Gear Patents (Class 292/199)
  • Patent number: 11753847
    Abstract: A locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a housing and a magnet arranged within said housing. A locking element is movable relative to said housing between an unlocked position and a locked position. An engagement member is rotatable about an axis to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet to move said locking element between said unlocked position and said locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lawrence Binek, Joseph Zacchio
  • Patent number: 11661773
    Abstract: A shower door assembly with translating glass door panels riding in a lower track and supported by an upper center guide with a locking mechanism providing that one glass door is locked in place while the other glass door is allowed to translate. A double bottom slider system and mechanism for a sliding door assembly allow the doors to translate relative to each other. A locking system located on the top portion of the lower track made up of an inner door gear element attached to a torque loading device with a protruding element in contact with the inner door panel meshed with an outer door gear element with a protruding element in contact with the outer door panel. The shower door assembly operates in the setting of sliding all glass shower door systems to lock one door in place while the other door is free to translate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: American Glasscrafters, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Cano
  • Patent number: 11578503
    Abstract: In embodiments, a closure holder for a closure, in particular a door closure, includes a base element and an undercut arranged on the base element, which can be engaged from behind by a locking element of the closure in order to form a lock, and having an actuating device for adjusting the distance of the undercut relative to the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Florian Wardi
  • Patent number: 11136792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle door latch system, more particularly, relates to a vehicle door latch system whose locking driving unit comprises a motor, a first gear connected to the motor, and a second gear interlocked with the first gear, wherein a connect through hole wherein a key connect is penetrating through, and two of a rotating stopping portion wherein a locking stopping portion is caught by are formed spaced apart along the circumferential direction so that a locking member is moved as the motor operates, and two of a key stopping portion are formed spaced apart along the circumferential direction so that the locking member is moved as the key connect is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Patent number: 10895095
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly for a vehicular closure system equipped with a latch cinch mechanism for providing a cinching feature and which is configured to retain a ratchet of a latch mechanism in a secondary striker capture position such that the latch mechanism is only required to hold the ratchet in a primary striker capture position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Cumbo
  • Patent number: 10626638
    Abstract: A door latch device having a motor cover for covering a motor and connection parts thereof, wherein the motor cover in a size for covering the motor from a vehicle interior side is formed to a switch member housed in a casing, connection parts of the motor are respectively connected to conductive members of the switch member on a vehicle-exterior-side side face of the motor cover, and the motor 44 and the connection parts thereof are covered with the motor cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: GECOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Ishiguro, Brian Kepler, Aaron Martin, Bryan Farris
  • Patent number: 10526738
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a method for controlling a washing machine. The washing machine may include: a body; a tub provided inside of the body to store water; a detergent supply unit disposed adjacent to the tub to supply detergent to the tub during an operating mode for washing laundry and to receive water during a cleaning mode; and a controller configured to allow a cleaning of the detergent supply unit to be performed by controlling a flow of water of the detergent supply unit and the tub during the cleaning mode of the detergent supply unit. The present disclosure may be possible to keep the washing machine clean by automatically cleaning a detergent supply unit. In addition, it may be possible to improve the quality and the reliability of the product by automatically cleaning a detergent supply unit by using an input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Gu Cho, Young Chul Jo, Koang Hun Ryu
  • Patent number: 10472869
    Abstract: A powered latch includes a forkbolt pivotable about a first axis between a latched position for retaining a striker and an unlatched position for releasing the striker. A detent lever is pivotable about a second axis and engageable with the forkbolt to secure the forkbolt in the latched position. The latch further includes a powered actuator and a power release lever rotatable about a third axis by the powered actuator to release the detent lever from the forkbolt. The power release lever is manually movable along the third axis from a first position to a second position. Movement of the power release lever from the first position to the second position is operable to release the detent lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph P. Fannon, Ian Martin
  • Patent number: 9915083
    Abstract: A door closing mechanism utilizing a motor and a worm gear to engage with a gear drive attached to an engagement mechanism that is capable of pressing against a force applied to a door and shutting the door against such force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn Ford
  • Patent number: 9903123
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a plurality of panels to allow non-progressive fixing of the same to a façade. The apparatus employs a base having flanges, forming a channel, that are engaged by a fastener twisted within the channel. When operated, the fastener is forced against extension elements that depend from adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: David Simonsen
  • Patent number: 9890556
    Abstract: A handle (100), having: an escutcheon (106) having a recessed area (300); a lever (104) pivotally mounted toward the top end of the escutcheon and at least a portion of the lever is disposed within the recessed area when in a lever closed position (102); a first gear (310) operatively connected to a top side (312) of the lever and a portion of the first gear including gear teeth (320) extending through an opening (360) in the escutcheon; a second gear (324) mounted on a back (130) of the escutcheon and having cam teeth (322) that mesh with the gear teeth of the first gear; a cam latch (140) operatively connected to the second gear to rotate when the second gear rotates; and, a lock assembly (146) mounted to a bottom end (202) of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: FATH, INC.
    Inventors: Armin Fink, William Kenneth Williams
  • Patent number: 9862265
    Abstract: Provided is a lid device which is compact, and can be installed in an efficient manner. The lid device (20) releasably locks a lid (10) provided with a hinge (12) in a closed position. The lid device is provided with a push lifter (32) that alternates between an extended state and a retracted state each time the lid is pushed, a motor (46) placed next to the push lifter, a lock member (18) and a transmission mechanism (64) for transmitting the output of the motor. The push lifter and the motor are arranged such that a lengthwise direction of the push lifter and a lengthwise direction of the motor are parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Young-gook Lee, Junpei Horikawa
  • Patent number: 9770235
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an assembly method for a microsurgical instrument, which has a proximal handle mechanically connected to a hollow shaft. The shaft is coupled releasably to a tool head via a bayonet connection. The handle has at least one actuation device, which is operatively coupled to an actuation rod that is guided in the shaft. The bayonet connection has two bayonet elements with respective longitudinal slits which are aligned in a locked state of the bayonet connection, wherein at least one longitudinally movable cam is guided axially in the longitudinal slits. The actuation rod is inserted with its proximal end portion into the handle and has a flattened part, which is engaged by a clamping block arranged on the handle in a fixed position with respect to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, a pivotable retractor is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robin Merz, Jochen Stefan
  • Patent number: 9434337
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for implementing door engagement detection for a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect when an apparatus of a door of a vehicle is engaged from inside the vehicle. A processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to at least facilitate providing a notification if the apparatus of the door is engaged from inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lange, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 9394728
    Abstract: The latch includes a ratchet and pawl operable to move between an engaged position to hold a striker and a released position to permit the striker from exiting the latch. In addition, a release lever and a lock lever are pivotally mounted to the opposite surface of the latch housing. A lock link lever connects the release lever to the lock lever, having a first end pivotally mounted to the lock lever and a second end slidably located in a slot on the release lever. Actuating the release lever while the second end of the lock link lever is in its locked position pivots the lock link lever in a first arc and actuating the release lever while the lock link lever is in its unlocked position pivots the lock link lever in a second arc to actuate the pawl into its released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Kris Tomaszewski, Roman Cetnar
  • Publication number: 20150145265
    Abstract: An actuator (24, 528, 606) is configured to cause a latch assembly (22, 322, 422, 522, 526, 604) to be changed from a closed condition in which an item is latched, to an open condition in which the item is unlatched. A catch jaw (30, 530) is operative in a first position to engage a member (106) connected to the item when the latch assembly is in the closed condition. The catch jaw in a second position enables the member to disengage from the catch jaw when the latch assembly is in the open condition. The actuator assembly includes a drive (152, 526, 608) and a gear system (157, 563, 610). The gear system is operative to move a release member (174, 538, 612). The release member is configured to be in operative connection with the catch jaw such that the movement of the release member causes the catch jaw to be enabled to move to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Grant A. Lugas
  • Patent number: 8960735
    Abstract: A latch system includes a catch member and a sear element engaged with the catch member when the catch member is in a latch position. A swing lever is in geared engagement with the sear element. When the latch system is subjected to an acceleration event, the swing lever pivots in one direction so that the sear element pivots in the opposite direction to move the sear element out of engagement with the catch member. The latch system may be installed on a container so that the catch member engages with a latch receptacle coupled to a hinged lid of the container. When the container experiences the acceleration event, the sear element disengages from the catch element and the hinged lid falls open thereby causing the catch member to pivot to the release position. The latch system automatically re-engages when the container is returned to its upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Northland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Michael, Reed A. Davis, Patrick A. Hodan
  • Patent number: 8939473
    Abstract: A locking mechanism (100) and a lock (110) are provided. The locking mechanism (100) comprises a push-button (148) connected to a freewheel (154) via a traction cable, with the freewheel being connected to a drive device (160) of the lock (110). A baggage compartment in the cabin of an airplane usually comprises two locks (110) of this type which can be unlocked by the push-button (148). A freewheel (154) arranged between the push-button (148) and the lock (110) ensures that the push-button (148) remains in a pushed position as long as each lock (110) allocated to the baggage compartment is not in a correctly locked position. It can be identified from the position of the push-button of the baggage compartment whether both locks of the baggage compartment are correctly snapped in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: SFS Intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Sascha Costabel, Olav Schendel
  • Publication number: 20140353984
    Abstract: A locking apparatus is provided that relates to a fastener and is used to solve a problem that time and labor are consumed and installation efficiency is low in a locking process of an existing locking apparatus. The locking apparatus is configured to lock a first module and a second module, and includes a locking body that is installed on the first module and a locking piece that is installed on the second module. The locking body includes a housing and a rotating block disposed inside the housing, where the rotating block is connected to a handle that drives the rotating block to rotate out of or into the housing, and the locking piece has a notch that accommodates the rotating block. The present invention is used to implement locking between modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Chang Shi, Lang Xu
  • Patent number: 8894104
    Abstract: A door closer device comprises a sun gear pivotally mounted via a pivot shaft, a planetary gear which meshes with the sun gear to orbit the sun gear while turning on its own axis, a closing lever pivotally mounted via the pivot shaft and pivotally mounted with the planetary gear, and a sector gear which has an external teeth meshing with an output gear and an internal teeth meshing with the planetary gear. The closing lever swings about the pivot shaft to allow a latch to move from a half-latch position to a full-latch position where the latch fully engages with a striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Kohei Yamashita
  • 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: 8876171
    Abstract: An aircraft luggage box lock includes a stationary housing and a cover moveable about a rotary axis. The lock includes a locking pin device mountable on the housing, having two parallel locking pins, a catch mountable on the cover having two locking hooks pivotable about a pivot axis for receiving the pins for locking the lock, and a manually actuatable drive device for jointly pivoting the locking hooks away from the locking pins for unlocking the lock. The drive device has a gear rack and a sliding element linearly displaceable against pressure of a spring element. The locking hooks are connected to the gear rack or the sliding element by a knee lever hinged to the closing hook adjacent to the pivot axis thereof in such a way that the lock is openable only by tensile force acting on the hinged point of the knee lever on the locking hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: SFS Intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Olav Schendel, Sascha Costabel
  • Publication number: 20140252784
    Abstract: A rotary latch has a housing having first and second posts therein. A catch is mounted for rotation about the first post between latched and unlatched positions. A pawl is mounted for rotation about the second post between a catch-retaining position and a catch-releasing position. When the catch is in the latched position and the pawl is in the catch-retaining position, the pawl engages the catch and prevents it from rotating out of the latched position. When the pawl is in the catch-releasing position the catch is movable to its unlatched position. A motor and gear train mounted in the housing includes an output gear mounted for rotation about the second post. The output gear is in engagement with the pawl such that activation of the motor causes the output gear to rotate the pawl to the catch-releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Dale R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8740265
    Abstract: A latch mechanism used in conjunction with a dual door access system, wherein the dual door access system is actuated between a latched position and an open position by the latch mechanism using a dual pawl design which is configured such that each door in the dual door access system has its own dedicated latch pawl within the latch mechanism for retaining the doors in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Francis Raymond Gillis
  • Patent number: 8733804
    Abstract: An interrupt structure of a power latch includes a cinching lever enabling automatic latching, a detecting lever having one end rotatably mounted at the cinching lever and the other end including an outer wall having gear teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a gear part engaged with the gear teeth formed on the outer wall of the detecting lever, and a detecting auxiliary lever rotatably mounted at the other end of the detecting lever and having one end engaged with the gear part and the other end protruded outwardly. Therefore, the detecting lever is operated in an opposite direction to an operation direction according to the related art to prevent generation of interference with the cinching lever, thereby making it possible to decrease noise. In addition, rigidity of a detecting lever avoidance section formed at the cinching lever is reinforced, thereby making it possible to improve durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hoo Sang Park, Sang Hoon Gweon
  • Publication number: 20140125069
    Abstract: An interrupt structure of a power latch includes a cinching lever enabling automatic latching, a detecting lever having one end rotatably mounted at the cinching lever and the other end including an outer wall having gear teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a gear part engaged with the gear teeth formed on the outer wall of the detecting lever, and a detecting auxiliary lever rotatably mounted at the other end of the detecting lever and having one end engaged with the gear part and the other end protruded outwardly. Therefore, the detecting lever is operated in an opposite direction to an operation direction according to the related art to prevent generation of interference with the cinching lever, thereby making it possible to decrease noise. In addition, rigidity of a detecting lever avoidance section formed at the cinching lever is reinforced, thereby making it possible to improve durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hoo Sang Park, Sang Hoon Gweon
  • Publication number: 20130285390
    Abstract: A locking device for a handle assembly of a motor vehicle door including a base and a handle portion includes a lock cup fixedly secured to the base and having a plurality of teeth. A spool is rotatably coupled to the lock cup and operably connected to the handle portion. The spool has a pawl rotatably mounted thereto and includes a pawl pin extending out therefrom. An inertia element is disposed within the lock cup and is rotatable out of a rest position upon rotation of the spool. The inertia element includes an elongated slot extending between first and second ends for receiving the pawl pin therewithin. A spring extends between the spool and the inertia element. The spring biases the inertia element towards the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Krystof P. Jankowski, Ehab Khalid Kamal
  • Patent number: 8424934
    Abstract: An electromechanically actuated safety lock mechanism particularly suited for elevator hall doors, dumb waiters, and similar lift mechanisms and other applications. A door lock and switch comprises a fixed contact member that is attached to a movable door and a movable locking mechanism attached to a door jamb or second moving door. The locking mechanism may include an involute gear and star wheel, a pawl constrained by a torsion spring and an electromechanical device for actuating the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Askins
  • Publication number: 20120313384
    Abstract: A low release effort eccentric double pawl vehicle latch includes a ratchet, primary pawl, auxiliary ratchet and secondary pawl in combination with a secure lock lever. The secure lock lever selectively inhibits movement of the secondary pawl to prevent premature or unintended opening of the latch. A drive mechanism sequences movement of the secure lock lever and secondary pawl to open the latch. Upon reset, the drive mechanism drives the auxiliary ratchet back to its closed state and in the process the auxiliary ratchet can engage and return the secondary pawl back to a closed state in the event of an insufficient bias force thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA CLOSURES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Marco Taurasi
  • Patent number: 8231153
    Abstract: A locking device for flaps, luggage compartment flaps, doors or lids comprising a housing, an actuating handle for unlocking a locking device pivotably arranged on the housing, an actuating lever, the actuating handle being supported on the housing as a rocker; a release wheel arranged pivotably on the housing and connected with the actuating lever to move unlocking rods; a locking bolt which is movable into a locking or a freewheeling position via an actuating element; a first, rotatably mounted driver disk which is rotatable by the release wheel; a second, rotatably mounted driver disk coupled to the first driver disk in order to be carried along by rotation of the first disk, for operating a locking handle connected thereto; freewheel for the actuating handle when the locking device is locked or unlocked, because a reversing lever, which can be actuated by the locking bolt, is arranged pivotably on the housing and is rotatable by the release wheel which forms a freewheel on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Happich Farhzeug-und Industrieteile GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Peter
  • Publication number: 20120175896
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly is disclosed herein, the vehicle latch assembly having: a fork bolt movably secured to the latch assembly, the fork bolt being capable of movement between a latched position and an unlatched position; a detent lever movably secured to the latch assembly, the detent lever being capable of movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the detent lever retains the fork bolt in the latched position when the detent lever is in the engaged position and an engagement surface of the detent lever contacts an engagement surface of the fork bolt; and an inertia block out assembly for preventing the detent lever from moving into the disengaged position until a predetermined force is applied to the detent lever to move it to the disengaged position when the fork bolt is in the latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Alfredo Martinez
  • Patent number: 8186010
    Abstract: A catcher (2) provided in a door frame H? for capturing a striker body 1 moved from a near front side F when a door D? is rotated toward a reference position; a braking device (5); and a linkage device (3) for both are provided. The catcher (2) is provided to be reciprocatingly rotatable between a standby position and a rotated position, captures the striker body (1) at the standby position, and rotates forward to the rotated position. Braking of the braking device (5) is applied to a rotation toward the rotated position of the catcher (2) through the linkage gear member (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuyasu Tomiji, Kazuyuki Tomioka
  • Patent number: 8056941
    Abstract: A door locking device for a door cooperating with a door frame includes a cylinder lock, at least one elongated bolt, and an emergency unlocking mechanism. The elongated bolt is adapted to move linearly to engage to and disengage from the door frame. A transmission including an operating wheel translates circular motion of a rotor of the cylinder lock to a linear motion of the elongated bolt. The emergency unlocking mechanism includes a gear arm connected to a handle and adapted to turn the operating wheel when the handle is turned, disengaging the elongated bolt from the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Homegate Ltd
    Inventors: Erez Segev, Henk Schaer
  • Patent number: 8016329
    Abstract: A latch is disclosed that can releasably secure a door or panel in a closed position. The latch includes a rotary pawl, a pawl catch, an actuating member, a pivotally movable handle, and a gear train for moving the pawl to provide compression in response to the movement of the handle to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik Olov Johansson, Stephen M. Kozachyn, Joseph W. Jackson, Daniel James Kelly, III, Fall Lars Erik Johan Ohlsson, Daniel Andersson
  • Publication number: 20110101707
    Abstract: A latch assembly is disclosed herein, the latch assembly having: a motor for moving a gear of the latch assembly between a lock position, an unlock position; and a release position, the lock position locking the latch assembly, the unlock position unlocking the latch assembly and the release position allows a fork bolt of the latch assembly to be moved into an unlatched position; a first block out lever, the first block out lever being capable of movement between a first position and a second position, the first position preventing the gear from moving from a lock or unlock position to the release position; a second block lever, the second block out lever being capable of movement between a first position and a second position, the first position preventing the gear from moving from the release position to the unlock position; and a fork bolt detent, the fork bolt detent being capable of movement between a fork bolt blocking position wherein movement of the fork bolt to an unlatched position is blocked and a
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Donald M. Perkins, Gavriel Shafry
  • Publication number: 20110084506
    Abstract: A locking system and a method for locking and unlocking a door to an opening in a cabinet or the like is disclosed. The locking system includes a latching assembly for attachment to one of either a door or a cabinet. The latching assembly includes a motor, a first driving member operatively coupled to the motor, a second driving member having a pivot and operatively coupled to the first driving member, first and second pivotable plates, each plate having a slidable pivot point and an opening defined therein by an interior edge, a latching plate joining each of the first and second pivotable plates, and at least a first cam element fixed to a first surface of the second driving member about the pivot and positioned within the opening of the first pivotable plate to engage the interior edge. A second cam element may be fixed to a second surface of the second driving member about the pivot and positioned within the opening of the second pivotable plate to engage the interior edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Calin Roatis, William Denison
  • Patent number: 7905521
    Abstract: A multi-point door latch adapted to fit in the stile of a door. The multi-point door latch includes a pair of hooks that are allowed to rotably pivot around a pair of eccentric cams. The eccentric cams are allowed to rotate inside of apertures located through the hubs of the hooks. The eccentric cams are geometrically centered inside the hubs of the hooks, and are kept in position via pins that are eccentrically orientated through cams. The multi-point door latch also includes an opening for receiving a turning mechanism. In addition, the turning mechanism is connected to a pair of toothed gear wheels that mesh with a toothed bar. The toothed bar is connected to a synchronizing link which simultaneously rotates the hooks to either an engaged or disengaged position. The multi-point door latch also includes stopping members, which prevent the hooks from rotating passed a certain point when the door latch is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7861976
    Abstract: Latching elements on a first structure are configured to securely engage corresponding bearings on a second structure, via a lateral member that drives all of the latching elements simultaneously. When engaged, or when disengaged, the system is in a stable state, requiring no active force by the controlling system to maintain the system in each state. Preferably, each latching element is coupled to the lateral member via a pinion that provides a mechanical advantage that substantially reduces the force required on the lateral member to effect the coupling or decoupling. Also preferably, the elements are formed from extruded aluminum forms, thereby providing for a relatively inexpensive and lightweight configuration that is particularly well suited for spacecraft applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Planetary Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Holemans
  • Patent number: 7837241
    Abstract: A two point lock includes two pivotally mounted security hooks having sliding faces that engage sliding faces of a spring-loaded mishandling pin when the mishandling pin is vertically extended and the security hooks are rotatably retracted. The mishandling pin is vertically retracted when it abuts a jamb. When the mishandling pin is vertically retracted, the sliding faces disengage so that the security hooks can rotate to lock onto a striker on the jamb. Thus, the mishandling pin prevents the security hooks from being slammed into the striker before a door or a window is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Union Tool Exporters, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stanley Chung, Brian Bourgoin, Jeffrey M. Briggs, Paul DeMarseilles
  • Publication number: 20100132262
    Abstract: The lock mechanism comprises a first subunit (6) arranged to be fixed on an outer face of an upright tubular member (7) of the hinged leaf and a second subunit (8) arranged to be fixed within the tubular member (7). The second subunit (8) comprises a frame (9), a bolt member (10) movably mounted on said frame (9) between a projected and a retracted position, and a bolt operating mechanism which comprises a gear train (20, 21, 22) to increase the travel of the bolt member (10). The first subunit (6) comprises operator means (26, 28, 29). The lock mechanism further comprises a rotary shaft (32) by means of which the bolt operating mechanism can be coupled to the operator means so that only a hole has to be made in the tubular member (7) of the leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Talpe
  • Patent number: 7703310
    Abstract: In a door opening and closing device for a vehicle in which a cylinder body of a cylinder lock having a rotor turned in response to a key operation and a casing of a door-locking device which has a door-locking lever shaft turned in response to the turning of the rotor and is switched over between a locking state and an unlocking state in response to the turning of the door-locking lever shaft are mounted to a door, a turning movement-transmitting member having a flexibility is disposed between the cylinder lock and the door-locking device so as to transmit a turning force of the rotor to the door-locking lever shaft by its twisting motion responsive to the turning of the rotor. Thus, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom for the relative dispositions of the cylinder lock and the door-locking device, while eliminating the need for a protector for preventing the unauthorized access from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Usuzaki, Fumio Kobayashi, Naoki Katsumata, Nobuyuki Kishikawa, Hidetoshi Ijuin
  • Patent number: 7523968
    Abstract: A reach out lock for a sliding door includes a keeper having a keeper latch and a locking mechanism having a hook to engage the keeper latch. The reach out lock further includes a mechanism which prevents actuation of the locking mechanism if the locking mechanism is out of alignment with the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Heid, Julie K. Earp, Thomas J. Hansel, Cheryl Hitchens
  • Patent number: 7472628
    Abstract: A mechanically-activated decoupler is used in the actuator of the cinching latch mechanism. The decoupler activates with an input from door handle operation such that the motor drive within the actuator decouples from the remainder of the actuator gear train and latch mechanism whenever the door handle is operated. At rest the actuator is direct-coupled to the latch mechanism having a lost motion provision to allow manual latch function. Because of this the actuator with its motor drive is unloaded and routine door handle-activated decoupling carries little friction. In the event of a power failure during a cinching or release cycle, the handle input activates the clutch and decouples the otherwise binding motor drive of the actuator allowing the remainder of the latch mechanism to return to its at rest state using light return springs. After returning to its at rest state the latch mechanism retains normal manual function until the power failure is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
  • Patent number: 7473223
    Abstract: A grasper for a surgical retractor is provided. The grasper has a grasper body, a push-button activator and a holder to releasably retain a connector head of, for example, a retractor blade. The holder is configured to move from a first position, located at least partially in the opening to provide for selectively retaining the connector head in the opening, to a second position wherein the connector head may be removed. The push-button activator is operably connected to the holder to move the holder from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment the holder is gear driven by the activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Edward Fetzer
  • Patent number: 7422249
    Abstract: A gliding door system employs a latch with a gear and pinion mechanism for smooth opening of a door. A lower door push member is driven with the opening of the latch, so as to urge the door open by pushing at a lower end thereof. The door suitably is carried by adjustable wheels that ride on a rail like member, wherein at a closed position, the rail is slightly depressed, to lower the door slightly at the closed position, to bring lower seals into engagement with seats. The push member assists in urging the wheel out of the depressed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: J. Raymond Glover
  • Publication number: 20080196707
    Abstract: A door blocking device including a retaining member movable, along a given path, between a work position and a rest position, in which it respectively cooperates with and does not cooperate with a coupling member of the door when the door is in a closed position; and controlled-actuation means for controlled actuation of the retaining member, and which include elastic means for pushing the retaining member into the rest position; means for moving the retaining member into the work position in opposition to the elastic means; a rotary member having at least one radially projecting peripheral lobe; and an electrically controlled actuator for moving the rotary member selectively between a first angular position, in which the at least one lobe does not interfere with the given path (T), thus allowing the retaining member to move between the work position and the rest position, and a second angular position, in which the lobe interferes with the given path to lock the retaining member in the work position in oppos
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ITW INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS S.R.L. CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Dino Chirumbolo
  • Patent number: 7255375
    Abstract: A reach out lock for a sliding door includes a keeper having a keeper latch and a locking mechanism having a hook to engage the keeper latch. The reach out lock further includes a mechanism which prevents actuation of the locking mechanism if the locking mechanism is out of alignment with the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: George E. Heid, Julie K. Earp, Thomas J. Hansel, Cheryl Hitchens
  • Patent number: 7244213
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle door or hatch which can be moved by a motor with a planet gear and a brake device with a brake. The brake device has a brake drive which is separate from the drive which drives the drive shaft and the brake is able to be moved at least from one of two positions into the other of the two positions by the brake drive. The brake can be an arc-shaped clip pivotally supported by a pivot axle with an inner periphery which is matched to an outer periphery of an element of the planet gear. The brake can be combined with the brake drive as an eddy current brake or can be operated by a further gearing or use of a permanent magnet with which an electromagnet is able to interact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mehmet Gueler, Slawomir Kortyrba, Andreas Heinrich, Peter Bartel, Axel Kamberg
  • Patent number: 7228719
    Abstract: A lock 10 for a sliding door or window. The lock 10 includes a hollow body 11 within which there is pivotally mounted a pair of hook tongues 14 and 15. The tongues are driven by rack gears 54 which are operated by a lock cylinder 19. The rack gears 54 move linearly in opposite directions to cause angular movement of the tongues 14 and 15 in opposite rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Azuma Designs Pty Limited
    Inventors: Michael Brian Alchin, Richard Zitzelsperger
  • Patent number: 7213428
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking and unlocking a vehicle door includes a cylinder lock having a rotor, a door lock mechanism including a key operation input shaft which rotates to switch a locked state and an unlocked state of a door, and a torque cable for transmitting rotation of the rotor to the key operation input shaft. One end of the torque cable is connected to the rotor via a gear transmission mechanism accommodated in a gear case. The gear transmission mechanism is constructed by a face gear coaxially connected to the rotor, and a pinion gear which has an axial line perpendicular to an axial line of the face gear, is connected to the torque cable, and is meshed with the face gear. The pinion gear is accommodated in the gear case to be capable of being displaced in an axial direction in a limited range while keeping a meshed state with the face gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Harada, Hidetoshi Ijuin, Nobuyuki Kishikawa, Kozou Munezane, Naoki Katsumata