With Manually Actuated Operator Patents (Class 49/140)
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Patent number: 12139954Abstract: A fenestration automated operating system includes a fenestration frame, fenestration panel and one or both of a panel operating assembly or a panel latch assembly. The panel operating assembly is coupled with one or both of the fenestration frame or the fenestration panel. The panel operating assembly includes a panel actuator coupled with the panel actuator. A panel latch assembly is coupled with one or both of the fenestration frame or the fenestration panel. The panel latch assembly includes a latch and a latch actuator coupled with the latch. A fenestration controller is configured to operate each of the latch actuator and the panel actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2023Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company, LLCInventors: Daniel Jon Curtis, Justin Wayne Magnusen, Brian Michael Farnes
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Patent number: 12065032Abstract: A covering device (100) for a vehicle, includes: a cover (10); a drive element (40a, 40b) formed to enable a movement of the cover, wherein the drive element brings about a force which acts on the cover. The covering device has a force-limitation apparatus (30a, 30b) which limits the force brought about by the drive element to a limit force so that the covering device is protected in the event of an overload acting on the covering device and/or a user is protected when using the covering device. An actuator (200) has a drive apparatus (210) with a drive element (211); an output drive element (290); and a force-decoupling apparatus (230). The force-decoupling apparatus is formed so that it at least temporarily does not output a force taken up by the drive element or at least temporarily outputs it in a delayed manner to the output drive element.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf, Christian Beck, Matthias Hegwein
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Patent number: 12046095Abstract: Secure medication storage is described herein. A smart latch includes an actuator, a communication interface, a display, and a processor. The actuator is configured to open and close a latch to secure a door of the enclosure. The processor can be configured to receive a user credential for accessing the enclosure, validate the user credential for accessing the enclosure, trigger the actuator to open the latch, thereby allowing the door to be opened, and trigger the actuator to close the latch after detecting that the door is closed, thereby securing the door.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Rahilly, Brendan John Burgess, Ramkumar Subramanian, Mustafa Yusufi, Monica Wyly
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Patent number: 12030375Abstract: A covering device (100) for a vehicle, includes: a cover (10); a drive element (40a, 40b) formed to enable a movement of the cover, wherein the drive element brings about a force which acts on the cover. The covering device has a force-limitation apparatus (30a, 30b) which limits the force brought about by the drive element to a limit force so that the covering device is protected in the event of an overload acting on the covering device and/or a user is protected when using the covering device. An actuator (200) has a drive apparatus (210) with a drive element (211); an output drive element (290); and a force-decoupling apparatus (230). The force-decoupling apparatus is formed so that it at least temporarily does not output a force taken up by the drive element or at least temporarily outputs it in a delayed manner to the output drive element.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Andreas Rudolf, Christian Beck, Matthias Hegwein
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Patent number: 11891856Abstract: A roller shutter with dual operation modes includes a door frame, a roller shutter body, a driving motor, a connecting device, a rotating shaft and a connecting rod. The roller shutter body is slidably configured on the door frame, the rotating shaft is rotatably configured on the door frame, and the rotating shaft is connected with the driving motor through the connecting device. When the connecting device is in a connected state, the driving motor drives the connecting rod to retract or extend the roller shutter body; when the connecting device is a separated state, the rotating shaft is manually operated to drive the connecting rod to retract or extend the roller shutter body. The roller shutter can be opened or closed by manual operation in the absence of power supply or in case of circuit failure, which greatly improves the reliability and convenience.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Dongguan City GeShengMei Industrial Co., LtdInventor: Taotao Lei
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Patent number: 11732520Abstract: Hinged window drive systems and window assemblies incorporating them provide for a combination of powered or motorized operation in addition to manual operation using a hand crank, with the opportunity for a user to switch between motorized operation and manual operation as needed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: ANDERSEN CORPORATIONInventors: Chad Wernlund, David Plummer
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Patent number: 11629544Abstract: A door opener includes a first side cover fixed to a mounting seat. A mode switching device is disposed on the first side cover and includes an anti-theft control module. A driving device is operatively connected to a door for moving the door. A control device is electrically connected to the mode switching device and the driving device. The control device includes a control panel for operating the driving device. The mode switching device is switchable to a wake-up mode only when the anti-theft control module is unlocked. The driving device is operable by the control panel only when the mode switching device is in the wake-up mode. An outer cover is coupled to the first side cover and covers an outer side of the driving device and an outer side of the control device. The control panel is exposed via a window of the outer cover to permit operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: I-TEK METAL MFG. CO., LTDInventor: Hung-Jen Tien
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Patent number: 9754432Abstract: In an approach for enhancing physical security, a processor receives, via a wireless communication protocol, a first set of information from a first device associated with a first person. A processor compares the first set of information to a predefined rule, wherein the predefined rule specifies whether a lock can be engaged. A processor determines that the lock cannot be engaged, based on the first information and the predefined rule.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Bender, Rhonda L. Childress, David B. Kumhyr, Michael J. Spisak
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Patent number: 9556664Abstract: A motorized tilting window operator and a tilting window. The motorized tilting window operator including one or more motorized drive units configured to connect with and drive one or more manual tilting window operators of the tilting window. The motorized tilting window operator including a cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: JMAC, INCInventors: Gregory Ronald Hudepohl, Matthew Michael Barrett, Paul David Bader, Craig Randall Shilling
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Patent number: 9045025Abstract: An articulated gull-wing door is described. The articulated gull-wing door comprises an upper section and a lower section mounted in a modular frame or directly in the body of a motor vehicle between two pillars. The upper section is overlapable with the lower section when the door is in a closed position to provide a leak proof interface. The upper section is attached to a top of the modular frame with a plurality of hinges and comprises a sliding rod that is couplable to a mechanical link in the lower section. The lower section comprises a plurality of linear bearings arranged at an upper portion of a front side and a rear side of the lower section to slidably couple the lower section to corresponding rails attached to upper front and upper rear portions of the modular frame. The lower section is capable of slidably displacing itself in a vertical direction on the rails in the modular frame to fixed upper pivot points and then rotating upward upon the fixed upper pivot points to a fully opened position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Spintek Filtration, Inc.Inventors: William Greene, Jose Pauletti, Jason Gilmour
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Patent number: 8806806Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Smart Openers Pty LtdInventors: Jack Leivenzon, Glen Edward Flemming, Eric Vellere
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Patent number: 8671623Abstract: A door of a vehicle having a door inner panel, a door latch assembly mounted to the inner panel adjacent to a fish mouth opening, with the latch assembly having a lock lever; and a door trim panel mounted on the inner panel including a lock hole on a surface of the trim panel. A manual lock assembly has a mounting bracket, a button cap, a main shaft and a cam. The mounting bracket is mounted to the door trim panel. The button cap telescopically slides in the bracket and has an end extending through the lock hole. The main shaft slides in the bracket, engages with the button cap and extends into contact with the cam. The cam engages the lock lever to cause locking of the latch assembly when the button cap is pushed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Lisa J. Dodson, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Richard K. Mette, Carolyn J. Thor, Frank J. Arabia, Jr.
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Patent number: 8601742Abstract: An orientation-independent hydraulic system comprises a dynamic fluid reservoir defining a first volume substantially equal to the volume of the fluid therein, and a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with the dynamic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder has a second volume of hydraulic fluid and a piston rod configured to extend and retract in response to changes in the second volume. A first hydraulic pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the dynamic fluid reservoir, thereby moving the piston rod between the extended and retracted positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: NPC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Norman L. Domholt, John David, Richard Reid
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Publication number: 20130247469Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventor: Chung-Hsien HSIEH
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Patent number: 8453706Abstract: An assembly for an automatic garage door including a slide bar, a motor, and a drive assembly connected to the slide bar, and a tie connected to the garage door; the assembly including a first “C” bracket having a lower web, the first “C” bracket receiving the slide bar and the motor and drive assembly being operatively connected to the first “C” bracket for longitudinally moving the first “C” bracket; a second “C” bracket having a lower web, the second “C” bracket nestingly receiving the first “C” bracket, and the tie being further connected to the second “C” bracket; a latching mechanism incorporated within the first and second “C” brackets' lower webs, the latching mechanism being adapted for resisting movements of the first and second “C” brackets away from each other; and a third “C” bracket having lower web, the third “C” bracket nestingly receiving the second “C” bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventor: Elizabeth Ann Shepherd
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Patent number: 8381442Abstract: A hand pulling drive mechanism includes a hand drive device and a shaft connected with the hand drive device. The mechanism further includes a gear pair, a rotation propelling device connected with the shaft, and an eccentric pulling device including a shaft pin placed on the shaft and a torsion jacket pivotally connected to the shaft and rotated relative to the shaft pin. The gear pair includes a drive gear sleeved on the shaft for switching, and a follower gear secured to a motor shaft. The rotation propelling device is connected with the drive gear. The torsion jacket and the drive gear pull the torsion jacket through eccentric rotation of the shaft pin when the shaft is rotated, so that the drive gear moves in an axial direction and the follower drive engages with and disengages from the drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventor: Wei Wan
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Patent number: 8365469Abstract: A door operator operates a door that is rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door operator comprises an output shaft, a closing assembly, and a motor. The output shaft is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and is coupled to the door such that rotation of the output shaft pivots the door about the axis of rotation and rotation of the door about the axis of rotation rotates the output shaft. The closing assembly is coupled to the output shaft to apply a torque to the output shaft, wherein the torque applied by the closing assembly rotates the output shaft such that the rotation of the output shaft by the closing assembly rotates the door toward the closed position. The motor is coupled to the output shaft via a clutch to selectively apply opening and/or closing torque to the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Kowalczyk, Michael S. Tignor
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Publication number: 20120240470Abstract: Embodiments of electric motor driven door or barrier opener with a manually operable drive for use in the event of a power failure are provided. The operator comprises a gear box drive connectable with an electric motor of said operator, said gear box comprising an output for drive coupling with said door to effect opening and closing of said door by said motor and a shaft that drive rotates when said motor rotates. The shaft carries a free wheeling manually rotatable drive wheel as said manually operable drive and useable in the event of power failure to effect manual drive rotation movement of said shaft to open and close the door via said gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Smart Openers PTY LTDInventors: Jack Leivenzon, Glen Edward Flemming, Eric Vellere
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Patent number: 8230759Abstract: An integrated brake and chain disk device for a door operator includes an electrical motor with a main shaft coupled to a gear box for rolling a rolling door through an output shaft of the gear box; a brake device for braking the main shaft; a chain disk device for manually rotating the main shaft upon power failure; a clutch device which disengages the intermediate shaft from the chain disk device or engages the intermediate shaft with the chain disk device. The brake device includes at least one torsion spring fitting on a fixed hub. The torsion spring tightly fits on the hub and becomes immovable when a force in a spiral direction of the torsion spring is exerted on either end of the torsion spring, and can be released from the hub when a force in a direction opposite to the spiral direction of the torsion spring is exerted on either end of the torsion spring. In this way, the brake device and the chain disk device are integrated.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Chung Hsien Hsieh
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Patent number: 7963069Abstract: A safety device for motorized pedestrian access passageways, comprising a movement and supporting mechanism of an oscillating access shutter, which includes an electric motor (30) for activating the shutter, and a mechanical control system, which uses a series of levers (12, 13, 14, 14?), associated with respective elastic elements (22, 25), and a pushing element (31), suitable for allowing the automatic opening of the passageway, in the case of a lack of power supply, due, for example, to an electric black-out; in particular, the position in which the shutter almost completely closes the access passageway is an unstable equilibrium position, which is maintained thanks to the action of an electric motor (30), with an incorporated reducer, which contrasts the opening movement of the shutter, and the pushing element (31), which intervenes in the opening, when the shutter is positioned for completely closing the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Gunnebo Entrance Control S.p.A.Inventor: Tomaso Ropelato
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Patent number: 7707774Abstract: A portable, tactical building door opener comprises a door opening mechanism comprising: a body; a door opening arm pivotally connected to the body at a first end and having a roller for engaging the surface of the door at a second end; and an actuator for rotating the door opening arm with respect to the body, from a ready position in which the roller is not forced against the surface of the door, to a door-opened position in which the roller is forced against the surface of the door to open the door. The actuator is remotely and manually operable. The device further includes a support for temporarily and removably bracing the door opening mechanism with respect to the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Allen—Vanguard CorporationInventors: Kenneth Molnar, Christopher Graham
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Patent number: 7513078Abstract: A novel electrical floor-hinge device is provided, which contains an electrical motor and a speed reducing element configured on top of a platform element at a side on top of a body member. A vertical input shaft connected to the speed reducing element is joined to a lateral involute shaft via bevel gears. The involute shaft in turn engages a driven gear on a vertical output shaft. The top end of the output shaft is attached to a seat element whose top surface is fixedly joined to a lower inner corner of a door. By the electrical motor's driving the seat element into clockwise or counterclockwise swing, the door is closed or opened automatically. The speed reducing element can be easily replaced to fit doors of different weight.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Grand Finale International Corp.Inventor: Shun-Cheng Ho
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Patent number: 7509772Abstract: A controller controls, based upon a manual operation signal from a first operating means and the automatic operation signal from a second operating means, a driving of a driving power source for generating a driving force for an opening/closing operation of a vehicle door. The controller switches control for driving the driving power source. An automatic operation mode is selected when the automatic operation signal is inputted to the controller, in which the driving power source is driven to output a predetermined first driving output value. A manual operation mode is selected when the manual operation signal is inputted to the controller in which the driving power source is driven to output a second driving output value which is higher than the first driving output value.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Ohta, Takaya Aiyama
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Patent number: 7481133Abstract: An auxiliary operating device for manually operating a normally motor-operated closure between open and closed positions, the device comprising a shaft, a driving member mounted to the shaft and displaceable between an idle position and an operational position wherein the driving member is operatively coupled to the closure. The device further comprises a manual actuator for first displacing the driving member from its idle position to its operational position and then driving the driving member in order to displace the closure. The actuator can be advantageously mounted at either end portions of the shaft irrespectively of the position of the driving member on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Manaras Somfy ULCInventors: Christophe Walravens, Daniel Lelièvre, Christian Claudel
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Patent number: 7249441Abstract: A power unit to replace the manual crank handle of a vehicle window, including a housing for a drive unit that will connect to the splined shaft from which a crank handle has been removed, the power unit including drive means to be affixed to a vehicle door when the drive means is coupled between a splined output shaft of the drive means and a splined shaft connected to operate the window; the housing having an exterior face plate and a surrounding wall with each having an exterior decorative finish and with a control switch for the motor projecting through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: Charles Wayne Hartle
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Patent number: 7063373Abstract: The clutch includes a drive disk, a follower disk and a brake disk. When current flows, the follower disk is connected with the drive disk to transmit a power from a driving unit to a door-opening/closing mechanism. When no current flows, the follower disk is separated from the drive disk to cut off the power transmission from the driving unit to the door-opening/closing mechanism. In a state that the drive disk and the follower disk are separated from each other, the brake disk is connected to the follower disk to brake the door-opening/closing mechanism in the opening direction of the door, and to allow the door-opening/closing mechanism to move in the closing direction of the door.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Chikata, Takuya Kakumae
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Patent number: 7007427Abstract: A separating device for a door leaf that is moveable overhead has a coupling element movable between a coupling position, in which the coupling element couples an output element of the drive device to the structural component, and a freewheeling position, in which the output element of the drive device is decoupled from the structural component. A locking member is provided which is movable between at least one release position, in which the locking member allows a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position, and at least one locking position, in which the locking member counteracts a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position. The locking member can be coupled to the drive device.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Hörmann KG AntriebstechnikInventors: Michael Sanke, Viktor Schütz
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Patent number: 7000353Abstract: A transmission joint with a coupling having frontal teeth (20,21) is inserted between an output shaft of a gear motor and a worm screw. A release element is associated in a radial way to the coupling so that the coupling can be manually released in an emergency. The release element includes an eccentric pin that engages the coupling element in a radial way so that the coupling element can be moved from an engagement position to a release position by being turned by a lock barrel (26) with its key.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: RIB S.r.l.Inventor: Giuseppe Bosio
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Patent number: 6915608Abstract: A motorized operator for opening and closing a window sash relative to a window frame via an arm mechanism connected to the window frame and being adapted to be installed in a cavity defined in the window frame. The operator comprises a motor, a drive axle rotated by the motor, and first and second gears in meshed engagement. The first gear is mounted on the drive axle, while the second gear is mounted to the arm mechanism such that motorized rotation of the first gear rotatably drives the second gear thereby causing the arm mechanism to pivot for opening and closing the window sash. A manual operator is adapted to disengage the first and second gears from one another while becoming engaged to the second gear for manually rotating the second gear and so manually operate the arm mechanism. The manual operator comprises a handle and a manual actuator which includes a sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Inventor: André Labarre
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Patent number: 6880609Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle
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Patent number: 6813860Abstract: A railroad crossing gate is repaired by lowering the crossing gate mechanism with a lever. The end of the lever can contain a conical opening mating with the conical pivot pin on the gate mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventors: Wayne Board Burnette, Charles Glenn Perkins
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Patent number: 6539670Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., Ronald James Wilde, Thomas Ralph Osborn
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Patent number: 6270147Abstract: A drive arrangement for articulating a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The liftgate is mounted to a body of the motor vehicle for articulation about a pivot axis. The drive arrangement includes a mounting member for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle. A drive motor is attached to the mounting member. A crank arm is pivotally interconnected to the mounting member. The crank arm includes a driven gear. A linkage includes a first end attached to the crank arm and a second end attached to the liftgate. A drive gear is driven by the drive motor. A clutching mechanism is operative for selectively coupling and decoupling the driven gear to the drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Atoma International CorporationInventors: Frederick C Butler, Peter L Oxley
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Patent number: 6181094Abstract: A power operator for opening and closing a trunk lid of a motor vehicle has a spring engaged between the vehicle and the lid for urging the lid from a closed position into an open position, a rod having an outer end connected to the door and an inner end, and a clutch rotatable about a clutch axis and having an output member connected to the rod inner end and an input member. A drive motor connected to the input member is energizable for rotating the clutch elements and thereby displacing the rod and door. Another spring in the clutch rotationally decouples the clutch elements from each other only when a torque applied to the input element exceeds a predetermined limit. A controller energizes the motor for a predetermined amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Kiekert AGInventor: Johannes-Theodor Menke
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Patent number: 6055885Abstract: A door operator comprising electric actuating motor; a reduction gear; manual transmission mechanism between the electric actuating motor and the reduction gear, the electric actuating motor and the manual transmission mechanism independently actuating the reduction gear; a proximal clutch with a proximal disc, which is mounted on a rotating shift of the manual transmission shaft; an end disc of the proximal clutch secured on the rotating shaft of manual transmission mechanism; and an electromagnet secured on a bearing seat inside a housing of the manual transmission mechanism, which is controllable to produce a magnetic effect for a pull chain disc sleeved on the bearing seat to move axially.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventor: Chung-Shien Shea
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Patent number: 6021691Abstract: A window operating system for moving a vehicle window up and down that includes an electric drive motor having a gear coupled to a window movement mechanism through a magnetic clutch assembly wherein the drive gear includes a crank extending outwardly therefrom and through the door facing surface and is selectively connectable to a roll up crank having a fold out handle and a protruding socket member. The door facing surface includes a cavity or chamber into which the emergency crank can be stored and rapidly retrieved in an emergency. The magnetic clutch is only engaged when the power is supplied to the electric motor in either direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventor: Clarence Wilkerson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6006473Abstract: A window regulator comprises a rail defining a central channel which receives an elongate flexible plastic tape having a plurality of slots, the width of the tape being sized to fit within the central channel, a drive mechanism for moving the tape, either electric or manual, and a universal housing connecting the rail and the drive mechanism. The universal housing can be used with either manual or electric window regulator designs. The universal housing has a central cavity which can receive an insert bracket for a manual drive drum when the drive mechanism includes a hand crank. The central cavity is sized to receive a larger, electric drive drum when the drive mechanism includes an electric motor. Either drive drum has teeth sized to engage the slots of the tape so that the drive mechanism can impart motion to the tape to raise and lower a windowpane. When the insert bracket is used, the tape is routed in the universal housing from a first slot, around the manual drive drum to a second slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Atwood Industries, Inc.Inventors: James G. Mariel, Michael D. Kobrehel, Larry B. Walker
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Patent number: 6006475Abstract: An spring apparatus for use with an automatic swinging door closure system wherein the system includes a motor linked to a door via a gear train and a drive arm, the train including a plurality of gears including a first gear adjacent the motor, the motor driving the gears to move the door in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and the apparatus for driving the gears in the direction opposite motor direction when motor power is cut off, the apparatus including a spring mounted within a housing which is linkable to the first gear in a first orientation to cause clockwise door movement and is linkable to the first gear in a second orientation to cause counter-clockwise door movement, the apparatus is easily modifiable so as to be configured in either of the first or second orientations and also includes a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting spring tension.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Nabco Entrances Inc.Inventors: James E. Schwantes, James R. Scott, Michael L. Slosiarek, Donald G. Mussa, James A. Treichel
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Patent number: 5982124Abstract: An adaptive vehicle power window control apparatus (20) includes an electric motor (28) for moving a member (34) between a first position and a second position. The space between the first position and the second position is divided into a plurality of trap zones and each zone has an associated sensitivity value. A controller 24 determines (40) a value functionally related to the present motor speed and determines (44) a value functionally related to a reference motor speed. The sensitivity value is adjusted as a function of the two determined values. A window zone determining function (62) determines which of the plurality zones the member (34) is located. The value functionally related to present motor speed is adjusted (52) as a function of the sensitivity value for the zone that the member is located. A comparing function (48) compares the adjusted value with the value functionally related to reference motor speed. The motor direction and movement is controlled as a function of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: John Y. Wang
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Patent number: 5857061Abstract: A system for enabling a vehicle operator to control the speed or rate of raising and lowering of a powered lift window. The actuator or switch includes a pressure responsive variable impedance device comprising a variable resistance in one embodiment and a variable capacitance in another embodiment. Increasing force directly on the variable impedance device by the user's finger or an actuator decreases the impedance which is sensed by a voltage divider which outputs a voltage which increases with increasing force. This latter voltage is compared with the output of a triangle wave oscillator and the output of the comparator is a pulse width modulated signal with pulse-width proportional to applied force. The pulses are applied to a power device (Mosfet) which modulates the duty cycle (%) of the current to the window lift mechanism drive motor to give variable motor speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Albert Y. Chang, Michael G. Taranowski, Brian T. Pier, James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, Lewis J. Gohde, Edward J. Hummelt, Richard A. Baumann, Peter J. McGinnis, Arlene M. Klumb
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Patent number: 5851050Abstract: A hydraulic closure system is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle that enables automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotably mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position for a prescribed distance in more than a prescribed time. An obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Atoma International Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Squire, Maciej Bigoszewski, Gareth J. Selfe
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Patent number: 5851049Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic closure system for a motor vehicle includes automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotally mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system used in the method includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by relatively slow manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position. Also, an obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Atoma International Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Squire, Maciej Bigoszewski, Gareth J. Selfe
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Patent number: 5839555Abstract: An automatic clutch type chain pulling mechanism for a motor rolling door for releasing the brake and winding up the door curtain by pulling the chain during electricity cutoff. The chain pulling mechanism is enclosed in a housing and is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor from the outside end inward with a drive block fixed on the rotating shaft of the motor which forms along its circumference a plurality of lugs protruding radially outward, an intermediate disk having an elongated radial slot and formed with a raised circular flange on its circumference with a friction clamping ring inserted within the inner surface of the flange, and a releasing rod mechanism. The releasing rod mechanism includes a brake releasing rod with one end fixed with a pin inserted into the elongated slot and the other end pivoted and having a pair of wing plates inclined upward fixed on the pivoted end for pushing an intermediate lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Inventor: Tsung-Wen Hsieh
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Patent number: 5760554Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system for opening or closing windows and other apertures having a plurality of conditions ranging from fully open to fully closed. The system includes a panel which is moved over an aperture by a movement mechanism, and an electrical switch having a plurality of touch positions, with the switch in electrical communication with the movement mechanism. Each touch position corresponds to an aperture condition from fully opened to fully closed. Upon actuation of one of the touch positions, the panel is moved to a particular position corresponding to the touch position actuated.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: James M. Bustamante
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Patent number: 5673515Abstract: The invention concerns a two-strand cable window regulator for motor vehicles having two guide rails which is specifically designed to control spherically curved windows. The invention ensures exact conformity with a predefined raising/lowering path with extremely different radii of curvature of the window at the locations of the two guide rails.The present invention ensures exact conformity by modifying the travel distance of the window near at least one guide rail such that the travel distance of the window is either larger or smaller than the distance traveled by the respective carrier connected to the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Horst Weber, Gerhard Hofmann
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Patent number: 5535551Abstract: An electrical window operator for opening and closing a window comprises at least one arm connected pivotally and detachably in a first end with a sash coupling member slidable side within a limited part of the length of the sash, said arm being pivotally connected at the other end with a second coupling member connected with the main frame. An operator housing arranged at the main frame accommodates an elongate drive shaft with a threaded section engaged by a nut element forming part of the second coupling member and an electrical drive unit in axial extension of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: V. Kann Rasmussen Industri A/SInventors: Morten Falk, Leon Geisshirt
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Patent number: 5422552Abstract: An automated actuator is fabricated in kit form and adapted to be assembled and disassembled for use with sliding doors, windows or other similar panels. The actuator includes a support column which is adjustable to be braced at the existing door jamb at either side of the door frame to move the panel. Mounting of the actuator does not require the surrounding frame or wall structure to be structurally altered. Circuitry for the actuator ceases the sliding movement of the door when the door meets resistance, such as by a child or animal in the path of the door, and re-tests for the resistance to determine whether the door should continue along the intended path.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Inventor: Gary Parisi
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Patent number: 5299385Abstract: A detention cell locking system affording improved securement and reliability in the locking network of multiple detention cell doors. Mechanical actuation linkages are interconnected for motion responsive to either select manual, mechanical, or electrical signals actuating a DC motor drive. The locking mechanism incorporates an elongate toggle plate mounted to a carriage plate and a pair of cell door support rollers forming part of a mechanical locking system. The toggle plate assembly on the carriage plate permits a turning moment to be generated for lost motion actuation which effects locking and unlocking of the detention cell doors. A control network determines the length of time that the DC motor is electrically actuated and disengages the power to the motor during manual mechanical actuation.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Glitsch, Inc.Inventor: Lloyd McConnell
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Patent number: 5076014Abstract: Window raising device electrically and manually operated, of simple construction and providing for a firm retention of the window in order to obtain a burglar-proof window. A carriage fixed to the window and sliding in a guide is secured to both ends of a flat belt which slides on two return pads made of synthetic material. The belt is perforated or toothed in its portion passing on a toothed drum. The drum is slidingly mounted on a gear of a main sliding shaft which traverses an electrical driving mechanism. The sliding of the main shaft disengages the shaft from the motor drive but does not disengage its gear from the drum in order to provide a manual drive. The device is useable in a door or in a fixed part of a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1989Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Inventor: Christian Cuyl
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Patent number: 4641458Abstract: A jail door operating and locking mechanism is provided, comprising a sliding jail door mechanism, lockable by a vertical lock bar, and having a mechanism permitting selective manual operation of cell doors, as well as selective power operation of cell doors, from a remote location. A spring loaded index assembly is provided, enabling indexing of selected doors as well as release of cell door control to prison inmates and retrieval of control when desired, all from a remote location. A carriage lock regulator assembly is also provided, comprising a regulator gear rack, regulator gear, regulator lock bar and regulator lock plate, in combination, which allow for overtravel in door operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1985Date of Patent: February 10, 1987Inventors: Walter R. Pilcher, James W. Pilcher