Multiple Links Patents (Class 49/345)
  • Patent number: 10641029
    Abstract: A door access system including a housing, a motor in the housing with the motor coupled to a shaft extending from the bottom of the housing, an arm rotatively connected to the shaft, a roller rotatively connected to the arm with the roller engaging the surface of a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: S WILEY CONSULTING, LLC.
    Inventor: James Ashmead
  • 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: 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: 8800204
    Abstract: A mine door system comprising at least one mine door leaf hinged at one side thereof to a door frame defining an entry. The system includes an articulated door-moving mechanism that articulates between a first configuration in which the mechanism applies a relatively small door-moving force to the door leaf to move the door leaf at a first speed and a second configuration in which the mechanism applies a larger door-moving force to the door leaf to move the door leaf at a second speed less than the first speed. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • 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: 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: 8341889
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to barrier assemblies, and more particularly, to the coupling of a barrier operator to the barrier that the operator is to move. In one embodiment, a barrier operator coupling includes a wedge member that is fixedly attached to an output shaft of the barrier operator. A housing is brought to bear against a wedge member, and an adjustment device is used to maintain the force between the wedge member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hy-Security Gate, Inc.
    Inventors: James Faulkner, Steven A. Carlsen, Keith A. Mullins, Brian G. Denault
  • Patent number: 8322080
    Abstract: A gate arm for a swing gate incorporates a release mechanism that releases the gate arm and therefore allows the gate to swing freely about its hinges when inwardly-directed pressure applied to the gate exceeds a threshold level. The gate arm also includes a spring-loaded pivot joint that applies pressure to the gate when the gate is operating normally and is in the closed position, and further works cooperatively with the release mechanism to prevent damage to the operator and gate arm when the gate is forced open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Michael T. Treihaft
  • 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: 8032989
    Abstract: A hinge for casement windows is disclosed. The said hinge includes a track and a shoe that is adapted to travel along the track. There is a sash arm that is pivotally connected and extending from the shoe and a support arm. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the sash arm and said second end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the track. The support arm has an orifice for receiving a pin extending from the track. The support arm has a clip for securing the support arm to the track. The clip has a grip extending therefrom to assist in moving the clip from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7959204
    Abstract: An electric opening/closing device for vehicle, which has good layout characteristic of the vehicle and is provided with a highly-rigid attachment part, is provided. The vehicle electric opening/closing device comprises: a worm wheel meshed with a worm provided on a motor shaft of an electric motor; a planetary gear mechanism disposed coaxially with the worm wheel and decelerating rotation of the worm wheel to transmits it to an output gear; a gear case housing the worm wheel etc. and assembled to the electric motor; and a swing arm rotatably supported by the gear case between an output end linked to a back door and an input end linked to an output gear. An attachment plate for mounting the vehicle electric opening/closing device on the vehicle is sandwiched between the first case body and the second case body which constitute the gear case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Yoshida
  • 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: 7810280
    Abstract: The force from a drive rod driven by an electric motor is transmitted via a link arm pivotally linked to the drive rod and a back door. When the back door is operated in an open direction, the link arm is supported by an open-side support slider and the acting direction of the force applied to the link arm by the drive rod is shifted to the opening direction of the back door. When the back door is operated in a closing direction, the link arm is supported by a closed-side support slider and a closed-side support roller and the acting direction of the force applied to the link arm by the drive rod is shifted to the closing-direction of the back door. The open-side and closed-side support sliders are pressed against the link arm by leaf spring members so that the link arm is prevented from oscillating between the sliders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd., Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Hattori, Ryoji Araki, Osamu Sera, Masashi Shimizu, Yasushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7690154
    Abstract: A 4-bar linkage assembly for mounting a sash to a frame member of a window assembly. The linkage assembly including a vent bar having an offset portion and a base portion that fits within a sash channel of the sash. The vent bar includes a fixed connection extending between the offset portion and the base portion for supporting the offset portion and projecting between overhanging rails of the sash channel. The offset portion forms a stop which engages an end of the sash channel for locating the vent bar within the sash channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Advantage Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Malcolm Muir
  • Publication number: 20100071264
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to barrier assemblies, and more particularly, to the coupling of a barrier operator to the barrier that the operator is to move. In one embodiment, a barrier operator coupling includes a wedge member that is fixedly attached to an output shaft of the barrier operator. A housing is brought to bear against a wedge member, and an adjustment device is used to maintain the force between the wedge member and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: James Faulkner, Steven A. Carlsen, Keith A. Mullins, Brian G. Denault
  • Patent number: 7637057
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for an open/close object comprising a driving device for driving and opening the open/close object, a position detecting device for detecting an open position of the open/close object (1), and a fully open position storage device for storing a fully open position of the open/close object, wherein, when the driving device drives and opens the open/close object, the driving device is stopped in a fully open recognition position stored in the fully open position storage device or a position a fixed amount short of the fully open recognition position. When a current position of the open/close object after completion of the opening drive by the driving device is different from the fully open recognition position (#1), the fully open position storage device sets a new fully open recognition position (#2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seika Matsui, Hideharu Kato, Tsutomu Tanoi, Tomonori Suzuki, Mizuho Morimitsu
  • 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: 7472514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a window, comprising a case (2) and a frame (4), swingably fastened in the case by a swinging arm assembly (3). The assembly has a base plate (5), fastened to a case side piece, one end of an upper swinging arm (6) being flexibly fastened at the top of the base plate and one end of a lower swinging arm (7) being fastened at the bottom of the base in a similar way. The other ends of the arms are flexibly fastened to the top of a frame plate (8), the lower end of which supports a swinging axle (9), to be inserted into the respective side piece of the frame. Releasable locking elements are mounted between the frame and the case as well as the assembly parts, which belong thereto, respectively for a swinging limitation of the frame in relation to the case, which limitation can be cancelled. According to the invention the blocking elements are mounted adjacent the swinging center of the frame, partly at the frame plate (8) and partly at the base plate (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Steelform Scandianavia AB
    Inventor: Torbjörn Blomqvist
  • Patent number: 7422265
    Abstract: A support structure for an upper cover of an automobile rear loading platform, which is installed on two sides between a rear end portion of an automobile rear loading platform and an upper cover of the rear loading platform, wherein a base mount is fixed to a bottom plate of the rear loading platform, and a supporting arm is pin connected to the base mount. Another end of the supporting arm is pin connected to a suspension arm, and another end of the suspension arm is pin connected to a fixing mount that enables fixing to a bottom portion of the upper cover. An oil pressure rod is pin configured between the aforementioned supporting arm and the base mount, thereby providing support therebetween. Accordingly, good support and buffering effectiveness is achieved when opening and closing the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Yi-Tang Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Te Liao
  • Publication number: 20080016778
    Abstract: An adapter system for mounting conventional four-bar hinges within window assemblies that include elongated channels for mounting window hardware. One or more clamps having attachment features aligned with openings in a linkage bar of the four-bar hinges are received within the elongated channels of window sashes. The attachment features provide for aligning the linkage bars to the channels and for both temporarily and more permanently securing the vent bars to the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANTAGE MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Malcolm Muir
  • Patent number: 7316096
    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: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presely, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20070234642
    Abstract: A casement window assembly has a sash window pivotally connected to a window frame. A window operator has a housing connected to the frame, including an upper and lower piece connected together. The housing has an offset countersink hole receiving a fastener. A spindle extends into the housing and has a groove therein. An arm is operably connected to the spindle and to the sash window to open and close the sash window. A resilient seal member is received within the groove in the spindle. A first gasket is positioned between the upper piece and the lower piece of the housing. A second gasket is positioned between the housing and the window frame. When the fastener is driven into the countersink hole, the housing is forced in a generally horizontal direction to compress the second gasket between the housing and the window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Bildahl, Dean Pettit, Thomas J. Hansel
  • Patent number: 7143548
    Abstract: A flap drive for a flap includes two identical lever joint arrangements which are arranged in pairs at a distance from one another. The flap can be moved out of its closing position into its opening position and back by the flap drive. In this case, the lever joint arrangements are articulated pivotably with one of their ends in each case on a side region of the flap and with their other ends at a fixed location on the motor vehicle. The mutually corresponding pivot axes of the articulation points extend coaxially to one another. Movement transmission devices for the pivotable drive of a driven lever of each lever joint arrangement are guided by a common motive drive unit, the driven levers being articulated at a fixed location on the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kleinmann, Andreas Ritter
  • Patent number: 7024821
    Abstract: A window that can be opened in multiple manners such as pushing/pulling and rotating outwards by using a sliding pipe assembly, includes a frame assembly and at least two sash assemblies. A horizontal frame in the frame assembly has a cavity with an opening, a guide track mounted on a bottom slab of the horizontal frame cavity, and a pair of subsidiary guide tracks provided on a pair of side slabs of the horizontal frame cavity. Several roller devices are arranged along the sliding pipe assembly and matched with the guide track and subsidiary guide tracks of the horizontal frame. Therefore, the sliding pipe assembly can be moved along the horizontal frame. Furthermore, a hinge assembly fastened to the sliding pipe assembly is provided in one of several stiles of each of the sash assemblies to be used for supporting rotation of the sash assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Zhongxuan Lu
  • Patent number: 6898900
    Abstract: An electronic position sensor for use with a power operated vehicle accessory, such as a power liftgate. The position sensor includes an elongated resistive circuit that is mounted such that it is stationary and extends along the path of a track portion of the power operated accessory. The position sensor further includes a contact nub mounted to a link member that moves within the track portion such that the contact nub is slidingly biased against the elongated circuit. As the link member moves under the force of a motor-driven output gear, the contact nub slides along the surface of the resistive circuit, thereby affecting the overall resistance of the circuit. The position sensor uses the overall resistance to provide an electronic position signal to an ECU, wherein the signal is indicative of the absolute position of the power operated accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Haag, Michael I. Chia
  • Patent number: 6883275
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the descent of a moveable element pivotally attached to a rigid structure. The moveable element is pivotally attached to the rigid structure, and is then pivotally connected to a compressible strut, which is pivotally attached to a linkage pivotally connected to the rigid structure. The descent of the moveable element is controlled using a microcontroller and a motor attached to the linkage, and the control path for the linkage is selected based on a comparison of the angle between the linkage and rigid structure and the angle between the moveable element and the rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Hellinga, Michael Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040261320
    Abstract: A casement window operator system which includes an operator (12), a driven hinge (10) and a passive hinge (11). The driven hinge (10) and the passive hinge (11) are mounted to opposite sides of the frame F of a casement window. The sash S of the window is mountable by the mounting plate (17) and (28) of the hinges. The operator (12) is mounted with the frame F adjacent to the driven hinge (10) and a driven arm (20) of the operator (12) is coupled to the window sash mounting plate (17). The passive hinge (11) constructed to replicate the operating locus of the driven hinge (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Francis Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6834834
    Abstract: Articulation device for an aircraft door panel and an aircraft door integrating such a device. An aircraft door panel is articulated on the jamb by a device (20) that defines an approximately elliptical opening and closing trajectory, in which the major axis is approximately perpendicular to the panel. The device (20) comprises in particular a main arm (30), a secondary arm (32) articulated at the end of the main arm and a control lever (34) connecting the secondary arm (32) to the jamb, by articulation axes (A4, A5) close to the articulation axes of the main arm (30) on the jamb and the secondary arm (32) on the main arm. This arrangement makes it possible to fit a more voluminous emergency exit chute into the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Francis Dazet, François Rouyre
  • Patent number: 6766616
    Abstract: An opening flap comprises a frame and a flap articulated thereto. A lift arm is provided, which is articulated by a principal energy accumulator. A secondary energy accumulator is articulated between the lift arm and the flap. The principal energy accumulator delivers the opening motion of the flap into a position before the dead center thereof. The secondary energy accumulator, which is distinctly weaker, delivers the subsequent opening motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: SUSPA Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Richter
  • Publication number: 20040118050
    Abstract: A dual casement window structure includes a frame, a casement window, an outward opening window leaf and a latch mechanism. The frame is mounted in a wall of the room, and is provided with rails. The casement window is movably attached on the casement frame in a manner to slide along the rails. The casement window has a mounting section on its outer side where is mounted the outwardly opening window leaf. The outward opening window leaf has a plurality of supporting means to support the outward opening window leaf when the outward opening window leaf is pushed outwardly. A hinge is further mounted at an upper portion of the outward opening window leaf to pivotally connect to the casement window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Jin Huo Liu
  • Patent number: 6694675
    Abstract: The combination of a frame, a closure element, and a closure element holding assembly. The closure element is mounted to the frame for movement between first and second positions. The closure element holding assembly has a linkage with first and second connecting ends and at least first and second link elements. The first connecting end is connected to the closure element. The second connecting end is connected to the frame. The first and second link elements are joined to each other for pivoting movement about a first axis and in such a manner that the first and second link elements can be connected to and disconnected from each other by relatively repositioning at least a part of the first link element and second link element through relative movement of the at least part of the first link element and second link element in a direction generally parallel to the first axis. In one form, one of the link elements has a post and the other link element has a socket to receive the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Tri/Mark Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Craft, Julie M. Houdek, Eric S. Svenby, Craig Joseph Helton, Daniel Alan Bennett
  • Patent number: 6695390
    Abstract: A jointed lateral hopper door device capable of raising and retracting one or more lateral hopper doors upward, allowing a totally free access space without impeding access to the cargo material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Anacleto Matteo Bucco Morello
  • Publication number: 20040016180
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the descent of a moveable element pivotally attached to a rigid structure is described herein. The moveable element is directly attached to the rigid structure, and is then connected to a compressible strut, which is attached to a linkage connected to the rigid structure. The descent of the moveable element is controlled using a microcontroller and a motor attached to the linkage, and the control path for the linkage is selected based on a comparison of the angle between the linkage and rigid structure and the angle between the moveable element and the rigid structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Richard J. Hellinga, Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 6643896
    Abstract: There is provided an improved connecting member for use in connecting a sash support arm and a sash arm in a hinge assembly for a casement window, the connecting member having a cylindrical stud portion which extends through a sash arm cylindrical aperture and a cylindrical shaft extending from the cylindrical stud portion, the cylindrical shaft being eccentric with respect to the stud portion and extending through to a sash support arm opening, the cylindrical shaft having a recess formed therein designed to receive a tool to prevent rotational movement of the connecting member to thereby permit change of a sash support arm pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Germain Carrier
  • Patent number: 6640389
    Abstract: An operating assembly for a casement window includes a folding crank handle and cover assembly that are located on the exterior surface of a trim piece on the sill of the window frame. The crank handle is attached to the drive shaft of the operator of the assembly in such a way that the handle may be folded down into a low-profile position in which the knob of the handle projects into a receiving pocket in the cover. An integral flap on the handle extending beyond the knob covers the pocket when the knob is received therein. Internal detent projections within the pocket yieldably retain the knob so as to provide for snap fit reception of the folded handle into its home position. Finger depressions in sidewalls of the cover on opposite sides of the pocket facilitate gripping of the edges of the handle for unfolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Marlo G. Van Klompenburg, David J. Vande Steeg, Robert S. Evers, Andrew W. Middleswart, Bruce A. Baier, Gregory J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 6637157
    Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a bracket that is secured to the vehicle body for supporting several parts including a reversible electric motor, a gear unit and a housing having a forward linear track and a contiguous rearward curved track. The electric motor drives a segmented drive linkage disposed in the housing via the gear unit. The segmented drive linkage includes an elongated arcuate link that is guided by the rearward curved track, a linear rack link that is guided by the forward linear track, and an intermediate link that has an outer end that is pivotally attached to an inner end of the arcuate link and an inner end that is pivotally attached to a midpoint of the linear rack link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Dombrowski, Joseph Michael Johnson, Howard Warren Kuhlman, Michael G. Wygle
  • Patent number: 6618995
    Abstract: A window closure system comprising a closure member for connecting a window sash to a window frame. The closure member comprises a corrosion resistant elongated rigid rectangular body portion formed from a single continuous stainless steel sheet or a single continuous stainless steel alloy sheet. The body portion having a planar layer and two metal members folded over into substantial abutting contact with the planar layer. One or more keeper members are used to engage the metal layers and prevent their movement from away from the abutting contact with the planar layer. The closure member may comprise part of a swivel arm, a hinge arm and a tie bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Giuseppe De Marco
  • Patent number: 6554346
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a wing door 1 of a truck, which is hinged to a vehicle body of a truck is accommodated in a space defined by a frame 2 when the wing door 1 is closed. The apparatus comprises a first arm 4 pivotally mounted on the vehicle body so as to pivotally move in association with the opening and closing of the wing door; a second arm 6 swingably linked between one end of the first arm 4 and the wing door 1; a spring 16 having one end supported relative to the vehicle body for generating a biasing force to lift up the wing door 1; a spring rod 11 connected to the other end of the spring 16 so as to move in association with the extension and retraction of the spring 16; a third arm 9 swingably linked between the other end of the first arm 4 and the spring rod 11; and a guide 13 for guiding the spring rod 11 or a link point 10 between the third arm 9 and the spring rod 11 for moving the spring rod in a direction substantially parallel with the axis of the spring 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsumi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6460294
    Abstract: A window and door opening and closing mechanism is disclosed which is particularly well suited for use in casement and awning window fittings. The opening/closing mechanism has a hinge arrangement with two linked arms pivoting from a runner which may be attached to the window frame. One or both of the pivoting arms is mounted to the runner on a slider which is movable along the runner in relation to the pivot mounting of the other arm. The mechanism is operable by way of a cable or cord which has portions wound around a spool which is rotatable by the user. Winding the spool in one direction applies a tension to one portion of the cord or cable to apply a force between the pivot mountings of the arms and draw them together on the runner to open the window by pivoting the arms outwardly from the window frame. Winding the spool in the other direction applies a tension to another portion of the cord or cable coupled to one of the arms to draw them back toward the runner and close the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Peter W. Harkins
  • Patent number: 6431620
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively operating and locking a pivotal window. The window is pivotally attached to a window frame so as to pivot between open and closed configurations. The mechanism includes an actuating rod slidably mounted to the window frame. A guiding arm is pivotally mounted to the window frame. An actuating arm is pivotally attached to the actuating rod. The distal end of the actuating arm is attached to the window by attachment component allowing for angular compensation. The distal end of the guiding arm is pivotally attached to the actuating arm intermediate the longitudinal ends of the latter. A pin and slot arrangement allows for selective pivotal or locking action between the guiding and actuating arms depending on their relative pivotal relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Tremblay, Guy Guillemet
  • Patent number: 6314681
    Abstract: A window operator for control of the opening and closing of a window sash mounted with a window frame. The window operator may include a drive mechanism, a drive element movable on a rectilinear path by the drive mechanism, and a first linkage of which a primary point of rotation is fixed relative to the drive mechanism. Additionally, the window operator may include a first mounting for attachment of the first linkage to the window sash at a first position, a second linkage connected to the drive element, and a second mounting for attachment of the second linkage to the window sash at a second position. Here, the second position may be closer to the hinged side of the window sash relative to the window frame than the first position. The window operator may further include an interconnection linkage pivotally coupling the first and second linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventor: Roy Malcolm Moody
  • Patent number: 6212827
    Abstract: A support arm includes first and second links that are interconnected at a pivot. A gas spring is mounted to the first and second links such that the gas spring is disposed between the links and it biases the links to an extended position. The support arm can be used to support the hinged lid for a pickup truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: A. L. Hansen Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Aden Miller
  • Patent number: 6120080
    Abstract: A springing up apparatus for the door (especially the rear door of a cargo box) of a van-type truck is constructed by pivotally attaching the second end of an arm A having a first end pivotally attached to a cargo box body and a second end of an arm B having a first end pivotally attached to the door of the cargo box, and loading a tension spring between a prescribed point on the arm B and a prescribed point on the cargo box body or on the door of the cargo box. This makes it easy to open and close the door of the cargo box by human power. Further, use is made of a compression spring, which is provided on the roof of the cargo box, and there are additionally provided a spring cover mounting structure, which is capable of rotating about a horizontal shaft fixed to the roof, as well as a door-opening adjustment mechanism, which comprises a bracket and an adjustment disk, for adjusting initial amount of compression of the compression spring. This makes it easy to bring the door to rest at a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Hori, Katsumi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6067753
    Abstract: A door controlling device for opening and closing a door in a wall has a first arm, one end of which is mounted to the wall and the other end of which is pivotally attached to the second end of a second arm. The first end of the second arm is pivotally attached to the top of a door and is adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis at the first end thereof. An electric motor attached to the device has a shaft which drives a gear train, and an output shaft of the gear train is connected to the input end of an electrically operated clutch. The output shaft of the clutch is connected to the first end of one of the arms such that upon the simultaneous engagement of the clutch and the energizing of the motor, that arm will be rotated about the horizontal axis at the first end and will cause the door to be opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hebda
  • Patent number: 6044587
    Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash generally pivotable relative to a frame about a first edge between open and closed positions includes a first arm having a first end slidably attachable to a second edge of the window sash opposite the sash first edge. A second arm has a first end also slidably attachable to the sash second edge, and is further pivotally secured to the first arm. A base is attached to a frame and includes a drive attached to the other ends of the first and second arms for pivoting the first arm relative to the second arm whereby the first ends and second ends of first and second arms are disposed together with a window sash in an open position and the first ends and second ends are spaced apart with a window sash in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Vetter, Stephen M. Piltingsrud
  • Patent number: 6041548
    Abstract: A support arm includes first and second links that are interconnected at a pivot. A gas spring is mounted to the first and second links such that the gas spring is disposed between the links and it biases the links to an extended position. The support arm can be used to support the hinged lid for a pickup truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: A. L. Hanson Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Aden Miller
  • Patent number: 6006475
    Abstract: An spring apparatus for use with an automatic swinging door closure system wherein the system includes a motor linked to a door via a gear train and a drive arm, the train including a plurality of gears including a first gear adjacent the motor, the motor driving the gears to move the door in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and the apparatus for driving the gears in the direction opposite motor direction when motor power is cut off, the apparatus including a spring mounted within a housing which is linkable to the first gear in a first orientation to cause clockwise door movement and is linkable to the first gear in a second orientation to cause counter-clockwise door movement, the apparatus is easily modifiable so as to be configured in either of the first or second orientations and also includes a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting spring tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Nabco Entrances Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Schwantes, James R. Scott, Michael L. Slosiarek, Donald G. Mussa, James A. Treichel
  • Patent number: 5930954
    Abstract: A door controlling device for opening and closing a door in a wall has a first arm, one end of which is mounted to the wall and the other end of which is pivotally attached to the second end of a second arm. The first end of the second arm is pivotally attached to the top of a door and is adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis at the first end thereof. An electric motor attached to the device has a shaft which drives a gear train, and an output shaft of the gear train is connected to the input end of an electrically operated clutch. The output shaft of the clutch is connected to the first end of one of the arms such that upon the simultaneous engagement of the clutch and the energizing of the motor, that arm will be rotated about the horizontal axis at the first end and will cause the door to be opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hebda
  • Patent number: 5839597
    Abstract: A retractable lid assembly for covering an opening in a storage bin is disclosed. The retractable lid assembly includes a lid having a first surface facing the storage bin and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A pivot member is pivotably attached to the lid at a first pivot point and pivotably attached adjacent to the opening in the storage bin at a second pivot point. The lid is retracted from the opening in the storage bin by pivoting the lid at the first pivot point and the second pivot point while the first surface of the lid remains substantially facing the storage bin during retraction of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventor: John William Marttila