Operating Lever Or Link And Closure Swing About Parallel Axes Patents (Class 49/339)
  • Patent number: 12146358
    Abstract: A flap unit for covering a charging opening or tank opening of a vehicle may have a frame and a movable cover, which is arranged within a peripheral region of the frame. The cover may be movable between a closed position, in which the cover terminates flush with the frame and is held in place, and an open position. The cover in the case of an opening movement from the closed position as well as in the case of a closing movement from the open position is movable into a partially raised intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Witte Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Reinaldo Mensch, Markus Herdering, Zdenek Slovan
  • Patent number: 12134927
    Abstract: A vehicle force measurement assembly includes a first rod, a second rod and an electronic controller. The first rod has a strain gauge mounted thereon. The first rod is dimensioned and configured to install to a first side of a vehicle door and a first side of a door opening of a vehicle body structure. The second rod is dimensioned and configured to install to a second side of the vehicle door and a second side of the door opening. The electronic controller is connected to the strain gauge and is wired and configured to detect forces applied to the first rod by the vehicle door in response to predetermined amounts of force being applied to the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Haupt
  • Patent number: 11787272
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid tailgate for a vehicle, comprising a thermoplastic inner structure forming the carrier frame of the tailgate, and at least one composite reinforcement part to reinforce the carrier frame, wherein the composite reinforcement part is connected to the thermoplastic inner structure at a first surface, wherein the composite reinforcement part forms a continuous load path in the inner structure enclosing a tailgate window opening for a window glazing part of the tailgate. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising such a hybrid tailgate. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a hybrid tailgate, the method comprising forming a composite laminate part into an insert; placing the insert in an injection molding tool; and over-molding the insert with polymer resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Ilona Maria Francois Grond-Soons, Davy Wilhelmus Anna Brands, David Vincentius Wilhelmus Maria De Vries, Sandeep Chandrakant Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 11118392
    Abstract: An automatic door operator operating on standard 120V/240V AC power utilizes a servomotor for operation, and thus no separate transformer is required for the operator. The servomotor incorporates programming to limit torque, and thus no slip clutch is required in order to allow manual operation of the door. Furthermore, because the servomotor has built-in control logic, no separate digital control logic is required. Because the position of the servomotor is continuously maintained, the relative position of the door with respect to a fully opened or fully closed position is always known, and no separate external signal is required in order to monitor the door position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Vengeance Creek, LLC
    Inventors: William McNabb, Jeffrey McNabb
  • Patent number: 11027595
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide a roof fan assembly with numerous improvements. The roof fan assembly includes a cover which allows for a fan shroud to be opened. The structure includes a base clamp which connects to the roof of an RV. The base clamp includes a fan and motor which push or pull air out from the RV or into the RV. The base clamp includes a worm gear assembly which includes a worm gear structure to open and close the shroud. The arm may include a sleeve which moves relative to the arm and connects to the shroud at the opposite end. The base clamp includes mounts for connecting the base clamp to the roof as well as allowing for connection of the cover to the fan assembly as a whole. Still further, the structure provides integrated hinges in the base clamp to allow connection of the shroud to the base clamp for pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mark L. Smith, Aaron L. Harris, Hari R P Sunkara, James E. Allard
  • Patent number: 10072451
    Abstract: An operator for a window comprising a base and a cover, the base being attached to a window sash with an aperture extending through the base, an arm having first and second ends with a first end secured to the base, the first end of the arm having an aperture therein overlying the aperture in the base and an upper securement member extending at least partially through the aperture in the first end of the arm, the upper securement member having a threaded recess therein, a lower securement member screwthreadedly engaged with the upper securement member and extending through the base in an abutting relationship thereto, the cover engaging with the upper securement member to prevent rotation thereof when the lower securement member is screwthreadedly engaged with the upper securement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Christian Carrier
  • Patent number: 10017968
    Abstract: A door unit for a lavatory facility on board an aircraft comprises a door element, a door frame, and a locking and release mechanism. By an articulated device the door element is held on the door frame so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The locking and release mechanism comprises a locking device and a release device. Further, by the locking device the door element can be locked in a closed position (PVER) in the door frame so that any opening of the door element from outside the lavatory facility is blocked. By the release device the locking device can be released. For releasing the locking device, the release device comprises a non-contacting sensor device that can be activated with a movement of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Seibt, Jens Wiebalck
  • Patent number: 8943749
    Abstract: A flap door includes a door body configured to be rotated around a longitudinal axis of a shaft by extension of a gas lift. A guide cam is fixed to a sidewall and has the shaft rotatably mounted to a center of the guide cam in a direction perpendicular to the sidewall, and a guide groove is formed in a side of the guide cam. A first arm has one end fixed to the shaft and another end extended toward the gas lift. A second arm has one end connected to the shaft so as to be rotatable around the shaft and another end connected to an end of the gas lift. A rotation transferring member transfers a rotational force from the second arm to the first arm as the rotation transferring member moves along a slot formed in the second arm and simultaneously moves along the guide groove according to rotation of the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ja Sang Song
  • Patent number: 8935884
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for closing an opening for the input and/or output of notes of a device for handling notes. The arrangement (10) comprises a pivotable shutter element and a rotary solenoid. An armature of the rotary solenoid is connected to the shutter element via a connecting element. In a first position of the armature the shutter element is arranged in a closed position, and in a second position of the armature the shutter element is arranged in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Tee Meng Pang, Hengky Wirawan
  • Patent number: 8904710
    Abstract: A door operator for operating a swing leaf in a door assembly. The door operator is configured to be mounted to a reception body such as a door transom, a wall or the like, and has a connector module for connecting with at least one connecting line. The connector module from a direction of the reception body and from at least one lateral direction, has at least one opening, through which the connecting line can be optionally guided to the connector module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Römer, Michael Hufen, Alexander Hellwig, Holger Hänsch
  • Patent number: 8839559
    Abstract: A door urging apparatus, for use with an existing door hingedly mounted in a frame, the door moving between a closed, a crossover, and open states, the door urging apparatus including an offset bracket with a base and an arcuate planar element having a proximal end that extends from the base and a distal end with a first pivotal attachment. Also included is a plate affixed to a frame portion opposite of the hinged mount, the plate having a second pivotal attachment. Further included is a gas spring assembly having a lengthwise cylinder with a telescoping rod, the gas spring provides a dampened force extending the rod outward. The gas spring is pivotally attached between the first pivotal attachment and the second pivotal attachment, wherein operationally the door is urged into the open state by the gas spring and is also urged into the closed state by the gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Garry D. Neff
  • Patent number: 8827041
    Abstract: Carrier car door assemblies respectively comprising a carrier car comprising a body, a door, a drive mechanism, a driven mechanism, and a magnetic release mechanism are disclosed herein. The carrier car travels along a track system between teller and customer stations to transport materials there-between. The door is connected to the body and movable between a door-closed position and a door-open position. The drive mechanism is connected to the body and to the driven mechanism so that the drive and driven mechanisms synchronously move between respective door-closed positions and door-open positions. The magnetic release mechanism is connected to the driven mechanism and moves from a magnetically coupled state to a magnetically de-coupled state when a user manually moves the door from the door-open position to the door-closed position. The magnetic release mechanism in the magnetically coupled state synchronously moves with the driven mechanism between door-closed and door-open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Michael E. Brown, Christopher L. Michael
  • Patent number: 8720113
    Abstract: A non-handed door operator comprising a motor connected to a mounting plate; at least one gear assembly coupled to the motor and having a driven gear and a driving gear; a gear coupled to the at least one gear assembly; a shaft fixed to the gear and rotatable around an axis in a first rotational direction, the shaft having a first end and an opposing second end; at least one cam positioned on the shaft and having a shell of revolution about the shaft axis; at least one switch intersecting the shell of revolution of the at least one cam; and an arm attachable to the first end and the second end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Jules Krivoy
  • Patent number: 8601745
    Abstract: A window operator mountable on the frame of window having a hinged movable sash including a drive assembly for positioning the movable sash and a separately installable drive shaft for operating the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a drive chain coupled to the movable sash of the window that extends and retracts to position the movable sash. The drive assembly can be mounted to the frame first without the drive shaft. After the window is installed, the drive shaft can be then inserted into the drive assembly and used to extend and retract the drive chain and move the movable sash. The window operator includes a drive shaft retention assembly for receiving and retaining the drive shaft once the drive shaft is inserted into the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Truth Hardware
    Inventor: Scot Berkley
  • Patent number: 8555562
    Abstract: A window well cover jack is disclosed. The window well cover jack has three arms: a base arm, a support arm and an actuator handle, all connected to aid in the lifting of a window well cover and to allow egress. In one embodiment, the jack is lockable in a stowed position. It is also possible to add a spring assist to aid in the lifting of a window well cover. Ideally, the window well cover jack is also lockable in a deployed position to aid in holding an ajar window well cover so as to facilitate escape. A simple link, which is easily broken by emergency crews with the proper tools but secure against intruders without said tools, connects the window well cover jack to a window well cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Vince S. Warner, David Ruff
  • Patent number: 8484897
    Abstract: A door operator of the fireproof door comprises a force applying end for releasing the reel of a door curtain, and a loading end for sustaining the weight of the door curtain. The rotary shaft comprises an internal (central) shaft and a plurality of external shaft coupled to each other via a clutch mechanism. The force applying end and the loading end act on the internal shaft and the external shaft respectively. A torsion spring brake mechanism is provided to resist the potential energy of the loading end by varying the inner diameter of the torsion spring so as to constantly restrain the rotary shaft from rotating, or to release the rotary shaft when the brake mechanism is subjected to an external force from the force applying end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8468953
    Abstract: A device can be provided for pivoting a front hatch of a track-guided vehicle, which can a reduced weight, while at the same time being able to reduce susceptibility to failure. The device can include a first pivot lever connectable to the front hatch and a second pivot lever connectable to the front hatch, where the pivot levers can be rotatable about a common rotational axis, to pivot the front hatch relative the vehicle chassis. The device can also include a first actuating element connectable to the vehicle chassis which can interact with the first pivot lever. For example, upon the first actuating element being actuated, torque can be exerted on the first pivot lever. A second actuating element can be provided which is connectable to the vehicle chassis, and which interacts with the second pivot lever. Upon the second actuating element being actuated, torque can be exerted on the second pivot lever. The device can further include a synchronization element (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Ahrens
  • Patent number: 8444200
    Abstract: A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force to balance the weight of the tailgate. The piston element may also be retrofitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Polly Drinkwater
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20120317882
    Abstract: A bin lid assembly includes a lid member arranged to span across an opening in the roof of a grain storage bin. The lid member is supported by a hinge which is biased towards a closed position extending forwardly across the bin opening from an open position extending rearwardly. An operating linkage is pivotally connected to the lid member and includes a opening arm which is folded relative to the lid member from a first position extending upwardly in the closed position of the lid member to a second position extending rearwardly in the open position of the lid member to allow the lid member to be opened 180 degrees. The linkage also allows a mechanical advantage to be maintained when pulling the lid open using an actuator tether alongside the bin which is connected at an upper end to the opening arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley Metro Zazula
  • Patent number: 8225458
    Abstract: A method for controlling a door, comprising the steps of storing energy during a manual opening of a door, sensing an object within a doorway, selectively applying a force derived from the stored energy, to close the door, based on the sensing of an object in the doorway. The closure is preferably controlled by an electronic control. A door closing device comprising an energy storage device for storing energy during door opening and releasing the stored energy to subsequently close the door, a damping system for damping a closure of the door, a sensor for detecting an object within a doorway, having an output, a controllable device for selectively restraining the energy storage device from closing the door, and a control system for controlling the controllable device based on the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
  • Patent number: 8171673
    Abstract: A motorized door opener for a vehicle (such as a military or security vehicle), featuring a sensor system that determines door position to prevent door damage while the opener is in operation. The opener features an offset gear system that effectively changes the door's rotation point. Mechanical advantage is gained by using a lengthened lever arm with the gear system, providing increased leverage and allowing the motor to provide enough force to open and close a heavily armored door. The opener can use existing door hinges, and can be provided so as not to protrude into the door space, in order to facilitate passenger and equipment entry/exit through the doors. A safety release mechanism is included in some embodiments, allowing the door to be manually opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Helms
  • Patent number: 8109038
    Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presley, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 8074401
    Abstract: A mechanical arm system for opening a door includes an actuator assembly having an output shaft and an arm driven by the output shaft so as to move the door from a closed position toward an open position. The arm is free from contact with the door when the door moves from the open position to the closed position. The actuator assembly is mounted to a support member adjacent the door. The arm extends between the output shaft and the door. The arm may be moveable between a position in which the arm contacts the door in the open position and a retracted position in which the arm is free from contact with the door in the closed position. The arm may be moved to the retracted position before the door reaches the open position so as to abort the opening of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: The MITRE Corporation
    Inventor: Booker T. Brown
  • Patent number: 8037639
    Abstract: In a door opening/closing device having a motor base and a sensor case, a rotation sensor is provided. The rotation sensor includes a magnetic member provided adjacent an end of a rotation shaft and a detecting element that is arranged so as to detect a magnetic flux that is generated from the magnetic member in a direction crossing a magnetic flux that is generated from an electromagnetic clutch arranged around the rotation shaft. The motor base is attached to the sensor case such that the end of the rotation shaft extends outside of the motor base and the rotation sensor is arranged adjacent the end of the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsu Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Watanabe, Takuya Kakumae, Kazuhito Yokomori, Nobuo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7942185
    Abstract: A folding leaf gate comprising a post hung section hingedly attachable to a gate post and at least one leaf hung section hingedly connected in series with the post hung section by means of one or more section hinges, wherein the folding leaf gate additionally includes a rotating device associated with the or each leaf hung section and sharing a common axis of rotation with the or each section hinge and secured in a static relationship to a leaf hung section whereby rotation of the or each rotating device causes rotation of a leaf hung section about the or each section hinge, and one or more translating devices engaging the or each rotating devices, the one or more translating device being configured, when in use, to translate rotational motion of the post hung section about a gate post to rotation of the one or more rotating devices whereby simultaneously to open a gateway closed by the folding leaf gate and fold the folding leaf gate in two or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Roger George Long
  • Patent number: 7877931
    Abstract: The present superstructure involves, for each upright, a spacer section bar (3), a hinge-bearing section bar (6), a hinge (8), a piston (13) that helps to lift the pane (1), and is completed by a gripper (9) for supporting the pane (1), a closing section bar (11) and a gasket; the section bar (3) has a box section so that it can be adjusted to be joined together with the section bar (6); each hinge (8) is fixed to the section bar (6) and at its end to be fixed to the gripper (9), bears conical guides (8.1) suitable for fitting the conical arms (9.1) situated on the gripper (9) itself; a gasket (12) is fixed to the gripper (9); where spherical panes (1) are involved, hinges (15) are used containing a body (15.1) and a connecting piece (15.2) that can be rotated with respects to the body (15.1) so that the panes (1) can be fitted on at different lengths of the circular arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: N.E.M. Nord Est Meccanica S.N.C.
    Inventor: Alessandro Cianetti
  • Patent number: 7774984
    Abstract: A concentric cross mechanism for transiting torsion includes a main body unit of a concentric cross mechanism, a main body unit of the torsion-driven mechanism, a main body unit of the force-generating mechanism, and a restriction device. A center point is defined by crossing a vertical concentric axis and a horizontal concentric axis. The axle of the driven bevel gear and the scroll springs spin reversely with the axle of the torsion-generating bevel gear. The first bevel gear is provided for outputting the torsion on the upper and bottom ends thereof. Furthermore, when the rotary rod connected with one side of the torsion output axle is disposed between the positioning block and the positioning post, the door is driven by the other side of the torsion output axle to swing in a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Eledyna Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Pu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7770959
    Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door being selectively movable with respect to the structural member. An actuator includes an active material that is configured to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The actuator is configured such that the change in at least one attribute causes the door to move relative to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Xiujie Gao, Jack L. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20100154308
    Abstract: A door chucking system includes a slidable door movable within a door opening and having a distal edge, the door being operable between opened and closed positions. A vertical column is proximate the distal edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. A chucking wedge is disposed on one of the vertical column and the distal edge, the chucking wedge including a retaining slot and a retaining flange. A receiver is disposed on the other of the vertical column and the distal edge, the receiver including a rigid tab, wherein the receiver receives a portion of the chucking wedge therein when the door is in the closed position, and wherein application of a force that is at least partially transverse to the planar extent of the door causes the rigid tab and the retaining slot to engage thereby preventing the door from leaving the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Venky Krishnan, Kosta Papanikolaou, Bhupendra A Patel, Jerry P Bonnici
  • Patent number: 7739836
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for establishing at least two open access door positions relative to an opening of a compartment. The apparatus includes a position defining member having at least one engagement element, and a stop member. The position defining member is adapted to be coupled to the compartment. A housing member is adapted to be coupled to the access door for movement therewith, and has an opening for translatable receipt of the position defining member. The housing member further includes an engagement element operable to engage the at least one engagement element of the position defining member to establish a first open access door position. The stop member contacting the housing member establishes a second open access door position approximately perpendicular to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: John V Keane, Ronald Frank
  • Patent number: 7707774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Allen—Vanguard Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Molnar, Christopher Graham
  • Publication number: 20100101148
    Abstract: An operator for a casement window, the operator comprising a base, at least one arm for securement to the base, an upper securement member extending through an aperture in the base and an end of the arm with the securement member having a threaded recess therein. A lower screw securement member is screw threadedly engaged with the upper one to assist in drawing the arm into the desired position. A monocoque housing surrounds the operator and has sealing members to prevent air infiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Christian Carrier
  • Patent number: 7695043
    Abstract: A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force as the main body is lowered. The piston element may also be retrofitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Dimiter S. Zagoroff
  • Patent number: 7694459
    Abstract: An actuator for moving a flap of a piece of furniture includes a spring loaded actuating arm and a mechanical locking connection provided at each end of the actuating arm. The mechanical locking connections connect the arm in a detachable manner to a body of the piece of furniture and to the flap of the piece of furniture. By this arrangement the actuating arm can be hinged in a simple manner to the base body and removed again if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Publication number: 20100071267
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening a door (48) from a remote location including a lever assembly (20) and a pulling line (22), the pulling line (22) having attached thereto a door handle engagement (60), the lever assembly (20) including at least a first guide (40) and a second guide (42) for guiding the pulling line (22) and a mounting means (24) for mounting the lever assembly (20)to or adjacent a door (48), the first and second guides (40,42) being positioned such that when the pulling line (22) is prevented from moving through the first guide (40) pulling on the pulling line (22) acts to cause the lever assembly (20) to apply a force to urge the door to open (48). This apparatus allows an operator to gradually open a door or to apply a suitable force if, for example, the door (48) is stuck in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Wisbey
  • Patent number: 7665930
    Abstract: A hydraulic system has a hydraulic actuator for moving a door leaf of a door installation between open and closed positions thereof. A reservoir has a volume for containing a hydraulic fluid. A fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir. The system also has a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit to operate the actuator. A fluid circuit flushing system of the hydraulic system operates to flush a volume of hydraulic fluid from the fluid circuit back to the reservoir without moving any door leaves of the door installation. The hydraulic system may be part of a mine door installation installed in a mine passageway and having at least one door leaf. The hydraulic actuator is connected to the door leaf for driving movement of the door leaf between its open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7665463
    Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen chamber for treatment of large animals such as horses is disclosed. The chamber is large enough for a horse to fit inside and comfortably move around. A specially designed davit door, though quite heavy, is easily manipulated and may be used to corral the horse during ingress or egress, and is serviceable using fluorocarbon lubricants. The door, sidewalls, and floor of the hyperbaric chamber are coated with a static dissipative polyurethane material suitable for oxygen environments and may protect the horse from injury and prevent sparks. The flooring is specially designed to allow the horse to eliminate during treatment, and may be cleaned easily and thoroughly without disassembly. The control mechanisms of the hyperbaric chamber include electro-pneumatic controls, for avoiding a fire hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Equine Oxygen Therapy Acquisitions
    Inventor: Rob Grauke
  • Patent number: 7644540
    Abstract: A door opening/closing apparatus is provided with a motor, a first clutch which transmits power from the motor to a door opening/closing mechanism of a slide door when current is applied to the motor while breaking transmission of power to the door opening/closing mechanism of the slide door when current is not applied, and a second clutch which transmits power from the motor to a door opening/closing mechanism of a back door when current is applied while breaking transmission of power from the motor to the door opening/closing mechanism when current is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Ichinose
  • Patent number: 7614184
    Abstract: An operator comprising a housing ending in a flange is provided with a turret incorporating a stepped bore for locating a worm shaft of a drive mechanism. A first seal is disposed between the worm shaft and the stepped bore. A second seal is interposed between the flange and a frame of a window. An interconnecting mechanism driven by the worm shaft comprises a pair of worm arms followed by a pair of links. The former and the latter are provided with male and female ends using, respectively, a calotte of a sphere complemented by a spherical shaped recess. Thus, between the pair of worm arms and the pair of links, pivotal joints are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Jacob Rebel, Hong Chen
  • Patent number: 7587861
    Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Bongard
  • Patent number: 7581351
    Abstract: A speed barrier includes a heavy lower barrier and a lighter upper gate. The barrier and gate may normally be positioned to allow or to restrict passing of vehicles. The barrier is configured to receive and survive the main impact of a vehicle attempting to ram through the speed barrier. The gate and barrier are coupled to allow an extension or a retraction of the gate and barrier in unison. The barrier and gate are supported by left and right columns, and an upper end of the gate is supported by the columns when the gate and barrier are extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Lewis
  • Patent number: 7578094
    Abstract: A drive unit for a power operated vehicle closure has a track, a guide moveable along the track, a link attached to the guide at one end and adapted to be attached to the vehicle closure at the opposite end, and a motor assembly for moving the guide along the track. The motor assembly has an electric motor and a speed reducer driven by the electric motor that has a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a belt drive and the second stage is a spur gear set. Alternatively the first stage is a worm gear and a mating helical gear. The worm gear preferably has a high lead angle and a high number of leads. The speed of the electric motor is reduced to about 1000 rpm or less in the first stage permitting the use of spur gears in the second stage while retaining quiet operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd W. Rogers, Jeffrey S. Hamminga, Joseph D. Long, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7573171
    Abstract: A rotation control motor comprises a shaft, an armature having an armature core of which teeth are wound by wires to form coils, a commutator, and a field magnet. The armature core has a plurality of teeth, the commutator has a plurality of commutator segments corresponding to the number of teeth, and the coils comprise a normal coil and a brake coil. When the motor rotates faster than expected, the brake coil brakes the motor by magnetic flux, and the motor can rotate within a stable speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Igarashi Electric Works Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Sesita, Katuyuki Tanaka, Yusuke Mizukoshi, Hiroyuki Kurihara, Yoshihisa Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20090139145
    Abstract: A door includes a door body, a pair of rotating shafts, a pair of opening/closing levers and an inhibiting member. The pair of rotating shafts rotate the door body toward either one of the left and right directions. The pair of rotating shafts are provided on each of the left and right sides of the door body. The pair of rotating shafts are vertically slidable. The pair of opening/closing levers are provided on each of the left and right sides of the door body. The opening/closing lever is connected to the rotating shaft on the same side of the door body. The opening/closing lever acommodates the connected rotating shaft within the door body by rotation. The inhibiting member inhibits one of the rotating shafts from being accommodated within the door body by operating simultaneously with rotation of the opening/closing lever connected to the other rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Satoru Yamada
  • Patent number: 7540551
    Abstract: A power closing assembly operates a closure panel hingedly secured to a motor vehicle. The power closing assembly includes an actuator mounted to the motor vehicle, a movable striker also mounted to the motor vehicle to receive the closure panel's latch, and a rotary power cable connecting therebetween. The actuator has a closure cable on a spooling drum extending to the closure panel for closing from an open position when the actuator operates. The movable striker moves between a nominal inboard position and an outboard position. A rotary power cable connects between a provided output on the actuator and an input on the striker so that the striker's movement is powered and synchronized by the actuator. With the closure panel open, the actuator begins a closing cycle by driving in a direction to spool in the closure cable extending to the closure panel. The actuator's direction, using the rotary power cable, simultaneously causes the striker to move outboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
  • Patent number: 7484333
    Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presely, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20080256871
    Abstract: A step drive for a movable step, the step drive being arranged below a swinging-sliding door. The step drive includes an opening-out mechanism located in a lower region of a secondary closing edge of the swinging-sliding door. The opening-out mechanism is connected to and actuated by a door drive and the opening-out mechanism interacts with the movable step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Johann Bramauer
  • Publication number: 20080250719
    Abstract: A lock system for casement windows is disclosed which includes a tie bar slidably secured to the flame. The tie bat is secured to a lock handle that is also secured to the flame. The tie bat eliminates the need for rollers riveted to the tie bar by having a first bent section disposed between straight sections and a second bent section disposed between straight sections. All of the straight sections are linearly aligned with one another and at least some of the straight sections of the tie bar are slidably mounted to the flame using conventional guides. The lock system also includes first and second strikers mounted to the sash. The first striker comprising a first ramp that receives a first bent section and the second striker comprising a second ramp that receives a second bent section when the tie bat is slidably moved towards the first and second strikers as the tie bar is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Roto Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Griffin, Jeffrey Quinn Norris, Nathanael Thomas Lee