Motor Patents (Class 292/144)
  • Patent number: 9523219
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-latching gate latch device. The device comprises a latch and a magnet bar housing assembly wherein, the latch assembly comprises a horizontal latch bar that is horizontally movable between a forward latch bar engagement position and a backward default latch bar disengagement position and wherein, the magnet assembly comprises a magnet bar that is vertically movable between a default downward magnet bar engagement position and an upward magnet bar disengagement position. The bottom end of the magnet bar is secured with a magnet. When the magnet bar is in the default position thereof, the attraction force between the magnet and the latch bar causes the latch bar to move to the latch bar engagement position at which point, the latch bar engages the magnet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Audrius Macernis
  • Patent number: 9506275
    Abstract: A lock device is achieved, which can prevent a battery, for supplying power to a microcomputer of an electronic control unit, from going flat by reducing the consumption power of the microcomputer, said lock device provided with a lock mechanism which holds an opening-and-closing body, for an opening in a vehicle body, an electronic control unit which operates in a microcomputer normal power mode or a microcomputer power-saving mode; and an open-state detector which detects the state of the lock mechanism. The electronic control unit transfers from the microcomputer normal power mode to the microcomputer power-saving mode when the open-state detector detects that the lock mechanism continuously remains at one of the opening state, the half-latched state and the fully-latched state for a predetermined period of time when operating during the microcomputer normal power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Kurita, Takao Koba, Takaharu Kiyama
  • Patent number: 9500005
    Abstract: A gear structure for an electronic lock contains: a housing including an accommodating chamber, a power supply, a first connecting seat, a second connecting seat, a guiding mount, a shaft, and a motor holder; a driving motor including a worm rod; a driving gear including a through aperture, a toothed rim, and a driving tooth portion; a first rotating gear including an opening, a rotary disc, positioning blocks, and an external toothed periphery; a second rotating gear including a pore, two flexibly recessed areas, each having a sliding trench and a horizontal slot, the horizontal slot having two opposite notches, the resilient piece having two elastic elements; a fitting member including a fitting opening; a first sensing unit including at least two first coupling feet; a second sensing unit including at least two second coupling feet; a rotatable knob including a grip portion, a bar portion, and a cross hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jie-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9482032
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for changing a locking state of a window and/or a door, comprising at least one handle housing that can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the window and/or the door and a handle that is rotatably mounted relative to the handle housing. The invention further comprises at least one electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the position of the handle, wherein the evaluation circuit is provided with at least one primed circuit board arranged, at least in part, inside the handle housing and/or the handle, and accommodating a first sensor. The handle is connected in a pivotably secure manner to at least one connecting device, which extends through the handle housing, by way of which the locking state of the window and/or the door can be changed, wherein the primed circuit board is connected to the connecting device and/or the handle in a pivotably secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Heike Bedoian, Samuel Bedoian, Alexander Zurkan
  • Patent number: 9476231
    Abstract: A pop up device of an outside door handle includes a motor part interlocking with a smart key and receiving a signal from the smart key to thereby be operated; a cam part connected to the motor part to be rotatable in a horizontal direction; and a grip handle body having one end provided at an outer side of a door of a vehicle and another end provided at a cam part side to thereby be mounted at a grip handle base on a door side so as to be popped up. Therefore, the grip handle body is popped up to improve convenience in operating the outside door handle when a passenger gets in the vehicle and to prevent damage to the vehicle and injury to a hand of the passenger, thereby making it possible to improve salability and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: In Seong Park, Ho Taek Lee, Tae Yub Kim, Jong Yong Nam, Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9471095
    Abstract: A fastening assembly used into a first workpiece and a second workpiece is provided. The fastening assembly includes a first engaging member, a reciprocating member and a second engaging member. The first engaging member is fixed to the first workpiece. The reciprocating member is fixed to a first side of the second workpiece and capable of reciprocally moving relative to the second workpiece. The second engaging member is connected to the reciprocating member for engaging with the first engaging member. After the fastening assembly is affected by a magnetic force from a second side of the second workpiece, the reciprocating member is shifted, and the second engaging member is separated from the first engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventors: San-Chi Ho, Kai-Jin Hung
  • Patent number: 9473189
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, frame, and a lock attachment mechanism. The housing includes a front cabinet, and back cabinet which has opening and is attached to the front cabinet. The frame is disposed in the inside of the housing. The lock attachment mechanism includes lock attachment portion and hook portion. The lock attachment portion includes a pull-out portion with a hole disposed therein, and a leg portion protruding from the pull-out portion. The hook portion includes fixing portions attached to frame, and grappling portions that hook the leg portion with the pull-out portion being pulled out, and that form a gap through which the pull-out portion can be pulled out. The device further includes back cabinet having a holder. The holder restricts a movable range of lock attachment portion and holds the leg portion such that lock attachment portion is disposed at a location which allows the pull-out portion to be pulled out through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Shikanai, Kazunori Kouno, Junichi Hasegawa, Ryou Wakasa, Suguru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9435143
    Abstract: A cylindrical lock includes an outer operational device mounted to an outer side of a door, an inner operational device mounted to an inner side of a door, and a latch device between the inner and outer operational devices. The inner operational device includes an inner spindle and a locking driving device mounted in the inner spindle and connected to a burglarproof system. The locking driving device includes a motor for moving a driving member to perform a locking function setting or an unlocking function setting. Thus, the cylindrical lock in the locking state will not turn into the unlocking state even if power failure occurs. Likewise, the cylindrical lock in the unlocking state will not turn into the locking state even if power failure occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Meng Shen
  • Patent number: 9422746
    Abstract: An electronic locker lock with outer and inner housings similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,644 has a cable connector extending from one housing to the other. When the two housings are installed against outer and inner sides of a locker door, with the door panel sandwiched between housings, the inner housing provides a pocket for storage of the cable after pin connections have been made. In addition, a locking connection is made between the two parts of the pin connector, with a plastic spring lock, preventing disconnection while the lock is in service, and the lock allows for a range of locker door thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Digilock Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: An Zhang, Asil T. Gokcebay
  • Patent number: 9388605
    Abstract: An electronic lock contains a housing including an accommodating chamber, and the accommodating chamber having a central controlling unit, a first connecting member and a second connecting member; a driving motor including a threaded rod; a driving gear including a through aperture, a plurality of first teeth, and a toothed block; a first driven gear including a first opening and a first detected portion; a second driven gear including a second opening and a second detected portion. The electronic lock also contains a first photo interrupter including a first seat, a first light transmitting portion, and a first light receiving portion; a second photo interrupter including a second seat, a second light transmitting portion and a second light receiving portion; and a rotary knob including a grip portion, an stem extending outwardly from the grip portion, and a cross pore defined on a distal end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jie-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9375100
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The merchandise system may be configured to hold a number of products, such as cans (for example, baby formula cans) in the merchandise system that would be accessible to the customer one at a time out of the front of the merchandise system. The front of each merchandise system may include its own individual security window attached to the merchandise system that allows the customer to remove one can at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Dipaolo, John Wildman, Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9352706
    Abstract: An assembly includes a base component secured to vehicle frame components and a first body component having an inside surface abutting the base component. The assembly further includes a first fastening member securing the first body component to the base component. The first fastening member has a first flange portion engaging the outside surface of the first body component and a first shaft portion engaging the base component. The assembly also includes a second body component abutting the first flange portion of the first fastening member opposite the first body component and a second fastening member securing the second body component to the first body and base components. The second fastening member has a second flange portion engaging the second body component and a second shaft portion engaging the first shaft portion of the first fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sreenivas Kuchibhatla, Joseph Strozeski
  • Patent number: 9340999
    Abstract: A manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly configured with an electromechanical coupling mechanism to selectively couple a manually operable bezel to a torque blade for operation of a deadbolt mechanism. The electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is configured such that in a locked condition the manually operable bezel is drivably decoupled from the torque blade, such that the manually operable bezel is free-spinning when rotated so as to be rendered incapable of rotating the torque blade to operate the deadbolt mechanism. Also, the electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is configured to drivably couple the manually operable bezel to the torque blade when a valid code is input to a code input mechanism to facilitate the unlocked condition, such that a rotation of the manually operable bezel effects a rotation of the torque blade to operate the deadbolt mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventor: Oscar Romero
  • Patent number: 9284752
    Abstract: Anti-overturn locking system for furniture drawers, with electronic blocking module, where: the locking system consists of: strip (7), support (6), mobile blocking device (9) and punch (5) which moves linearly guided on a cover (8) on being operated by the blocking module or by an associated punch spring (10); the mobile blocking device (9) may or may not move on the strip (7) according to the position of the punch (5); and the electronic blocking module consists of: tab (2) that can move linearly on casing (1) by the action of a motor (3) that transfers the movement to a cam (4) the shaft of which (4a) continuously supports it due to the force exerted by a tab spring (11); and electronic plate (12) equipped with a first sensor (12a) and a second sensor (12b) on which an arm (2a) of the tab (2) is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: OJMAR, S. A.
    Inventor: Jon Zabala Zabaleta
  • Patent number: 9282662
    Abstract: In one implementation, an electronic device comprises a first housing portion including a wall and a detent member on the interior of the wall and a second housing portion to attach to the first housing portion to form an enclosure. A retractable bolt member mounted in the second housing portion can engage the detent member in a first position and can disengage the detent member in a second position. The bolt member can be resiliently biased to the first position and at least part of the bolt member has magnetic properties that force the bolt member to be repelled to the second position if a magnetic field is applied outside the wall adjacent the detent to interact with the bolt member, so that the first housing portion can be detached from the second housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Tsai, Jeffrey A. Lev
  • Patent number: 9260882
    Abstract: A powered latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly, actuatable inside and outside handles, a powered actuator and a door controller that causes the powered actuator to unlatch the latch assembly upon actuation of the inside and outside door handles. The latch assembly may be mechanically unlatched by a user within a vehicle interior even if the powered actuator does not actuate due to a loss of electrical power or other failure. The controller can be programmed to unlatch the latch assembly according to various criteria as required to meet the specific requirements of different markets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Kosta Papanikolaou
  • Patent number: 9217264
    Abstract: A clutch for an electronic door lock includes a primary mover, a pivotal pawl, a first shaft, and a second shaft. The second shaft is axially co-aligned with the first shaft and is rotatably mounted adjacent the rotatable first shaft. The primary mover is selectively actuatable to engage the pawl such that rotation of the first shaft relative to the second shaft by a user pivots the pawl into coupling engagement between the first shaft and the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John M. Milton-Benoit, Ulf J. Jonsson, Robert H. Dold, Fanping Sun, Zaffir A. Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 9203995
    Abstract: A hinge unit includes a support member, a mount member and a detachment restricting member. The support member configured to support a document pressor pressing a document to a document placing surface provided on a housing openably/closably with respect to the document placing surface. The mount member linked turnably to the support member and mounted removably to the housing. The detachment restricting member whose one end part is connected to the support member and including an engage movable member forming an engage part at another end. The detachment restricting member restricting the mount member from being detached from the housing in a case where the document pressor is closed, and allowing the mount member to detach from the housing in a case where the document pressor is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshinori Muraoka
  • Patent number: 9187929
    Abstract: An electronic wireless locking system comprising an external assembly and an internal assembly disposable on respective sides of a door or drawer. The external assembly includes a cover housing, a knob having a shaft, a card/credential reader, a status indicator, a wireless communication capability, a wire harness and a jump port plug. The internal assembly comprises a rotation link matable with the external shaft, a latch bolt, a circuit board and controller, and a locking mechanism including a rack and pinion gear set linking the rotation link with the latch bolt. A blocker inhibits the latch bolt from unlocking until authorized to rotate 90°, permitting the latch bolt to be withdrawn from a strike plate by manual rotation of the knob. An optional mechanical key override feature may also be provided. The system may further include a preload sensor and a device locked sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Webb, Scott P. Sullivan, Francisco Figueroa-Del Pozo, Andrew Lee Wilding, Joshua T. Peabody, Dominik Scheffler
  • Patent number: 9127482
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door lock device for household appliances such as washing machines, clothes dryers and the like. The device comprises a slide (6) which is movable between a door lock position and a door unlock position, and which cooperates with a coupling tooth arranged on the door in order to hold the door locked when the household appliance is in operation. The device is fitted with a thermoactuator (4) that drives the slide (6) by imparting thereto a translational motion between a door lock position and a door unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Renato Gaj, Paolo Savini
  • Patent number: 9051762
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism adapted to an electro-mechanical lock and for driving a latch assembly to be unlocked is disclosed. The transmission mechanism includes a bottom board, a pushing member, a clutch member and an electro-actuating member. The bottom board includes at least one first pushed structure. The pushing member includes at least one second pushed structure. The clutch member abuts against the pushing member. The electro-actuating member is for driving the pushing member to rotate toward a first direction. The at least one second pushed structure cooperates with the at least one first pushed structure to move the pushing member relative to the bottom board, so that the clutch member is pushed with movement of the pushing member to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Jian-Yuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20150137527
    Abstract: An actuator includes an electric motor, a power transmission mechanism having a worm provided in a motor rotating shaft of the electric motor and a worm wheel engaging the worm, a drive member connected to the motor rotating shaft through the power transmission mechanism and displaced according to a rotation of the motor rotating shaft, a control device determining a rotational range of the motor rotating shaft between an initial position and a driven position, and an urging device provided in the motor rotating shaft and urging the motor rotating shaft to the initial position. In case electricity is supplied to the electric motor, the motor rotating shaft rotates to the driven position against an urging force of the urging device, and in case the electricity is not supplied to the electric motor, the motor rotating shaft is urged by the urging device to rotate to the initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Kenji Hattori
  • Publication number: 20150137528
    Abstract: An electric latch retraction device comprising a housing for receiving a plurality of internal components of the electric latch retraction device. An actuator mechanism is included in the housing, the actuator mechanism is adapted to impart linear movement on a latch, such that the latch is retracted towards the housing. A holding mechanism is also included in the housing, the holding mechanism holds the latch in a fully retracted position when the actuator is off. Other embodiments can comprise internal conversion mechanisms to convert the motor's linear motion to a different directional motion, with the different directional motion retracting the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: ARTHUR V. GERINGER, DAVID A. GERINGER
  • Publication number: 20150102609
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system includes components, a drive shaft of a lock device, a processor coupled to a wireless communication device, and an energy source coupled to a circuit. A device that converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source. A ramp-up speed, a steady state speed and a ramp down speed are applied to the device that converts energy into mechanical energy. The ramp-up speed is applied when a first component initially engages with a second component. The steady state speed is applied following the initial engagement and is an operational speed that the device which converts energy uses during a standard operation mode. The ramp down speed is applied as the first and second components begin a state of non-engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Johnson, Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Kuy N. Mainwaring
  • Publication number: 20150102610
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system has a drive shaft of a lock device. A circuit is coupled to the drive shaft. A torque limiter is coupled to the circuit. The torque limiter is configured to reduce excessive force being applied to components of the intelligent door lock system. A motor is coupled to the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Johnson, Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Peter Alf Joakim Fornell
  • Patent number: 8998278
    Abstract: A vehicle closure assembly includes a closure movable relative to a vehicle opening between closed and open positions. A latch is coupled to one of a threshold of the vehicle opening and the closure, and a striker is coupled to the other of the threshold of the vehicle opening and the closure. The striker and latch are engageable to secure the closure in the closed position. A striker cover is movable relative to the striker between a concealing position in which the striker is substantially concealed from the latch, and an exposing position in which the striker is substantially exposed to the latch. An actuator is coupled to the striker cover and is operable to move the striker cover to the concealing position or the exposing position from the other position in response to movement of the closure relative to the vehicle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Wilde, Jeffrey S. Hamminga, Eric Hansen
  • Patent number: 8991877
    Abstract: Door lock for a door of a household appliance with a first device for detecting a closed state of the door, and a second device for locking the door, wherein the first and second devices are electrically connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Georg Spiessl
  • Publication number: 20150084348
    Abstract: A door locking installation is described comprising: a locking mechanism mounted below floor level in association with a door and including a locking element which is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; an electrically powered actuator which is arranged to drive the locking mechanism by way of a mechanical linkage; the mechanical linkage separates the actuator from the locking mechanism; and wherein the actuator is mounted above floor level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: FIRE & SECURITY HARDWARE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Trevor Mackle, Ernest Armari
  • Patent number: 8985644
    Abstract: A barrier release mechanism for a construction including a barrier and frame has a latch biased towards an unlatching position. An actuation device adjacent the construction is movable, under pressure from a fluid pressure source, into an engaged position in abutment with the latch to urge the latch against the bias to cause constraining of the barrier. Reduction of the pressure allows the actuation device to move to a disengaged position wherein the bias moves the latch to the unlatching position in which the barrier is not constrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Breakout Barrier Release Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Justin Luke Manny, Carlos Alfred Freund, Michael John Watmough
  • Patent number: 8978305
    Abstract: A retractor element includes a rigid slide connected between a latch bolt and a solenoid plunger for movement between a first position and a second position, the slide operably connected to plunger. A pivoting link defines a slot having an inner end portion extending transversely, the slot configured for pivoting the link when the slide moves between the first position and the second position of the slide. When the retracting mechanism is energized the plunger retracts causing movement of the slide to the second position of slide and the pin to enter the transverse end of the slot in the link. A bearing surface intersects the path of movement of the pin such that significantly less current is required for retaining the plunger in the retracted position than to retract the plunger for blocking the return of the latch bolt to the projected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Scott G. Morstatt, Jeffrey Sharps, Anthony Benitez
  • Publication number: 20150069765
    Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and book mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: TriTeq Lock and Security, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Denison, Gary L. Myers, Richard Paeth, Catalin Captarencu, Calin V. Roatis
  • Publication number: 20150048627
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an engagement element (11), fitted on a household appliance casing for being releasably held by a retaining element (16) fitted on the door (D). The engagement element (11) includes a support body (12); and a striker (14), releasably coupled to the retaining element (16) and is mobile between a retracted position and an extracted position. When the striker (14) is coupled to the retaining element (16) and assumes the retracted position and the extracted position, respectively, the door (D) is in a complete closing condition and in a pre-opening condition, respectively. A stop mechanism (18) moves from a release condition, to liberate said striker (14), to a locking condition, to hold said striker (14), in said retracted position; a driver controls movement of the stop mechanism (18). The stop mechanism (18) has a manually controlled safety element (18a) and is moveable to constrain the stop mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Marco BECCHIO, Paolo DA PONT, Michele FARANO, Paolo RAVEDATI
  • Patent number: 8944477
    Abstract: A charge port lock assembly for use with a charge receptacle on a vehicle having a rechargeable battery. The charge port lock assembly may include an actuator assembly including an actuator energizable to retract the post to a retracted position and to move to an extended rest position and a partially retracted rest position; a charge port door that covers the charge receptacle and a has a door ejection spring; a charge door lock assembly that releases the charge port door when the post is in the fully retracted position and retains the charge port door in the closed position when the post is in the other positions; a cord lock assembly that retains a charge cord assembly in the charge receptacle when the post is in the extended rest position and releases the charge cord assembly in the other positions. The controller energizes the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David T. Proefke, Andrew J. Farah, William A. Biondo
  • Publication number: 20150027178
    Abstract: A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the transformer of the doorbell chime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Frank Scalisi
  • Publication number: 20150021929
    Abstract: A door locking mechanism for an appliance provides a bolt that is biased by a spring but may be moved by a unidirectional actuator. A bi-stable mechanism blocks movement of the bolt at certain positions at successive actuations of the unidirectional actuator. In this way, energy need not be provided to the electromechanical actuator except periodically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Michael S. Osvatic
  • Patent number: 8925982
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device includes an electric motor, which is mechanically connected to an axle via at least one transmission device, and rotation of the axle actuates the lock catch. In at least one embodiment, the transmission device includes a weakening structure adapted to break and disrupt the mechanical connection between the electric motor and the axle if a threshold force is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Phoniro AB
    Inventors: Olle Bliding, Johan Hörberg, Lennart Sjöstedt, Jens Norshammar, Thomas Persson
  • Patent number: 8925981
    Abstract: A locking system for a hoistway door having an elongated casing, a slider member operatively connected to an electromechanical system for upward and downward movement of the slider. A keeper associated with the locking system allowing for secure locking and unlocking of the hoistway door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Ray, II
  • Publication number: 20140361550
    Abstract: An electric latch retraction device comprising a housing for receiving a plurality of internal components of the electric latch retraction device. An actuator mechanism is included in the housing, the actuator mechanism is adapted to impart linear movement on a latch, such that the latch is retracted towards the housing. A holding mechanism is also included in the housing, the holding mechanism holds the latch in a fully retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Arthur V. Geringer, David A. Geringer
  • Patent number: 8899638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for a rotatable part, in particular in arrangements in which two parts which can be rotated in relation to each other, for example a die and a punch in a stamping apparatus, have to be aligned exactly in relation to each other. In order to provide a positionally accurate mechanical locking system with a simple design, the invention proposes that a gearwheel (3) having an end-side and/or axially effective toothing system (4) is connected to the rotatable part (2) fixedly in terms of rotation, and that at least one toothing segment (5a-5f) which can move to and fro in the direction of the axis of rotation and/or parallel to the axis of rotation of the gearwheel is arranged over the circumference of the gearwheel, wherein the teeth or gaps between the teeth of the toothing segment and gearwheel can be brought into engagement without play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Flamm GmbH
    Inventor: Frieder Flamm
  • Patent number: 8876173
    Abstract: The substrate storage pod includes an engagement portion in an outer side surface of a lid of the pod, and an insertion slot through which the engagement portion can be accessed from an external space; the insertion slot is formed in a flange portion arranged around the periphery of an opening in the pod and into which the lid can be fitted, and a latch mechanism supported so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to a flange side wall in a pod main body-surface of the flange portion. An engaging portion of the latch mechanism reaches the engagement portion via the insertion slot. The engagement portion is switched between an engaged state and a non-engaged state in response to movement of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Toshihiko Miyajima, Tsutomu Okabe
  • Patent number: 8876172
    Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: TriTeq Lock and Security, LLC
    Inventors: William Denison, Gary L. Myers, Richard Paeth, Catalin Captarencu, Calin V. Roatis
  • Patent number: 8870241
    Abstract: An opening and closing device for a fuel door of a vehicle including a push type latch device for locking or unlocking the fuel door that may be rotatably mounted to a side of a housing by a hinge unit, may include a locking rod movable by an actuator and selectively locked to a locking slot provided in the hinge unit to which the fuel door may be attached, thereby controlling rotation of the hinge unit, and an anti-thrust lever operated in conjunction with the locking rod actuated by the actuator to selectively support the fuel door so as to prevent the fuel door from being thrust backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Lee, Jae Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 8851530
    Abstract: An electric latch retraction device comprising a housing for receiving a plurality of internal components of the electric latch retraction device. An actuator mechanism is included in the housing, the actuator mechanism is adapted to impart linear movement on a latch, such that the latch is retracted towards the housing. A holding mechanism is also included in the housing, the holding mechanism holds the latch in a fully retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: 1 Adolfo, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur V. Geringer, David A. Geringer, Richard Geringer
  • Patent number: 8851531
    Abstract: A vehicle body shell includes an opening provided with at least one door, and at least one device for locking the door in a closed position. The shell includes: a locking member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, which interacts with a corresponding locking element; an electromagnetic element for moving the locking member from the locked to the unlocked position; and a resilient element for stressing the locking member (from the unlocked to the locked position. The locking member provides temporary control, and the device for locking the door in a closed position includes a supporting element that is movable at least from a first released position, in which the locking member is in the locked position, to a second stable and engaged position, wherein the supporting element engages with the locking member in the unlocked position so as to counter the stress of the resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Thiriet
    Inventor: Philippe Thiriet
  • Publication number: 20140265359
    Abstract: An intelligent door lock system is provided with a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft and assists in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine is provided with a memory coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: August Home, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng, Jason Johnson, Christopher Kim, Joseph Aranda
  • Publication number: 20140265358
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a cross connecting locking apparatus for portals such as doors, gates, entryways, entrances, hatches, ingresses, garage doors, windows, fenestrations, or any other sort of passageway situated in a larger nonmovable structure. Specific embodiments are remotely operated and can be locked or unlocked under a variety of environmental and/or user-activated triggering mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: MICHAEL ALAN GRILLO
  • Patent number: 8833118
    Abstract: A lock for retrofitting onto a drawer or a door includes a drawer having a front panel. The drawer slidingly engages an item of furniture having a front face that is positioned above the front panel when the drawer is closed. A bracket has a vertically disposed flat front plate, a horizontally disposed flat top plate, a vertically disposed flat back plate, and a horizontally disposed motor platform that extends horizontally into an interior of the drawer. A motor having an output shaft is mounted on the motor platform. A latch supported by the motor platform is engaged by the output shaft. The latch is retracted when the drawer is unlocked and is extended to engage an interior side of the front panel of the furniture item when the drawer is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: James E. McLane
  • Patent number: 8814233
    Abstract: A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Leska, Tilo Schmidt, Udo Kramer
  • Patent number: 8814094
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a hydraulic actuator component and an electronic actuator component that are arranged coaxially, each of the actuator components being arranged to control a locking member that retains a movable component. In one version, each of the actuator components can individually engage a mechanical detent to enable unlocking of the movable component, for use, for example, in an uplock mechanism for aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tactair Fluid Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Hai H. Tran
  • Publication number: 20140223975
    Abstract: A pop up device of an outside door handle includes a motor part interlocking with a smart key and receiving a signal from the smart key to thereby be operated; a cam part connected to the motor part to be rotatable in a horizontal direction; and a grip handle body having one end provided at an outer side of a door of a vehicle and another end provided at a cam part side to thereby be mounted at a grip handle base on a door side so as to be popped up. Therefore, the grip handle body is popped up to improve convenience in operating the outside door handle when a passenger gets in the vehicle and to prevent damage to the vehicle and injury to a hand of the passenger, thereby making it possible to improve salability and stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: In Seong PARK, Ho Taek LEE, Tae Yub KIM, Jong Yong NAM, Yong LEE