Abstract: A garage door opening covering is provided. The covering includes a plurality of panels coupled to a support member that is coupled to the interior surfaces of a garage door. The panels are configured to deploy into the garage door opening as the garage door is opened. Likewise the panels are configured to retract out of the garage door opening as the garage door is closed. The panels are configured to wrap around, or unwind from, the support member as the support member is rotated in respective first and second directions. The panels can include weighted members on suspended ends of the panels to position and orient the panels. The weighted members can include magnetized portions that couple neighboring panels to one another at the ends. A positioning member can position the suspended and deployed panels at or near the edge of the garage door that contacts the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Gary McDaniel
  • Patent number: RE46149
    Abstract: Continuous cross sectional profile guide tracks in an outer sliding sunroof/moonroof are provided where both the front and rear mechanism or mechanism links travel fore/aft in the same channels as each other and have fore/aft travel that is limited only by vehicle architecture. The guide track channel is partly or entirely outside/outboard of the primary water/wind sealing system of the sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Gruss, Marcus Christensen, Peter D. Rawlinson, Vinay Kaley, Mitchell Stephens