Optionally Moved, Manually, Or By Motor Patents (Class 49/139)
  • Patent number: 12129704
    Abstract: An opening apparatus for a motor vehicle door element, comprising an electric drive, an actuator, more particularly a pusher element, acting on the door element, wherein the actuator can be adjusted by means of the electric drive and a transmission arranged between the electric drive and the actuator, such that the door element can be at least opened by means of the actuator, wherein a discontinuous transmission ratio is made possible by means of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Uwe Reddmann
  • Patent number: 11505982
    Abstract: A device for a closure drive assembly can include: a moveable trolley, the trolley configured for movement along a track or a rail under drive by a drive component to move a closure between an open position and a closed position, the trolley including a body having a guiding surface; a rotating body having one or more camming surfaces, rotation of the rotating body about a rotation axis being supported by the guiding surface; and a lever having a lever camming surface configured to engage with one or more of the camming surfaces of the rotating body, wherein the lever is associated with an engagement member such that rotation of the lever moves the lever camming surface along the one or more rotating body camming surfaces to displace the engagement member, and wherein the engagement member is arranged to provide selective engagement between the moveable trolley and the drive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventors: George Matthews, Raymond Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11480341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge for a household appliance, including a hinge housing, including a pivot arm, which is pivotably retained at the hinge housing, and including a drive device, which comprises an electric motor, by means of which the pivot arm is pivotable relative to the hinge housing, wherein the drive device includes: a drive housing formed separately from the hinge housing, provided in addition thereto and at least partially following the hinge housing in longitudinal extension direction of the hinge housing; a threaded spindle at least partially received in the hinge housing; and at least one screw element screwed to the threaded spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Apparatebau Gronbach S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gerold Meurer, Massimiliano Margonari
  • Patent number: 11434681
    Abstract: Another implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body coupled with the chassis, a tailgate, an electric lock, and a fully electric tailgate actuator assembly. The body assembly defines a refuse compartment. The tailgate is coupled with a rear of the body and is transitionable between a first position to limit access to the refuse compartment and a second position to allow access to the refuse compartment. The electric lock is operable between an engaged state and a disengaged state to limit movement of the tailgate out of the first position when the electric lock is in the engaged state. The fully electric tailgate actuator assembly is configured to transition the tailgate between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rocholl, Derek A. Wente, John T. Kellander, Cody D. Clifton, Vincent Hoover, Zachary L. Klein, Clinton T. Weckwerth, Skylar A. Wachter, Andrew Kotloski, Wallace Buege, Caleb Binder, Martin J. Schimke
  • Patent number: 11428039
    Abstract: An emergency door closing device that can be installed upon existing doors and hinges to automatically close doors in the response to smoke and fire. The improvements incorporated therein include a hinge cam pivot member that attaches to an existing hinge member of a door and produces a moment force about the existing hinge member allowing a reduced force necessary to pivot the door into a closed position. Further, a novel spring, cam, and lever system is incorporated to activate the moment force to close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Wesley Docksteader, Joel Sellinger
  • Patent number: 11180006
    Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus includes: a first slide door and a second slide door that are slidably provided between a close position at which an opening part of a vehicle is closed and an open position at which the opening part is opened and that have door frame parts butted to each other in a state where the opening part is closed; and a door opening/closing switch that is provided on an inner side wall positioned on a side to which each slide door is opened among the door frame parts of the first slide door and the second slide door and that opens and closes each of the slide doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yozo Takagi, Takehiro Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 11168504
    Abstract: An exemplary armature assembly is configured for use with a door closer comprising a pinion, and generally includes a first arm configured for rotational coupling with the pinion, a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm at a pivot joint, and a hold-open mechanism. The hold-open mechanism generally includes a clutch having a decoupling and a coupling state, and an electromechanical driver operable to transition the clutch between the coupling state and the decoupling state. With the clutch in the decoupling state, a first torque is operable to cause relative pivoting of the arms. With the clutch in the coupling state, the first torque is inoperable to cause relative pivoting of the arms, and a second torque greater than the first torque is operable to cause relative pivoting of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, Aditya Heblikar, Palraj Palanisamy, Brady Plummer, Dharam Deo Prasad, Ramakrishna Moorthy Andamuthu, Subashchandra G. Rai, Latha Ramesh, Vijayakumar Mani
  • Patent number: 11148240
    Abstract: A device for tightening a screw connection on a flange connection is provided with a tool carrier movable along the flange connection and provided with a traction drive. A tool is arranged on the tool carrier for tightening the screw connection and rotating the nut relative to the flange connection. A control unit is provided for moving the tool carrier in longitudinal direction of the tool carrier into a working position by traction drive control signals. In the working position, the tool is opposite the screw connection to be tightened. The control unit performs, by tool control signals, tightening of the screw connection and rotating of the nut. The control unit has a travel control module with travel controller for moving the tool carrier into the working position. The travel controller stops the traction drive after a predefined travel length has been reached that is a target variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 11098517
    Abstract: A door operator, for opening and closing a door with a motor, comprises a worm drive, a clutch coupled to the worm drive, and an output shaft coupled to the clutch. The worm drive comprises a worm and a worm gear. The door operator allows for the use of a low voltage motor to be used to open and close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: TD IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
  • Patent number: 11085227
    Abstract: A vehicle opening and closing apparatus that opens and closes an opening and closing body provided on a vehicle includes: an electric motor that drives the opening and closing body; a position detection part that detects a position of the opening and closing body; a measurement part that measures a current value which flows in the electric motor when the opening and closing body arrives at a predetermined position; a counter that counts up a count value based on the current value; and a determination part that stops, for a predetermined period of time, the next and subsequent opening and closing operation of the opening and closing body when the count value exceeds a first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Roppongi, Takayuki Ikeda, Masahiro Fueki, Yasunori Noro
  • Patent number: 11053725
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sliding door system including a motor, a driveshaft coupled to the motor, and a coupling mechanism fastened to the sliding door. The coupling mechanism is configured to convert rotation of the driveshaft into linear motion of the sliding door, such that movement of the coupling mechanism is directly correlated to movement of the sliding door. The sliding door system also includes a rotary encoder, a belt mechanically coupled to the coupling mechanism. The belt, as moved by the coupling mechanism, is configured to turn the rotary encoder as the sliding door moves, such that movement of the rotary encoder is directly correlated to movement of the sliding door and not directly correlated to movement of the motor and driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Federico Romero, David Paul Hewitt
  • Patent number: 11028631
    Abstract: The device comprises a main body, a fixing member affording fixing of a door leaf to the main body, a ball socket able to drive the main body under the effect of a motor, a roller able to move between (a) an active locking position in which the roller locks the ball socket with respect to the main body, in a closed position of the door leaf and (b) an inactive unlocking position in which a the roller allows displacement of the ball socket with respect to the main body. The device also includes a sleeve that allows a small movement of the fixing member with respect to the ball socket in a displacement direction from the closed position of the door leaf. The device further comprises a tooth that inhibits sleeve to immobilize the fixing member with respect to the ball socket, at least in translation in the displacement direction, when the roller is in the inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURS
    Inventors: Cédric Courrian, David Cherubin-Grillo, Eric L'Heritier, Laurent Huet
  • Patent number: 10654344
    Abstract: A motorized door assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a housing body, a housing opening extending into a housing cavity, a door coupled to the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing about a pivot axis, a motor with a motor head fixed to the housing and a motor adapter rotatably coupled to the motor head about a rotation axis that is different than the pivot axis, and an arm coupled to the door and the motor. The housing cavity secures a component therein. The door conceals the housing cavity in a door closed position and reveals the housing cavity in a door open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Girard Guard, LLC
    Inventors: Johnnie Mathiasen, Oscar Solis Marquez
  • Patent number: 10585407
    Abstract: A home appliance for treating an article according to an automatic cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber having an open face, a door for closing the open face of the treating chamber, two or more sensors on a housing of the home appliance, an actuator operably coupled with the door to move the door from a closed position of the door to an opened position of the door, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Donald E. Erickson, Michelle K. Flachs, Terry K. Litaker, Chris W. Paraskevopoulos, Scott Albright, Robert Blake
  • Patent number: 10557532
    Abstract: A movable latch housing apparatus and method of installation for enhancing security of a latch mechanism that has a channel with a linear drive that is removably engagable to a slidable engagement structure with a shoulder that is pivotally attached through an arm to a door for automated opening and closing, with a lever that can selectably disengage the slidable engagement structure from the linear drive to allow the door to open freely. The apparatus includes a base and a pair of opposing sidewalls each extending in a same direction perpendicular to and straddling the base and attach to the shoulder, the sidewalls extend beyond the base forming an open ended slot for arm movement. Wherein operationally, the base and the sidewalls shield the lever from unauthorized access to help prevent disengagement of the lever from the linear drive which would allow the door to be freely opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Hubert Junior Hill
  • Patent number: 10544613
    Abstract: This invention is about an improved garage door opener system, with design features for preventing garage door break-in from outside of the garage using an object such as a hanger. Typically, a person pulls down a cord connected to a release handle to release emergency release of a garage door opener, allowing the door to be manually open or closed. An unauthorized person may attempt to pull down the cord using a hanger from outside the garage or to pull or push down the release handle, to open the door from outside and gain unauthorized entrance. The improved garage door opener system provides a mechanism to reverse the pulling direction of the cord and also protects release handle from being accessed from outside the garage, for increased security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventors: Philip Yu Wing Tsui, Gallen Ka Leung Tsui
  • Patent number: 10494852
    Abstract: A door opening/closing device includes: an opening/closing bar attached to a door, which is actuated by a motor and is used for opening and closing the door; a door closing state detecting part configured to detect whether the door is in a closed state; a locking device configured to lock and unlock the door; a lock pin capable of being moved to a locked position or an unlocked position by the locking device; an engaging member attached to the opening/closing bar, which includes an engaging part configured to engage with the lock pin moved to the locked position; a first spring provided between the opening/closing bar and the engaging member; and a locking control unit configured to cause the locking device to lock the door when the closed state is detected by the door closing state detecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Fujita, Atsushi Kitabata
  • Patent number: 10480238
    Abstract: A door operating apparatus for use with a door pivotably mounted to a door frame permits the door to swing in one of a manual operation and an automatic operation. The apparatus includes a housing, a first rotatable sprocket disposed in the housing and coupled to the door, a second rotatable sprocket disposed in the housing and connected to the first rotatable sprocket by a roller chain, the second sprocket having a top face with a protrusion, a drive assembly disposed in the housing and having a motor operably connected to a drive arm. A force applied to the door permits the first and second sprockets to rotate simultaneously to enable the door to swing open. Activation of the motor allows the drive arm to contact the protrusion and drive the second sprocket, thereby rotating the first and second sprockets simultaneously to enable the door to swing open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Donald James La Force
  • Patent number: 10471898
    Abstract: A roll cover assembly for covering a cargo space of a vehicle includes a cassette housing an extendable/retractable roll cover, a first receptacle adjacent a first side wall of the cargo space and having a channel configured to slidably guide a first end of the cassette during insertion or removal, a second receptacle adjacent a second side wall of the cargo space and having an opening configured to receive a second end of the cassette and permit pivoting of the cassette about the second end during removal of the first end from the first receptacle, a locking mechanism releasably locking the first end of the cassette into the first receptacle, and a release device actuatable to release the locking mechanism by pulling along a line-of-action parallel with a direction in which the first end of the cassette moves during removal from the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Murray, Richard Craven, Daniel Berry, James Neugebauer
  • Patent number: 10465438
    Abstract: A shutter assembly including a plurality of shutter panels arranged side-by-side. Each shutter panel has a respective plurality of louvers and a respective operable tilt mechanism configured to adjust the tilt angle of the respective plurality of louvers. A control shaft operates the tilt mechanisms. The control shaft is configured to drive simultaneously the respective tilt mechanisms of all of the plurality of shutter panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Ken Rotchell
  • Patent number: 10458171
    Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a vehicle door and electrically-powered linear and rotary actuators. The vehicle door system also includes a pinch sensor. Upon receiving an open door command, a controller actuates the linear actuator and then actuates the rotary actuator to open the door. The controller also actuates the linear actuator to prevent closing of the door if the pinch-sensor detects an object in a door opening. The controller actuates the rotary actuator to close the door upon receiving a close door command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Muhammad Omer Khan, Kosta Papanikolaou, Livianu Dorin Puscas, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, H. Paul Tsvi Linden, George Anthony Bernwanger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10378262
    Abstract: A door operator, for opening and closing a door with a motor, comprises a worm drive, a clutch coupled to the worm drive, and an output shaft coupled to the clutch. The worm drive comprises a worm and a worm gear. The door operator allows for the use of a low voltage motor to be used to open and close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
  • Patent number: 10012017
    Abstract: A system for sliding a door of, for example, a cupboard, includes a bottom slide rail suitable for being set on a surface such that the door can come to bear on the bottom slide rail. A connecting device slides in the bottom slide rail. This connecting device is secured to a bottom of the door. A drive device exerts a drive force on the connecting device to cause the connecting device to slide in the bottom slide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ETABLISSEMENTS SOGAL FABRICATION
    Inventors: Joel Angebault, Laurent Dile
  • Patent number: 9903148
    Abstract: A sliding closure assembly includes a frame assembly, at least one sliding closure panel, a second panel, and a powered actuator. The frame assembly has a first track portion, a second track portion, and a catch portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame assembly. The second closure panel is adjacent to the at least one sliding closure panel and is positioned within the second track portion of the frame assembly. The powered actuator assembly is positioned adjacent to the second panel and entirely within the second track portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame such that an opening is formed through the sliding closure assembly when the sliding closure panel is in the opened position and the opening is closed when the sliding closure panel is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company North America, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Rodems, Robert M. Lucci
  • Patent number: 9771751
    Abstract: The present invention includes three off-set hinges adapted to utilize the weight of the door to cause the door to self position and allow manual operation of the door. A center hinge includes a top leaf, a center pin, and a bottom leaf. The center pin includes an upper pin-portion adapted to slidably insert into an inverted slot on a top socket of the top leaf and an oppositely disposed lower pin-portion adapted to slidably insert into an upright cylindrical slot of the bottom leaf. A gear is disposed intermediate to the upper pin-portion and lower pin-portion. The gear is fixed or otherwise coupled to the pin whereby rotation of the gear results in corresponding rotation of the pin including both the top portion and the bottom portion. The lower pin-portion further includes a beveled lower (distal) end. This bevel matches a corresponding bevel in the bottom leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Fadi Ibsies
  • Patent number: 9702178
    Abstract: A door suspension device includes a driving-side member, a hanger, an elastic member, and a first adjustment bolt. The hanger is configured so as to be displaceable in an opening and closing direction in conjunction with the driving-side member and supports a door. The elastic member allows relative displacements of the driving-side member and the hanger by elastically deforming in accordance with a load between the driving-side member and the hanger. The first adjustment bolt is a member for adjusting an initial value of a load that acts between the driving-side member and the hanger. The first adjustment bolt includes a male screw section to be fixed to the driving-side member, and a head which is arranged so that an axial force acting on the first adjustment bolt is received by an edge of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Takayama
  • Patent number: 9704319
    Abstract: A system and method are described regarding a wireless lockbox that can be used to manage real estate sales tours. A system can include various owners and buyers that create a searchable real estate listing. Buyers can review the list via computing device, such as a smartphone, and request home tours. Owners can review requests and approve potential buyers to tour their property. When the potential buyer approaches the property, software on their computing device can communicate via Bluetooth, or another wireless network, and unlock the wireless lockbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Garcia Desinor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9574389
    Abstract: A line belt driven retrofittable door opener includes a motor, a drive link, an output link, and at least one flexible link. The at least one flexible link includes at least one flexible line link. The drive link is connected to the motor. The output link is connected to the arm of the door. The at least one flexible link interconnects the drive link with the output link. Wherein, the motor is configured for opening the door by rotating the drive link, which in turn rotates the output link via the at least one flexible link, which in turn rotates the arm, thereby opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Eon Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Peter C. Menze, Stephen R. Lang, Matthew P. Jewell
  • Patent number: 9523215
    Abstract: An electronic locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: TRITEQ LOCK AND SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Denison, Calin Roatis
  • Patent number: 9422760
    Abstract: A protector with a sensor is installed on a sliding door for detecting an alien substance by touch between two core wires in a hollow part. In a terminal part of the protector with the sensor, the core wires drawn out are connected with a resistor or leads joined with a control unit. A primary seal is formed by injection molding for coating wire connection parts and another end side of an insert and a secondary seal is formed by the injection molding for coating a part formed with the primary seal for forming an external shape of a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keigo Matsuda, Akira Haruta, Yuzo Hirakawa, Shingo Tomoyasu
  • Patent number: 9382746
    Abstract: A door control device is disclosed. In the door control device, after operation of “Full Close” in one status has been detected, obstruction occurs in a door close detection switch ON/OFF detection portion so that one event “Dcsm=OFF”, e.g. a signal (Dcsm=OFF) indicating OFF detected by the door close detection switch ON/OFF detection portion is obtained. On this occasion, operation of “ReClose” in another status is executed so that drive toward a close direction is continued by a door close control portion through a reclose command portion until another event “Dcsm=ON”, e.g. a signal (Dcsm=ON) indicating ON detected by the door close detection switch ON/OFF detection portion is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeki Inatama
  • Patent number: 8985181
    Abstract: In a door operator having a driving end and a weight carrying end, an electric motor mechanism, a first electromagnetic clutch mechanism, a combination pull-chain disc and brake, a second electromagnetic clutch mechanism are disposed in sequence between the driving end and the weight carrying end, the mechanisms being connected by rotating shafts and a hollow shaft, in which when the electric motor mechanism is electrically powered, the first electromagnetic clutch mechanism moves the hollow shaft to separate from a brake device, and the second electromagnetic clutch mechanism connects the driving end to the weight carrying end; and when the electric motor mechanism is not electrically powered, the first electromagnetic clutch mechanism connects the hollow shaft to the brake device, and the second electromagnetic clutch mechanism separates the driving end from the weight carrying end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chung Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8935883
    Abstract: A barrier operator system including, method and kit described herein contemplate the use a rack and pinion drive mechanism which is mounted on tracks of the operator system such that the pinion is positioned to engage the rack which is coupled to the barrier to move the barrier along the tracks in both the upstream and downstream direction. Pre-positioning the pinion relative to the rack and using the rack and pinion drive permits coupling the rack and motor at any variety of points along the barrier to move it. Further when the barrier is an over head door, such as a garage door, the door is connected to the rack through a coupling assembly which connects the door to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Arthur Coubray, Alan Keith Coubray
  • Patent number: 8919524
    Abstract: Provided are an object processing apparatus and a financial apparatus. The object processing apparatus comprises a motor, a shutter configured to close and open an object-entrance space, and a power transmission. The power transmission is configured to open or close the shutter according to operation of the motor and allow the shutter to be opened or closed by an external force when the motor is not operated. The power transmission transmits a driving force of the motor to the shutter without any electronic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8893435
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator (200) comprises a motor (201) having an output drive shaft that itself comprises a first end (202) and a second end (203) that is disposed opposite to the first end. The movable barrier operator also comprises a hand-operated chain hoist (204) that is connected to the second end of this output drive shaft. By one approach, the movable barrier operator also comprises a reduction mechanism (207) and a transmission (210). The reduction mechanism is disposed parallel to and laterally of the motor and comprises a movable barrier drive output (208) and an input drive shaft (209). The transmission, in turn, is disposed to couple the first end of the output drive shaft of the motor to the input drive shaft of the reduction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chamberlain Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott James Nicholson
  • 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: 8827155
    Abstract: An access control gate with a mechanical guide forms one or more access lanes for patrons. A contactless access reader which is connected to a software controlled verification system identifies access right of patrons shortly before the person approaches a gate threshold formed by two motor driven flaps which when closed protrude into the access lane from left and right of the lateral lane boundaries. A verification system activates the flaps when an access right has been granted. Two or more photoelectric barriers define a detection zone behind the gate threshold and detect the passage of patrons through the gate threshold and the exit of the detection zone. The flaps are closed with highest possible speed after the patron has left the detection zone regularly, and are moved with low speed if an irregular passage is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Axess AG
    Inventors: Wolfram Kocznar, Josef Fischer
  • Patent number: 8806806
    Abstract: Embodiments of the resent invention provide an electric motor driven door or barrier opener with a manually operable drive for use in the event of a power failure. The operator includes a manually rotatable drive wheel and manual rotation of the drive wheel effects a movement of at least one drive coupler in generally radially extending direction relative to the drive shaft to effect a drive coupling between the drive wheel and the drive shaft to input drive to permit manual opening and or closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Openers Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jack Leivenzon, Glen Edward Flemming, Eric Vellere
  • Patent number: 8782952
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle window opener that includes a power window switch that controls an electrical motor to open and to close a window of a vehicle, a retractable handle that is extended to manually open and close the window of the vehicle, a first pinion gear connected to the retractable handle, a second pinion gear that is engaged with the first pinion gear, an electrical magnet, an electrical switch, an actuator having a controller that receives an emergency signal and controls the electrical switch based on the emergency signal, a coupling part, a coupling button, and a coupling spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Hashim Mohammed Alsadah
  • Patent number: 8764071
    Abstract: A system for use with a emergency exit door, comprising: a door opener including a stationary actuator with a movable distal arm for pushing the door open; a door strike mountable to a door frame having an opening to receive a latch of the emergency exit door, the electric door strike including a gate having a locked condition and a release condition; a controller connected to the door opener and the door strike; a remote activator having a triggered condition, which provides a signal to the controller when the remote activator is triggered, to unlock the gate and then the door opener, to open the emergency exit door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Systems & Technology, LLC
    Inventors: William P. Lanigan, John J. Wepfer, Maciej Labowicz, Gary A. Naese, Gerald F. Chalko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8662140
    Abstract: A composite pull-chain disc mechanism with brake function for a door operator comprises a torsional spring having de-twisting and twisting sides. The weight of a door curtain always acts on the de-twisting sides, so that the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to shrink to brake the rotation of the central shaft of the door operator. If twisting sides bears an external force, the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to enlarge to release braking of the central shaft. Furthermore, the composite pull-chain disc mechanism can be adapted to an electric door operator. In the case of detaching an electric motor mechanism during maintenance, the door operator can still be operated to open/close a door in a manual mode through the composite pull-chain disc mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8601741
    Abstract: A closing device for a vehicle door is disclosed, comprising an electrical motor provided with a shaft (A), a worm (V) driven into rotation by said shaft (A), a gear in which said worm (V) is meshed, and transmission means that connect said gear with a lock striker of the closing device. An uncoupling device (1) is positioned between said shaft (A) and said worm (V). The uncoupling device couples the shaft (A) to the worm (V) when the shaft rotates and uncouples the shaft (A) from the worm (V) when the shaft (A) is motionless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: SO.GE.MI.-S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Scocco, Francesco Capogrosso
  • Patent number: 8567129
    Abstract: A vehicle door control method includes operating a vehicle door handle to disengage a door lock device of a vehicle door, beginning to count time upon the operation of the door handle, if the vehicle door has moved from a fully closed position after the door lock device has been disengaged, operating a power assist mechanism to move the vehicle door in an opening direction, if the vehicle door has not moved from the fully closed position, operating the power assist mechanism to urge the vehicle door to move in the opening direction, if the vehicle door moves while being urged by the power assist mechanism, the operation of the power assist mechanism is continued to move the vehicle door in the opening direction, if the vehicle door does not move while being urged by the power assist mechanism, the power assist mechanism is operated in a direction which urges the vehicle door to move to the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shintaro Suzuki, Toshio Machida, Eiji Itami, Mizuho Morimitsu
  • Patent number: 8505241
    Abstract: An opening and closing control apparatus includes an automatic sliding door controller that controls a drive of an opening and closing driving mechanism. The automatic sliding door controller determines whether a request is a manual operating request or an automatic operating request on the basis of a signal from a press switch that is switched on by a press-on operation. In the case of the automatic operating request, the automatic sliding door controller is configured so that an automatic opening and closing determination process determines whether a request is an opening operating request or a closing operating request based on the detection of door state detection section, and an opening and closing process is then executed by operating the opening and closing driving mechanism based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiichi Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 8484893
    Abstract: A clutch includes a driving-side rotating body, a driven-side rotating body, a holding case, and a power transmitting member held by one of the driving-side rotating body and the holding case. The power transmitting member is moved between a non-engaging position and an engaging position where the driving-side rotating body engages with the driven-side rotating body. The clutch further includes a guiding member held by the other of the driving-side rotating body and the holding case. The guiding member has a cam portion engaged with the power transmitting member and guides movement of the power transmitting member between the engaging position and the non-engaging position. Relative rotation between the driving-side rotating body and the holding case occurs, resulting in that the power transmitting member is guided by the cam portion to move from the non-engaging position to the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsuto Hayakawa, Tomoaki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8484892
    Abstract: An electric door operator for opening and closing one or a spaced pair of transit vehicle passenger doors for being mounted over an opening for the doors. A rotatable input shaft has an electric motor secured to the input shaft for driving the input shaft, a worm centrally positioned on the motor shaft, and an electric brake mounted to the input shaft at an end opposite of the electric motor. A drum cam lifts a pinion from a worm gear disconnecting the worm gear from an output gear train in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Peter M. Giannis
  • Patent number: 8479446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a gate, the gate panel thereof being guided in a guide rail on each side. A carriage is guided in one of the guide rails, and a pusher arm is joined with a hinge to the carriage and the upper edge of the gate panel. A motor is supported on the pusher arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sommer Antriebs-und Funktechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Schaff
  • Patent number: 8407937
    Abstract: A door operator for selectively opening and closing a side hinge door. The door operator may include a motor with a drive shaft, an operator arm assembly, a door position sensor, and a controller. The operator arm assembly may include an output shaft operatively coupled to the drive shaft, an operator arm, and a clutch assembly mounted to the output shaft. The door position sensor, which may be electro-magnetic, signals the controller when the door is not closed. If the door has been manually pushed open, the controller signals the motor to rotate the drive shaft in the closing direction. In automatic mode, the output shaft and the operator arm are operatively engaged, but manual force to open the door overcomes static friction between the operator arm and friction discs in the clutch assembly, operatively disengaging the operator arm and output shaft until the manual force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Publication number: 20130074409
    Abstract: A door machine having an electric motor and a chain disk locking mechanism. The chain disk locking mechanism includes a chain disk, an engaging rotary block, a stationary shaft and a plurality of moving pins. When the chain disk is pulled to rotate, the fixed pins of the chain disk press the moving pins so as to push the engaging rotary block to rotate with the stationary shaft together. When the stationary shaft is pulled to rotate, the engaging rotary block prohibits the moving pins from rotation. When the chain disk is pulled manually, the rolling door can be rolled upward or downward; when cease pulling the chain disk, braking is immediately effected so as to prevent the rolling door from moving upward or downward. Hence, the clutch mechanism can be omitted for cost saving and the structure of the mechanism can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Chung Hsien HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8402857
    Abstract: A fast clutch mechanism for an industrial door is provided. A worm is connected to a motor shaft of the industrial door and meshes with a worm wheel which is rotatably mounted on an output shaft of a transmission box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jiangxi Baisheng Gate & Door Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Wan