Combined Motion Patents (Class 292/6)
  • Patent number: 11933247
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a housing including a first housing portion and a second portion including. The latch assembly further includes a first latch member disposed within the first housing portion and configured for translation along the latch axis. The first latch member includes at least two rotatable arms configured to rotate between an arm retracted position and an arm extended position in which the at least two rotatable arms extend in a first direction away from the latch axis. The latch assembly further includes a second latch member disposed within the second housing portion and configured for translation along the latch axis. The second latch member includes a second latch member body including a base portion and at least one axially extending portion extending from the base portion in a second direction toward the interior surface of the lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Prafull Joshi, Srikanth Perumandla
  • Patent number: 11852127
    Abstract: A retainer assembly and plug for a fluid end of a pump system includes a retainer body. A plurality of tongues are movably arranged about the retainer body. The tongues are moveable between a pre-installed configuration and an installed configuration depending on the position of the retainer body relative to the tongues. In the installed configuration engaging flanges of the tongues are positioned in a retaining channel formed in a bore of the fluid end and retain the retainer assembly to the fluid end. A plug is configured to sealingly fit to the bore of the fluid end inboard of the retainer assembly and a locking mechanism is configured to secure the retainer assembly to the plug, and when so secured, the position of the retainer body is maintained relative to the plurality of tongues and the retainer assembly is maintained in the installed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Barnhouse, Jr., Daryl J. Belshan, Jacob Brown, Henry Do
  • Patent number: 11447990
    Abstract: A strut includes a tube and a telescopic device. The tube includes a cavity. The telescopic device includes an anti-skid cap, a rod and an elastic element. The anti-skid cap is formed with an aperture and located on the tube to close the cavity so that the aperture is in communication with the cavity of the tube. The rod is movably inserted in the anti-skid cap and the cavity of the tube. The elastic element biases a section of the rod from the anti-skid cap via the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Nian-Hao Liao
  • Patent number: 10240351
    Abstract: A trench drain includes a trench and a grating hingedly connected to the trench. The trench has a base wall with peripheral side walls extending upwardly therefrom and the trench defines a trench volume therein. The peripheral side walls of the trench have a pair of opposing elongated slots formed therein and the grating has a pair of posts on opposing ends thereof. Each of the pair of posts on the grating are received in a respective one of the pair of opposing elongated slots of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Gomo, Robert A. DiPlacido, Jaroslaw J. Plachotnik, Jason E. Morris
  • Patent number: 10080300
    Abstract: A latch module that includes a button carriage that is slidably coupled to a latch module chassis, thereby enabling the button carriage to move between an extended and a depressed position. The button carriage, when a user-operable button of the button carriage is depressed a first time, moves from the extended position to the depressed position. An inverter arm that is pivotally coupled to the latch module chassis and that is mechanically linked to the button carriage pivots when the button carriage, moves from the extended position to the depressed position, as the button is depressed. A latch arm that is mechanically linked to the inverter arm slides from a non-blocking position into a blocking position when the inverter arm pivots. In the blocking position, the latch arm extends beyond a retaining pin of a chassis; and in the non-blocking position, the latch arm clears the retaining pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Olesiewicz, Christopher Frank
  • Patent number: 9782998
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel anti-theft system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of lock actuators. Each lock actuator is configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state. Each lock actuator includes a body portion extending along an axis of wheel rotation and at least one locking member configured to engage a portion of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axis of wheel rotation when in the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar Salazar Fabian, Jesus Guadalupe Castillo, Ricardo Hernandez, Francisco Javier Quintero Pèrez
  • Patent number: 9689181
    Abstract: A bonnet latch bracket arrangement that is adaptable to different vehicle models comprises a bonnet latch, a bracket member and a vehicle body member. The bonnet latch is attachable to the vehicle body member by means of the bracket member, and the bracket member is adapted to take up dimensional differences between the bonnet latch and the vehicle body member in a longitudinal direction, lateral direction and/or height direction of a vehicle. Furthermore, the adaptability to different vehicle models is achievable by varying the geometry of the bracket member according to the dimensions of the vehicle model. A modular system for configuration of a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to different vehicle models and a method for adapting a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to fit in different vehicle models are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Lindmark, Jan Palovaara
  • Patent number: 9500985
    Abstract: A releasing mechanism usable for a toner supply container, includes a plate having a first groove and a second groove; a releasing member slidably sleeved on a front end of the container, and having an opening in fluid communication with the container, an urging section, and a fixing structure; an elastic member having two ends respectively urging the container and the urging section; and a hook member having a first end movably fixed to the fixing structure, a first pin slidably received in the first groove, and a second pin slidably received in the second groove. The releasing member receives a pressing force from an apparatus and an elastic force from the elastic member. The cooperation of the pressing force, the elastic force, the hook member, the first groove, and the second groove enables the first pin and the second pin moving in a one-way direction only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuan-Tung Li, Yueh-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 9103104
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods of using 70 CFM ventilation fans with heaters for bathrooms having depressibly engageable and depressibly releaseable light covers. The novel ventilation fans and heaters can be mounted to structure in ceilings and inside walls with telescoping suspension brackets that are affixed directly to separate sides of the housing to support the housing against joists and structural supports behind the ceiling. Adjustable louvers on the grill cover allow for outgoing heated air to travel in a different direction into a space from the incoming air travelling into the housing. Plastic type housings around blower wheels reduce undesirable noise effects. The light covers can be easily opened and closed by using depressible engageable fasteners, and depressible release fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Chien Luen Industries Co., Ltd., Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Tom
  • Patent number: 8876173
    Abstract: The substrate storage pod includes an engagement portion in an outer side surface of a lid of the pod, and an insertion slot through which the engagement portion can be accessed from an external space; the insertion slot is formed in a flange portion arranged around the periphery of an opening in the pod and into which the lid can be fitted, and a latch mechanism supported so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to a flange side wall in a pod main body-surface of the flange portion. An engaging portion of the latch mechanism reaches the engagement portion via the insertion slot. The engagement portion is switched between an engaged state and a non-engaged state in response to movement of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Toshihiko Miyajima, Tsutomu Okabe
  • Patent number: 8727390
    Abstract: A pin latch including a mounting block having a longitudinal axis, a pin slidably retained within the mounting block and having a pivot-pin, and a sliding plate slidably retained within the mounting block, the plate having a slot and a longitudinal axis extending from first and second ends thereof and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting block. The pivot-pin engages the slot of the plate such that movement of the sliding plate along its longitudinal axis induces movement of the pin in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the mounting block. A plurality of pin latches are connected in series by links in a side-by-side fashion or around corners. One link emanating from an actuator is connected to one of the plates that the actuator can actuate the pins of all the pin latches simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Thai Do
  • Patent number: 8479944
    Abstract: An animal-resistant system for inhibiting access to refuse containers by animals is disclosed. The system comprises at least one latch mechanism, at least one actuation member, at least one shroud member, and a cover defining an opening which permits access to the actuation member. The actuation member communicates with the latch mechanism so as to move the latch mechanism between the latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the latch mechanism secures the container lid to the container base, substantially inhibiting access to the container. The access hole and actuation member are dimensioned and positioned on the container in a selected manner so as allow human hands access to the actuation member and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals. The shrouds are further configured to inhibit forcible entry into the container when the system is latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Compumeric Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Moore
  • Publication number: 20120153640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for a vertically movable closing element (1) for the at least partial closing of an opening (2) of a room. According to the invention, the fixing device for fixing of the closing element (1) in a closed state comprises at least one first fixing unit (6), arranged on the closing element (1), and an engaging unit (7), corresponding to the first fixing unit (6), in an opening bottom (2.1) and at least one second fixing unit (11), which is arranged on a guide (3), arranged to the side of the opening (2), for the closing element (1) and has a tensioning hook (11.1), which in the closed state of the closing element (1) can be latched in the closing element (1) in the area of an upper side of the closing element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Werner THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20110193351
    Abstract: A pin latch including a mounting block having a longitudinal axis, a pin slidably retained within the mounting block and having a pivot-pin, and a sliding plate slidably retained within the mounting block, the plate having a slot and a longitudinal axis extending from first and second ends thereof and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting block. The pivot-pin engages the slot of the plate such that movement of the sliding plate along its longitudinal axis induces movement of the pin in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the mounting block. A plurality of pin latches are connected in series by links in a side-by-side fashion or around corners. One link emanating from an actuator is connected to one of the plates that the actuator can actuate the pins of all the pin latches simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: THAI DO
  • Patent number: 7942457
    Abstract: With the adoption of this new modern latching system, (FIG. 1) closing and latching a pocket door will be just as simple and convenient as closing and latching a swinging door, irregardless of the physical capability of the operator. This system has been masterfully designed and engineered with appropriate lever handles 20 that are prominently mounted on the face of the door, where they will be convenient to use by people of all ages and physical encumbrances. Coupling these handles to a reliable automatic latching embodiment 15 and complementing the completed assembly with door guides 22, promises to be a bold step forward in latching concepts for modern interior pocket doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Bell
  • Patent number: 7726507
    Abstract: A container for hazardous wastes, such as, plutonium wastes, includes a can and a lid wherein the lid is locked to and sealed with respect to the can by radially projected locking bolts. In order to lock the lid to the can the bolts are cammed radially by rotating a U-shaped handle to place the locking bolts behind a locking rim at the mouth of the can. The bolts are then pivoted to apply an axial force to the locking rim to urge the lid against a gasket to seal the lid by turning a threaded axial force element to pivot the locking bolts on the fulcrums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nuclear Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Wickland, Darold M. Popish, Michael D. Peterson, Fred Louis Popish
  • Patent number: 7607444
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drawer which is slidably mounted in a frame and forms a washing chamber. A lid assembly is mounted to the frame for selectively sealing the washing chamber during a washing operation. A closing mechanism moves the lid assembly from a first or open position to a second or closed position that provides a water-tight seal during a washing operation. The dishwasher is further provided with a latching mechanism including a pivoting door front member, a locking member and a linking bar interconnecting the door front member with the locking member. Manipulation of the pivoting drawer front member causes the locking member to engage/disengage with the lid assembly. The latching mechanism further includes a locking bar and a micro-switch that combine to prevent operation of the dishwasher if the drawer is not properly positioned in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Kory A. Gunnerson, Kristen K. Hedstrom, Michael J. Kramer, Mark E. Palm, Rodney M. Welch
  • Publication number: 20090072546
    Abstract: A quick disconnect swivel formed of a body, an arm, and a biasing member. The body includes a shaft, which extends generally outwardly from the body along a pivot axis. The arm includes a post, which extends generally outwardly from the arm, the arm defining an opening therein sized to receive the shaft so that the arm can be pivoted with respect to the body about the pivot axis between an opened position and a closed position, and the post and the body forming a lug when the arm is in the closed position. The bias member is operatively associated with the body and the arm and applies an axial force to the body and the arm. The body and the arm cooperatively engage one another to convert the axial force into a rotational force, the rotational force biasing the arm toward the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM COMPANY
    Inventor: Khanh Phu Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7165790
    Abstract: A push-push latch assembly includes opposed gripper arms moved between opened and closed positions upon axial activation of a slide in a housing. The gripper arms have pin disposed in channels of the housing, the channels being angularly oriented to urge the gripper arms to fully closed and fully opened positions and for controlling the separation of the gripper arms for each position of the slide relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Joseph J. Bella, Steven L. Bivens, Gary R. Little, William J. Olson
  • Patent number: 7108298
    Abstract: A locking device for a cover and the like which is locked by a first push and unlocked by a second push includes a case (1) which has at a work face (8), an elastic leg (7) provided with a follower (14); and a sliding member (2) which has, parallel to the work face (8), a planar cam surface (24) from which projects a central island (27) about which is formed a cam track for the follower (14). On the first push, the follower (14) passes from its free position (R) to its captive position (V) by a first path on the cam track and, on the second push, the follower (14) passes from its captive position (V) to its free position (R) by a second path distinct from the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: ITW de France
    Inventors: Laurent Huet, Christian Courtin, Rachid Idjakiren
  • Patent number: 6174003
    Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a bolt; a support for the bolt, the bolt being movable relative to the support between an extended position and a retracted position; and a keeper with which the bolt is engageable when in its extended position. The keeper comprises a keeper element and the bolt affords a formation able to receive and retain the keeper element. The bolt comprises portions movable relative to one another to permit the keeper element to enter the formation as the bolt is moved from its retracted to its extended position. Relative movement between the bolt portions is prevented when the bolt is in its extended position, whereby the keeper element is held retained in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Jane Belinda Smart
  • Patent number: 6000732
    Abstract: An arrangement for locking and unlocking a door of a container for increasing operating reliability when locking and unlocking in a simple manner and for ensuring an opening and closing of the transport container in automated operation. Particle generation is reduced at the same time. Locking elements within a door, which can move in and out, penetrate into recesses of the container to be closed when moved out along a curved path. The arrangement is particularly applicable in transport containers for wafer-shaped objects of larger diameter, in which removal and charging are effected individually in a plane parallel to the surface of the wafer-shaped object and whose container cover is removed and inserted laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Jenoptik AG
    Inventors: Werner Scheler, Karl Schubert, Andreas Mages, Andreas Anton
  • Patent number: 5997056
    Abstract: A locking device for opening or closing a door comprising a lock housing having a pair of holes formed in the front surface thereof; a slider which can slide within the lock housing; a pair of clamps, the base end of each of which is pivotally mounted on the front end of the slider, and the other end of each of which has a spring force acting outward, and the both ends of which are pushed from outward to inward in the direction where the both ends are compressed when the clamps go backward within the lock housing; a spring member for the clamps attached to the front end of the slider such that said pair of clamps are opened in an approximately V-shape; a spring member for the slider which is intervened between said lock housing and said slider and which applies a spring force to said slider in the direction forward to the hole of the lock housing; a heart-shaped groove which is carved in one side of said slider, has a plurality of differences in depth, and a recess provided on the bottom portion of the heart
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Tokyo Magnet Ohyo Seihin Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 5544924
    Abstract: A security mechanism for securing a movable closure supported within a frame, the closure being movable from a secured position to a plurality of unsecured positions, preferably having a securing element having at least one opening, a base element, a slider element movably mounted on the base element and a latch element comprising at least one locking latch pivotally attached to the base element. The locking latch preferably has a first cam surface for engaging a cam post located on the slider element and a second cam surface for engaging the opening of the securing element. When the closure is moved to its secured position, the second cam surface of the locking latch engages the opening of the securing element thereby causing the locking latch to pivot and lock to the opening of the securing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Max Paster
  • Patent number: 5398447
    Abstract: A centrally located window release retractor handle for a tilt-in window is presented. The handle readily attaches to an existing tilt-in window top sash. Attached to the handle is a retractor wheel. Attached to the retractor wheel are left and right retractor cables which are in turn attached to the left and right window release retractors. As the handle and wheel are rotated, the retractor cables are tensioned and draw the window release retractors inwardly. This action allows the tilt-in window to release at the top. The window may then be tilted inwardly by use of the handle leaving the user's other hand free to clean the window. The device is suitable to be mounted on the top of existing tilt-in windows although it may also be manufactured as a complete unit with the handle and retractor cables completely inside the top sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Allen D. Morse
  • Patent number: 5375708
    Abstract: A hard clear hangable package, locking cover and key for use in retail merchandising of video games and the like to further reduce the amount of business losses attributable to theft. The device includes a locking cover with an outer lip that prevents opening of the container without the precise key. It also includes a clamping member attached to a key base that automatically rotates into engaging position allowing the box to be removed from the locking cover, permitting the contents of the security box to be removed. The device firmly contains video games or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Empak, Inc.
    Inventor: Boyd Wittman
  • Patent number: 5217262
    Abstract: A latch device including a pair of circuital cam grooves having different planar shapes formed in opposite surfaces of a latch body. A guide lever is inserted into the circuital cam grooves so that tips of tracing portions of the guide lever do not contact bottom surfaces of the circuital cam grooves. The circuital cam grooves have a heart-shaped projection and a triangular projection, such that torsion is generated in the tracing portions because of differences in configurations of the circuital cam grooves. A restoring force of the guide lever acting opposite the torsional force causes the tracing portions to circulate in a given direction. As a result, compared with conventional latch devices, fewer components may be used. Wear on the circuital grooves of the latch body can be prevented. When the torsional force is eliminated, the tracing portions move in a direction where the groove wall surfaces are not provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Mutsuo Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 5150796
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp for securing the cover of a screening machine. The clamp is air pressure operated, both to apply clamping force and to retract or swing the clamp out of the way when it is open. Super-atmospheric pressure is applied for clamping; subatmospheric pressure is applied to swing the clamp away. Multiple clamps may be simultaneously operated by pressure or vacuum from a common manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Rotex, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Pierson
  • Patent number: 4950018
    Abstract: A latch for a combination vent and escape hatch for buses and mobile homes. The latch can be used to hold the hatch door in a closed position that is rain-tight. Alternately, with just a push on the hatch door, it can be opened to a vent position and held there by the latch. When the user pushes on a release mechanism, the hatch door can be opened completely to allow an emergency exit from the vehicle. In addition, a release handle located on the outside of the hatch allows rescue workers to gain easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventors: Austin K. Jeffords, Cris G. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 4891910
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a door of a chamber, the chamber being of the type wherein the door is urged into engagement with the chamber upon rotation of a locking wheel and having a seal positioned between the door and the chamber such that upon movement of the door toward the chamber the seal is compressed, comprises a motor for providing torque to the locking wheel for urging the door toward the chamber. A current source supplies current to the motor. A circuit monitors the current supplied to the motor to determine if a desired degree of pressure between the seal and the chamber has been achieved based on the amount of current drawn by the motor. The current source is responsive to the monitoring circuit so as to end the supply of current to the motor when the desired degree of pressure is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cook, Conrad J. Geibel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4872286
    Abstract: Locking mechanism for locking and unlocking a sliding-type door. The mechanism for the most part is mounted externally of the door, and includes a pivoted, frame-mounted locking member pivotable between locking and unlocking positions. A dead latch latches the locking member in its locking position. An air cylinder is actuated, first to release the dead latch, and then to shift the locking member to its unlocking position. A door-carried locking member also is provided for locking the door at a region remote from the region locked by the frame-mounted locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Pacific Security Systems of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred J. Peirish, Theodore E. Schmidt, William C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4709949
    Abstract: A latch device is provided with a stationary cylinder to be fixed on a structure on which a door is hinged and a rod adapted to be driven into the cylinder against the resilience of a spring by a strike on the rear side of the door during the closing of the door, and the rod has the front half thereof formed in the shape of a pair of retention pieces connected separately through hinges of a small wall thickness into the rear half of the rod, so that while the rod is pushed into the stationary cylinder, the inner wall surface of the stationary cylinder will enable the retention pieces to grasp the strike and, while the door is opened, the rod will protrude from the stationary cylinder and slightly push the door open and, at the same time, the retention pieces will release the strike from retention therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Umezawa, Koji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4657291
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed, which is locked when a spike secured to the back surface of a door is pushed once and is released when the spike is pushed once again. The locking device comprises a case open at one end and having a wall provided with a spring portion having an end projection, a lock member slidably accommodated in the case for movement away from and toward the open end and having a pair of locking pawls, a spring for urging the lock member toward the open end of the case at all times, and a cam member provided between the lock member and an end wall of the case and having a lateral ridge formed on one surface and received in a lateral groove of the lock member, the cam member being provided on the other surface with a uni-directional looped path, the projection of the case being slidably engaged in the path. When the lock member is pushed, the projection of the base is caused to trace the looped path to bring about a locked state and an unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mutsuo Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 4616861
    Abstract: A first push of an engaging piece moves a projecting portion provided on a case along a one-way passage loop provided on one face of a cam plate while simultaneously moving the cam plate transversely, guiding the projecting portion into an engaging portion provided in said passage, locking the device. Pushing the engaging piece a second time disengages the projecting portion from the engaging portion and moves the cam plate transversely back to its original position, unlocking the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mutsuo Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 4543748
    Abstract: A door assembly for a sterilizer includes a rectangular door on which is a vertical rail assembly movable horizontally toward and away from the door on threaded posts. Nuts carried by the rail assembly are rotated on the posts by sprockets entraining a motor driven chain. The rail assembly carries spring mounted axially retractable horizontal pairs of locking bars. The bars are inserted into and removed from sockets in a doorway frame by turning angularly as the rail assembly moves horizontally. A pressure responsive locking mechanism engages the sprockets to prevent their turning when the sterilizer is above a predetermined pressure. Cables carried by the locking bars actuate a switch in an alarm circuit for indicating that any one or more bars is not engaged properly in its respective socket. Limit switches stop operation of the motor when the rail assembly reaches extremes of inward and outward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Vernitron Corporation
    Inventor: Howard L. North, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4273064
    Abstract: A hatch cover for closing and sealing a hatch opening has a latching mechanism at one side of the cover which includes a rotatable hub and plural latching arms extending in different directions from the hub towards a rim of the opening. Rotation of the hub in one direction causes the latching arms to engage the rim and tightly latch the cover to the rim while rotation of the hub in the opposite direction retracts the latching arms and frees them from the rim to enable removal of the cover from the opening. A shaft extends through the cover and is axially slidable and rotatable relative to it. The shaft is axially slidable relative to the hub and continuously engages it so that rotation of the shaft correspondingly rotates the hub. A handle fixed to the upper end of the shaft rotates the hub to activate the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventor: Robert W. Sutton
  • Patent number: 4237710
    Abstract: There is described a locking device for closing panels, particularly doors or windows, comprising a dead lock and a spring lock biased by spring means to a projecting position relative to the panel, as well as a cylindrical safety block, which comprises a driving arm with on the one end thereof at least one groove into which is engaged the cylindrical safety block projection during the rotation thereof by means of the key, in such a way as to impart to said arm a translation movement, said driving arm being connected with the other end thereof to a plurality of locking members which are guided inside the panel, so as to cause the entering into or the release from corresponding keepers under the action of the translation movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Inventor: David L. Cardozo
  • Patent number: 4195866
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a removable closure panel in a vehicle body roof opening includes first and second keepers mounted on the vehicle body at the opposite sides of the roof opening. First and second operating levers are pivotally mounted on the closure panel for movement about spaced axes and are respectively pivotally connected with first and second latch bolts having interengaging gear teeth which rotate the operating levers through 90.degree. of rotation oppositely of each other between latching positions wherein the operating levers are positioned generally colinear with each other and the latch bolts to extend the latch bolts into engagement with the keepers and unlatching positions wherein the operating levers are located generally parallel to one another and normal to the latched bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Tundo, Edward A. Schneidewind
  • Patent number: 4176869
    Abstract: Gate latching apparatus is provided for detachably hingedly connecting an end of a tubular animal closure panel member to a relatively fixed support post or the support structure. The panel member includes downwardly protruding hinge pin members at the upper and lower portions thereof which engage in loop brackets provided at the top and bottom of the fixed support structure. To hold the panel member in position, a locking member in the form of a rectangular shaped closed loop is provided which has one side serving as a handle to be operated manually and the other side connected to and guided on a bolt. A spring surrounds the bolt and biases the locking member toward the fixed support structure. The locking member is axially movable and rotatable on the bolt member against the force of the spring between a locking position extending vertically and an unlocking position extending transversely to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: Ag Best Corporation
    Inventor: Carl V. Gilst
  • Patent number: 4121383
    Abstract: A mechanism for securing a dome-shaped door in an opening of a vessel to effect sealing with respect to pressure at either side of the door, the convex side of the door being directed towards the exterior of the vessel and the mechanism being disposed at the concave side of the door and including locking members radially movable into a door locking position and a spider assembly connect to move the locking members and mounted for movement along a shaft carried by the door between a position in which the assembly is adjacent the door and the locking members are retracted from the door locking position and a position in which the assembly is spaced from the concave side of the door and the locking members are in the door locking position, whereby the mechanism can be retained substantially within the recess defined by the door at its concave side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Perry Oceanographics, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy H. Holmes, John B. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4020778
    Abstract: A hatch cover for closing and sealing a hatch opening has radial latching arms connected at their inner ends to a rotatable arm-actuating hub on the bottom side of the cover at ball-and-socket connections and loosely connected to the cover near their outer ends. In one rotational position of the hub the arms overlap and apply clamping pressure to the rim of the hatch opening and in a second rotational position of the hub the arm-clamping pressure is released and the arms are retracted from the rim to enable removal of the cover from the opening. The hub rides on camming surfaces of the cover which are shaped so that as the hub rotates in a hatch-closing direction, the arms first extend over the rim of the opening and then pivot into clamping engagement with the rim about their loose connections to the cover, urging the cover through such connections into tight seated engagement with the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Inventor: Robert W. Sutton
  • Patent number: 3934925
    Abstract: To meet the legal requirements for bus safety, all locking devices on entrance and emergency doors must be removed before the bus is placed in service. For that purpose, the ignition key is made part of a simple locking assembly that is used to lock the emergency door. The driver's obtaining the key to operate the bus engine, insures the unlocking of the emergency door. The unlocking of the entrance door is accomplished by an inside pivoted cam assembly, actuated by a locking handle on the outside of the bus. The unlocking pivoted cam assembly inside the bus, then entirely disengages the door controlling mechanism, which then has normal operating freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Inventor: Joseph T. Fetsch