Cam Patents (Class 292/124)
  • Patent number: 12168893
    Abstract: A slide latching system for latching a sliding door panel to a door frame includes a jamb strike, a latch assembly, and a handle set. The jamb strike is connected to the door frame. The latch assembly is connected to the sliding door panel, and has a latch member having a latch hook portion configured to engage the jamb strike. The latch hook portion is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The handle set is mounted to the sliding door panel. The handle set is drivably coupled to the latch assembly. The handle set is configured to facilitate both of a moving of the latch hook portion of the latch assembly to the unlatched position and a sliding of the sliding door panel in a first direction in a continuous motion applied to the handle set by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: Allegion Access Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vinay N. Patel, Thomas M. Kowalczyk, Ronald Laliberte, James Cavanaugh, Daniel R. Seymour
  • Patent number: 11933087
    Abstract: A storage console includes a housing with a storage chamber, two closure members connected to the housing, an actuator movably arranged in the housing and a latch mechanism rotatably connected to the housing. The two closure members can be rotated to open or close the storage chamber. The latch mechanism includes two latch members and a synchronizer connected between the two latch members. The movement of the actuator actuates the two latch members to rotate to a lock position in which the two latch members engage with the two closure members or a release position in which the two latch members are separated from the two closure members. The two closure members of the storage console can be opened synchronously by use of the actuator and closed independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mona Li, Wei Xu, Leo Chen, Kevin Shen
  • Patent number: 11667395
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for use in a ram air turbine actuator including: a coupler housing extending from a first end to a second end opposite the first end, the coupler housing including: a base arm having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface; a first wall extending away from the upper surface, the first wall including a first slot; and a second wall extending away from the upper surface, the second wall including a second slot, wherein the upper surface, the first wall, and the second wall at least partially enclose a cavity therebetween; a lock release pivot arm including: a first end; a second end opposite the first end of the lock release pivot arm; an orifice located proximate the second end of the lock release pivot arm; and a pivot pin located within the first slot, the second slot, and the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Izabela Morska, Piotr Sobolak
  • Patent number: 11553765
    Abstract: A latch assembly having a latch buckle and a latch tongue. The latch buckle includes: a buckle housing; a first lateral aperture disposed along a first side of the buckle housing; a second lateral aperture disposed along a second side of the buckle housing; a pair of h-shaped levers, each pivotally coupled to an interior of the buckle housing; a spring ring disposed between the pair of h-shaped levers; a pair of springs, each spring being coupled to an interior of the buckle housing and an h-shaped lever; and a buckle aperture disposed along a top of the buckle housing and between the pair of h-shaped levers. The latch tongue includes: a tongue plate; a plate spacer, coupled to the tongue plate; and a latch flange, coupled to the plate spacer, configured to be received by the buckle aperture. The latch tongue is selectably coupled to the latch base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Linda Kay Parker
  • Patent number: 11479992
    Abstract: A latching mechanism can secure one or more moveable members in a cabinet. The latching mechanism includes a support having a back plate mounted to the moveable member and having an opening extending therethrough, an end cap attached to the support and having a mating stem that extends into the support, and a latch having a leading end that extends through the opening in the back plate and a trailing end having a mating bore that is sized to receive the mating stem of the end cap. The mating bore of the latch defines a pivotal axis. The latch is configured to pivot along the pivotal axis between an open position in which the moveable member is moveable in the cabinet and a closed position in which the latch prevents the moveable member from moving away from the cabinet. A locking mechanism for this type of cabinet is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Greenheck Racing, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Polega
  • Patent number: 10550612
    Abstract: A latch assembly which provides a locking latch that pivots with movement of the handle and also pivots independently of movement of the handle in order to allow closure of the drawer or door without requiring that the handle be actuated to an open position for closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Craig Reske, James Tierney, Clayton Meyers
  • Patent number: 10526825
    Abstract: A cabinet assembly includes a cabinet having a cabinet body and a door assembly pivotably coupled to the cabinet body. The door assembly includes a door body having an outer panel, a first and second panel, and an inner panel that define an interior door cavity. The inner panel includes a fixed panel and a snap-in cover panel. The cabinet assembly includes a locking assembly at least partially contained within the interior door cavity and having a first lock rod, a latch and a locking mechanism each coupled to the first lock rod. The locking mechanism configured to selectively lock and unlock the door assembly to the cabinet body when the door assembly is in a closed position. The latch is configured to engage the flange when the locking mechanism is in the locked position to prevent movement of the door assembly from the closed to open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: NewAge Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitch Harder, Robert Vandenham
  • Patent number: 10371310
    Abstract: A quick release support system for a holder of a portable device includes a channel coupled to the holder, a clasp rotatably coupled to the channel and optionally biased to a closed position, and a mounting assembly configured to slide along the channel and be aligned with the clasp in an open position and engage with the clasp in a closed position. The channel can include a variable width opening to progressively align the mounting assembly as the mounting assembly slides along the channel and overarching wings over sides of the channel. Upon engagement with the clasp, the mounting assembly is constrained in all three orthogonal directions. The clasp can be pulled outward from the channel to release the mounting assembly, and the holder with the clasp can be disengaged from the mounting assembly and moved to another location, leaving the mounting assembly in a position for subsequent engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Schulter
  • Patent number: 9829933
    Abstract: Examples described herein include latch mechanisms for covers. In some examples, an electronic device has an enclosure, a cover, and a latch mechanism. The enclosure may include an opening. The latch mechanism may include a rotatable arm, a spring to bias the rotatable arm to secure the cover to the enclosure, and a cam moveable between a rest position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the cam moves the rotatable arm to release the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Shou-Jen Yang, Earl W. Moore, David A. Selvidge
  • Patent number: 9584173
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a front surface member that includes a concavity in which an insertion aperture is located, the insertion aperture for receiving an object to be inserted into the insertion aperture, a bottom surface of the concavity having a support; and a cover that removably fits into the concavity to cover the insertion aperture. The cover includes a slider having an arc-shaped cross section. In a state in which the cover is fitted in the concavity, the slider of the cover contacts the support provided at the bottom surface of the concavity. When a part of the cover is pushed, the cover rotates, while the slider slides along a surface of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideyuki Fujii, Eiji Watanabe, Taiji Oguruma, Nobuyuki Ukai
  • Patent number: 8387970
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a sheet storage portion mounted on a device main body so as to be drawn from the device main body and the sheet storage portion stores sheets, a sheet feeding portion that feed a sheet from the sheet storage portion, a pushing portion that applies a force to the sheet storage portion in a drawing direction where the sheet storage portion is drawn from the device main body, a locking mechanism configured to lock the sheet storage portion in the device main body, and a pressing operation member that is pressed in a direction opposite to the drawing direction. A lock of the locking portion is released while interlocking the release of the press of the pressing operation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinsuke Ubayashi
  • Patent number: 8276948
    Abstract: In combination a door, latch structure at an edge of the door, and independently opens the door latch operating components at opposite sides of the door, displaceable structure in the door having a position blocking movement of the latch structure, first means responsive to displacement of a selected one of the components for displacing the structure from the blocking position to allow movement of the latch structure, for door opening, and the first means including a rotatable cam having reversible positions in each of which motion is transmitted to the displacement structure in response to displacement of the respective components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Alan K. Uyeda
  • Patent number: 8256804
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first body, a second body pivotally attached on the first body for covering on the first body, and a latching device for locking the second body on the first body when the second body covers the first body. The latching device includes a locking member rotatably attached on the first body, a hook disposed on the second body and capable of hooking on the locking member for locking the second body on the first body, and a driving subassembly rotatably connecting with locking member and slidably disposed on the first body. The driving subassembly drives the locking member to rotate to engage and disengage with the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Yang, Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 7669901
    Abstract: A door safety latch for air cleaner is provided. The door safety latch includes a latch arm including a latch projection, with the latch arm configured to pivot with respect to a door of the air cleaner, and a slider that traps a portion of the latch arm. The slider is configured to hold the latch arm in a first, latched position and further configured to pivot the latch arm to a second, unlatched position. The door safety latch further includes a release button that includes a stop shoulder. The release button is biased to a normally extended position with the stop shoulder blocking movement of the slider and the latch arm to the second, unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, John R. Bohlen, Steve Irby, Paul Moshenrose, Owen T. Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7325844
    Abstract: Latch device composed of a container (51) in which there is a slider (52), inserted in a guide (60), controlled in translation by a spring (53) and comprising a hook (68) to catch a hooking element (59) placed on a door. A track (40), with the bottom defining the profile of a cam on one side of the guide (60), is travelled along by a ball (73) placed on the slider (52) and held pressed by a spring (72) against the bottom of the track (40) to determine the four open, closed, released and locked positions of the door according to the position of the ball in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 7261331
    Abstract: An apparatus with a two-way hidden latch. A main body comprises a magnet disposed under a retainer, which fixes the two-way latch disposed in a cover portion. The cover portion can be placed on the main body with a first or second surface facing downward. The cover portion comprises a first and second opening and a two-way latch is disposed near the two openings. When the cover portion is open, the two-way latch is fixed at an original position and hidden in the cover portion. When the cover portion covers the main body with the first surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a first position, engaging the retainer. Moreover, when the cover portion covers the main body with the second surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a second position, engaging the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Tzu-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 7216900
    Abstract: A fastener module for portable computers that is disposed on the host of a portable computer to fasten the LCD with the host, no matter whether the LCD is closed directly or after rotating 180 degrees; the fastener module has a pivotable eccentric hook rod biased in a normal horizontal position when not affected by magnetic effect, when the LCD closes on the host of the computer, both sides of the hook rod are affected by the magnetic effect of the magnetic component on the LCD; since the pivot of the hook rod is designed eccentrically, the magnetic moment generated by the magnetic effect for each side of the hook rod is different, so that the hook rod changes its position instantly from the normal horizontal state to a vertical state and hooks within the opening of the LCD to fasten the LCD onto the host of the portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Hao Liu, Jung-Sheng Chiang, Yu-Yuan Lin, Ko-Chun Cheng, Ching-Tan Chang, Pei Te Su
  • Patent number: 7185927
    Abstract: A latch assembly is re-configurable for plural orientations. A slide lock plate engages a claw-typed pawl. A rotating activation mechanism links an operator handle to the slide plate. The handle causes the activation mechanism to rotate, thereby retracting the sliding lock plate form the pawl. A cam follower, activated by a pocket cam, is rotated with handle operation. A first pinion gear on the sliding lock plate and a friction clutch dampen movement. A rotating paddle/blade cam, substituted for the paddle/blade, has a projecting arm. The second pinion gear engages teeth on the edge of the slide lock plate. A dog leg-shaped projection, added to the handle end of the slide plate, accommodates second teeth facing opposite the first teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Talukdar, Fabrice Vitry
  • Patent number: 6890008
    Abstract: An interlocking device for locking a case includes first and second interlocking members. The first interlocking member is formed with a notch. The second interlocking member is formed with a button that is operable to rotate the second interlocking member from a first position, in which the first and second interlocking members engage each other and in which the button is received in the notch, to a second position, in which the first and second interlocking members disengage from each other and in which the button moves out of the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Compal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Ping Chuang, Wu-Yung Chen
  • Patent number: 6722718
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for an automotive storage compartment includes a release button, a pair of arm members operatively coupled to the release button, a first cam surface disposed between the arm members, a pivotally-mounted cam member including a second cam surface capable of engaging the first cam surface, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg contacts one of the arm members and the second leg contacts the cam member. Movement of the release button from a first position to a second position causes of the cam member to pivot in a first direction, and movement of the release button from the second position to the first position causes the cam member to pivot in a second direction. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Brown, Craig J. Longstreet
  • Patent number: 6711009
    Abstract: A server housing, comprising a top cover and a base frame, is provided. The top cover has a top piece and parallel first side and second side. The two parallel sides are coupled with two opposite sides of the top piece. Each of the top piece and the two parallel sides has an interior. The top cover further comprises: two approximately parallel latches, five approximately parallel tabs, two first prominences and two second prominences. The two approximately parallel latches are on the interior of the top piece. The five approximately parallel tabs are on the interior of the top piece. The two first prominences are on the interior of the first side. The two second prominences are on the interior of the second side. The base frame is assembled with the top cover and comprises: a first side panel, a second side panel and a mounting bracket. The first side panel comprises two first guiding recesses for receiving the first prominences. The second side panel is parallel to the first side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Hsiang Lee, Guo-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 6581422
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a molded locking device and opening device together with a cover provided on the top of box, a hook to facilitate locking, and a locking apparatus inside the box opposite to the opening device, and locking device. The present invention is known for two distinctive features: (1) a window provided on the shell of the opening device and a track on the edge of window to facilitate the movement of convex plates, and (2) holes in the lifting plate and locking plate and a folding plate between the lifting plate and opening device. The folding plate connects to one end of the locking plate to trigger the movement of the latch provided on the top of locking plate. Therefore, the design of present invention simplifies the assembly procedure of opening plate, lifting plate and locking plate; thereby reduces the manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Shyh Ru Metallic Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Wei Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 6373692
    Abstract: A screwless computer case mounting arrangement includes a top-open case body, a top cover covered on the case body, a hollow shell mounted in an opening on the top cover, an axle pivoted to the hollow shell on the inside, a retaining member fastened to the axle in the hollow shell and hooked on a locating frame of said case body to secure the top cover and the case body together, a handle fastened to the axle and adapted for turning by hand to disengage the retaining member from the locating frame of the case body, a spring mounted on the axle and adapted for force the retaining member into engagement with the locating frame of the case body, and a lock installed in the case body and adapted to stop the retaining member from movement relative to the case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Mace Tech Corp.
    Inventor: Ying-Yie Cheng
  • Patent number: 6357803
    Abstract: In a security lock, for doors of furniture in particular, like e.g. built-in furniture in caravans, which are exposed to substantial forces in case of accidents, an engagement part 2 of a spring-charged pivotable bolt 5 is provided for which with a head part 8 in case of interlocking interlocks in a recess 9 of a receiving member 4. Interlocking takes place between a housing-integrated bordering wall 10 of said recess 9 and a cam 12 pivotably supported in said receiving member 4. Said cam 12 comprises diametrically opposed end sections 13, 14 of which the free end section 13 not facing said head part 8 of said bolt 5 can cooperate with a pin member 15 provided for on said engagement part 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Electrolux Siegen GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Lorek
  • Patent number: 6199414
    Abstract: A quick release lock for a cover is provided. The cover may be a manhole cover for closing onto a manhole ring having a radially extended flange. The quick release lock mainly includes several angularly equal-spaced cross-shaped slots provided on the cover to communicate with through holes below them, and catch elements, push elements, and cotters in the same number as that of the cross-shaped slots. The catch element each is pivotally connected to and between two fixing plates provided at two opposite sides of each through hole. The cotter each is positioned in one cross-shaped slot and extended down into she through hole. The push element each is screwed on a bar portion of the cotter below the cover. When the cotter is depressed, the push element radially pushes the catch element outward to engage with a lower edge of the flange on the ring member and thereby firmly locks the cover to the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Huang Chang
  • Patent number: 6059326
    Abstract: A simple and low cost locking mechanism that is unlocked by a simply configured key while protecting against tampering through limited access and unique geometry. Access is limited by a spin bushing that guards access to a cam twister having a keyhole with a unique star geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Paul F. Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6039362
    Abstract: A hatch cover locking mechanism for securing a roof member onto a hatch opening of a railway hopper car is provided. The hatch cover lock utilizes camming engagement between an operation handle and a keeper member in order to rotate the keeper member and lock or unlock the keeper member to a strapping associated with the hatch roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ireco, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph E. Nadherny
  • Patent number: 5823644
    Abstract: The present invention is a personal computer case that is easy to assemble and disassemble. The computer case can be separated into two members, the first covering the top, front, right and left sides of the case, and the second covering the bottom, front, and rear sides of the case. A push button operated latch enables one member to become detached from the other member, allowing the case to be opened, without requiring the use of screws or special tools. The push button contains a slidable detent feature that can prevent the button from being depressed, thus preventing the inadvertent disassembly, separation, and opening of the computer case. The case contains a security feature that involves attaching a padlock to a tab portion of one member that is slid through a hole in the other member. With the padlock attached, the tab can not be retracted from the hole, thus preventing the unwanted separation of the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Ki Suh, Whan-haeng Jo
  • Patent number: 5785362
    Abstract: A hatch cover locking mechanism for securing a roof member onto a hatch opening of a railway hopper car is provided. The hatch cover lock utilizes camming engagement between an operation handle and a keeper member in order to lock or unlock the keeper member over a hinge pin associated with the hatch roof member. A hook rotates along an orientation generally the same as that of the keeper, and the hook retains the hinge pin as desired when the hinge pin is not locked down by the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ireco, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph E. Nadherny
  • Patent number: 5493099
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the latching construction comprising a frame carrying a movable latch member and a drive unit operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the latching and unlatching positions thereof, the drive unit comprising a cylinder having opposite ends and a movable piston extending from one of the opposite ends and being operatively interconnected to the latch member, the drive unit having an actuator to extend the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member from its non-latching position thereof to its latching position thereof when the actuator is first actuated for a door locking operation thereof, the drive unit having a rotatable cam operatively interconnected to the piston and to the latch member so as to be adapted to permit the piston to be retracted after the latch member has been moved to the latching position thereof by the first actuation of the actuating unit while
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: William H. McWilliams, III
  • Patent number: 5432962
    Abstract: An adjustable means for a railing side of a child's cot, includes at least four strips each fixed on a post of the cot, at least two holes and two openings are defined in each strip. An adjusting element comprises a vertical part and a horizontal part in which an activating element, a connecting element and a spring are received therein. The connecting element has a first end having a connecting hook disposed thereon which engages to the opening of the strip, and a second end has a recess defined therein for connecting one end of the spring, and a tunnel is defined in the connecting element vertically. The activating element has a base on which a projection with a hook part formed thereon and a block with a bevel surface are projecting therefrom and are received in the tunnel, the hook part is engaged to a periphery defining the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Cheng-Kuei Huang
  • Patent number: 4895398
    Abstract: A latch especially adapted for sliding closures is provided comprising a rocker 36 having a hooked terminus 46, and means to deflect said rocker into engagement with a latch keeper 30, comprising a housing 12 having a slot 28 about which the rocker 36 rocks, and rocker rocking means comprising a biasing spring 34 and an oppositely acting pivot 38 having first and second shoulders 42, 43 in offset relation for rocking the rocker into keeper 30 engagement upon pivot rotation, the shoulders 42, 43 being locally relieved at 52 to permit return movement of the rocker 36 out of keeper engagement responsive to reverse pivot 38 rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Peter Hauber
  • Patent number: 4833547
    Abstract: In an portable facsimile equipment comprising a cover body and a main body: the cover body having a reading head and a printing head is pivotally connected to the main body having a reading roller, a printing roller, a roll body and respective driving unit.And a cover body closing device for use in above portable facsimile equipment compirses a lock piece, a lock pin, urging unit, locking unit and an unlocking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Nissei Opto Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Mase