Motor Controlled Patents (Class 292/341.16)
  • Patent number: 7585006
    Abstract: A household appliance comprises a cabinet, a door and a door block/release device. In normal conditions, the device is actuated by electrically powered actuator means whilst in case of need the device can be actuated by means of a release system. The device comprises an actuation element, preferably made of shape memory material, inserted within a movable body. The device is capable of passing from the condition of blocking to that of releasing the door both by means of a movement of the actuation element caused by the electrical power supply control of the actuator means and by means of a manual actuation, using the housing body as an element of manual mechanical transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera, Gianluca Capretti
  • Publication number: 20090212580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cover closure for housings of laboratory devices and the like, in particular for centrifuge housings, in which a cover hook is engaged by a closure hook and brought into a closing position, and the closing and opening movement of the closure hook essentially being caused by an eccentric in connection with a crank guide and a guide path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO ELECTRON LED GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Ballhause
  • Patent number: 7568745
    Abstract: A striker driving assembly for a motor vehicle lock that includes a striker carrier, a striker located on the striker carrier, two cams and a driving means. The striker carrier and the striker can be moved linearly by means of the cams from a pre-locking position into a main locking position. The driving means is controlled by a control which is located in the motor vehicle or on the driving assembly. The driving means also has a motor and gearing, where the cams are driven by the motor, and the application of force by the two cams to the striker carrier takes place on opposite sides of a linear axis of movement of the striker so as to move the striker carrier and striker along the linear axis of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Simon Brose, Uwe Haarmann, Sascha Heck, Anna-Maria Tanis Sanzo
  • Patent number: 7562918
    Abstract: The invention concerns a locking/unlocking device for a swivel latch of a door opener with a locking lever, that locks or unlocks the swivel latch, and a safety lock that holds the locking lever in a locking position and can be swiveled with the help of an electromagnet in a position unlocking the locking lever, wherein the safety lever is positioned in its center of gravity. Thus only one safety lever is required for the impact safety of the door opener, the susceptibility to shocks and vibrations can be reduced and a space-saving arrangement can be achieved. In a preferred form of execution, the safety lever has two arms wherein the electromagnet is in active connection with one lever arm and a compression spring is in active connection with the other lever arm. The assembly of the device is position-independent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik Gmbh
    Inventors: Augustin Toma, Norman Wittke
  • Publication number: 20090152876
    Abstract: A latching device, which includes a lock frame mechanism fitted to a door and a corresponding latching mechanism fitted to a door frame. The lock frame mechanism is fixed to the inner side of the door, and is provided with a long locking arm able to horizontally swing, and the latching mechanism is provided with an extensible latch. When the latching device forms an unlatched state, the latch retracts to the side of the latching mechanism side, thereby achieving the effectiveness of preventing people from getting caught on a latch button when passing in and out and further giving an integrated aesthetic appearance to the door assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Hong-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 7540551
    Abstract: A power closing assembly operates a closure panel hingedly secured to a motor vehicle. The power closing assembly includes an actuator mounted to the motor vehicle, a movable striker also mounted to the motor vehicle to receive the closure panel's latch, and a rotary power cable connecting therebetween. The actuator has a closure cable on a spooling drum extending to the closure panel for closing from an open position when the actuator operates. The movable striker moves between a nominal inboard position and an outboard position. A rotary power cable connects between a provided output on the actuator and an input on the striker so that the striker's movement is powered and synchronized by the actuator. With the closure panel open, the actuator begins a closing cycle by driving in a direction to spool in the closure cable extending to the closure panel. The actuator's direction, using the rotary power cable, simultaneously causes the striker to move outboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
  • Patent number: 7540542
    Abstract: An electric strike comprising a housing and a keeper pivotally mounted to said housing. A solenoid is arranged internal to the housing and movable between fail-safe and fail-secure positions. A two position mode control slot is included in the housing and a mode control screw is included in the mode control slot. The screw is capable of being tightened in each of the two positions in the control slot. The screw is changeable between the two of the positions without removal of the screw. The solenoid is in the fail-safe position when the screw is in one of the two positions and in the fail-secure position when the screw is in the other of the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Security Door Controls
    Inventors: Arthur V. Geringer, David A. Geringer, Richard Geringer
  • Patent number: 7537249
    Abstract: To accurately control opening and closing of a door, a device includes an opening/closing switch lever arranged at an opening end of a striker receiving groove, and configured to shift between a retreated position and an advanced position. When a striker is positioned in an engagement groove of a latch, the opening/closing switch lever is positioned at the retreated position, and when the striker is removed from the engagement groove and then from a receiving groove, the opening/closing switch lever is positioned at the advanced position. The device further includes an opening/closing switch that performs a switching operation when the opening/closing switch lever that has been positioned at the advanced position shifts toward the retreated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Ichinose, Etsuo Yamamoto, Michio Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7516992
    Abstract: A latch structure is provided herein. The latch structure comprises a base, a plate, a rotating element, hooks, a magnetic element, springs, locating posts, a latch element, a pushing element, and screws. One side of the magnetic element is rotatable by the pin, and the other side is mounted with the spring and the locating post. When door is closed inwardly, the pushing element pushes the rotating element forwardly to push the magnetic element contacting with the latch element which are attracting due to the magnetic field. The hooks then engage with the connecting portions. When power is off, spring abuts the magnetic element to release the hook from the connecting portion. The benefit is that as long as the attract force of the magnetic field larger than the pressure of the spring, the hooks and the latch element are decided to engage or separate, increasing the load ability of the latch structure. It is therefore large load ability is acquired only required few attract force, decreasing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Door & Window Hardware Co.
    Inventor: Jung-Chang Peng
  • Patent number: 7503599
    Abstract: An electric door strike for installation in residential wood frame door frames permits “hands-free” home access. An installation jig used to form an aperture in the door frame and a cavity in the underlying stud in which the door strike is mounted. A remote control circuit transmitter actuates the door strike to an unlatched position and a time delay circuit returns the door strike to a latched position after a predetermined delay time period. The transmitter can be used to interrupt the predetermined delay time period and immediately return the door strike to the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Ward
  • Patent number: 7478845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a locking device comprising a striker; and a latch in operative communication with an actuator that comprises an active material; wherein the latch is adapted to engage the striker in direct proportion to an applied activation signal. Disclosed herein too is a method for assisting a final closing motion of a suspended body with respect to a supporting body comprising moving the suspended body to within a defined distance from the supporting body; and activating a locking device, wherein the locking device comprises a striker; a latch in operative communication with an actuator that comprises an active material; wherein the latch is adapted to engage the striker in direct proportion to an applied activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Alan L. Browne, Paul R. Meernik, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7472934
    Abstract: A latching strike assembly for a door lock has a body (1, 201, 301) adapted to be fitted to a doorjamb. A latching strike (4, 204, 304) is mounted to the body (1, 201, 301) and defines a boundary of the latch bolt recess (3, 203, 303) of the body (1, 201, 301). The latching strike (1, 204, 304) is pivotable between open and closed positions for releasing and retaining a latch bolt (100) respectively. A bi-stable detent (7, 207, 307) is displaceable between a sable locking position at which the detent (7, 207, 307) engages the latching strike (4, 204, 304) to lock the latching strike (4, 204, 304) in the closed position and a stable unlocking position at which the detent (7, 207, 307) is disengaged from the latching strike (4, 204, 304), thereby enabling the latching strike (4, 204, 304) to be deflected to the open position by the latch bolt (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Securicom (NSW) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher John Burke, Richard Bruce Harward
  • Patent number: 7448165
    Abstract: A door and door frame assembly having a door closing mechanism adapted to provide sufficient closing force to the door so that the door engages and sufficiently compresses a gasket between the door and the door frame to prevent electromagnetic interference, such as environmental radio frequencies, from passing between the door and door frame. The door closing mechanism moves a strike plate relative to the door frame to close the door once it is latched to the strike plate. The strike plate is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the door frame. In the extended position, the gasket is not sufficiently compressed between the door and door frame even though the door is latched. In the retracted position, the gasket is sufficiently compressed between the door and the door frame to attenuate the passage of electromagnetic interference between the door and door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: PDC Facilities, Inc.
    Inventors: Elmer B. Woods, Bruce A. Bliefnick, Matthew Boesel
  • Patent number: 7445258
    Abstract: A power striker assembly effects final positioning of a vehicle closure member and includes a fixed frame and a striker member carried on a striker plate for selective engagement of a latch carried on the closure member, to displace the closure member from a presented position to a cinched position. Guide means interconnects the frame and striker plate to effect simultaneous translational and rotational displacement of the striker plate between end limits of travel to produce linear displacement of the striker member. An actuator selectively displaces the striker plate between its end limits of travel in response to a control signal. Finally, an interlock fixes the striker plate in the cinched position in the absence of the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Rice, Frank Joseph Arabia, Jr., Jeffrey S Hamminga, Joseph Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 7438335
    Abstract: In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Alan K. Uyeda
  • Publication number: 20080224481
    Abstract: An electric strike comprising a housing and a keeper pivotally mounted to said housing. A solenoid is arranged internal to the housing and movable between fail-safe and fail-secure positions. A two position mode control slot is included in the housing and a mode control screw is included in the mode control slot. The screw is capable of being tightened in each of the two positions in the control slot. The screw is changeable between the two of the positions without removal of the screw. The solenoid is in the fail-safe position when the screw is in one of the two positions and in the fail-secure position when the screw is in the other of the two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Arthur V. Geringer, David A. Geringer, Richard Geringer
  • Publication number: 20080217933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power striker arrangement to engage a striker (2) with a claw of a latch to move the claw from a first position towards a second position, including at least an engine (3) connected with at least one actuator (4) to bring the striker (2) from an initial position to a position of engagement with the claw and to return the striker/claw unit from the position of commitment of the striker (2) towards the initial position of the striker (2), characterized in that it includes a means for energy storage/release (1) capable of storing the energy during the course of the striker (2) from its initial position towards its position of commitment and of releasing this energy during the course of the striker/claw unit from the position of commitment of the striker (2) towards the initial position of the striker (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Valeo Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Oleg Kornev
  • Publication number: 20080211241
    Abstract: A striker driving assembly for a motor vehicle lock that includes a striker carrier, a striker located on the striker carrier, two cams and a driving means. The striker carrier and the striker can be moved linearly by means of the cams from a pre-locking position into a main locking position. The driving means is controlled by a control which is located in the motor vehicle or on the driving assembly. The driving means also has a motor and gearing, where the cams are driven by the motor, and the application of force by the two cams to the striker carrier takes place on opposite sides of a linear axis of movement of the striker so as to move the striker carrier and striker along the linear axis of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: BROSE SCHLIESSSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Simon BROSE, Uwe HAARMANN, Sascha HECK, Anna-Maria Tanis SANZO
  • Publication number: 20080191499
    Abstract: A mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is pivotally mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: John W. Stein
  • Patent number: 7410196
    Abstract: An electronic tongue strike mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The electronic tongue strike mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Everlokt Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Stein
  • Publication number: 20080136200
    Abstract: The invention describes an electric door opener for glass doors, having a pivotable door opener latch comprising a holder, and a mating holder, with the holder and the mating holder delimiting a receiving region for receiving a glass door leaf. In order to simplify installation and improve storage, the door opener is designed such that the holder is provided with an adjustable configuration to ensure adjustability of the width of the receiving region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Norman WITTKE
  • Patent number: 7367598
    Abstract: A power striker assembly effects final positioning of a vehicle closure member and includes a fixed frame and a striker member carried on a striker plate for selective engagement of a latch carried on the closure member, to displace the closure member from a presented position to a cinched position. Guide means interconnects the frame and striker plate to effect simultaneous translational and rotational displacement of the striker plate between end limits of travel to produce linear displacement of the striker member. An actuator selectively displaces the striker plate between its end limits of travel in response to a control signal. Finally, an interlock fixes the striker plate in the cinched position in the absence of the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Arabia, Jr., Hans J Buscher, Jeffrey S Hamminga, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7357429
    Abstract: A safety lock for a closing-off device which can be opened, has an actuating unit with an actuator which is guided in a displaceable manner, and has a locking unit into which the actuator, with the closing-off device closed, can be pushed and can be locked via an electromagnetically actuable, pivotable catch, by way of interengaging engagement surfaces, the actuator has a trigger element and the locking unit has a response element which, with the actuator pushed in, reacts to the trigger element by emitting an electric signal which triggers the locking action, in the case of which the catch can be pivoted about an axis extending parallel to the movement direction of the actuator, and the engagement surfaces of the catch and of the actuator run perpendicularly to the movement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Manfred Eichenauer
  • Patent number: 7341292
    Abstract: A striker driving assembly for a motor vehicle lock that includes a striker carrier, a striker located on the striker carrier, two cams and a driving means. The striker carrier and the striker can be moved linearly by means of the cams from a pre-locking position into a main locking position. The driving means is controlled by a control which is located in the motor vehicle or on the driving assembly. The driving means also has a motor and gearing, where the cams are driven by the motor, and the application of force by the two cams to the striker carrier takes place symmetrically to the axis of movement of the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Brose Schiesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Simon Brose, Uwe Haarmann, Sascha Heck, Anna-Maria Tanis Sanzo
  • Patent number: 7331616
    Abstract: A latch for engaging and disengaging two opposing surfaces includes a pin disposed on one surface and a gate disposed on an opposite surface; an active material in operative communication with the pin or the gate; an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an engagement or a disengagement of the pin or the gate from the other of the pin or the gate; and a spring in operative communication with the pin or the gate, wherein the spring is configured to provide a force opposite to a force provided by the active material, wherein the activated active material is effective to overcome the force provided by the spring
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, University of Michigan
    Inventors: Diann Brei, John Redmond, Nathan A. Wilmot, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7322621
    Abstract: A magnetic lock is disclosed to include a latch for locking, a holder member supported on a spring and carrying an electromagnetic valve, which has a reciprocating rod fixedly mounted with a stop block for controlling the retraction of the latch, and an adjustment screw for controlling the holder member between a first position where the magnetic lock is locked when electrically connected and a second position where the magnetic lock is unlocked when electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Shih Liao
  • Patent number: 7275774
    Abstract: A striker assembly reduces a force of a latch required to latch and unlatch a side door over a door opening of a motor vehicle. The door opening includes a striker opening which is disposed adjacent the door opening. The striker assembly includes a frame fixedly secured to the motor vehicle over the striker opening. The base includes a base opening. A striker assembly also includes a striker slidably secured to the frame allowing the striker to move outboard during the unlatching of the side door and inboard during the latching of the side door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ntier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
  • Patent number: 7270355
    Abstract: An electrically controlled door lock (11) provided with a blocking member (21) and a detent (20), the blocking member being in contract with an electrically controlled actuator (24) such as a piezo-electric member which is used to control movement of the blocking member which in turn causes either the release of a locking member (12) from a door to allow the door to be opened or the engagement of the locking member to prevent the door from being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: PBT (IP) Limited
    Inventor: Simon Powell
  • Patent number: 7185928
    Abstract: A magnetic lock is disclosed to include a latch for locking, a movable holder member supported on a spring and carrying solenoid, which has a plunger and a stop block fastened to the plunger for controlling the retraction of the latch, and an adjustment device selectively positioned in one of two positioning grooves of different depths in a locating block and stopped at one end of the holder member against the spring for controlling the movable holder member between a first position where the magnetic lock is locked when electrically connected and a second position where the magnetic lock is unlocked when electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Li-Shih Liao
  • Patent number: 7144053
    Abstract: An electric strike includes a housing and a two-position mode selector for selecting a mode of the electric strike. Specifically, the two-position mode selector is operable from outside the housing, and the two-position mode selector is configured to allow the electric strike to selectively operate in a first mode, such as a fail-secure mode, or a second mode, such as a fail-safe mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Rutherford Controls Int'l Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bashford
  • Patent number: 7131673
    Abstract: An electromechanical keeper is disclosed that includes a base plate adapted for being mounted to a flat surface, a catch member pivotally supported by the base plate, and a solenoid having a solenoid shaft. The catch member is adapted to engage the pawl of a latch when the catch member is the closed position and the catch member is not engageable by the latch pawl when the catch member is in the open position. The solenoid shaft engages a cavity or bore in the catch member to retain the catch member in the closed position. The solenoid shaft disengages from the cavity or bore in the catch member to allow the catch member to rotate to the open position when the solenoid is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hitesh Cherry, Clive Anthony Morgan
  • Patent number: 7128350
    Abstract: This disengageable strike has a strike annexed to a strike member that is slideably mounted to a strike base. The strike member and strike base are, in turn, mounted to a door frame or door opposite a slam latch. In a first position, the strike engages the latch to prevent the door from opening. An electrically disengageable inhibitor prevents manual movement of the sliding strike from the first position. However, when the inhibitor is disengaged, the strike can be manually moved/slid using an actuator (in the form of a handle annexed to the strike member) to a second position where it does not engage the latch to prevent the door from opening. A biasing spring biasing the strike and strike member towards the first position helps to return it to the first position after the actuator is released. Further, one portion of a sensor for a signal generator is mounted to the strike member such that it is opposite the other portion in the door or frame only when the strike is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 7055871
    Abstract: An electronic door lock dogging mechanism is provided with a bolt arranged to move into and out of a door to selectively engage a portion of a door frame to lock a door when extending out of the door and when recessed within the door, unlocking the door from the door frame. A first mechanical element is arranged to normally bias the bolt outwardly relative to the door. A first electrical element is arranged, when energized, to move the bolt into a recessed position in the door to unlock the door. A second mechanical element is arranged to be biased into a dogging position relative to the bolt when the first electrical element has moved the bolt into its recessed position. A third mechanical element is arranged to engage the second mechanical element to move it out of the dogging position when the third mechanical element is moved into a first position. A fourth mechanical element is arranged to bias the third mechanical element into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Jackson Corp.
    Inventors: George Toledo, Mark Warden
  • Patent number: 7048312
    Abstract: A walk-in chamber has a door opening closable by a door, which, when in the closed position can be either in a locked position or an unlocked position, dependent on the locking device, which includes a sliding bolt engageable with a locking bolt. To enable a person in the chamber to disengage the locking device, a safety mechanism is provided which enables moving the sliding bolt from an engaging position to a retracted position to enable a person to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Rational AG
    Inventor: Hubert Brunner
  • Patent number: 7040673
    Abstract: An oven lock mechanism has a latch that is moved between an unlatched and a latched position in response to movement of the door from an open to a closed position and a motor that turns a cam acting as a blocker to block the latch in the latched position when a cleaning cycle is initiated. The rotation of the cam also induces movement of the latch to cause the latch to pull the door in closer to the frame of the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Steve W. Smock, Harry I. Courter, Greg Wright, Tracy J. Talley
  • Patent number: 7036853
    Abstract: An oven lock mechanism has a latch that is moved between an unlatched and a latched position in response to movement of the door from an open to a closed position and a motor that turns a cam acting as a blocker to block the latch in the latched position when a cleaning cycle is initiated. The rotation of the cam also induces movement of the latch to cause the latch to pull the door in closer to the frame of the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Steve W. Smock, Harry I. Courter, Greg Wright, Tracy J. Talley
  • Patent number: 7032418
    Abstract: A vertical door locking system includes a door lock with a deadbolt that moves horizontally, a striker with an upward facing strike opening that vertically receives the deadbolt and a lock controller. The striker includes an electrically operated catch to engage and release the deadbolt. The door lock and striker are mounted opposite each other, one to the vertical door and the other to an adjacent fixed mounting point. The lock controller electrically operates the striker to release the deadbolt and allow it to move vertically out of engagement with the striker for primary access to a secure area and the door lock allows the deadbolt to be retracted horizontally away from the striker for secondary access. A remotely located control system optionally controls the lock controllers of multiple doors and a central office control system is optionally connected to multiple remotely located control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignees: Sargent Manufacturing Company, Single Access Lock, Inc., Securitron Magnalock Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Martin, Ronald S. Slusarski, Gurdev Bains, John Hayde, Shilin Yang, Herb Guck, Thomas E. Roth, Dennis E. Wojdan, Robert C. Hunt, Larry G. Corwin, Joshua M. Huff
  • Patent number: 7021684
    Abstract: A surface mounted electric strike which can be installed on a door jamb without cutting the door jamb. The strike employs a simplified locking mechanism whereby two latches are releasably engaged by a single yoke. An electrical solenoid actuates a cam which directly actuates the yoke. The strike can operate in a fail safe mode or a fail secure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Trine Access Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferdinand E. Orbeta, William Schildwachter
  • Patent number: 7014228
    Abstract: A door closer includes a striker, a latch mechanism, and an actuator that brings the striker into a standby position when the actuator performs a standby action and, brings the striker into a closed position when the actuator performs a closing operation. After the striker is located at the standby position and engaged with the latch mechanism, the striker is moved to the closed position, thereby closing the trunk lid with respect to the vehicle body. Between the actuator and the striker, the striker is held at the standby position when the actuator performs the standby action in a normal state. When a switching operation is performed, the striker is allowed to move to the closed position even when the actuator 30 performs the standby action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Hirai
  • Patent number: 7004517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latching device for securing two panels together such as those of storage structures in which an enclosure is secured by means of a door or panel which will remain in a closed position until released. The present latching system is usually used in connection with automobile glove boxes or other compartments which are to be secured for storage of items therein. The latching device has a housing, actuation means and a pawl in communication with a movable retention means. The latching device can be electrically or manually operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabrice Vitry, Ana Pinto, Ivica Sekulovic
  • Patent number: 6997488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-latch lock (1) having a rotary latch (6) which is retained in a locked position by a catch (9), and having an actuating member (19) which can be displaced by an electric motor from a starting position into an actuating position and is intended for pivoting the catch (9) into a release position, in which the rotary latch (6) can pivot into an open position. In order to optimize the functioning of the rotary-latch lock, the invention proposes to provide a release member (24) which by means of the rotary latch (6), as the latter rotates into the open position, releases the actuating member (19) for the catch (9) for return displacement into the starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Witte-Velbert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Kürten, Edvard Rückert
  • Patent number: 6966585
    Abstract: A door lock device includes a latch projecting from the side surface of the door, and a hook supported opposite to the latch in a doorjamb such that the hook can turn between a latch detaining position and a latch releasing position. A hook control member turns between a hook detaining position at a locking position and a hook releasing position. First, second and third rocking plates are interlocked with the hook control member. When a solenoid actuator rod engaging with the third rocking plate projects upward to fasten the door lock device, the third rocking plate is turned clockwise by a pin, and the second rocking plate having a pin pressed against the third rocking plate turns clockwise. Conversely, when the rod is retracted the door lock device is unfastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Egi, Seiichi Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 6935663
    Abstract: An electronically-operable door strike employing a guard clip for deterring picking of the locking mechanism therein, a springless solenoid designed to avoid the undesirable build-up of residual magnetism and which incorporates air gaps for dissipating heat, thus prolonging the useful life of the solenoid, and a face plate for mounting the strike into a door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Trine Access Technology
    Inventors: William Schildwachter, Carlo Frussinetty, Fred Orbeta
  • Patent number: 6926318
    Abstract: This electric strike mechanism has a housing, a keeper pivotally mounted in the housing, at least one locking element pivotally mounted within the housing, for pivoting between a first position where the keeper is prevented from pivoting, and a second position where the keeper is permitted to pivot so that the door can be opened, a solenoid connected to each locking element via an actuation mechanism to move each locking element when the solenoid is energized, and a spring biasing the solenoid towards a non-actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Rutherford Controls Int'l. Corp.
    Inventor: Randall C. Oxley
  • Patent number: 6913299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device for doors with mortise sashlock and remote-controlled door opener or pull or push plates, intended to be openable without being influenced by the spring bolt. The invention is characterized in that the lock also comprises a stop (6) to achieve a blocking position for the spring bolt (3), which stop in closed position, with the dead-bolt in locking position keeps the stop in inactive position, and with the dead-bolt in unlocked position releases the stop to a position where, in cooperation with the spring bolt (3), it keeps the door closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Stendals Elektriska AB
    Inventor: Jan Stendal
  • Patent number: 6902137
    Abstract: A door latch mechanism mounted in a door frame cooperates with a door bolt separating the cockpit compartment on an aircraft from the passenger compartment. The mechanism prevents a hijacker from entering the cockpit compartment and allows the door to open rapidly when a catastrophic decompression event occurs in the airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Adams Rite Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Marek S. Brzeski, Darrell James, Hiep Vo
  • Patent number: 6902214
    Abstract: An electromechanical lock includes a latching assembly secured to a first structure, a catch piece secured to a second structure, and an electromechanical device. The latching assembly includes at least one latch element movable between a capture and release states to mechanically engage and disengage the catch piece, an arming member movable between a first and second positions wherein the latch element is released and captured, and a biasing element to urge the arming member into the first position. When the electromagnetic device is switched “on”, it magnetically engages the arming member with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force whereby movement of the catch piece away from the received state results in the latch element moving into the capture state to prevent separation of the first and second structures; when the electromagnetic device is switched “off”, the first and second structures may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6886305
    Abstract: An electric door strike for installation in residential wood frame door frames permits “hands-free” home access. An installation jig used to form an aperture in the door frame and a cavity in the underlying stud in which the door strike is mounted. A remote control circuit transmitter actuates the door strike to an unlatched position and a time delay circuit returns the door strike to a latched position after a predetermined delay time period. The transmitter can be used to interrupt the predetermined delay time period and immediately return the door strike to the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Ward
  • Patent number: 6874830
    Abstract: An electric strike includes a housing, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a holder slidably arranged in the housing. The electric strike also includes a blocking element slidably arranged in the holder, and the blocking element is configured to selectively prevent a rotation of the keeper and allow the rotation of the keeper. Moreover, the electric strike includes a two-position mode selector operable from outside the housing, and the selector is configured to selectively move the holder from a first position to a second position and vice versa. The electric strike also includes an actuator configured to selectively move the blocking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Rutherford Controlls Int'l Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bashford
  • Patent number: 6867685
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock release assembly for an enclosure such as a vending machine and including an electronic lock controller for disengaging a lock assembly securing the door of the enclosure against the enclosure frame in a closed, locked position. The lock controller is actuated remotely through a key controller to disengage the lock assembly and enable the door of the enclosure to be moved to an open position for accessing the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Star Lock Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Woodrow C. Stillwagon