Closure-mounted Drive Patents (Class 49/358)
  • Patent number: 12345085
    Abstract: A drive device for adjusting a vehicle assembly including an electromotive adjustment drive for adjusting the vehicle assembly and a control device for controlling the adjustment drive, the control device is configured to actuate the adjustment drive in a holding mode for holding the vehicle assembly. It is provided that the control device includes a regulation module for regulating a characteristic variable of the adjustment drive and a control module, wherein the regulation module is configured to determine a correcting variable for regulating the characteristic variable of the adjustment drive in the holding mode with reference to a specified setpoint value, and the control module is configured to evaluate a change of the correcting variable to detect an adjustment request for adjusting the vehicle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventor: Alex Kromer
  • Patent number: 12259010
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a roller door operator, the clutch assembly providing selective engagement with a drive wheel, the clutch assembly comprising: a rotatable shaft rotatable relative to the drive wheel; a clutch disc supported in a clutch lever and arranged to rotate with the rotatable shaft, the clutch disc and clutch lever configured to rotate relative to one another around the axis of rotation of the shaft; and a clutch cam supported in a clutch base, the clutch base configured to permit operative rotation of the clutch cam around the axis of rotation of the shaft in a first direction; wherein the clutch lever is operatively associated with the clutch cam so that rotational movement of the clutch lever in a second direction opposite to the first direction actuates movement of the clutch disc and the clutch lever axially along the rotatable shaft to engage or disengage the clutch disc with the drive wheel, and subsequent rotational movement of the clutch lever in the first direction actuates rotational m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: Automatic Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Toan Dang, George Matthews
  • Patent number: 12252922
    Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle door is provided including an electric motor and a hinge for fastening the motor vehicle door. The hinge includes a door leaf, a body leaf for attachment to the body and a hinge pin arranged coaxially to the hinge axis, and rotatably mounted on the body leaf. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor arranged coaxially with the hinge axis in the stator and mounted rotatably about the hinge axis relative to the stator. The hinge pin is disposed in sections within the rotor, the rotor being coupled to the hinge pin in a gearless manner to transmit rotation. The drive system includes a tolerance ring arranged between the rotor and the hinge pin for transmitting the rotation from the rotor to the hinge pin, wherein the tolerance ring is coupled frictionally to the hinge pin or to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: STABILUS GMBH
    Inventors: Axel Knopp, Wilhelm Schwab
  • Patent number: 12181206
    Abstract: An electric apparatus and a control method thereof. The electronic apparatus including a housing; a first door rotationally arranged on one side of the housing; a second door rotationally arranged on the other side of the housing; a first motor operationally connected to the first door; a second motor operationally connected to the second door; a first motor driver electrically connected to the first motor; a second motor driver electrically connected to the second motor; and a processor electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, wherein the processor may control the first motor driver to drive the first motor to close the first door at a time different than a time the second door that is connected to the second motor driven by the second motor driver closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seungwan Kang, Kyungtae Ko, Sungho Cho, Daesung Ki, Chanyoung Park, Hyunuk Park, Taein Eom
  • Patent number: 12163367
    Abstract: A chain support mechanism for use with an openable frame component and a method of using such a chain support is provided, where a chain actuator is provided in a housing, the chain actuator including a push-pull chain which chain can bend in one direction only, the housing mounted with its longitudinal extent along one frame component with the chain attached to the openable frame component where the chain actuator may be manipulated to extend or withdraw the chain from the housing, thereby moving the openable frame component, and where the chain support mechanism includes a first arm pivotably fastened to the housing and a second arm pivotably fastened to the openable frame component, where the distal end of the first arm and the distal end of the second arm are pivotably connected by a sliding member, against which sliding member the chain may slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: WINDOWMASTER INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Ole Fejer
  • Patent number: 12152422
    Abstract: An adjustable slider of a window regulator includes a base body configured to connect with a cable of the window regulator and a clamp-plate assembly having first and second jaws configured to clamp a windowpane therebetween. A hinge plate supports the clamp-plate assembly. A first adjustment mechanism pivotally connects the hinge plate to the base body such that the clamp-plate assembly and the hinge plate are pivotal relative to the base body allowing a vertical angle of the clamp-plate assembly to be changed. The first adjustment mechanism is actuatable to move the hinge plate relative to the base body in a fore-and-aft direction allowing a fore-and-aft position of the clamp-plate assembly to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Brian Fairchild, James Trevarrow, Chase Reames
  • Patent number: 12129702
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a housing, a door configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing by including a hinge shaft and a hinge gear fixed to the hinge shaft, and a door opening and closing device provided at one end of the door to control opening and closing of the door. The door opening and closing device includes a drive motor, a final gear configured to receive power from the drive motor and transmit the power to the hinge shaft, the final gear arranged at one end of the door opening and closing device to interlock with the hinge gear, and a door position sensor arranged on one side of the final gear to detect a rotation angle of the final gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taein Eom, Daesung Ki, Chanyoung Park, Hyunuk Park
  • Patent number: 12031372
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly comprises a sliding door leaf, a sliding door rail, and a door operating assembly for operating the door leaf. The door operating assembly has a drive unit to drive the door leaf along the sliding door rail. The sliding door leaf has at least one wagon member attached thereto. The wagon member is connected with the drive unit. An electric component is mounted to the sliding door leaf. A cable arrangement transfers power and/or communication signals between the door operating assembly and the electric component. The cable arrangement comprises a flexible portion with an end section that is fixed in relation to the sliding door leaf to allow the flexible portion to extend to compensate for the movement of the sliding door leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Roger Dreyer, Max Koskinen, Jakob Alvelid
  • Patent number: 12000197
    Abstract: An automatic door operator is disclosed, including a main control circuit, an actuating unit configured to output torque, and a transmission device. The main control circuit controls operation of the actuating unit to drive a movement of a door leaf through the transmission device. The automatic door operator further includes: a DC power supply configured to supply a DC voltage VDD to the main control circuit; and a standby power switching circuit, connected in series between the DC power supply and the main control circuit, and configured to acquire a switching signal and conduct, or cut off after a preset time period ?t has been elapsed, electric current between the DC power supply and the main control circuit according to the switch signal. A method for driving the automatic door operator is also disclosed. The present disclosure realizes the purpose of saving energy and electricity of the automatic door operator, while increasing the lifetime of the main control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Jingfeng Zhang, Jun Zhao
  • Patent number: 11898394
    Abstract: A motor module includes: a motor; a driving unit; a control unit; a memory; and a communication unit. The control unit executes: receiving parameter information specialized for a vehicle-mounted device by the communication unit from a management module, and storing the parameter information in the memory; in a case where the parameter information is stored in the memory, driving the motor by the driving unit to operate the vehicle-mounted device so that the motor outputs a predetermined torque based on an operation signal input from an outside for operating the vehicle-mounted device and the parameter information; and in a case where the parameter information is not stored in the memory, driving the motor by the driving unit for a certain period of time and then stopping the motor to inch the vehicle-mounted device so that the motor outputs a maximum torque, based on the operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: NIDEC MOBILITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Fujita, Katsunori Kigoshi
  • Patent number: 11795752
    Abstract: The invention concerns a drive unit for moving a door relative to a door's opening. The drive unit comprises a drive motor and a wheel transmission assembly arranged for transfer of power to a drive wheel configured for engagement with a running surface for moving the door. The wheel transmission comprises a transfer wheel driven by the drive motor. A movable wheel carrier comprises a first running wheel and a second running wheel arranged in in engagement with the transfer wheel. The movable wheel carrier is arranged for displacement between a free wheel position where the first and second running wheel are arranged disengaged from the drive wheel for no power transfer to occur from the drive motor to the drive wheel, at least one running position where either of the first and second running wheel is positioned in engagement with the drive wheel for the transfer of power from the drive motor to the drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: WHEEL.ME AS
    Inventor: Rolf Libakken
  • Patent number: 11680601
    Abstract: A hinge includes a base frame unit and a rotating unit. The base frame unit includes a base seat having two rotating recesses and a transmitting recess, and two interfering plates respectively disposed in the rotating recesses. The rotating unit includes two rotating members respectively and rotatably disposed in the rotating recesses, and a bevel gear member disposed in the transmitting recess. Each rotating member frictionally interferes with the respective interfering plate, and has a bevel gear portion meshing with the bevel gear member. A torque generated as a result of rotation of one rotating member is transmitted through the bevel gear member to rotate the other rotating member relative to the base seat so as to make stable synchronous rotation of the rotating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: FOSITEK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hsu-Hong Yao
  • Patent number: 11655662
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a baseplate configured to be coupled to a door movable between an open position and a closed position. A motor with circuitry electrically coupled to the motor, and configured to be in communication with a remote computing device. At least one proximity sensor is electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to determine the door position with respect to a door frame. A drive wheel is coupled to the motor and the circuitry. The drive wheel has an external surface, and the external surface of the drive wheel is configured to rotatably contact a ground surface. The motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device to actuate the drive wheel to rotatably contact the ground surface to reposition the door responsive to receipt of a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Sellinger, Benjamin Wesley Docksteader
  • Patent number: 11585143
    Abstract: An automatic door opening system including a door having a top portion, a bottom portion, a hinged portion, and an opening portion. The system includes an opener connected to the door adjacent the opening portion and configured to selectively receive electrical current. The system includes a magnet disposed on the opening portion of the door such that the magnet is adjacent the opener when the door is in the closed position. The system includes a microcontroller in electric communication with the electromagnet wherein a memory contains processor-executable instructions to receive a door activation input and, in response to receiving the door activation input, activate the electromagnet to apply a magnetic force against the magnet and push the door between the closed position and the open position. The system may also include a closer configured to selectively return the door to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Gonzalo Fuentes Iriarte
  • Patent number: 11377895
    Abstract: A door operator having an automatic roller closes and opens a door attached to a doorjamb by a door hinge. The roller is actuated by a motor and housed within a protective roller casing affixed to the bottom of a door. The door operator may be integrated with a smart home, thereby allowing a user to close and open a door by voice command. The door operator may be retrofitted to existing doors. A door may also be modified such that only a magnet holds the door closed and a closed position such that the smart home door closing apparatus may be used to open a door. The roller may translate between an extended position engaging the floor below a door and a retracted position above the floor, either inside or adjacent to the door itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Cohen
  • Patent number: 11231752
    Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a flexible-screen mobile terminal hinge. The hinge comprises a plurality of links, adjacent links being rotatably connected by means of a connection structure. The hinge is further provided with an extensible positioning device; the extensible positioning device is provided with a left extensible connection frame, a right extensible connection frame, and a middle connection frame, the left extensible connection frame and the right extensible connection frame are respectively rotatably connected to the middle connection frame, and the middle connection frame is fixed together with a middle link of the plurality of links; left and right end links in the plurality of links, the left extensible connection frame and the right extensible connection frame are each provided with a connection portion capable of connecting to a mobile terminal. Also provided in the present invention is a flexible-screen mobile terminal provided with the flexible-screen mobile terminal hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: HANGZHOU AMPHENOL PHOENIX TELECOM PARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaojie Liu
  • Patent number: 11223023
    Abstract: A folding display device is provided. 2N+2 cylindrical rotating shafts of the folding display device in a flattened state are arranged side by side and two adjacent cylindrical rotating shafts are in contact with each other. When the folding display device is in an externally bent state, a second layer has N cylindrical rotating shafts arranged side by side, a first layer has N+2 cylindrical rotating shafts arranged side by side, two adjacent cylindrical rotating shafts of the first layer are in contact with each other, N cylindrical rotating shafts of the second layer are stacked on N+2 cylindrical rotating shafts of the first layer and support the flexible display panel corresponding to the rotating shaft assembly, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhuo Zhang
  • Patent number: 11215003
    Abstract: A gate opening and closing assembly includes a mount that is coupled to a vertical member of a gate that is extendable across an entry way. A drive unit is coupled to the mount and the drive unit is actuated to rotate in a first direction or a second direction. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the drive unit to roll along the ground. The wheel is rotated in an opening direction when the drive unit rotates in the first direction to urge the gate into an open position thereby facilitating a vehicle to drive through the entry way. The wheel is rotated in a closing direction when the drive unit rotates in the second direction to urge the gate into a closed position thereby inhibiting the vehicle from driving through the entry way. A remote control is in wireless electrical communication with the drive unit. The remote control turns the drive unit on and off to open and close the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher Nash
  • Patent number: 11174664
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a baseplate configured to be coupled to a door configured to be positioned in an open door position, a closed door position, and a plurality of door positions in between the open position and closed position; a motor; a circuitry electrically coupled to the motor and configured to be in communication with a remote computing device; at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to determine the door position with respect to a door frame; a drive wheel coupled to the motor and the circuitry, the drive wheel comprising an external surface, the external surface of the drive wheel configured to rotatably contact a ground surface; and wherein the motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device to engage the drive wheel to rotatably contact the ground surface to reposition the door responsive to receipt of a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Sellinger, Benjamin Wesley Docksteader
  • Patent number: 11168501
    Abstract: An adjustable window regulator lift plate assembly for a vehicle window includes a base and a window holder. The window holder is secured to the base via a part-in-assembly fastener that extends through an aperture in the base and into an aperture formed in an inner leg of the window holder. The window holder may receive and secure a window, and the fastener may be inserted through the window holder and into a fastener plate disposed on an outer leg of the window holder. The window holder includes a curved inner surface on the inner leg, and the base includes a curved outer surface that contacts the inner leg. The window holder may be shifted and pivoted relative to the base. The fastener may be tightened to secure the window holder relative to the base in a desired pivoted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventor: Milos Pavlovic
  • Patent number: 11142932
    Abstract: A dual-shaft hinge module including a first shaft, a first driving gear disposed on the first shaft, a second shaft, a second driving gear disposed on the second shaft, a pair of driven gears coupled between the first driving gear and the second driving gear, and multiple links is provided. The links are respectively pivoted to any two engaged gears to keep a center distance of the engaged gears fixed. A relative distance of the first shaft and the second shaft is changed along with different engagement positions of the driven gears relative to the first driving gear and the second driving gear. A portable electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Hsu, You-Yu Chen, Hsin-Hung Lee
  • Patent number: 11136812
    Abstract: A motorized door opening device, including at least one wheel, configured to be lowered to a surface and forced thereagainst with a force sufficient to ensure friction between the wheel and the surface and to prevent slipping of the wheel relative to the surface; an electric motor including a rotor coupled to rotate the wheel; a wheel actuator, coupled between the door and the wheel, to lower the wheel to the surface in response to a wheel lowering signal; and control circuitry to signal the wheel actuator to lower the wheel by generating the wheel lowering signal and push down the wheel to create friction; and a door attachment member to attach the motor and the wheel actuator to a bottom part of the door; whereby rotation of the wheel after lowering of the wheel causes the wheel to rotate in contact with the surface and move the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Milbat—Giving Quality to Life
    Inventors: Abraham Samuel Rabinowitz, Nachman Plotnitzki, Uriah Oz-Shannon
  • Patent number: 11060340
    Abstract: A door power drive module includes a housing and a motor arranged in the housing. First and second gearboxes are arranged in the housing and are coupled in series with one another by a shaft member. The first gearbox connects the motor to the second gearbox. An output shaft is coupled to the second gearbox. A brake assembly is selectively connected to the shaft member. The brake assembly has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing. The brake assembly includes an open position corresponding to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. The shaft member is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing in the brake open position in response to the motor driving the first gearbox. The brake assembly includes a holding torque in the normally closed position. A torque is applied to the brake assembly above the holding torque that permits the shaft member to rotate in any direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Gruber, Andrew R. Daniels, Balathas Nagamany
  • Patent number: 10995538
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for a frame with a slidable segment are disclosed. The slidable segment is slidably mounted within the frame. A first motor is coupled to the slidable segment. A first pulley is affixed to and driven by the first motor. A first end of a first wire is affixed to a first vertical member of the frame. A second end of the first wire is affixed to a second vertical member of the frame. The first wire wraps around the first pulley at least once. Driving the first pulley in a first direction causes the first pulley to pull on the first vertical member such that the slidable segment slides towards the first vertical member. Driving the first pulley in a second direction causes the first pulley to pull on the second vertical member such that the slidable segment slides towards the second vertical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jerome Miles, Nathan Davis
  • Patent number: 10871019
    Abstract: An extension mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel of a vehicle between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the extension mechanism including: an inner tube having an outer surface; an outer tube having an inner surface and overlapping the inner tube for at least a portion of the outer surface along an extension axis, such that the inner surface and the outer surface are adjacent to one another when overlapped; a first spring positioned along the extension axis in an interior of the outer tube; a second spring positioned along the extension axis in an interior of the inner tube; a seal positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a stopper to engage the first spring at one end and engage the second spring at an opposite end such that the first spring and the second spring are in series with one another along the extension axis; wherein the one end and the opposite end are spaced apart from one an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Scheuring, Wieslaw Nowicki
  • Patent number: 10808446
    Abstract: A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with pulleys engages with a belt or chain mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first pulley in a first rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first pulley in a second rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction. Preferably, a controller controls the operation of the motors. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jerome Miles, Nathan Davis, Seth J. Myer
  • Patent number: 10641028
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with: a first housing; a second housing; a guide tube; a third housing; a motor part that is incorporated in the first housing; a screw shaft that is driven to rotate upon reception of the rotational force of a shaft of the motor part and applies power to the third housing; a bearing holder that is provided in the first housing; an inner flange that is provided in the second housing; an outer flange that is provided in the guide tube and that is arranged at a position where the outer flange overlaps the inner flange in an axial direction; a seal that is sandwiched between the inner and the outer flanges; and a coil spring (47) that is provided between the second housing (7) and the guide tube (48) and presses the inner flange (46) toward the outer flange (49) side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBA Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Takizawa, Masamori Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 10633909
    Abstract: A controlled, motorized mechanism to actuate a sash type window opened and closed. The system provides a set of motors, each positioned on either side of a window, that are controlled by a motor controller that receives feedback on the progression of rotation of the motors as they actuate each side of the window. The feedback is then utilized to control each of the motors. This controlled system ensures that one side of the window does not become raised or lowered further in its channel than the opposite side—or “racked”—and thus increase the friction against the frame that would disable any further progress actuating said window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Corverity Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Urban
  • Patent number: 10544607
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling operation of a vehicle door assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring a door handle sensor to detect at least one open request generated by the door handle. A first control signal is transmitted by a controller to a door unlatching actuation mechanism in response to a first open request. The door unlatching actuation mechanism is actuated for a first time period T1 in response to the first control signal. A door position sensor is monitored by the controller and determines the position of the door at completion of the first time period T1. The controller transmits a second control signal to actuate the door unlatching actuation mechanism for a second time period T2 in response to a second open request when the door position sensor detects the door in the closed position at the completion of the first time period T1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Lange
  • Patent number: 10494848
    Abstract: A method for producing a carrier element for a window lifting device in which adjustment of a glass is performed by means of a traction means, the carrier element being displaceable along a guide rail of the window lifting device and being connected to the traction means, is provided. The completed carrier element has at least two interconnected bodies which are produced from dissimilar materials having dissimilar melting points, and the carrier element having the at least two bodies is produced by a multicomponent injection-molding method. In the production of the carrier element by the multicomponent injection-molding method a body from a material melting at a lower temperature is molded before a body from a material melting at a higher temperature, and the body from the material melting at a higher temperature is molded to the body from the material melting at a lower temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT, BAMBERG
    Inventors: Udo Taubmann, Christian Dallos
  • Patent number: 10392845
    Abstract: A method for producing a carrier element for a window lifting device in which adjustment of a glass is performed by means of a traction means, the carrier element being displaceable along a guide rail of the window lifting device and being connected to the traction means, is provided. The completed carrier element has at least two interconnected bodies which are produced from dissimilar materials having dissimilar melting points, and the carrier element having the at least two bodies is produced by a multicomponent injection-molding method. In the production of the carrier element by the multicomponent injection-molding method a body from a material melting at a lower temperature is molded before a body from a material melting at a higher temperature, and the body from the material melting at a higher temperature is molded to the body from the material melting at a lower temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Udo Taubmann, Christian Dallos
  • Patent number: 9958826
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a frame, a drive source configured to generate a driving force, a gear mechanism configured to receive the driving force of the drive source, and a drive source support formed in the frame. The drive source support encloses and supports the drive source. At least an upper portion of the drive source support has a plurality of first openings which are spaced from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Mizuno, Tomitake Aratachi, Tomonori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9856688
    Abstract: A bi-directional element drive system includes a motor having a drive shaft, a cable anchor and a cable connector. The cable connector is carried on the drive shaft and has two ends connected to the cable anchor. In addition the drive system includes a support and a driven element. The driven element is displaced between a first position and a second position relative to the support by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, John W. Jaranson, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Jeff A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9514583
    Abstract: A door operator comprises a door driver for opening and closing a door, a controller including a microprocessor connected to and controlling the door driver, a graphical user interface comprising a display screen with touch select input coupled to the microprocessor to display information stored in the controller and to receive instructions selected from the display screen by a user, and a memory module coupled to the microprocessor and storing code executed by the microprocessor. The microprocessor under control of the code displays to the user various menu items on the graphical user interface display and enables the user to select among the menu items using the display screen with touch select input such that the microprocessor derives a control signal. Circuitry is configured to receive the control signal from the microprocessor and to carry the control signal to the door driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Peter Zasowski, Dustin Lawhon, Kurt Dietrich, Tommy G. McNally, II
  • Patent number: 9452761
    Abstract: A platform screen gate system having a tower, a gate secured to the tower. The gate is movable between an open position, to facilitate access to and from the platform, and a closed position, to block access to and from the platform. The system further includes at least one roller secured to the tower and a track secured to the gate. The track is supported by and movable on the least one roller such that the door cantilevers from the tower and remains above the platform when the door is moved between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: Federico Romero
  • Publication number: 20150128499
    Abstract: A door operator, including a housing, a drive element for storing closing and opening energy for a door leaf, and a drive unit, including at least one piston, which unit can be coupled to the door leaf, where the drive element comprises at least one elastically deformable element, which is disposed on a push rod which is in operative connection with the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander HELLWIG
  • Patent number: 9021742
    Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus includes: a drive unit provided in an opening and closing body which is openably and closeably attached to a main body, and opening and closing the opening and closing body with respect to the main body by driving the opening and closing body using electric power; a secondary energy storage device provided in the opening and closing body and electrically connected to the drive unit in such a manner that the secondary energy storage device can be inductively charged and can supply electric power to the drive unit; and an electric power receiving coil provided in the opening and closing body so as to be capable of facing an electric power transmitting coil which is provided on the main body, and is electrically connected to a primary energy storage device installed on the main body, and electrically connected to the secondary energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kotaro Mizuma, Gang Xie, Takashi Nakamura, Seiichi Sumiya, Michihiro Asai, Tomio Yasuda, Kazuhiko Ida, Hiroyuki Kishi
  • Publication number: 20150069897
    Abstract: A flap door mechanism with closable function includes a door member, a resilient member and a spring arm member. The door member is pivoted to a casing. The resilient member is installed on the door member and for driving the door member to rotate in a first direction. The resilient member includes a first end and a second end. The spring arm member is selectively disposed on the door member or on the casing. The spring arm member abuts against the first end. When the door member rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the spring arm member is pushed to bend by the first end or is pressed to flatten by the casing, so as to reduce deformation between the first end and the second end of the resilient member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Guan-Wen Chen, Chih-Chieh Hsu, Chuan-Yi Liang
  • Patent number: 8931139
    Abstract: A movable device for a movable body has a reception body fixed to a support body or the movable body relatively moving to the support body, and includes a plurality of engagement portions protruding from the support body or the movable body by being separated from each other; a base body provided in the other of the support body or movable body; an abutment body formed to move along a movement direction of the movable body, and engaging one of the engagement portions in a case wherein the movable body moves in a movement completion position thereof; and an urging mechanism formed urgingly between the base body and the abutment body, restricting a movement of the base body or abutment body by urging, and releasing restriction of the movement by engagement of the abutment body with one of engagement portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Norio Saito
  • Patent number: 8919042
    Abstract: A motorized closure assembly is provided that includes an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Slider Next Vision Ltd.
    Inventors: Oren Vaknin, Yoav Rodan, Giora Silne
  • Patent number: 8857015
    Abstract: A carriage includes body, at which at least one first roller is freely rotatably mounted, as well as a carriage suspension member with an upper terminal section is supported at or in the body and, with regard to the body, is pivotable about at least one axis of rotation extending parallel to the longitudinal extension of the carriage. A lower terminal section, the carriage suspension member is configured to extend in a downward direction towards a panel to be moved. The lower terminal section is adapted to suspend the panel to be moved therefrom. An axis of rotation of the at least one first roller extends transversely to the downward direction and transversely to a tangent of the travel path of the at least one panel to be moved in an area of the at least one first roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hufen, Axel Richstein, Andreas Finke
  • Patent number: 8851453
    Abstract: A system to open a shipping bin slide-gate may include an opener, a pivot point towards one end of the opener, and a handle towards the other end of the opener. The system may also include a puller, a connector towards one end of the puller, and a joiner towards the other end of the puller that connects to the opener. The system may further include an attacher that engages a shipping container and the pivot point, and the attacher transmits a force applied at the handle to the connector to open the slide-gate carried by the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
    Inventor: Henk de Zwart
  • Patent number: 8844200
    Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Globe Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Yulkowski, Gerard Edwards, Steve Gebhart
  • Patent number: 8800206
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to motorized closure assembly, comprising: an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: New Visions Yezirot Aluminum, Ltd.
    Inventors: Oren Vaknin, Yoav Rodan, Moti Levi, Giora Silne
  • Patent number: 8800205
    Abstract: A door opening-and-closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a rotatably driven drum, a first cable and a second cable, which cables are wound around the drum, a rotating shaft, a first pulley supported by the rotating shaft, a second pulley supported by the rotating shaft, an attachment member supporting the rotating shaft, a rigid protruding portion integral with one of the first and second pulleys, and an annular recessed portion integrally formed in the other one of the first and second pulleys. When the first and second pulleys are correctly assembled on the rotating shaft, a relative rotation between the first and second pulleys is allowed, and when the first and second pulleys are not correctly assembly on the rotating shaft, the predetermined length of the rotating shaft is not sufficient to support both the first and second pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junji Yamaguchi, Koji Adachi, Masayuki Uchitsunemi
  • Publication number: 20140216299
    Abstract: A bottom door opening-closing mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a swing rod, a bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder and a transmission shaft. The swing rod is hinged to the second connecting rod and the piston rod of the bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the second connecting rod, and the transmission shaft is connected to the second connecting rod. The cylinder body of the bottom door opening-closing drive cylinder is fixedly connected with a first locking hook, and the swing rod is fixedly connected with a second locking hook which can be caught by the first locking hook. A bottom door device and a drop-bottom hopper car are further provided. In the present invention, the first locking hook and the second locking hook are caught with each other to achieve a secondary locking. Such an arrangement has some advantages such as a simple structure and low manufacture and maintenance costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Qiqihar Railway Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Linghan Yue, Tianjun Zhao, Baichuan He, Shuang Yang, Lei Yu
  • Patent number: 8783426
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus, a movable barrier apparatus, a hydraulic brake kit, a method of stopping movement of a movable barrier, and a method installing a hydraulic brake assembly are described herein. A selectively operable piston mechanism converts rotation of a drive shaft of a movable barrier into hydraulic pressure used to operate a brake configured to stop movement of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger William Lhotak, Brian Roy Skotty
  • Patent number: 8777295
    Abstract: A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes first and second latches operatively connected to the first and second doors, respectively, and configured to selectively latch the first and second doors to and release the first and second doors from the body. The system additionally includes a device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened and protracted when the first and second doors are closed to seal the opening. Furthermore, the system includes a third latch operatively connected to one of the first and second doors and configured to selectively latch the first door to the second door and release the first and second doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott P. Charnesky
  • Patent number: 8745925
    Abstract: An automated coupling mechanism for sliding doors that are movably mounted upon a storage unit. The coupling mechanism may comprise a rotating mechanism comprising a rotating member, and connecting unit. The storage unit may comprise at least one outer sliding door and at least one inner sliding door comprising an upper track, where the connecting unit connect the rotating mechanism to the outer sliding door. The rotating member and the track may be made from material of substantially high friction coefficient to enable the rotating member to move the inner sliding door along the track when rotated. The connecting unit, which are connect the rotating mechanism to the outer sliding door, may enable the outer sliding door to move in the opposite direction of the inner sliding door, whereby the inner sliding door is moved by the rotating mechanism as a physical counteraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hardoor Top Design & Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Amos Halfon, Mordechai Harari
  • Publication number: 20140137477
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus includes: a supporting member having an expandable and contractible shape and configured to be capable of holding a door at an opened position by being interposed between a body and the door, a socket provided on at least one of shaft end portions of the supporting member and configured to form a rotation coupling point of the supporting member by being fitted into a ball-shaped fitting portion at a coupling portion with respect to the supporting member, and a retaining ring provided in a fitting depression of the socket and capable of retaining the ball-shaped fitting portion in the fitting depression by reducing a diameter of the opening portion of the fitting depression. The socket is demountable from the shaft end portion in a state of being fitted to the ball-shaped fitting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouji OOE, Takeshi YAMAMOTO, Kimihide KATO, Takayuki SENGOKU, Keisuke HARUTA