Starter-type Operator; E.g., Seal Breaker Patents (Class 49/276)
  • Patent number: 11776724
    Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a base module including a base case; a manipulation module including a manipulation case, and a grip mounted on an external circumferential surface of the manipulation case; a magnetic mechanism including a base-side magnetic unit provided to the base module, and a manipulation-side magnetic unit provided to the manipulation module; and a grip force sensing unit provided between the manipulation case and the grip, wherein the grip force sensing unit detects whether a grip force applied to the grip is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the magnetic mechanism is configured to vary a magnetic force generated between the base-side magnetic unit and the manipulation-side magnetic unit in accordance with a magnitude of the grip force detected by the grip force sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, ALPS ELECTRIC KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Shin, Hoo Sang Lee, Jong Hyun Choi, Dae Woo Park, Youn Tak Kim, Nam I Jo
  • Patent number: 11566463
    Abstract: A vehicle door presenter actuator, including: an extension bar that is driven outward from the door presenter actuator by a nut that threadingly engages a power screw operatively secured to a motor of the vehicle door presenter actuator; and a barrel cam that is pivoted into contact with a switch as a pin of the nut slides within a cam path of the barrel cam as the nut drives the extension bar outward from the vehicle door presenter actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Luis Arturo Melendez Valdez, Hector Sanchez, Estrada Eduardo, Donald Michael Perkins
  • Patent number: 11414910
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Myoungju Kang, Dongjeong Kim
  • Patent number: 10907397
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet and a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between an opened position and a closed position. A door opening assembly is coupled to one of the cabinet and the door. The door opening assembly includes a motor coupled to a cam. The cam is operably coupled to an actuator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10865512
    Abstract: There is disclosed a laundry treating apparatus comprising a cabinet having an opening; a laundry accommodating portion mounted in the cabinet and comprising an opening aperture which is communicable with the opening; a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet and provided to open and close the opening; a locking portion detachably coupled to the door; and a coupling portion provided in the cabinet to be repeatedly coupled to or decoupled from the locking portion whenever an external force is applied to the door, wherein the door comprises a first frame provided to open and close the opening; and a second frame coupled to one surface of the first frame, and the locking portion is provided in the first frame and prevented from contacting with the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jongsung Lee, Youngbae Park, Soobong Kim
  • Patent number: 10697224
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door that is movably mounted to the body. The door has a powered latch and an electrically-powered actuator that extends and retracts a plunger from an inner side of the door. A controller unlatches the powered latch and actuates the electrically-powered actuator such that the plunger contacts the body and pushes the door open. The controller then controls the electrically-powered actuator to retract the plunger while the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Constantin Manolescu, James Parsons Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10633893
    Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a door configured to be pivotably mounted to a body structure of a vehicle and a door locator mechanism. The door locator mechanism comprises a plunger and a retraction device. The plunger is configured to be actuated between extended and retracted positions. The retraction device is disposed on the plunger and configured to engage the body structure magnetically. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to withdraw the plunger to the retracted position while activating the retraction device electromagnetically connecting the plunger to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Asaa Yehia Harajli, Jonathan Paul Weiler, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, David Darius Wooten, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
  • Patent number: 10386111
    Abstract: For the purpose of improving properties regarding construction a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The device has at least one main body defining at least one storage space; at least one door mounted to the main body and featuring at least one sealed door section that forms at least a portion of a front wall of the storage space; and at least one protrusion unit arranged next to the sealed door section outside the storage space and protruding from the door towards the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Serdar Akca, Mehmet Ciyanoglu, Lars Dinter, Emre Guentav, Tanzer Yildizgoecer, Rasit Oenver
  • Patent number: 10227810
    Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a frameless door glass system, a powered latch, electrically-powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and a powered door protector including a protective member that is movably mounted to the door structure. A controller selectively actuates the frameless door glass system, powered latch, powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and powered door protector according to predefined criteria to coordinate the powered door functions and provide seamless powered operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, John Eddy, III, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Spencer Hicks, John Thomas Ricks
  • Patent number: 10100566
    Abstract: A cabinet structure includes a frame having a plurality of panels; a door pivotally secure to a panel of the plurality of panels; a foot bracket secured to the door, the foot bracket forming a c-shaped structure having an opening configured to receive a foot therein; a door stop secured to an outer surface of the foot bracket and configured to engage with the frame and configured to secure the door in a locked positioned; and a foot grip disposed within the opening of the foot bracket and configured to engage with the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Suwandi Chandra
  • Patent number: 9874392
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, has a body and a door leaf which is hinged to the body and delimits a storage compartment. At least one door-opening aid is mounted on the body and includes a pusher element that can move between a rest position and an active position. A drive mechanism for the door-opening aid is housed in a machine compartment in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Kempfle
  • Publication number: 20150000198
    Abstract: A door is formed into a folding door by dividing the door into two parts to left and right, that is, a hanging door and a door-end door pivotally supported by the hanging door, and the door-end door is used as the pressure difference mitigating mechanism, and the two doors are integrally operated in a normal time, while if a pressure difference is generated, the door-end door can be first opened in order to reduce an opening force, and the door device with a pressure difference mitigating mechanism with excellent operability is provided. A handle position, a latch position, and a torque are adjusted for a handle for door opening/closing, a door closer, a hinge closer for rotating the door-end door with respect to the hanging door, a latch A of the door-end door to a door frame, and a latch B of the door-end door to the hanging door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicants: BX Tetsuya Co., Ltd., Bunka Shutter Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Takahashi, Masanari Tetsuya, Tetsuya Imabayashi
  • Patent number: 8523302
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body, a door to open and close the front of the refrigerator body, and a door handle provided at one side of the door. The door handle includes a handle unit having a grip part to allow a user to grip the door handle, an actuating rod fixed inside the handle unit such that the actuating rod is moved along with the handle unit, a guide unit to guide movement of the actuating rod, a pusher configured to be advanced and retreated through movement relative to the actuating rod to push the refrigerator body, and a gear unit disposed between the actuating rod and the pusher such that the gear unit is engaged with the actuating rod and the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong In Shin, Jae Sek Oh, Kyu Su Cho
  • Patent number: 8469469
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may have a door opening device which is connected at an external surface of a main body, and includes a pushing unit operated by a driving unit to open a refrigerator door by pushing one side of the refrigerator door. Also, a buffering member may be provided between the door opening device and the external surface of the main body. Accordingly, the reliability of the refrigerator is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Sang Chul Ryu, Young Rak Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Soung Joon Park, Ki Youn Kim
  • Patent number: 8398185
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator having a door opening device which includes a cabinet and a door to open and close a front surface of the cabinet, the door opening device comprising: a handle which is mounted on a front surface of the door to perform a seesaw motion; and a push kit which is mounted on a side surface of the door to interwork with the handle, wherein a portion on which the handle and the push kit are mounted is formed to be recessed in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Man Seo
  • Patent number: 8347649
    Abstract: A door seal arrangement and method for sealing between a door and a door frame on food processing equipment are provided. The door seal is inflatable to create a seal between the door and the door frame and deflatable to release the seal between the door and the door frame. An air supply applies positive air pressure to the door seal to inflate the door seal. A vacuum applies a negative air pressure to the door seal to deflate the door seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak-MP Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse A. Gavin, Bryan Davis, Robert Wayne Fessenden, Dennis Conohan
  • Patent number: 8297725
    Abstract: A refrigerator equipped with a door opening device opening doors by driving a motor and a method of controlling the same. In the method of controlling the refrigerator includes a door opening device including a plurality of sliding bars selectively opening first and second doors, a motor opening the first door or the second door by moving back and forth the sliding bars in directions opposite to each other, a plurality of position detectors detecting at least one protrusion provided at one side of the sliding bar, a switch unit inputting door opening signals, and a controller controlling operation of the first door and the second door according to the door opening signals. If door opening signals used to open the first and second doors, the door opening device is controlled so that the first and second doors are easily open/closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gang Hyun Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Seok Jun Son
  • Patent number: 8226132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening means (1) for a closing unit (14), having a bearing (2) which can be fastened on a closing unit (14), and having two pivotable lever arm parts (3, 4), of which one circle sector-like pivoting plane is perpendicular, and a further pivoting plane is essentially parallel to the plane of the closing unit (14), wherein one lever arm part is a force arm (4) and one lever arm part is a load arm (3), characterized in that when the force arm (4) is pivoted in its circle sector-like plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the closing unit (14), the load arm (3) is simultaneously pivoted via a coupling, in the opposite direction to the force arm (4), in its circle sector-like plane perpendicular to the plane of the closing unit (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Steinbach & Vollmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Zinn
  • Patent number: 8161684
    Abstract: An assembly for securing a hinged building window (11) in closed position relative to an aperature defined by a main frame (12). The assembly includes a compressible gasket disposed between the hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) defining the aperature. The hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) each includes a respective portion (20) of a magnetic means for securing the hinged building window said (11) to the frame (12), where the magnetic means for securing includes a two magnetic magnets that are magnetically attracted to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Torben Allesen Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8083269
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a gripping-operating unit including a gripping subassembly, a base subassembly for mounting the components of the unit and an operating subassembly. The gripping subassembly includes a gripper, from which, at one of its vertical extremity, a lever, integral with the gripper, extends horizontally. The base subassembly generally includes an elongated body and a positioning-attachment element connected to the latter. The operating subassembly comprises a spring guide block with opposed channels, a helical compression spring, located in one of the channels, and a pushing pin having a tooth like extension. Should the lever act on the pushing pin, the later, via the tooth like extension, operates against the helical compression spring, and simultaneously moves beyond the spring guide bloc. When a lock is used, a subassembly strike-stopper and a lock actuator-stopper deactivator subassembly are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Vanguard Plastics Ltd.
    Inventor: Ross Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100257786
    Abstract: A striker assembly includes a plate configured for attachment to a vehicle and a striker attached to the plate. The striker is configured for securing a latch assembly of the vehicle in a first position. The striker assembly also includes a first resilient member configured for contacting the latch assembly in the first position and a second resilient member configured for cooperating with the first resilient member to move the latch assembly to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Rock
  • Patent number: 7739835
    Abstract: An opening mechanism having a cover assembly, a base mounting plate, and a lever member. The lever member has a first arm and a second arm, which pivot from a first position to a second position. The movement of the arms from the first position to the second position causes one of the arms to move a closure from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Levine
  • Publication number: 20090229186
    Abstract: provided is a refrigerator door opening apparatus comprises: a foot pedal; a sliding unit for sliding said foot pedal downwardly; and a unit for providing a repelling force with a first and a second portions, the first portion coupled with the foot pedal and the second portion located separately from the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Keon-Woo PARK
  • Patent number: 7543409
    Abstract: A door pull (10) has a fixing portion (11) fixed on a door stopper stile (8A) of a door, an operating portion (12) fixed slidably in the opening direction of the door and adapted to slide relative to the fixing portion (11) in the opening direction of the door, and a turning portion (13) supported by the fixing portion (11). A first end of the turning portion (13) is linked turnably with the operating portion (12),and turning in conjunction with sliding of the operating portion (12). A second end of the turning portion (13) projects towards a jamb. When the operating portion (12) slides, an abutment (132) at the second end of the turning portion (13) abuts against the jamb and biases the door in the direction away from the jamb, and the opening operation of the door is assisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: YKK AP Inc.
    Inventors: Norikazu Higashitani, Yoshinori Ishikuro, Yasushi Yamamoto, Hiroaki Kubo, Shuhei Ohno
  • Patent number: 7506474
    Abstract: A cam mechanism has different portions thereof arranged on a main unit, which may be a refrigerator, and on a door. When the door is closed, a hinge pin is locked at one end of a hinge groove, keeping the cam mechanism in a first locked position. As the door is opened, the hinge pin is guided by the hinge groove and a guide pin is guided by a guide groove, permitting the door to rotate and slide. Thus, the hinge pin is locked at the other end of the hinge groove, bringing the cam mechanism to a second locked position. A boss slides on a rib and thereby maintains the second locked position, permitting the door to rotate about the hinge pin. This structure helps realize a door opening/closing mechanism with enhanced operability at reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Itsuo Fujibayashi
  • Patent number: 7467493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a raising device for raising or opening a closure panel, in particular a rear flip glass, decklid, door or hood of a vehicle, after the closure panel has been unlocked. The raising device includes a raising lever moveably supported by a base frame, a spring having one part coupled to the raising lever for providing a raising force and securing means associated with the base frame for securing another part of the spring to secure the spring in different spring conditions, where each spring condition yields a different spring force and raising the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Keykert USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Udriste, Vasanth Suratkal, Keith Gordon Robertson
  • Patent number: 6883841
    Abstract: A door opening/closing mechanism fitted on a door that closes and opens an opening formed in the body of an apparatus by being brought into and out of contact with the rim of the opening has cam mechanisms that permit the door to engage with and disengage from the body at either of the right and left sides of the door. The cam mechanisms can be brought into a first lock position in which they lie symmetrically at both sides of the door and into a second lock position in which they lie symmetrically at both sides of the door, and each have a hinge pin that serves as a rotation axis in the second lock position and a groove cam that engages with the hinge pin in such a way as to be movable relative to the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masuo Kawabata, Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 6883274
    Abstract: A method and device for opening a door includes a receptacle structure. The receptacle structure is coupled to the door. The receptacle structure has a top surface and an angled guiding surface. The top surface forms an angled protrusion. The receptacle structure has a receptacle and the receptacle is formed between the top surface and the angled guiding surface. The device also includes a latching rod and a sliding assembly coupled to the latching rod. Movement of the sliding assembly causes the latching rod to contact the angled protrusion. The contact of the latching rod with the angled protrusion of the receptacle structure causes the rod to push the receptacle structure and the door to a partially open position. After contacting the angled protrusion, the latching rod navigates across the angled guiding surface of the receptacle structure, pushing the door to a further partially open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Fred C. Webb, Gerald Drafflorn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6811236
    Abstract: An apparatus assists a user to move a door between closed and open states. The apparatus includes a permanent magnet provided on the door. An electromagnet is located on the door frame adjacent thereto when the door is closed and is energizable to provide a magnetic field which reinforces the permanent magnetic field or to provide a magnetic field in opposition to the permanent magnetic field. A detector detects the state of the door and an interface detects the presence of a user. A controller receives input from the detector and the interface and energizes the electromagnet to provide a reinforcing magnetic field if a user is attempting to open the door and provides an opposing magnetic field to the permanent magnetic field if the door is closed and the user is attempting to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Keith Brookes Spong, Graeme Colin Fuller, Gerald David Duncan
  • Publication number: 20040093799
    Abstract: A cam mechanism has different portions thereof arranged on a main unit and on a door. When the door is closed, a hinge pin is locked at one end of a hinge groove, keeping the cam mechanism in a first locked position. As the door is opened, the hinge pin is guided by the hinge groove and a guide pin is guided by a guide groove, permitting the door to rotate and slide. Thus, the hinge pin is locked at the other end of the hinge groove, bringing the cam mechanism to a second locked position. A boss slides on a rib and thereby maintains the second locked position, permitting the door to rotate about the hinge pin. This structure helps realize a door opening/closing mechanism with enhanced operability at reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Itsuo Fujibayashi
  • Patent number: 6457675
    Abstract: A door actuation system for an outwardly opening aircraft door for use in an aircraft having a door opening, a cam post, and a plurality of latch pins. The door actuation system includes a locking mechanism operably coupled to the door, wherein the locking mechanism is positionable in a locked position preventing the door from being opened and an unlocked position. The system further includes a pull-in mechanism that is hydraulically actuated and includes a cam slot member capable of operably engaging the cam post of the aircraft. The pull-in mechanism is positionable in an uncammed position and a cammed position. A latching mechanism is also provided that is hydraulically actuated and includes a plurality of cam latches each capable of operably receiving one of the plurality of latch pins. The latching mechanism is positionable in a latched position and an unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Leo W. Plude, Stephen A. Locantore
  • Patent number: 6447233
    Abstract: An automated door assembly is provided for sealing an opening in a barrier to a contaminant-free environment suitable for semiconductor wafer processing. The door assembly comprises a base pivotable toward and away from the opening along an arcuate path and a closure plate linearly movably coupled to the base and configured to a seal the opening in the barrier. The closure plate is removable in synchronization with the pivoting of the base to traverse a horizontal linear path into contact with the barrier to close the opening. A vacuum system is provided in conjunction with the door assembly to extract particles from the sealed environment. A sensor disposed on the closure plate is operable to sense the position of wafers or other objects disposed adjacent the opening, to detect misalignment or omission thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: PRI Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Denker
  • Patent number: 6347485
    Abstract: An assist for use with a motorized door operating device to assist in the opening of a door during its movement from the closed position to an ajar position, and to assist in the closing of the door during its movement from the ajar position to the closed position. The device includes a connector mounted on one of the door and the wall and a motorized catch on the other of the door and wall for engaging and releasing the connector. During a door closing cycle, the assist remains inactive until the catch engages the connector, after which the motorized catch is moved in a first direction to move the door from the ajar position to the closed position. Upon the commencement of a door opening cycle, and upon completion of any unlatching cycle whereby any door latch retaining the door is released, the catch is moved in a second direction for moving the door from the closed position to the ajar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hebda
  • Patent number: 6338536
    Abstract: A door opening device for a food storage apparatus such as a household refrigerator includes a generally cylindrical coil unit mounted on a body of the storage apparatus and having an axially extending through hole, a plunger mounted in the hole of the coil unit so as to be axially moved with respect to the coil unit, the plunger being moved in a direction when the coil unit is energized, and a pushing member mounted on one axial end of the plunger so as to be moved with the plunger, the pushing member pushing the door in an opening direction against an attractive force of the magnet gasket when moved in the one direction with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shunji Ueno, Takehisa Okamoto, Yasushi Takagi, Masahiko Maeda, Koichi Nagao
  • Patent number: 6293050
    Abstract: An arrangement for automatic opening of a motor vehicle rear door which can be pivoted about a horizontal swivel axis contains a pneumatic spring-and-ejector combination in which a pneumatic spring is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the rear door so that it exerts a closing torque on the door when the door is in a closed and a predetermined partially open position, and exerts an opening torque when the door is opened beyond the predetermined position to swing the door fully open. An ejector is arranged to pivot the door from the closed position to a position past the partially open position, thereby reducing the energy requirement of the ejector and avoiding high frictional forces in the door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Benno Jöhnk
  • Patent number: 6106213
    Abstract: An automated door assembly is provided for sealing an opening in a barrier to a contaminant-free environment suitable for semiconductor wafer processing. The door assembly comprises a base pivotable toward and away from the opening along an arcuate path and a closure plate linearly movably coupled to the base and configured to a seal the opening in the barrier. The closure plate is movable in synchronization with the pivoting of the base to traverse a horizontal linear path into contact with the barrier to close the opening. A vacuum system is provided in conjunction with the door assembly to extract particles from the sealed environment. A sensor disposed on the closure plate is operable to sense the position of wafers or other objects disposed adjacent the opening, to detect misalignment or omission thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: PRI Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Denker
  • Patent number: 6089648
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a closure panel fully retractable below the level of the floor of the vehicle. Typically, the motor vehicle includes a body having a rear bumper assembly and first and second laterally spaced apart sides. The body defines a rear opening. A floor extends between the pair of laterally spaced apart sides. A rear storage area is at least partially defined by the first and second laterally spaced apart sides and the floor. The rear storage area is accessible through the rear opening. The closure panel is a rear closure panel operative for selectively closing the rear opening. The closure panel is attached to the body for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the closure panel at least partially closes the opening and is positioned immediately above the rear bumper assembly. In the open position the closure panel is disposed completely below the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Darren Schurig, Jonathan L. Rundels
  • Patent number: 5515649
    Abstract: A door operating system is disclosed which includes a remotely or manually controlled fluid supply system (10) which pressurizes a reciprocable striker release assembly (50), and activates an opening cylinder assembly (30) functionally mounted to a door (17) and door frame (18) for opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Gentleman Door Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Strab
  • Patent number: 5469661
    Abstract: A foot treadle for use in opening a sliding door of the type mounted for initial movement in three directional dimensions from its closed position comprises a lever having an axis of rotation. The lever has a leg that depends generally downwardly from the axis and an arm that extends generally laterally from the axis. A pedal is mounted to the arm distally from the axis of rotation. The lever is mounted to a door jamb of a sliding door with the lever leg closely adjacent a lower end of the door for pivotal movement about the lever axis of rotation in pushing and sliding engagement with the door lower end. Upon a person stepping upon the pedal the lever leg applies a force laterally and upwardly against the door lower end thereby urging the door laterally and upwardly out of sealed engagement with the door jamb and floor as the door lower end slides outwardly from the door jamb in sliding contact with the lever leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Burl Finkelstein, Thomas A. Thorsen
  • Patent number: 5357713
    Abstract: An opener of the door of a gravity flow vehicle which allows a mechanical advantage in initially raising the door. After the material within the vehicle begins to flow and decrease the effort required to raise the door, the mechanical advantage is bypassed so that the door may be quickly raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sid Jiskoot, Walter Lammers
  • Patent number: 4884368
    Abstract: An ice breaker arrangement of forcing open the door of an enclosure such as a radio frequency shelter for electrical equipment comprises a threaded stud (3) which, when turned by a key, is made to project from the door frame (5) so as to force a reaction plate (2) attached to the door (1) away from the frame, thus opening the door (1). Appropriate apertures (21, 73) are provided at each end of the stud (3) to allow access to the stud (3) by the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: The Marconi Company Limited
    Inventors: David J. Thornley, Moira A. Smith, Philip Dale, Samuel H. Leask, Ian M. Coutts
  • Patent number: 4679841
    Abstract: A counterbalancing device for a hatchback lid on a road vehicle includes a lid hinged at the top about a horizontal axis to the superstructure of the vehicle and at least one counterbalancing unit such as a pneumatic spring. One end of the counterbalancing unit is pivoted to the superstructure and the other end is pivoted to the lid. The counterbalancing unit is pivotally connected to one of the lid and the superstructure by a first lever. A first end of a link is pivotally connected to the first lever; a second end of the link is pivotally connected to a second lever which, in turn, is connected to the one of the superstructure and the lid. A roller carried by the second lever bears against the superstructure or the lid near the closed position of the lid. The device is more efficient than known devices irrespective of the layout of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Automobiles Citroen
    Inventor: Claude Taunay
  • Patent number: 4552326
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an aircraft door opening outwardly by a preliminary movement enabling stops borne by said door to be disengaged from stops borne by the frame thereof, after which complete opening of the door is obtained by a simple thrust or pull, wherein said safety device comprises at least one mobile lock and one stop, one mounted on the door and the other on the frame thereof and adapted to cooperate with one another to interrupt the prior movement of disengagement of the stops on the door and the stops on the frame, and said mobile lock is controlled by manometric means receiving the pressures inside and outside the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et Aerospatiale
    Inventor: Jean Bokalot
  • Patent number: 4328853
    Abstract: A folding screen is formed by a plurality of successively hinged, rigid, radiation-controlling planar panels supported so the screen can be opened (or extended) and closed (or collapsed). Adjacent panels are supported only at their edges, by a hinge member having symmetrical back-to-back tubular channels. The hinge member possesses sufficient rigidity to permit hinged, side-by-side coaction of the panels from a stacked, generally vertical relationship when the screen is collapsed, to an undulating planar relationship when the screen is opened, which relationship is essential if the screen is to be collapsed without binding. The screen is translatable on a pair of parallel, mono-level tracks, and operated by a flexible drive member extending along a rail and connected to the screen's leading ("lead") panel.A novel skylight includes a curb assembly, a "bubble" (or "dome") and a folding screen translatable to-and-fro below the bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Inventors: George R. Gall, Charles R. Gates
  • Patent number: 4183177
    Abstract: A remote controlled automobile door opening system having solenoid assemblies for unlocking, unlatching and partially opening the automobile door in response to a remote radio signal. The unlocking, unlatching and partial opening of the door occur sequentially after the radio signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Inventor: George R. Kurdziel
  • Patent number: 4011688
    Abstract: A door closure mechanism provided with a frame and a door adapted to be closed into the frame in a manner so as to provide RF shielding. The door is provided with a closure mechanism having a motor-driven threaded shaft mounted on a floating platform adapted to have several degrees of freedom with respect to the plane defined by the door. The frame includes a threaded receptacle adapted to receive the threaded shaft. Electrical switches are provided with respect to the door such that the threaded shaft will rotate uon reaching proximity with the threaded receptacle, thereby securing the door to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: All-Shield Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Geiss
  • Patent number: 3991520
    Abstract: A push to open door opening assembly for appliance doors including a single molded opening piece positioned between front and back panels of a substantially hollow door with a pushbutton section projecting through the front panel and an actuator ram projecting through the back panel. A fulcrum point is provided on the molded piece and an integral spring maintains the fulcrum against the front panel and the pushbutton projecting through the front panel. Actuation of the pushbutton pivots the device around the fulcrum against the spring to force the actuator ram from the rear panel into contact with an appliance cabinet wall thereby biasing the door away from the cabinet wall and overcoming a releasable closure device which maintains the door in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1976
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Dale Wells Graham