Pivoted Or Swinging Patents (Class 292/341.17)
  • Patent number: 11851921
    Abstract: A latch comprising: a housing having a slot for a striker; a ratchet rotationally mounted on the housing and biased for release of the striker from the slot and retaining of the striker in the slot dependent upon angular position of the ratchet with respect to the housing, the ratchet having a ratchet surface; a pawl rotationally mounted on the housing and biased towards the ratchet, the pawl having a pawl surface; and a rotatable bearing positioned between the pawl surface and the ratchet surface for rotation there between during rotation of the ratchet and the pawl, such that contact between the ratchet and the pawl is facilitated by one or more localized contact regions between an exterior surface of the bearing and adjacent respective at least one of the pawl surface or the ratchet surface; wherein the contact region is a localized contact region with respect to the exterior surface having a spheroidal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Uzochukwu Okeke, Kar Wang Woo, Neil Guillermo
  • Patent number: 11808056
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting whether a door lock bolt is engaged with a door jamb recess in a locked position is provided. Certain of the systems and methods described herein detect engagement between a door lock bolt and door jamb recess using a motor current signature. Certain of the systems and methods described herein detect engagement between a door lock bolt and door jamb recess using a bolt vibration signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Residential Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Caterino
  • Patent number: 11739575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Door-locking device (1) for a household appliance (E), said household appliance (E) being of the type comprising a door provided with a lug (14), said door locking device (1) comprising a containment casing (10), fixable to said household appliance (E), a hook (11), arranged into said containment casing (10), capable of moving from a disengagement position, in which said lug (14) does not contact said hook (11), to an engagement position, in which said lug (14) is engaged with said hook (11) and said hook (11) is free to move along the movement direction of said lug (14), an abutment element (15) fixed on said containment casing (10), and elastic means (13), interposed between said hook (11) and said abutment element (15), wherein when said hook (11) is in said disengagement position, said elastic means (13) are compressed, and when said hook (11) is in said engagement position, said elastic means (13) expand, so that said hook (11) moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Bitron S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Promutico, Marcello Pollastri, Andrea Saccocci
  • Patent number: 11584453
    Abstract: The invention concerns a trim panel arrangement for trimming a body element of a vehicle, with a pivotably mounted air guide device which is movable by means of a kinematic arrangement into a retracted first function position and a fully extended second function position and vice versa. At low speeds and also at high speeds, this should ensure an optimum aerodynamics of the motor vehicle in the air flow. This is achieved in that the air guide device is formed in two parts and comprises a first and a second trim part which are pivotably connected together, and that the kinematic arrangement is formed from a primary and a secondary lever drive. The invention furthermore concerns a method for forced movement of the air guide device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Knauer
  • Patent number: 11512515
    Abstract: A hold lock mechanism for a vehicle door, the hold lock mechanism including a grip assembly configured to be mounted on a vehicle body, the grip assembly including a pair of grip members configured to releasably grip a door component and a hook provided on at least one of grip members, and a release assembly mounted on the door component, the release assembly including a release member configured to releasably engage with the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Je Won Choi
  • Patent number: 11384575
    Abstract: The invention involves a keeper (20) to interact with a bolt (16) of a lock (10); The keeper includes a bracket (22) for attachment to a structure, and a keeper rod (24) secured to the bracket, the keeper rod extending from one surface (27) of the bracket. In the keeper, a shaft (32) is attached to the bracket and can rotate freely relative to the bracket such that it extends in a longitudinal direction (X); a blade (40) is mounted on the shaft (32) on one side of the bracket near the keeper rod in such a way as to always rotate along with the shaft; an angular position indicator (46) is also mounted so as to always rotate along with the shaft; the blade being so positioned that it can be rotated by the latch when the latch hooks on to or releases from the keeper rod, and the angular position indicator (46) being capable of indicating the angular position of the blade. The invention is for example intended to be used on an aircraft door such as that of a helicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: LISI AEROSPACE
    Inventors: Bastien Bellavia, Boris Hummel
  • Patent number: 11332963
    Abstract: An arrangement, the arrangement being designed for actuating a motor vehicle door, the arrangement having a handle which can be grabbed by a hand, the arrangement having an actuator which is connected to the handle via a coupling, it being possible for the handle to be moved from a rest position into a standby position by means of the actuator, the arrangement being designed to load the handle with a total restoring force which, starting from the standby position to back into the rest position, has an at least partially nonlinear profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Johannes Karlein, Roland Och
  • Patent number: 11317600
    Abstract: A pen for an animal, such as a dog, includes a plurality of walls and a frame. The plurality of walls can extend substantially vertically. The walls can include one or more wall panels. The wall panels can be transparent or highly translucent. The panels can be held in place at least in part by the frame, which can include a plurality of frame members and a plurality of connectors. The pen can include a door. A top frame member at the door can be movable to allow a person to freely enter and exit the space enclosed by the pen. The pen can provide confinement for an animal in a safe and aesthetically-pleasing manner. The pen can maximize an owner's ability to see his or her pet. The pen can provide the animal with clear visibility of its surroundings or owner, creating a lower stress environment for the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Huthmaker, Julie Huthmaker
  • Patent number: 11241115
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (20, 30) having a front face (21) with an outlet (31) for dispensing a prepared beverage; and a cup support (10) located under the outlet (31) for placing a cup (2) under the outlet (31). The cup support (10) has a rear face (11) removably assembled to the front face (21) by a mechanical connector arrangement (12,22) that comprises a front hook (22) on the front face (21) disassemblable from a corresponding rear hook (12) on the rear face (11). The rear hook (12) has a retaining element (121) and the front hook (22) has a retaining element (221), the retaining elements (121,221) being mutually engaged when the cup support (10) is assembled to the front face (21) and disengaged when the cup support (10) is disassembled from the front face (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Granger, Pietro Mazza, Antoine Cahen
  • Patent number: 11047150
    Abstract: An exemplary strike box is configured for use with a lockset including a bolt operable to move in an extending direction and a retracting direction. The strike box includes a housing having an opening sized and configured to receive the bolt, and further includes a bolt-slowing mechanism mounted in the housing. The bolt-slowing mechanism is configured to engage the bolt as the bolt moves in the extending direction, and to exert a force urging the bolt in the retracting direction. The force exerted by the bolt-slowing mechanism slows the extension speed of the bolt, such that the strike box reduces noise generated during such extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Bhargav Yalamati, Prabhat Kumar Yadav
  • Patent number: 11008775
    Abstract: Hardware for a lift glide door assembly and lift glide window assembly provides ease of opening with an operational opening assist that urges the door or window to an open position on operation of an opening handle by use of a cable drive system. A lock mechanism actuates a lock pin, blocks opening gear mechanisms from operating and extends a security bolt for locking. A guide blade is provided for assisting the door during opening or closing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Lawrence E Chaffin, John R Glover
  • Patent number: 10739060
    Abstract: A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TRITEQ LOCK AND SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: William Denison, Calin Roatis
  • Patent number: 10738509
    Abstract: A latching system for a motor vehicle is formed of compact construction, that can manage with a small number of components and, enable bolting and/or opening the motor vehicle conveniently and quickly. The motor vehicle latching system is provided with an actuator and a drive for driving the actuator with a first acceleration and a second acceleration, whereby the actuator adjusts the latching system dependent on acceleration. If the drive accelerates the actuator sufficiently slow, the actuator moves the latching system into a first position. If the drive accelerates the actuator sufficiently quick, the actuator moves the latching system into a second position different from the first position. It is therefore adjusted by the drive dependent on the acceleration. Adjustment takes place quickly and especially conveniently without requiring an excessively large number of components. In particular, bolting and/or opening occurs in a motorized manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Robert S. Pettengill
  • Patent number: 10665408
    Abstract: A maintaining system is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes an electrical switching apparatus cover having an edge portion defining a thru hole. The maintaining system includes a test port cover member and an insert. The test port cover member is structured to be coupled to the edge portion. The test port cover member has a plate portion and a pair of opposing leg portions extending from the plate portion. The leg portions are structured to extend into an interior of the electrical switching apparatus and engage the electrical switching apparatus cover. The insert extends through the plate portion. The insert is structured to engage each of the leg portions in order to prevent the leg portions from deflecting toward each other, thereby maintaining the test port cover member on the electrical switching apparatus cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Ted Kuzniarski, Brian Scott Jansto, Peggy Jo Marlin
  • Patent number: 10422161
    Abstract: A magnetic lock has a barrel and keyway, the barrel when rotated unlocking the lock. Locking element cavities each contain a moveable locking element such as a ball, movable in response to a magnetic field applied by a magnetic key. A locking bar is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar has coded projections which extend into the respective locking element cavities when the locking bar moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. A code plate is shaped in registration with the coded projections. When the locking bar is in the locked position the code plate and the coded projections form a substantially uninterrupted surface. The locking elements prevent movement of the locking bar from the locked position to the unlocked position except when magnetically moved to a coded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Hamish Connan
  • Patent number: 10415279
    Abstract: A wire crate latch apparatus having, in a first embodiment, a pivoting member that is continually drawn to a closed position by gravity and that is deflected into a catch when the door having the pivoting member is swung closed. The latch apparatus further includes upper and lower stops to contain a distal end of the pivoting member and to hold the distal end in the position to hit an oblique portion of the catch when the door is closed. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch apparatus is deflected by a catch and is relatively inaccessible from inside of the wire crate by back plates on the latch and catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Brian G. Linehan
  • Patent number: 10318783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, which includes a case covering a rear surface of a terminal body, a rear input unit provided at an inner side of the case, externally exposed through the case, and including a first button unit for inputting a first function, and a second button unit for inputting a second function, wherein the first button unit is externally exposed through the second button unit, and a fixing member provided at an inner side of the rear input unit, and capable of fixing the first button unit by being accommodated in a recess outwardly formed in the second button unit, wherein the fixing member is coupled to the second button unit and a finger scan sensor is provided on the first button unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sunghoon Kang, Kyungjoon Han, Younseob Kim
  • Patent number: 9016736
    Abstract: French doors that include a passive door and an active door are kept closed by a plate on a trim over a French door jamb having a flange at one of the sides. Holes in the plate allow it to be screwed into the trim. The flange retains the passive French door in place, but the screw in the hole over the active door can be removed to allow the plate to pivot about the remaining screw so the plate can be bent upward to allow the passive door to open under the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Edward R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8998276
    Abstract: A storage system including peripheral walls providing a storage area and a pivotally mounted door closing an opening into the storage area. A latching mechanism includes a latch member attached to a peripheral wall cooperating with an inturned latching member on the door to maintain the door closed. The cooperating latch member and inturned latching member extend for more than 25% of the height of the door and most preferably approximately 100% of the height of the door. In another aspect of the invention the latch member and the inturned latching member overlap each other when the door is closed and are forced in a direction to further overlap when a prying force is applied between contiguous surfaces of the door and peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Penco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Everett Booth, Richard Karl Bowles
  • Patent number: 8995135
    Abstract: In an electronic device in which a component connecting portion is mounted inside a case (1, 2), a protective cover (5) is mounted to the case to be rotatable and covers the component connecting portion. The protective cover has elastically deformable hooks (52) facing a direction (A1) parallel to a rotation center line thereof. On the other hand, the case has hook receivers (11a) engageable with and disengageable from the hooks. The protective cover may be removable from the case or may be loosely connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshinobu Ogatsu, Shinichi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8973956
    Abstract: A latch device has a housing, a sliding body including a striking portion abutting against a striker and disposed relative to the housing, a spring member urging the sliding body in a direction such that the sliding body protrudes from the housing, and an engaging body rotatably supported relative to the sliding body and including a claw portion on the end of the engaging body. The engaging body moves between a locking position wherein the claw portion is protruded to a striking portion side and engages with the striker, and a locking release position wherein the claw portion is retracted from the striking portion side and is released from engagement with the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Toru Sambommatsu, Yasushi Ueki, Syuichi Koike
  • Patent number: 8971029
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a multi-display hinge assembly. According to one embodiment, the multi-display hinge assembly includes a first housing and second housing in addition to a hinge that rotatably connects the first housing with the second housing. Still further, a coupling element is configured to join an edge of the first housing with an edge of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing are placed along the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Glenn A Wong, Mark C Solomon
  • Patent number: 8953331
    Abstract: A card key has a molded body and an upper and a lower housings. The molded body has a circuit board, to which electronic parts for communicating with an in-vehicle equipment are mounted and which is covered with resin. The molded body is formed in a plate shape. The upper and the lower housings are fixed to each other so that the molded body is arranged between them. An external appearance of the card key is defined by the upper and the lower housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Sugimoto, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8944478
    Abstract: A locking apparatus with tumbler for safety doors has a door part for fastening on a movable safety door and has a frame part for fastening on a door counterpart. The frame part has a receptacle and the door part has an actuator configured to be inserted into the receptacle. The frame part further has a blocking member which is displaceable between a release position, in which the actuator can be released in, and a blocking position in which the actuator is secured in the receptacle. The actuator is arranged on the door part via an elastic compensating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pilz Auslandsbeteiligungen GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Pullmann, Roland Rupp, Andreas Veit
  • Patent number: 8934219
    Abstract: An apparatus with a base part and a display part, which is detachable from the base part. There is a cavity formed in the base part and the apparatus is configured to have at least a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the display part is configured to cover the base part, and in the open configuration, the cavity is configured to receive and hold the display part in an upright tilted position in relation to the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Gartrell, Duncan Burns
  • Patent number: 8934239
    Abstract: A base capable of containing a data cable includes a housing, and a winding mechanism. The data cable has a first connector plug, a second connector plug and a transmitting wire connecting between them. The housing defines an opening. The winding mechanism is received in the housing and has a winding member and a driving member. The winding member is rotatably mounted inside the housing, the driving member is fixed on the driving member. The first connector plug is passed through the housing via the opening, the driving member generates an elastic force if the transmitting wire is pulled out to connect to another device. The driving member automatically rewinds the transmitting wire when the external connection is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8934234
    Abstract: A portable electronic device stand includes a U-shaped main body having a receiving recess formed on a bottom thereof and defining a front receiving space; and a mating part including a seat portion and a back support, which together giving the mating part a substantially L-shaped configuration. The seat portion is pivotally turnably connected to and located in the front receiving space, and the back support is removably received in the receiving recess on the bottom of the main body. With the mating part pivotally turnably connected to between the U-shaped main body, the portable electronic device stand can be converted from an extended state for use into a folded state having a minimal volume for convenient storage and easy portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Good Way Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 8934221
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a display and a support mechanism. The housing includes a bottom plate and a peripheral wall. The display screen is mounted to the housing and positioned above the bottom plate. The support mechanism is movably and adjustably assembled to the bottom plate of the housing, away from the display screen. The support mechanism includes a retracting assembly and a support assembly. The retracting assembly is releasably mounted to the bottom plate and received within the housing. The support assembly is rotatably hinged to the bottom plate of the housing, and further hinges with the retracting assembly for supporting the housing at different viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Bing Guo
  • Patent number: 8934254
    Abstract: A computer cart has segregated computer storage areas and adapter/cord management areas. This enables the adapters and cords to be stored in an orderly fashion and also prevents the cords and adapters from being accessed or removed from the cart when the computers are being accessed. In one embodiment, extensions of shelves on which the computers are stored extend through a dividing panel into a rear compartment of the cart to create AC adapter shelves for storage of the AC adapters. In another embodiment, the AC adapters are stored in bins in a separate compartment and cords from the AC adapters extend through a dividing panel to an area designed to hold the computers, to enable the computers to be plugged in to be charted while stored in the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tad Petrick, Philip Sopicki, John Poremba, Brian Wixted, Jim Fisher, Harrison Yuan, Mike Hansen
  • Patent number: 8905443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock assembly (10) of a planar component (22) displaceably mounted in frame (30). Said assembly (10) comprises an engaging element (40) which, in said planar component's closed position, can be fixed in place in a latching system (50). Said latching system is designed in a manner that, in its blocked position, the engaging element, for instance a bar affixable by compression and/or friction in the latching system (50), can be inserted into latter in a first direction (R) opposite the direction of closing (X) of the planar component (20), whereas such insertion is blocked in a second direction (S) which is opposite said planar component's direction of opening (O). This design allows almost noiselessly operating the lock assembly. The planar component also may be closed when the latching system is in the blocked position already when the planar component is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hoppe AG
    Inventor: Helmut Alber
  • Patent number: 8899637
    Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale that utilizes action of the tailgate lift cylinders to release the latch to allow the tailgate to be opened and an independent spring action to cause the mechanism to catch and latch the tailgate into position upon closure of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Simmons, John H. Merritt, Robert D. Crandall
  • Patent number: 8888150
    Abstract: A latch device for a vehicle includes: a latch configured to hold and engage with a striker; and a latchet configured to maintain an engagement condition between the striker and the latch by meshing with the latch. Between a meshing surface of the latch and a meshing surface of the latchet that mesh with each other, one meshing surface is formed narrower than the other meshing surface. A supporting member is arranged at a side of the latch or the latchet having the one meshing surface narrower than the other meshing surface with a gap provided between a side face of the latch or the latchet and the supporting member. A periphery of the supporting member including the end face is covered with a resin material and the gap is filled up with the resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoharu Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 8882163
    Abstract: A double latch assembly for a motor vehicle having two pivotably mounted closure members is disclosed in which a power cinch mechanism is used to ensure first and second claws are moved and held in a second fully locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Martin Charles Halliwell
  • Publication number: 20140319857
    Abstract: A door structure for vehicles has a door outer lining, a door inner lining and a locking/closing mechanism with actuating elements on the outer side and optionally on the inner side of the door. The locking/closing mechanism is connected to the door release via at least one transmission element (8) between the door outer lining and the door inner lining. A locking element (1) between the door outer lining and the door inner lining acts on the transmission element (8) and inhibits the door release in the event of a side impact, The locking element (1) inhibits the operation of the transmission element (8) by blocking it as a result of pivoting of the locking element (1) in the event of a relative movement of the door outer lining in the direction of the door inner lining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Prsche Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventors: Jens Zimmer, Rolf Goetz, Lars Schulz, Marcos Garcia Garcia, Lutz Trender
  • Publication number: 20140306468
    Abstract: A double latch assembly for a motor vehicle having two pivotably mounted closure members is disclosed in which a power cinch mechanism is used to ensure first and second claws are moved and held in a second fully locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Charles Halliwell
  • Patent number: 8854810
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a portable computer 100 having a removable access panel 108 for accessing data processing components stored within the portable computer. In one embodiment, the portable computer includes an upper housing 102 pivotably connected to a base housing 104. The base housing accommodates the data processing component and includes a top side that faces the upper housing and a bottom side opposite the top side. Furthermore, the access panel is formed to have substantially similar dimensions as the bottom side of the base housing, while also being configured to tool-lessly and releasably attach to said bottom side so as to expose or cover the removable component and an entire area of the bottom side of the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kimbo Chen, Tony Tsai, Kevin L. Massaro
  • Patent number: 8851537
    Abstract: A catcher is supported on a base to be capable of reciprocal movement between a standby position where a striker can be caught or released and a final position, and moves slidingly toward the final position after rotating at a fixed angle from the standby position during forward movement from the standby position. Holding of the state in which the catcher is in the standby position, and the aforementioned sliding movement, are accomplished by urging of an urging device provided on the base. The aforementioned holding is released and forward rotation of the catcher is started when the striker is caught by the catcher in the standby position by forward movement of a movable body, and this forward movement is assisted by the aforementioned urging from mid-course of this forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yosuke Ishii
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8848365
    Abstract: An electronic device in which a holding member for holding an external instrument is arranged rotatably on a housing section, and a restricting part for restricting, at a predetermined angle, rotation angle of the holding member is formed on an inner wall of the housing section. The holding member makes contact with a front side surface engaged with a connector of the external instrument. The restricting part restricts rotation of the holding member whose back surface facing the front side surface is exposed from the housing section. When holding member includes a guiding part that guides the external instrument in a direction that detaches it from the housing section when the holding member is further rotated beyond the restriction by the restricting part, the external instrument can be detached from the housing section when the rotation is equal to or larger than a restriction angle defined by the restricting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shun Shimazaki, Hitoshi Nakatani, Takeshi Mori, Yuichiro Tachibana
  • Publication number: 20140265378
    Abstract: A door safety locking apparatus door safety locking apparatus including: a body mounted inside a housing; a locker mounted inside a door opening and closing the interior of the housing in such a manner as to be separably fitted to the body; a dog coupled to the interior of the body by means of a shaft and having a locking protrusion formed on the upper end thereof to lock a coupling hole pierced on the locker thereonto; a tilting rod coupled at the front end thereof to the dog by means of a pin and coupled at the end portion thereof to the bottom surface of the interior of the body by means of a hinge, to guide the dog being rotated around the shaft in accordance with the pulling operation of the locker; and a spring fitted around the outer periphery of the tilting rod to elastically support the tilting rod guiding the rotating operation of the dog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: POONG WON INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: June Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8827332
    Abstract: A self-engaging emergency egress lock assembly mounted to a door track is described. As a door lock strike element contacts a lock strike assembly contained within the door lock assembly, the strike assembly hinges over the door lock strike element. When the door reaches a predetermined down limit power is applied to activate an actuator. Upon activation, the actuator engages a lock strike stop which prevent the strike assembly from disengaging the door lock strike element. If the door is attempted to be opened while the lock strike stop is engaged, the lock strike assembly pushes against the stop, preventing the door from traveling upward. In an emergency egress (alarm) condition, power to the actuator is terminated, thereby releasing the lock strike stop and by extension, the strike assembly, thus disengaging the door lock strike element, thereby providing emergency egress capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CIW Enterprises
    Inventors: Tom Balay, Brian Reklaitis
  • Patent number: 8813590
    Abstract: The invention refers to coupling mechanism and a linear actuator incorporating such a mechanism for releasably interconnecting first and second mechanical members (1, 2), longitudinally movable relative to each other, a first one of said mechanical members (1) pivotably supporting an end (F) of a first link of a knee link mechanism (3), also incorporating a second link member (3b), which first and second link members are pivotally connected to another in a knee joint (E), a control rod (4) pivotally connected to said knee joint (E), the end (D) of the second link member (3b) remote from the knee joint (E) being connected to a hook arm (5), the opposite end of which is pivotally supported at a support point (B) stationary positioned relative to said first mechanical member (1), said hook arm (5) having a hook (5a) facing said second mechanical member and being in mechanical engagement (A) with a shoulder (6, 6?) on said second mechanical member (2) as long as the said knee joint (E) is kept in a substantially
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Pontus Claesson, Torbjörn Lövgren
  • Patent number: 8817461
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a detachable module is disclosed. The fixing mechanism includes a frame for covering the detachable module. The frame includes a frame body and a pivoting portion connected to the frame body. A pivoting hole is formed on the pivoting portion. The fixing mechanism further includes a casing. The casing includes a lateral plate whereon a slot is formed, a shaft portion extended from the lateral plate in a first direction and disposed on a side of the slot, and an engaging portion extended from the lateral plate in a second direction and disposed on another side of the slot for inserting into the pivoting hole of the pivoting portion so that the pivoting portion is capable of pivoting from a first position to a second position as abutting against the shat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Aopen Inc.
    Inventor: Yi-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8807606
    Abstract: An electrically powered lock, e.g. an electric strike, includes a housing and a latch mounted with respect to the housing so as to be pivotable about a latch axis between an open position and a locking position. The latch has a latch face and a segment that projects laterally of both the latch axis and the latch face. A locking element is mounted for rotation about a lock axis normal to but offset from the latch axis for selectively blocking the laterally projecting segment to hold the latch in the locking position or allowing the latch to move to the open position to thereby place the lock respectively in a locked condition or an unlocked condition. An electrically powered driver is disposed within the housing laterally of the latch axis actuable in a direction generally parallel to the latch axis for effecting rotation of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: K.J. Ross Security Locks Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Keith James Ross, Geoffrey Howard Ross, Beverley Ann Ross
  • Patent number: 8807605
    Abstract: A bi-swing warehouse door latch system installs an electro-mechanical lock horizontally in the door casings overhead. Each has two catches to drop down on either side of the door. The doors are allowed to swing open when the respective catches are unlatched by a solenoid. The doors are not allowed to swing open when the respective catches are held latched by another solenoid and a teeter arm. Battery powered models produce brief pulses to put the catches in their locked states or unlocked states using a capacitor to store enough energy after power is lost to kick the solenoids. Utility powered versions can be configured to automatically relax into locked or unlocked states when power is lost. The doors are controlled to unlock when those with authorized access are recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Dudley Gates
    Inventors: David Edmond Dudley, Simon David Dudley, Peter Bruce Dudley
  • Publication number: 20140225388
    Abstract: A latch release mechanism which allows disengagement of a door or other structure in the instance where a primary latch becomes jammed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Sandy
  • Publication number: 20140203575
    Abstract: A lock with a locking mechanism includes a rotary catch and a pawl for engaging the rotary catch, and a releasing lever for opening or releasing the locking mechanism. The lock may include a blocking lever capable of blocking the pawl if the latter is located in its catching position. If the releasing lever is actuated, the pawl or the blocking lever is thereby moved out of its blocking position if the releasing lever is not excessively accelerated. If excessively large accelerations of the releasing lever occur, as can be caused by a crash, then an arresting device of the lock prevents the releasing lever from being able to move the pawl or the blocking lever out of its blocking or latching position, respectively. The lock is therefore incapable of opening if the releasing lever is accelerated in the event of a crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Brickner, Robert S. Pettengill
  • Patent number: 8783744
    Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Dominik Scheffler, Scott Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140138963
    Abstract: One embodiment of an improved gate latch pull cable of the type be made of metal for durability and having a one clevis dip secured to one end for easy attachment to a gate latch, and a pull loop secured with a cable sleeve on the other end for securely grasping the cable. The clevis clip incorporates an integral clevis pin eliminating loose parts, and a fillet transition to the cable to prevent it from catching on edges. Surrounding the cable is a tapered return-spring which assists in gate latch closure, and a spring cup which fits in a gate post hole for centering the large diameter of the spring over the hole. The small diameter of the spring is proximal to the clevis clip, and lightly pushes against a gate latch cam. The tapered spring cons fit inside each other when compressed allowing the gate latch to fully open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Francis Calamia, III
  • Publication number: 20140124506
    Abstract: A self-adjusting striker assembly, for use with a box having a lid, a box body and a latch, includes a striker bar mounted to the lid which is operative to move linearly relative to the latch in the event of misalignment between the lid and box body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: David A. Williams