Motor Driven Patents (Class 49/334)
  • Patent number: 11047099
    Abstract: A pass blocking apparatus includes a mechanism for permitting the intentional release of a blocking bar from a closed position to an evacuation position as necessary. The apparatus includes a blocking bar, hinge connection unit, biasing unit, and resistance unit. The blocking bar extends perpendicularly to the driving shaft axis, thereby swinging vertically by driving shaft rotation. The hinge connection unit connects the blocking bar to the driving shaft permits the blocking bar to swing horizontally from the closed to the evacuation position. The biasing unit applies a biasing force to the blocking bar, swinging the blocking bar toward the evacuation position. The resistance unit holds the blocking bar in the closed position against the biasing force. The resistance unit includes an electromagnetic device and a magnetic material, and generates the resistance force from a magnetic force by the electromagnetic device that attracts the magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: KOEI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 10988151
    Abstract: A system controls a level crossing of a railway track installation. The railway track installation includes at least one track. The system includes at least two magnetometers associated with the at least one track and placed at corners of a crossing area between the at least one track and a road. The system also includes a level crossing control unit configured for receiving data from the magnetometers. Each magnetometer is arranged to detect a respective magnetic field vector of the earth's magnetic field and to send data representative of the magnetic field vector to the control unit. The control unit is configured to elaborate the data to detect changes in the magnetic field vectors due to the presence of a train in the crossing area and to control the level crossing as a function of the detected changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: John Hounschell, Jeffrey Fries, James Frisbie, Tony Spagnolia, Brian Isaacson
  • Patent number: 10401914
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge in which a first casing and a second casing of a terminal device can open and close 360 degrees relative to each other, with a simplified structure, enhanced opening and closing speed and an improved operability. A first hinge shaft attached to the second casing via a first attaching plate is rotatable in parallel to a second hinge shaft attached to the first casing via a second attaching plate with help of several joint members. A module for restricting rotation of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft is provided in association with the joint members. The module for restricting rotation includes modules for generating friction torque, modules for sucking, stopper modules for restricting a rotation angle of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, and a module for synchronously rotating hinge shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: KEM HONGKONG LIMITED
    Inventor: Qilong Shang
  • Patent number: 10208440
    Abstract: A traffic gate apparatus comprises an upstanding pedestal. A first elongate arm is also provided having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the first elongate arm being pivotally connected to the pedestal at a first pivot axis. A second elongate arm has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the lower elongate arm being pivotally connected to the pedestal at a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is below the first pivot axis such that the first and second elongate arms are movable between a lowered position, in which the first and second elongate arms are generally horizontal and parallel with the first elongate arm being above said second elongate arm, and a raised position. The first and second elongate arms each have an adjustment mechanism such that a length thereof can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 9783027
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a door frame coupled to a vehicle frame at a hinge. A door operating mechanism is coupled to the door and vehicle frames for applying rotational force to the door frame about the hinge. The door operating mechanism including external cogs of an inner gear that mesh with inner cogs of an outer gear and a single oblong bearing that biases the inner gear in partial engagement with the outer gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, John Wayne Jaranson
  • Patent number: 9524000
    Abstract: A pivot mechanism of the synchronous hinge device is applied to a foldable electronic apparatus. The pivot mechanism can be stably rotated and the distance between two shafts of the dual-shaft hinge is shortened, whereby the electronic device can be smoothly rotated and have a miniaturized and lightweight structure. The pivot mechanism includes a driver disposed on a first shaft and a reactor disposed on a second shaft and a link unit. Spur gears and conical (bevel) gears are respectively disposed at two ends of the link unit and the driver and the reactor. The Spur gears and conical (bevel) gears are engaged with each other to transmit power, whereby the first shaft with the driver and the second shaft with the reactor can be stably synchronously rotated in reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Wang Jui Lee, Chung Yi Lin, Ya Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 9310849
    Abstract: A dual-shaft synchronous transmission device is applied to an electronic apparatus. The distance between the two shafts of the dual-shaft synchronous transmission device is shortened so that the electronic device can be thinned and lightweight. The dual-shaft synchronous transmission device includes a driver and a reactor respectively disposed on a first shaft and a second shaft and a link unit. Spur gear structures or crown gear structures are respectively disposed on the driver and the reactor. Crown gear structures or spur gear structures are respectively disposed at two ends of the link unit correspondingly engaged with the spur gear structures or crown gear structures of the driver and the reactor. When the first shaft and the driver are rotated, the driver rotates the link unit to drive the reactor and the second shaft to synchronously rotate in a direction reverse to the rotational direction of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Wang Jui Lee, Chung Yi Lin, Ya Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 9309705
    Abstract: A dual-shaft synchronous transmission fixing device has a simplified structure and minified volume. The gap between the rotary shafts can be changed or adjusted according to the transmission specification so that the electronic device can be thinned and lightweight. The fixing device includes a driver and a reactor respectively disposed on a first shaft and a second shaft and a link unit engaged with the driver and the reactor, whereby the first and second shafts can be synchronously rotated. The fixing device further includes a main fixing plate and a subsidiary fixing plate having identical structures. The main fixing plate and the subsidiary fixing plate are disposed on the first and second shafts. Each of the main fixing plate and the subsidiary fixing plate has a base section for together pivotally connecting with the link unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Wang Jui Lee, Chung Yi Lin, Ya Ching Lin
  • Publication number: 20150101251
    Abstract: A nuclear power door consists of an embedded steel plate, a door frame welded on the embedded steel plate, a pair of hinge devices, a group of door panels, a group of opening and closing devices and a group of bolt devices; the door panels are fixedly arranged within the door frame through the hinge devices; the opening and closing devices are arranged at the upper ends of the door panels, and the bolt devices are arranged in the internal sides of the door panels. The nuclear power door is fire-proof, explosion-proof and bulletproof, and is safe and long in service life, thus, the nuclear power door can be used for nuclear power engineering which is constructed based on new standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: YIXING CITY WANXIANG FIREPROOF DOORS CO., LTD
    Inventor: JunQiang Cui
  • Patent number: 8915017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (20) for entrance and exit devices for public transportation vehicles, comprising a drive unit (22) that is arranged in and drives a rotary column (24) rotating about a rotational axis Z-Z during opening and closing operations, said column opening and closing the entrance and exit device. The drive unit (22) is held on the vehicle via a retaining component (40). The retaining component (40) acts as counter bearing for a torque of the drive unit (22). Between the drive unit (22) and the retaining component (40), a coupling device (72) is arranged, which enables a rotation of the drive unit (22) about the rotational axis Z-Z when a threshold value of the torque acting upon the drive unit is exceeded. Between the coupling device (72) and the retaining component (40), a bearing is provided, which enables a tumbling motion of the rotary column (24) with the coupling device (72) and prevents a rotation about the rotational axis Z-Z.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GEBR, BODE GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lars Linnenkohl
  • Publication number: 20140338466
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Rubicon Research Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David John Aughton, Damien Vernon Pearson
  • Patent number: 8882168
    Abstract: A tailgate for an associated automotive vehicle. The tailgate is coupled via a rod to a motor. The tailgate includes a frame having a point of attachment to the rod. The rod passes through an opening in the vehicle body. The rod has a longitudinal axis that travels in a substantially linear axial direction in the region passing through the opening when the tailgate moves from a closed to an open position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob Ivan Wasser, Makoto Watanabe, Travis Lonas
  • Patent number: 8819992
    Abstract: Monitoring apparatus for monitoring a movement element pivoted between open and closed states of an opening to be closed, the apparatus having a sensor for detecting an object and for monitoring a spatial angle originating at or near the rotation axis. The sensor is fitted at or near the rotation axis and includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving radiation within the spatial angle. The sensor emits detection signals generated by the receiver when radiation is detected. The monitoring apparatus includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the detection signals depending on the angular position of the detected radiation in the spatial angle and determines whether an object has been detected and/or the position of the detected object. The evaluation unit draws a distinction between the movement element and an object depending on the current angular position of the movement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cedes AG
    Inventors: Beat De Coi, Tobias Leutenegger
  • Patent number: 8766626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotation path detection device for vehicles of public transportation having a drive device (20) for an entry/exit apparatus, which is mounted so it can be pivoted and/or displaced. Said apparatus has a drive unit (22), an electric drive motor (44), and a first reduction gear (26) and a second reduction gear (72), which is connected to the drive motor (44), having a sensor for ascertaining the position of the reduction gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Gebr. Bode GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Pellegrini
  • Patent number: 8671620
    Abstract: A motorized split-hinge device for a very heavy double door, designed to be motorized and including a flap that is mounted to pivot around an essentially vertical axis of rotation on a frame, includes a stationary split-hinge part integral with the frame and a movable split-hinge part integral with the flap and mounted in rotation relative to the stationary split-hinge part around a pivoting shaft. The movable split-hinge part includes a drive mechanism driven by a motor unit adapted to drive the movable split-hinge part in rotation around its pivoting shaft and starting the flap moving by pivoting when opening or closing, whereby the motor unit is mounted in a removable manner on the drive mechanism and on a stationary part of the door, and is kept in drive position of the mechanism with anti-rotational locking relative to the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baumert
    Inventor: Christian Bourget
  • Patent number: 8615929
    Abstract: A door opening/closing device for an ice dispenser is disclosed. The door opening/closing device includes a DC motor 1 which is rotated in forward and reverse directions, a 2-staged spur gear 3 meshed with a worm gear 2 installed on a driving shaft, a 3-staged spur gear 4 meshed with the 2-staged spur gear 3, and a fan-shaped output gear 5 meshed with the 3-staged spur gear 4 and rotated in forward and reverse directions by interconnection of the motor 1 and the gears 2, 3 and 4. If the output gear 5 is rotated in the forward direction, a rod-shaped boss 5a pushes and rotates a link lever 6a to press a coil spring 8 wound around an opening/closing link 6 and thus open a door 7. If the output gear 5 is rotated in the reverse direction, the coil spring 8 is released from a pressurized state, and the rod-shaped boss 5a rotates in the reverse direction while abutting against the link lever 6a, so that the door 7 is closed without generating impact and sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SCD
    Inventors: Sang Ho Lee, Jin Sung Park, So Yeon Won, Jin Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20130326958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passage barrier for controlling the access a building or a site, comprising a blocking element that can be pivoted or rotated in both directions about an axis in a defined angle from a blocking position in order to grant access, a drive motor and an overload coupling between the output shaft of the drive motor and the drive shaft of the blocking element. According to the invention, the coupling is designed as an asymmetrical overload coupling and the limit torque that must be overcome is greater in one rotational direction than in the other rotational direction of the blocking element. When the limit torque that must be overcome is greater in the direction of the access to a building or a site than in the direction of the exit, a reliable personal access control and, e.g. in a hazardous situation or in case of panic, the largely unhindered leaving of the building or site can be ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNETIC AUTOCONTROL GMBH
    Inventor: Markus Dreher
  • Patent number: 8584401
    Abstract: A post (200) for use with an automatically-movable barrier (1203) and a motive actuator (1204) is configured to interact with the barrier to thereby facilitate movement of the barrier with respect to the post. This post can have at least one cavity (201, 801) formed axially therein and a mains-power-bearing pathway (202) disposed within this at least one cavity to convey mains electrical power to movable barrier control circuitry (1202) as well as the motive actuator. Such a post can further comprise one or more integral pivot points (1001) that are configured to pivotally engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the automatically-movable barrier can selectively pivot about the integral pivot point. By another approach, such a post can further comprise one or more rollers (1101) that are configured to engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the latter can selectively move in a lateral direction through engagement with the roller(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Planck, Theodore Brent Freese, William G. Gioia
  • Patent number: 8448383
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a door drive for a swing door of a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a rotary post, which is arranged at the vehicle, with at least one pivot arm for arrangement at a door leaf, wherein a motor is arranged in the rotary post and is connected with the rotary post, wherein at least one planetary transmission stage is provided for stepping down the rotational speed of the motor and wherein the pinion cage of the at least one planetary transmission stage comprises a rotary element, particularly a pinion, which is fixable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Tempora s.r.l.
    Inventor: Christian Bode
  • Patent number: 8424247
    Abstract: An oscillating-mount split-hinge device is provided that is designed to be fitted on a heavy door having at least one panel mounted to pivot on a frame. The split-hinge device includes at least one lower split-hinge configured to support at least the bulk of the load of the panel of the door, and at least one upper split-hinge configured to form an anti-tilting holding point and axial guide of the panel. Each of the lower split-hinge and the upper split-hinge includes a stationary split-hinge part integrated with the frame, and a movable split-hinge part integrated with the flap. Each of the lower split-hinge and the upper split-hinge also includes a pivoting shaft integrated with one of the frame and the panel, the pivoting shaft being configured to enable rotatably guiding the movable split-hinge part relative to the stationary split-hinge part around said pivoting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Baumert
    Inventor: Christian Bourget
  • Patent number: 8407939
    Abstract: A device lor the transfer of a torque from an output shaft of a drive mounted on the body of a motor vehicle with a rotational axis of the output shaft and a hinge axis arranged flush with one another. The device includes a drive lever rotationaily connected to the output shaft of the drive, a connecting member on the drive lever extending from a connecting region of the drive lever. The connecting member includes a sliding block and an adapter part that is connected to a first half of a hinge and is provided with a journal. The journal rotates directly in, but independently of, the sliding block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Schachtl, Eric Bittner, Markus Pflueger, Armin Dietl
  • Patent number: 8381442
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Wan
  • Patent number: 8375636
    Abstract: A retrofit conversion kit for facilitating the conversion of a door operating apparatus conventionally mounted above the door, to a position mounted and anchored underground for operating a swinging door therefrom. The conversion to an anchored underground position is facilitated by incorporating positional adjustment mechanisms covering any or all possible adjustment dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Opcon International Holdings, L.P.
    Inventor: Angelo Nixon
  • Patent number: 8365469
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Kowalczyk, Michael S. Tignor
  • Patent number: 8341888
    Abstract: A powered post assembly includes an enclosed actuator that supports rotation of a gate. An outer tube defines a hollow interior space. A fixed post and a rotating post are both disposed within the oval tube. The actuator is mounted within the fixed post and drives rotation of the rotating post. Because the actuator is disposed within the fixed tube, it is sheltered from the elements and from undesired tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Turnstyle Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Stull
  • Patent number: 8267492
    Abstract: An articulated hinge allowing non-circular motion of a refrigerator door and having a mechanism for transmitting utilities through the hinge is provided. A support rod for preventing torsional deformation of a refrigerator door adapted to carry utilities to an in-door dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alan S. Lucas, Harish Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20120159849
    Abstract: A rotating entrance assembly is provided, the rotating entrance assembly including a rotating base, a motor in driving connection with the rotating base, and first and second shielding components that are arranged on the rotating base. A passageway is defined between the first and second shielding components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: VERITAS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: David P. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8171672
    Abstract: A removable teeter lever and gear assembly arrangement (100) for use with a pneumatic cylinder/differential engine for operating vehicle doors. The arrangement comprises a teeter lever (16), which is associated with the vehicle doors, a gear assembly (17) having a toothed portion and an output shaft (20) extending therethrough, and at least one securing member for removably securing and/or retaining the teeter lever (16) and the gear (17) on the output shaft (20). The securing member comprises at least one retention key (18a, 19a) which allows the arrangement to be easily disassembled for maintenance and/or replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Gennady Plavnik, David C. Griffis, Michael O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8169169
    Abstract: A door operator for controlling operation of a door, the door operator having a motor to open the door against a spring force, the door operator further comprising a door position sensor for transmitting a signal indicative of door position; and among other things, calculates a door moment of inertia based on a net torque and the time for the door to reach a predetermined angle from the closed position. Also provided is a door operator that compares door speed to a desired door speed based on a door speed-position profile and generates a door speed error signal and minimizes the door speed error signal by adjusting the braking load resulting from charging a chargeable battery using the motor as a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Hass, Eric Dube
  • Publication number: 20120085035
    Abstract: A retrofit conversion kit for facilitating the conversion of a door operating apparatus conventionally mounted above the door, to a position mounted and anchored underground for operating a swinging door therefrom. The conversion to an anchored underground position is facilitated by incorporating positional adjustment mechanisms covering any or all possible adjustment dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Opcon International Holdings, L.P.
    Inventor: Angelo Nixon
  • Patent number: 8139994
    Abstract: In order to reduce a number of parts and required costs, and to improve operability during assembly and maintenance, the automatic original cover closer comprises hinge portions having a supporting member which supports the original cover to be opened and closed with regard to a main body of an office equipment and a driving portion automatically driving the supporting member of the hinge portions. The automatic original cover closer is characterized in that the supporting member is rotatably supported via a rotation shaft on a mounting member attached to the main body, that the driving portion comprises a driving motor and a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation drive force of the driving motor to the rotation shaft, and that the rotation shaft is adjusted so that its rotation drive force can be transmitted to the supporting member via a shaft engaging members fixedly attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Naokazu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8112938
    Abstract: A controlled gate system is comprised of a barrier arm which is pivotally connected to a first fixed support. A motion detector is secured to a second fixed support spaced a predetermined distance from the first fixed support and in alignment therewith to create a restricted passageway with the barrier arm normally resting in an obstructing position within the passageway. The barrier arm is arrested at the obstructing position by a solenoid actuated latch which is disengaged by the motion detector. The arc of displacement of the barrier arm is also restricted to permit passage through the passageway in a single direction. Under certain conditions a controller will permit the barrier arm to be disengaged to permit passage in the passageway in opposed directions. The motion detector of the preferred embodiment is constituted by a further barrier arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Les Ateliers Bolduc et Freres Inc.
    Inventors: René Bolduc, Yvan Mercier
  • Patent number: 8104823
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes one or more swinging doors which may be immobilized in a number of positions, so as to allow the doors to be used to assist passengers upon entering and leaving the vehicle. The motion of the door may be damped, or stopped entirely, either at the discretion of a vehicle occupant, or automatically, in the event that the door is driven by external forces to swing at a high rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: Kelly M. Kohlstrand
  • Publication number: 20110120018
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a door drive for a swing door of a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a rotary post, which is arranged at the vehicle, with at least one pivot arm for arrangement at a door leaf, wherein a motor is arranged in the rotary post and is connected with the rotary post, wherein at least one planetary transmission stage is provided for stepping down the rotational speed of the motor and wherein the pinion cage of the at least one planetary transmission stage comprises a rotary element, particularly a pinion, which is fixable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Jurgen Bode
    Inventor: Christian Bode
  • Publication number: 20110113692
    Abstract: A chicken coop door module having a frame, a door, and a motor drive unit. The motor drive unit is configured to move the door toward the open position in response to receiving an opening signal so that the frame opening is unobstructed, move the door toward the closed position in response to receiving a closing signal so that the frame opening is obstructed, and prevent the door from moving when no signal is received. The door module receives an opening signal in the morning to let the chickens out of the chicken coop, and a closing signal in the evening to close the door to secure the chickens in the coop. When no signal is received, the door is prevented from moving by the motor drive unit so that when open, the chickens may freely enter and exit the coop; and when closed, predators cannot open the door and attack the chickens. The chicken coop door module may include a controller to provide the opening signal and the closing signal base on a signal from a timer or light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Stamper
  • Publication number: 20110094160
    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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Publication number: 20100319261
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric swing plug door operator with a remotely powered auxiliary lock mechanism, door striker, catch and manual release system for use on light to medium duty shuttle or utility vehicles. The swing plug door system includes a door operator and base plate assembly, a shaft and arm assembly, a guide rod assembly, a lower shaft pivot, a door panel with a leading edge catch and lock striker assembly, an auxiliary lock and a manual release cable. The auxiliary lock assembly includes a lock bar engaging the lock striker mounted to the trailing edge of the door panel when the door reaches the fully closed position. The door operator includes a manual release lever and gear motor subassembly to drive the door system linkage and to manually disengage the door linkage and lock assembly to gain manual egress from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Beck, Fotios Golemis, Rodrigo E. Guajardo
  • Patent number: 7841133
    Abstract: A passage barrier (10) with two barrier elements (24, 26) and two mutually aligned shafts (16, 20) which are separate from each other and can be driven by separate motors (14, 22), whereby one barrier element (24, 26) is retained on each shaft (16, 20), and can be swivelled independent of the other barrier element (26, 24) by driving the corresponding shaft (16, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Augustyniak, Dieter Schwald
  • Patent number: 7816875
    Abstract: The invention is a system for gearless operation of a movable barrier utilizing Lorentz forces, and in particular, a movable barrier operator retrofitted with a gearless motor capable of high torque at very low speeds. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of any movable barrier. By utilizing a motor which produces high-torque at low a speeds a system in accordance with the present invention does away with the need for complicated gears and pulley systems in order to achieve control of movable barriers. The present invention allows manufacturers, distributors and consumers to implement movable barrier systems with much more versatility and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Viking Access Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Hassan Taheri, Jonathan Becerra
  • Publication number: 20100101147
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motorized automatic hinge device with a rotatable support device for mounting of a door, shutter, gate or similar, at least one drive motor with transmissions for achieving the rotation of said rotatable support device, and power supply and control elements for said drive motor(s) and transmissions, wherein the support device for the door, shutter or gate is arranged in a hollow, substantially cylindrical outer structure in which said support device is accommodated, and wherein the motor(s) and transmissions are arranged within said substantially cylindrical outer structure such that, on activation of the control device, they cause said substantially cylindrical outer structure to rotate about its axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Tony Vankrunkelsven
  • Publication number: 20100064586
    Abstract: Motor unit (Mn), used in an actuating system for moving gates, in particular gates of the leaf type, and comprising a motor for moving the gate enclosed in a housing, a control unit (Cn) connected to the motor for managing operation of the motor unit and peripheral devices (Qn) and contained inside the housing, characterized in that it comprises only one twin-wire line (Wn) for the transmission of signals between the control unit (Cn) and the peripheral devices (Qn).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Nice SPA
    Inventor: Oscar Marchetto
  • Publication number: 20090255185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (3) for the transfer of the torque of a drive output shaft (11) of a drive (1) that can be mounted on the body of a motor vehicle on the first half of a frame joint (4) of a frame joint (2) having a hinge axis (6), which first half of a frame joint (4) is attached to a vehicle lid of the motor vehicle, with the rotation axis (17) of the drive output shaft (11) and the hinge axis (6) in essence aligned with each other in mounted state of the drive (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: VALEO SICHERHEITSSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan Schachtl, Eric Bittner, Markus Pflueger, Armin Dietl
  • Publication number: 20090211158
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Tomaso Ropelato
  • Publication number: 20090100758
    Abstract: In controlling, with recognition of their installation positions, the opening/closing driving of plural doors that are driven by respective linear motors, each door is driven closed by switching the door opening/closing drive torque to high torque if the drive speed of the door has become less than or equal to a prescribed speed. In doing so, operation instruction computing sections set high torque application periods for respective doors so that the periods of high-torque closure driving of respective doors or predetermined door groups do not overlap with each other, and issue instructions to drive the doors closed with high torque only during the high torque application periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Takayuki Nagakura
  • Patent number: 7513078
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Grand Finale International Corp.
    Inventor: Shun-Cheng Ho
  • Patent number: 7512376
    Abstract: An automatic original cover closer to practically realize an automatic opening and closing function of an original cover, has a hinge part to rotatably support an original cover to the main body of office equipment and a driving part to automatically drive the hinge part. The hinge part includes a mounting member to mount on the main body and a supporting member to support the original cover to be axially supported to this mounting member so as to be rotatable with a rotary shaft via the rotary shaft. The driving part includes a positively and reversely rotatable drive motor and a power transferring mechanism to decelerate and transfer the rotary driving power of this drive motor to a drive shaft. The rotary driving power of the drive motor is transferred to the supporting member via the drive shaft and the rotary shaft, by connecting the rotary shaft to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naokazu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7509772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Ohta, Takaya Aiyama
  • Patent number: 7503618
    Abstract: A wheeled automotive vehicle including a body structure, including a driver compartment and including an opening into the compartment. A door is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to close the opening, the opening being formed by portions of the body structure at the front and rear side of the opening. A hinge is pivotably holding the door, in a first position, at one of the front and rear side of the opening. A guide system is provided along a lower portion of the door on the same side of the opening as the hinge. During opening, the door is maneuverable upwardly along the guide system until it reaches the first position. From the first position, the door is pivotally movable around an axis, propagating in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and in a direction away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Inc.
    Inventors: Mattias Geyrhofer, Patrick Verhée, Alex Daniel
  • Publication number: 20080256869
    Abstract: A retrofit conversion kit for converting a door operating apparatus from overhead use to underground use and for operating a swinging door while protecting the door apparatus against moisture and dust encroachment within its underground location. A seal arrangement provides this contamination encroachment protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: OPCON MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Angelo NIXON
  • Publication number: 20080256870
    Abstract: A retrofit conversion kit for facilitating the conversion of a door operating apparatus conventionally mounted above the door, to a position mounted and anchored underground for operating a swinging door therefrom. The conversion to an anchored underground position is facilitated by incorporating positional adjustment mechanisms covering any or all possible adjustment dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: OPCON MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Angelo NIXON