With Means To Vary Opening Span Or Speed During Movement Patents (Class 49/138)
  • Patent number: 11888427
    Abstract: A motor control device according to the disclosure includes: a current control part, performing current control for rotating a motor from a stop state; a rotation speed calculation part, calculating an actual rotation speed of the motor; an acquisition part, acquiring a target rotation speed of the motor; a speed control part, performing speed control of the motor, so that the actual rotation speed of the motor becomes the target rotation speed; and a correction part, at a time when a current control state is transitioned to a speed control, correcting the target rotation speed based on a relation between the actual rotation speed and the target rotation speed. When the target rotation speed is corrected, the speed control part performs the speed control so that the actual rotation speed becomes the target rotation speed corrected by the correction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBA Corporation
    Inventors: Kota Fukashiro, Miya Yamada
  • Patent number: 11718279
    Abstract: A cable-coupled by-wire control of a vehicle control function traditionally activated by driver manipulation of a pedal is achieved though the agency of a Bowden cable having a first end fastened to the driver pedal, and a second end coupled to a by-wire actuator. The by-wire actuator has a pulley on which the second end of the cable is fastened, an electric motor coupled to the pulley to permit by-wire activation of the vehicle control function by rotation of the pulley in a direction to pull on the pedal with the cable. A relief chamber of the actuator radially outboard of the pulley accommodates slack in the cable within the actuator caused by driver manipulation of the pedal during by-wire activation of the control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: DATASPEED INC.
    Inventors: James Fleck, Brian Neumeyer, Paul Fleck
  • Patent number: 11585141
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle includes a door rail configured to be installed on a door panel of a door, a vehicle body rail configured to be coupled to a vehicle body so as to be opposite to the door rail, a vehicle body rail slider coupled to one surface of the vehicle body rail so as to be slidable in a front-rear direction along the vehicle body rail, a door rail slider coupled to the door rail so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction along the door rail, a pulley rotatable in conjunction with a movement of the vehicle body rail slider, a speed reducer directly connected to the pulley, and a second arm hingedly coupled to the speed reducer and configured to move the door rail slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Hyung-In Yun
  • Patent number: 11203893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire swing door operator system (100) comprising at least one swing door operator (1), a wall (200), a door frame (300), and at least one swing door leaf (400), wherein the door frame (300) is mounted in an opening in the wall, the at least one swing door leaf (400) is hingedly connected to the door frame (300), the wall (200) comprise a first wall section (201) at one side of the door frame (300) and a second wall section (202) at the other side of the door frame (300), the swing door operator (1) is mounted to the first wall section (201) and connected to the at least one swing door leaf (400) and arranged to move the at least one swing door leaf (400) between a closed and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
    Inventor: Sven-Gunnar Soderqvist
  • Patent number: 11085219
    Abstract: A drive for a leaf of a door, window, or the like, including a mechanical energy store (16) configured to store energy during an opening movement of the leaf and expend energy during a closing movement of the leaf, an electric motor (18) operatively connected to the leaf via a motor shaft (20), the electric motor (18) operated as a generator to dampen the opening movement and the closing movement. The electric motor including a control unit configured to control the electric motor, wherein a drive behavior of the control unit is repeatedly and variably adaptable to a current need of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Geze GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Hucker, Simon Burghard, Dirk Huber, Thomas Schüler, Jörg Evertz, Simon Thomas Hasenfratz, Remo Sommer
  • Patent number: 10704313
    Abstract: A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will be moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Accessories And Door Controls Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Dustin E. Lawhon, Peter E. Zasowski
  • Patent number: 10233686
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of a window in a vehicle door assembly h includes a window actuator operable to move a window relative to a window opening in the door between a first position and at least one second position. The controller is configured monitor the position of the window relative to the window frame and transmit at least one control signal to the window actuator to move the window relative to the window opening in response to activation of the one or more devices. The controller transmits a first control signal to the window actuator to move the window at a first speed in response to detection of a first activation state and a second control signal to the window actuator to move the window at a second speed that is reduced relative to the first speed in response to detection of a second activation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alex J. Smith, Terrence P. Costigan, Mark W. Vanden Berg, Charles J. Bongiorno
  • Patent number: 10221609
    Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin, a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin and a door operator disposed between the first door skin and the second door skin. An arm extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignees: Globe Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Yulkowski, Gerard Edwards, Steve Gebhart
  • Patent number: 10119316
    Abstract: A vehicle sliding door brake assembly configured for attachment to a sliding door mechanism of a vehicle may include a brake member connectable to the sliding door mechanism and configured to rotate about a pivot point, the brake member comprising one or more brake portions for selectively engaging a track of the vehicle so as to provide a braking force. The brake portions may be configured to form an inertial counterweight that urges the brake member to move from a neutral position in which the brake portions are not engaged with the track to an engaged position in which one or more of the brake portions are engaged with the track when a sliding door of the vehicle is subjected to an acceleration exceeding a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Westgarth, Stuart Gordon, Gerard Vincent Ball, Stephen Edward Braybrook
  • Patent number: 9567190
    Abstract: A device for preventing excess speed, which is caused by an energy store, of a door leaf, includes a door leaf displaceable between an open position and a closed position, an energy store coupled with the door leaf, which energy store provides energy for the closing movement of the door leaf in the event of failure of the electrical energy supply, a door drive coupled with the door leaf, wherein electrical energy can be induced in the door drive when closing movement of the door leaf takes place, and a door control, which activates the door drive and which is suitable for regulation of the speed of movement of the door leaf, wherein the door control is operable by the induced electrical energy when the electrical energy supply fails, and a method of operating an elevator door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Peter Sax, Hansueli Stocker
  • Patent number: 9174517
    Abstract: In an aspect, a swing door actuation system is provided for moving a door about a vertical axis between open closed positions relative to a vehicle body. The system includes a housing connectable to one of the swing door and the vehicle body, an extensible member that moves relative to the housing, and connects to the other of the swing door and the vehicle body, a motor connected to a gear train that is non-backdrivable, and a normally engaged clutch. The motor is operatively connected to a clutch input end through the gear train. The output end is operatively connected to the extensible member. The clutch is disengageable to disconnect the motor from the extensible member. The clutch has a slip torque that is sufficiently high to prevent movement of the door when the door is exposed to less than a selected external torque and the motor is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Felix Scheuring, Jube Leonard, Dan Cosmin, Luciano Boin
  • Publication number: 20150101251
    Abstract: A nuclear power door consists of an embedded steel plate, a door frame welded on the embedded steel plate, a pair of hinge devices, a group of door panels, a group of opening and closing devices and a group of bolt devices; the door panels are fixedly arranged within the door frame through the hinge devices; the opening and closing devices are arranged at the upper ends of the door panels, and the bolt devices are arranged in the internal sides of the door panels. The nuclear power door is fire-proof, explosion-proof and bulletproof, and is safe and long in service life, thus, the nuclear power door can be used for nuclear power engineering which is constructed based on new standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: YIXING CITY WANXIANG FIREPROOF DOORS CO., LTD
    Inventor: JunQiang Cui
  • Publication number: 20150059249
    Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
  • Patent number: 8938912
    Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Patrick McKibben, Brian Christopher Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8875442
    Abstract: An actuator for moving a closure between an open and a closed position. The actuator having a first mode, where the closure is free to move with respect to a closure frame, and a second mode where the actuator resists movement between the closure and the closure frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: John Sohn, Gary Bree, Paul Crociata
  • Patent number: 8844200
    Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Globe Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Yulkowski, Gerard Edwards, Steve Gebhart
  • Patent number: 8800204
    Abstract: A mine door system comprising at least one mine door leaf hinged at one side thereof to a door frame defining an entry. The system includes an articulated door-moving mechanism that articulates between a first configuration in which the mechanism applies a relatively small door-moving force to the door leaf to move the door leaf at a first speed and a second configuration in which the mechanism applies a larger door-moving force to the door leaf to move the door leaf at a second speed less than the first speed. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8726574
    Abstract: Provided is a drawing device that is capable of generating a damping force in accordance with the strength of a biasing force of an elastic member without increasing durability. The drawing device has a linear damper 24 of which a rod is extendable relative to a damper main body and a rotary damper 25 of which a rotation axis is rotatable relative to the damper main body. When a slider 14 of a drawing device main body 4 moves relative to a base 12 of the drawing device main body 4 in the longitudinal direction by the biasing force of the elastic member 15, first, the linear damper 24 starts to operate thereby generating the damping force, then, the linear damper 24 is switched with the rotary damper 25 and the rotary damper 25 starts to operate thereby generating the damping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junpei Iwaki
  • Patent number: 8567124
    Abstract: An automated window system including an energy accumulation means, and a window opening/closing mechanism associated with the energy accumulation means wherein the energy accumulation means releases at least a portion of the energy stored therein upon demand to the window opening/closing mechanism to open and/or close the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Breezway Australia (Holdings) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Edwin John Alexander
  • Patent number: 8561352
    Abstract: A sliding door with a door leaf, which is suspended from at least one carriage and guided to be displaceable along a roller rail profile disposed at a wall or at a ceiling. The sliding door includes a closing device, which is suitable to displace the door leaf into a closed position in a decelerated manner. The closing device is disposed at the door leaf and includes a first and a second spring-damper element, which are disposed to be counter-directional to each other. The second spring-damper element is suitable to displace the door leaf into an open position in a decelerated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Vogler
  • Publication number: 20130232877
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a treatment space and a door that is pivotable about a horizontally running axis so as to close the treatment space. The door includes a door spring configured to slow down a movement of the door when it is being pivoted down. A sensor is configured to monitor a functionality of the door spring. A deceleration device is configured to be activated in the event of a failure of the door spring as recognized by the sensor and to slow down movement of the door when it is being pivoted down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Tiekoetter
  • Patent number: 8390219
    Abstract: A door operator with an electrical back check feature is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are realized by a motorized door operator that electrically creates a back check force for an opening door. The door operator simulates the back check normally created by hydraulic means in convention door closers, but without the use of pistons, springs or hydraulic fluid. The door operator includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will open when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the back check region. In some embodiments, the closing force is exerted by injecting a voltage into the electric motor of the door operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Patent number: 8359790
    Abstract: A multi doorlock includes a doorlock unit (200) installed to a hinged door (100), a non-powered DC motor (300) installed to the doorlock unit, and links (400) (410) having one ends connected to the DC motor and the other ends installed to a doorframe, the links being folded or unfolded with each other when the hinged door is closed or opened. The doorlock unit (200) frequently changes a braking resistance of the DC motor (300) while the hinged door (100) is opened or closed, thereby controlling an opening/closing speed of the hinged door. A relay switch (700) is connected to both ends of a power line (330) of the DC motor (300) to short the DC motor on occasions. When it is intended to fix the hinged door (100), the relay switch (700) is operated to short the DC motor (300) such that the hinged door is not moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jeong-Hun Shin
  • Patent number: 8272167
    Abstract: A sliding assistance mechanism for helping a switching operation of a moving body on a main body side, includes a case attached to the main body side; first and second moving members slidably placed in the case, respectively; a pair of latches pivotally supported at each moving member, respectively, and releasably locked to corresponding parts of a case side; an urging device provided between both moving members; and a guide groove provided in the case for moving the latches along the same; and first and second operational members spaced apart from each other and provided in the moving body. When the moving members are at a halfway position, an engagement of one of the latches with the second operational member provided in the second moving member is released, and the moving body is pulled by the urging device to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Masakazu Sato
  • Patent number: 8215061
    Abstract: A sliding door apparatus for opening and closing an opening in a wall. A sliding door apparatus including a longitudinally extending track member mountable along an upper edge of an opening and a door movably mountable on the track member for sliding movement thereon between opened and closed positions. A damping structure is disposed within the track member and is actuatable in response to the sliding movement of the door to break the door's movement as it approaches its opened and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dirtt environmental solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens Smed
  • Patent number: 8169169
    Abstract: A door operator for controlling operation of a door, the door operator having a motor to open the door against a spring force, the door operator further comprising a door position sensor for transmitting a signal indicative of door position; and among other things, calculates a door moment of inertia based on a net torque and the time for the door to reach a predetermined angle from the closed position. Also provided is a door operator that compares door speed to a desired door speed based on a door speed-position profile and generates a door speed error signal and minimizes the door speed error signal by adjusting the braking load resulting from charging a chargeable battery using the motor as a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Hass, Eric Dube
  • Publication number: 20120090242
    Abstract: Method for operating an actuator for manoeuvring a windable mobile element of a home automation appliance, the mobile element being able to be displaced between two extreme positions, the method comprising a first step for definition of a first angular speed setpoint of the actuator in a first docking area and a second step for definition of a second angular speed setpoint of the actuator in a second docking area, the first and second angular speed setpoints being different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Francois BOCQUET, Anne-Sophie Cleguer, Florian Germain, David Mugnier
  • Patent number: 8136297
    Abstract: An access control apparatus for an access gate. The access gate typically has a rotator that is configured to rotate around a rotator axis at a first variable speed in a forward direction. The access control apparatus may include a transmission that typically has an input element that is operatively connected to the rotator. The input element is generally configured to rotate at an input speed that is proportional to the first variable speed. The transmission typically also has an output element that has an output speed that is higher than the input speed. The input element and the output element may rotate around a common transmission axis. A retardation mechanism may be employed. The retardation mechanism is typically configured to rotate around a retardation mechanism axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventor: Fariborz M. Bzorgi
  • Patent number: 8123313
    Abstract: A system for dampening an opening motion of a door includes a frame, an access door and at least one dampening member. The access door is rotatably secured to the frame. The access door is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between closed and completely open positions. The at least one dampening member is secured to the access door or the frame. The dampening member(s) dampens movement of the access door toward the completely open position over a range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Karl S. Morgan, Robert Dam, Richard R. Herzog, Kurt A. Kuehn, Alberto Bassi
  • Publication number: 20100315229
    Abstract: A multi doorlock includes a doorlock unit (200) installed to a hinged door (100), a non-powered DC motor (300) installed to the doorlock unit, and links (400) (410) having one ends connected to the DC motor and the other ends installed to a doorframe, the links being folded or unfolded with each other when the hinged door is closed or opened. The doorlock unit (200) frequently changes a braking resistance of the DC motor (300) while the hinged door (100) is opened or closed, thereby controlling an opening/closing speed of the hinged door. A relay switch (700) is connected to both ends of a power line (330) of the DC motor (300) to short the DC motor on occasions. When it is intended to fix the hinged door (100), the relay switch (700) is operated to short the DC motor (300) such that the hinged door is not moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jeong-Hun Shin
  • Patent number: 7615945
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention describes a gate closure system having a barrier or gate operator for moving a gate between a gate fully opened position and a gate fully closed position. The gate closure system preferably further includes, among other things, a master control board with input and output points to receive and transmit data associated with movement of the gate, including a panic control override mode circuit input to the master control board that negates all gate movement parameters during any portion of the gate's travel path to open or close the gate at a substantially greater rate of speed than typically used to open or close the gate during normal operation, regardless of the gate's speed, torque, direction of travel (forward or backward), or whether the gate is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas R. Richmond, Patrick S. Kochie, Donald A. Ouach, Mario Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7578094
    Abstract: A drive unit for a power operated vehicle closure has a track, a guide moveable along the track, a link attached to the guide at one end and adapted to be attached to the vehicle closure at the opposite end, and a motor assembly for moving the guide along the track. The motor assembly has an electric motor and a speed reducer driven by the electric motor that has a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a belt drive and the second stage is a spur gear set. Alternatively the first stage is a worm gear and a mating helical gear. The worm gear preferably has a high lead angle and a high number of leads. The speed of the electric motor is reduced to about 1000 rpm or less in the first stage permitting the use of spur gears in the second stage while retaining quiet operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd W. Rogers, Jeffrey S. Hamminga, Joseph D. Long, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7556305
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism may include a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate cam lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a strut may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to the vehicle body and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to the bell crank. With the tailgate cam lever arm, bell crank and strut configured as discussed, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate cam lever arm to contact and rotate the bell crank to actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric L. Stratten
  • Publication number: 20080129233
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention describes a gate closure system having a barrier or gate operator for moving a gate between a gate fully opened position and a gate fully closed position. The gate closure system preferably further includes, among other things, a master control board with input and output points to receive and transmit data associated with movement of the gate, including a panic control override mode circuit input to the master control board that negates all gate movement parameters during any portion of the gate's travel path to open or close the gate at a substantially greater rate of speed than typically used to open or close the gate during normal operation, regardless of the gate's speed, torque, direction of travel (forward or backward), or whether the gate is stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas R. Richmond, Patrick S. Kochie, Donald A. Ouach, Mario Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7118472
    Abstract: A mine door installation has a frame installed in a mine passageway. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John Matthew Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7025298
    Abstract: A cable drive unit for opening and closing a sliding door on a vehicle (not shown) has a cup-shaped front drum having a helical front cable groove and a rear cup-shaped drum having a helical rear cable groove. The front drum is rotated about a longitudinal axis in a first direction to open the sliding door. The rear drum is partially nested in the front drum and rotated about the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction to close the sliding door. The front drum and the rear drum are drivingly connected to each other via a tension spring that biases the front drum and the rear drum in opposite directions when in tension. The front and rear drums are rotated by a concentric clutch that is nested in the rear drum. The clutch includes a drive member that is drivingly connected to the front drum via a first lost motion connection and drivingly connected to the rear drum via a second lost motion connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Priest, Kevin Wright, Mark D. Nicholas, John R. Rice, Ronald J. Wilde, Lloyd W. Rogers, Howard W. Kuhlman
  • Patent number: 7021002
    Abstract: A revolving door comprising an at least partly cylindrical shell wall, which has an entrance and an exit, and two rotating door leaves, which during normal operation are in place extended in the opposite direction of each other inside the shell wall. Between the shell wall and an end of at least one door leaf, which end can move near and along the shell wall, a sliding door is provided, which is suitable for closing off the entrance or exit, respectively, and during normal operation the end of the door leaf is constantly positioned near the sliding door and between its lateral edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Boon Edam B.V.
    Inventor: René Cornelis Nat
  • Patent number: 6938372
    Abstract: A mine door assembly has a frame. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. The door installation also has a hydraulic checking system for controlling the speed of the door leaf as it moves back and forth between open and closed positions. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6880610
    Abstract: A door system having first and second sets of panels with each set having leading and trailing panels, and having a different width. The leading panel of the first set includes a stop and the leading panel of the second set includes a pair of stops. First and second cable runs connected to a motor for driving the first and second sets of panels. The first cable run includes a clamp disposed within the stop of the leading panel of the first set and the second cable run includes a clamp disposed between the pair of stops of the leading panel of the second set. The space between the clamp of the second cable run and the pair of stops provides for a delayed engagement of the clamp of the second cable run with one of the pair of stops during initial movement of the second cable run. Notwithstanding the delayed engagement, the first and second sets of panels arrive at their full open positions simultaneously. Each set of panels includes a latch to connect the leading and trailing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Harold D. Bush
  • Patent number: 6851499
    Abstract: A pair of arms extend from the lid for the oil filler port, and these arms are rotatably mounted on the vehicle body cover via the hinges. The hinge for supporting one of the arms is provided with a torsion spring for urging the lid in the opening direction, and the hinge for supporting the other arm is provided with a rotary damper for damping a speed of rotation of the lid. Since the hinged lid for a vehicle rotates smoothly in natural motion, which gives an upscale image, a hinged lid for a vehicle providing, for example, a feeling of operation suitable for the large scooter may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuichi Yagisawa, Akira Komaki, Kengo Yano, Hiroshi Inaoka
  • Publication number: 20040020126
    Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus includes a drive mechanism and a closure mechanism including a striker and a latch. The striker is positioned within a region where the striker is engageable with the latch when the drive mechanism drives the door in a closing direction. The latch is driven to engage with the striker and shifted to a final locked position by the closure mechanism. The vehicle door apparatus also includes a control mechanism for controlling operations of the drive mechanism and the closure mechanism, a detection means for detecting the striker to be positioned within the region where the striker is engageable with the latch, and a drive force decreasing mechanism provided in the control mechanism for decreasing an output of the drive mechanism after the detecting means detects that the strikes is positioned within the region where the striker is engageable with the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seika Matsui, Mizuho Morimitsu
  • Patent number: 6650076
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a gate a distance in a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment the current load for an electric motor to move a gate is first measured to determine whether the gate's motion is being hindered or helped. A microprocessor then controls voltage supplied to the motor to enhance or retard the evolved power of the motor according to the load and the predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Elite Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Hom, Daniel Perez
  • Patent number: 6640494
    Abstract: A drive system for closing devices, for example gates or shutters, with a variable speed output drive and a device for detecting a given characteristic of the drive, and is varied to maintain a substantially constant speed of the closing device as it moves between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hörmann
  • Patent number: 6637803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism for a motor vehicle sliding door, said door being integral with at least one driven arm having a sliding zone in which a pin integral with a drive element is able to slide so that said door may tack and slide between a closed position, in the vehicle bodywork plane, and an open position, in a plane approximately parallel to said bodywork plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Wagon Automotice SNC
    Inventor: Stephane Moreau
  • Patent number: 6557299
    Abstract: A revolving door has driven door panels, which are movably positioned around a central rotating element. Each pair of door panels has an individual drive. The driving speed for each door panel is chosen on the basis of the position taken by said door panel in its path of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Boon Edam B.V.
    Inventor: Gertjan Otto
  • Patent number: 6530175
    Abstract: A window lifting and lowering apparatus that includes an arm pivotally moved to lift and lower a window of a vehicle. A cycloidal speed reducing mechanism is used for transmitting a rotational force of a drive shaft to the arm at a reduced speed. The cycloidal speed reducing mechanism includes a ring gear disposed in a fixed state, a planetary gear eccentrically rotated in a state of being brought into mesh with the ring gear by the rotational force of the drive shaft, a rotating disk for transmitting rotation of the planetary gear to the arm, and a stopper gear fixed to the ring gear for restricting a pivotal movement position of the planetary gear. In accordance with the eccentric pivotal movement of the planetary gear, a stopper pin provided on the planetary gear is made to impinge with a stopper projection provided on the stopper gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Sato, Hiroshi Otaka
  • Patent number: 6434885
    Abstract: A movable window unit having a window glass which can be moved between a closed end position in a well of a door and an open end position by a motorized drive. The motorized drive comprises an electric motor which is controlled by a motor control. To reduce undesirable noises which may arise during the movement of the window glass, the motor is operated by the motor control to repeatedly vary the speed of displacement of the window glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Meteor Gummiwerke K.H. Bädje GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Alistair Hill
  • Patent number: 6409064
    Abstract: A tool box is provided that includes a hollow container having at least one lid that may be opened or closed and means for opening and closing the lid. The means for opening and closing the lid are actuated by control means that is operatively attached thereto. The lid is locked into position by the means for opening and closing the lid when the means are not actuated by the control means. The means for opening and closing the lid are capable of stopping the lid at any position between a completely closed position and a completely open position. The means for opening and closing the lid include a motor with a worm gear operatively attached. A drive gear is operatively attached to the worm gear, and a lift arm is operatively attached to the drive gear. The lift arm is attached so as to move in coordination with the drive gear. The lid has a channel attached to it, in which the arm is slideably engaged so as to slide when the arm is moved by the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jason S. Bayley
  • Patent number: 6390535
    Abstract: A cable drive assembly in a closed-loop cable closure system for opening and closing a sliding door on a vehicle includes helical front and rear cable grooves supported on the vehicle frame for rotation about a helix axis. A front cable extends from the front cable groove to the sliding door in a position to be wound into and unwound from the front cable groove in response to front cable groove rotation about the helix axis. A rear cable extends from the rear cable groove to the sliding door in a position to be wound into and unwound from the rear cable groove in response to rear cable groove rotation about the helix axis. A single cable drive spool is supported on the vehicle frame for rotation about the helix axis and includes both the front and the rear cable grooves. A motor rotates the spool in one direction about the helix axis to open the sliding door and in an opposite direction about the helix axis to close the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joseph Chapman
  • Patent number: 6208102
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a powered sliding door system, a standard time period for the sliding door to pass a calibration interval defined near a fully closed position under a standard duty ratio condition is measured, and the duty ratio of the drive pulse signal for the motor in the remaining interval of operation is determined from this standard time period so that the sliding door may move at a prescribed speed irrespective of the load acting on the door. This control method can be favorably used in combination with the process of detecting an obstacle in the path of the sliding door, which is based on the detection in the reduction in the speed of the sliding door, without any interference between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Taizo Kikuchi, Kazunari Ochi, Toru Namiki, Tatsumi Sakazume, Hiroshi Ono, Masami Sayama