Rack Or Screw Parallel To Closure Guide Patents (Class 49/362)
  • Patent number: 11938793
    Abstract: A vehicular slider window assembly includes at least one fixed window panel having an opening, and upper and lower rails fixedly disposed at the at least one fixed window panel. A movable window panel is movable along the rails between a closed position and an opened position. A perimeter seal is disposed at a surface of the fixed window panel, with the perimeter seal providing a continuous sealing element that circumscribes the opening and that is configured to seal against a surface of the movable window panel when the movable window panel is closed. The perimeter seal includes elongated sealing portions having respective elongated sealing lips disposed along respective base portions. The perimeter seal is formed via a multi-shot injection molding process, with the base portions formed via a first shot injection molding process and the sealing lips formed along the base portions via a second shot injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignees: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc., Global Supply Innovative Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, David K. Johnson, Shawn O'Neill, Randall Leach
  • Patent number: 11933093
    Abstract: A system with a base may be mounted on a vehicle, and a carriage assembly that may be movably connected to the base and may move with respect to the base. The carriage assembly may include a motor including a motor output shaft and motor housing, and a driving mechanism may couple to a door and to the motor output shaft or the motor housing. The carriage assembly may also include a coordination bar may be coupled to the motor output shaft or the motor housing, the motor output shaft or the motor housing may rotate the coordination bar responsive to operation of the motor. At least one linkage assembly may extend or retract to move the carriage assembly to move the door between an open position and a closed position based on rotation of the coordination bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter Heidrich
  • Patent number: 11834884
    Abstract: Slide operator assemblies and components for fenestration units, as well as associated methods of manufacture and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventors: Todd A. Bernhagen, Ted L. Hansen, Paul D. Shroder
  • Patent number: 11821247
    Abstract: A vehicle door including: an upright pillar sash extending in elevating/lowering directions of the window glass along one of front and rear edges of window glass; and an elevating/lowering mechanism that operates elevating/lowering movement of the window glass by a driving force of a drive source. The upright pillar sash includes: a design part on a vehicle exterior side; and a main body on vehicle interior side relative to the design part, the elevating/lowering mechanism includes: a slider secured to the glass; a guide rail that guides the slider to move in the elevating/lowering directions; and a transmission member that transmits the driving force from the drive source to the slider, the main body of the upright pillar sash houses the slider, guide rail, and transmission member, and the guide rail regulates movement of the slider in both vehicle interior/exterior directions, on a vehicle interior surface side of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Ishiguro, Kimihiro Kinoshita, Natsuki Ito, Katsuhisa Fukui, Masako Sekine
  • Patent number: 11795751
    Abstract: A driving device for a door opener includes a motor driving a first transmission member to rotate. Rotation of the first transmission member causes lateral displacement of a sliding member which moves jointly with a connecting rod. A return spring is mounted around the connecting rod. An adjusting ring is in threading connection with the connecting rod and abuts against the return spring. When the first transmission member does not rotate, rotation of the adjusting ring causes displacement of the adjusting ring in the lateral direction to change an extent of pre-compression of the return spring. When the first transmission member rotates in a direction, the connecting rod and the adjusting ring together move in the lateral direction towards the first transmission member, and the return spring is compressed. When the first transmission member rotates in a reverse direction, and the return spring restores its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: I-TEK METAL MFG. CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Patent number: 11668129
    Abstract: A system for managing opening and closing a pocket door includes a spindle, an actuator, and brackets. The spindle extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends, and is configured to be coupled to the pocket door. The actuator is coupled to the spindle and is configured to cause the spindle to move axially along the longitudinal axis. The brackets are connected to the spindle at each end and are constrained from longitudinal motion relative to the spindle. The brackets are configured to affix the spindle to the pocket door. A bushing system couples each bracket to the spindle and is configured to dampen impact between the spindle and the brackets. For example, the bushing system may include lobed elements, made of a rubber material, that engage each other to transmit azimuthal forces. In some embodiments, another actuator is included to improve cycle life and redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rajinder Pal Singh, Randall Frank
  • Patent number: 11649675
    Abstract: A gate opener assembly is comprised of a gate and an anchor assembly having a platform. A plurality of track assemblies on the platform provide a track on which the gate may slide from a first position (closed) to a second position (open) and any position in between. A guidepost having a “Shepherd's hook” configuration guides the gate as the gate passes therethrough. A pair of rollers within the interior of the top of the guidepost makes continuous contact with each side of the top of the gate both while the gate is stationary and in motion. A gate opener controller contains the required electrical connections to fully the operate gate opener assembly. Subterrain anchor supports provide the necessary support for the gate opener assembly. An alternative embodiment accommodates nontraditional configured gates. Installation of the gate opener assembly is performed by do-it-yourselfers in minimal time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Troy Hinojosa
  • Patent number: 11603697
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for automating a sliding window having window components comprising a stationary pane component, a sliding pane component and a window frame component. The mechanism includes a telescoping mounting assembly attached to a first of the window components. The telescoping mounting assembly includes a housing and one or two extension arms, selectively extensible from the housing to either one or both sides of the first window component. A motor is disposed within the housing driving a first gear. Either one or two telescoping drive shafts are disposed within the extension arms, each having a gear on one end of the telescoping drive shaft driven by the first gear and having a gear on an opposite end of the telescoping drive shaft that engages a rack mounted on one side of a second of the window components. The telescoping drive shafts are coupled to the extension arms and are therefore selectively extensible with first extension arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R Hall, Jerome Miles, Seth Myer
  • Patent number: 11511685
    Abstract: A wire harness routing device includes a rail in which an insertion hole is formed, a slider that is inserted into the insertion hole and that slides with respect to the rail, and a wire harness that is routed in the insertion hole and moves in accordance with sliding of the slider, and an excess length portion of the wire harness that is generated in accordance with movement of the wire harness deforms in the insertion hole and is held in a state in which it is accommodated in the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamoto, Kazuyoshi Ohara
  • Patent number: 11214981
    Abstract: A screw-driven control system includes a driving mechanism fixed in a cross beam, a guide locking piece and a limiting mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a screw rod and a motor driven nut assembly having a transmission frame, a nut sleeved in the screw rod, and a follow-up member fixed in the nut; the nut is mounted in the transmission frame, and the transmission frame is connected with a controlled object; the screw rod drives the nut assembly to reciprocate axially along the screw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NANJING KANGNI MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiang Shi, Hanqing Ge, Zhibing Gong, Zuxin Dai, Songnan Xu
  • Patent number: 11148685
    Abstract: The manual release mechanism described herein enables a passenger to attempt to manually open the door but delays opening until the vehicle is no longer moving. A motion transfer device moves to an unlocking position of the door lock only when the manual release mechanism is activated to release store energy in a mechanical energy storage device and an electromechanical device is de-energized to release the motion transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andre Stojc, Daniel Filion
  • Patent number: 11059672
    Abstract: A fire protection door in an open position is present above a traveling path of a transport vehicle. The fire protection door is capable of moving downward from the open position to a closed position along a door trajectory. The transport vehicle includes: a control portion; an area detection portion that detects an interference area, which is an area in which a portion of the transport vehicle in the traveling path overlaps the door trajectory; and a descent detection portion that detects a descent of the fire protection door. The control portion performs a retraction control such that the transport vehicle travels to the outside of the interference area when the descent detection portion has detected a descent of the fire protection door in a state in which the transport vehicle is located in the interference area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuso Ogawa, Natsuo Takagawa, Kazuharu Yoshinaga, Toshikazu Kato, Yusuke Morimoto
  • Patent number: 10968678
    Abstract: An automated sliding panel mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding panel mechanism includes a motor attached to a first component of a sliding panel that is configured to move the sliding panel between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism also includes a power source and a rack attached to a second component of the sliding panel and including a base with rack teeth extending from a plane thereof. A gear is rotated by the motor and has gear teeth shaped to mesh with the rack teeth. A manual release mechanism is adapted to move the gear along its axis of rotation, from an engaged position, wherein the gear teeth mesh with the rack teeth to a released position, wherein the gear teeth are disengaged from the rack teeth. The manual release mechanism also includes a holding mechanism adapted to hold the gear in the engaged position and in the released position as selected by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Emily Brimhall, Austin Carlson, Jerome Miles
  • Patent number: 10960939
    Abstract: A system for detachably coupling subassemblies of vehicles or other components is discussed herein. The system can include one or more driveshafts and worm drives to drive fasteners to couple the subassembly to the vehicle. The system can enable module repair or replacement in conventional locations without any additional infrastructure by driving fasteners horizontally into the body or other subassembly. In this manner, fasteners can be hidden and to utilize blind holes in the body of the vehicle. The system can be partially disassembled in situ to enable parts replacement and fastener access in the event of a failure. The system can be used in conjunction with a robotic cart to enable subassemblies to be removed from the vehicle for service and repair. A portion of the system can also act as a portion of, or to reinforce, the crash structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Brandon Loeb, Nicholas Liotta, Daniel Elliot Schabb, Forrest Craft, Chao Lu, Kevin Hothem, James Hedden, Paul Choin
  • Patent number: 10954710
    Abstract: A spindle drive for a member to be driven includes a driven spindle with a longitudinal axis extending through a spindle nut. The spindle drive includes the spindle nut having a pusher dog with first and second contact surfaces for driving the member. The contact surfaces are oriented in opposite directions to each other along the longitudinal axis of the spindle. First and second drive surfaces are provided, facing each other and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the spindle. A distance between the two drive surfaces exceeds a distance between the contact surfaces. The spindle drive further includes an actuator provided connected to the spindle nut for actuating another device, when the pusher dog between the drive surfaces is being displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GEBR. BODE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Pellegrini
  • Patent number: 10934761
    Abstract: A sliding window for a building includes a stationary frame, an opening leaf, a motorized drive device, a fittings system, and a locking control device. The motorized drive device includes an electromechanical actuator, a flexible element, and a drive arm. The flexible element drives movement of the opening leaf with respect to the stationary frame when the actuator is electrically activated. The arm is connected both to a frame of the opening leaf and to the flexible element. The locking control device collaborates with a lock of the fittings system and is actuated by the flexible element when the actuator is electrically activated. The drive arm supports the locking control device. The fittings system also includes an errorproofing system. The locking control device actuates the lock following activation of the errorproofing system and when the actuator is electrically activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignees: SOMFY ACTIVITES SA, GROUPE LIEBOT
    Inventors: Pierre-Emmanuel Cavarec, Marc Brechemier, David Serve, Christophe Jacquin, Stéphane Beau, Julien Cron
  • Patent number: 10676978
    Abstract: An actuatable slidable panel assembly, a retrofit kit for converting a slidable panel of a panel assembly from manually actuated sliding movement to mechanically assisted, actuatable sliding movement, and method of retrofitting a manually operating sliding panel therewith are provided. The retrofit kit includes an elongate driven rail configured for attachment to the slidable panel. The elongate driven rail is configured to be attached to the slidable panel. A rotatable drive member is configured for operable engagement with the elongate driven rail to drive the elongate driven rail and the slidable panel along the direction of travel between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Todd A. Hohwart
  • Patent number: 10352085
    Abstract: A window venting insert, including a main housing, for use within a window assembly having a casement an upper window panel and a lower window panel, the lower window panel may be opened to create a window opening. A screen panel extends within the main housing an allows air flow through the main housing. A movable solid panel has a closed position where it selectively blocks the screen panel to prevent air flow therethrough. A motor mechanism and a control unit cooperate to determine appropriate times and ambient temperatures for moving the movable solid panel to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Shaoul
  • Patent number: 10041287
    Abstract: An overcenter locking mechanism for sliding transit doors with a secondary retention device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Lessard, Philippe Martel
  • Patent number: 9487990
    Abstract: A door control system for a farm implement with a storage bin having a discharge opening and a door movable by a drive mechanism between open and dosed positions relative to the discharge opening includes a dual position door control system. The system may include an arm pivotally connected at one end to the storage bin such that the arm is rotatable between at least a first operating position and a second operating position and a controller connected to the arm and to the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 9003708
    Abstract: A moving body drive apparatus drives a moving body in a linear direction by a drive source. The drive apparatus includes a relay rotating body moved in a traveling direction of the moving body by the drive source, and provided rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction to relay drive power to the moving body; a rotation converting body arranged stationary relative to the moving body and engaging an outer circumference of the relay rotating body, for converting movement of the relay rotating body moved in the traveling direction into rotation; and a conveyance linear body adapted to be coupled to the moving body and engaging the outer circumference of the relay rotating body. The conveyance linear body moves in the traveling direction of the moving body by the relay rotating body rotating while being moved in the traveling direction of the moving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Shiroma
  • Publication number: 20150047261
    Abstract: A linear gate drive assembly with a drive rail connectable to a gate panel. The drive rail has a first drive surface. A linear drive portion is coupled to the first drive surface and has teeth thereon with a first rolling tooth profile. The linear drive portion defines a toothed second drive surface. Dive motors are pivotally coupled to a support structure. A first drive wheel is attached to one drive motor and engages the first drive surface to impart an axial drive force on the drive rail. A second drive wheel is attached to another drive motor and engages the second drive surface. The second drive wheel has second teeth that mate with the first teeth and that define a second rolling tooth profile that substantially corresponds to the first rolling tooth profile. Rotation of the second drive wheel imparts axial and normal forces via a rolling teeth interface the mating teeth for moving the drive rail and the gate panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: HY-SECURITY GATE, INC.
    Inventors: David Younce, Geoffrey M. Pate, Brian G. DeNault, Steven A. Carlsen
  • Patent number: 8935887
    Abstract: A linear actuator, particularly for sliding doors and for sliding doors and windows in general, comprising a supporting body, to be fixed by corresponding fixing elements between the two jambs of a door or of a door or window frame, motor drive elements being accommodated and fixed within the supporting body and being adapted for the rotation of a driving gear, which is intended to mesh with a driven rack, which in turn is fixed to a leaf of the door to be moved in translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Topp S.p.A. a Socio Unico
    Inventor: Toni Cavalcante
  • Patent number: 8661732
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric door-locking apparatus, and an electric door comprising same. The electric door-locking apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a locking switch arranged at a door frame to check the locked status of an electric door body when the electric door body is closed; a screw rotatable in the forward and backward directions; a locking roller guide arranged at the door frame in the vicinity of the screw; and a sliding unit, one end of which is rotatably connected to the screw and the other end of which is connected to the electric door body. The electric door-locking apparatus according to the present invention has a structure which enables simple and easy operation, improves the reliability of the locking function, reduces the risk of failure and erroneous operation, and enables easy manufacture and maintenance to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs as compared to conventional apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Korea Development Bank
    Inventor: You-Sang Kong
  • Patent number: 8661733
    Abstract: An electrical door-locking device includes screws which are rotatable in a forwards and backwards direction, and are placed in line on one side of a door frame in the direction in which the electrical door main body slides; locking hooks located adjacent to the screws; and a sliding unit equipped with a rotatably-provided locking lever having a latch for latching onto the locking hooks when the electrical door main body is closed and is equipped with a locking-lever-pressing part for pressing the locking lever such that the latch of the locking lever unlatches from the locking hooks, and one end of which is rotatably linked to the screws and the other end of which is linked to the electrical door main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Korea Development Bank
    Inventor: Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 8595979
    Abstract: A vehicle rear door includes a door panel, a door frame, a division bar, and a movable window. The movable window has a flange portion formed with teeth. The division bar includes upper and lower division bars which are separately arranged and respectively guide the flange portion so that a part of the teeth is exposed between the upper and lower division bars. Each of the upper and lower division bars has a guide wall that guides an end surface of the flange portion which is opposite to the teeth. Each of the upper and lower division bars has a mount portion. The vehicle rear door further includes a motor unit bracket fixed to the mount portions of the upper and lower division bars and supporting a pinion that is engaged with the exposed teeth between the upper and lower division bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yasushi Iimori, Kenji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8595977
    Abstract: A driving system for an automatic sliding door includes a driver and a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion is selectively attachable to the driver in a first position to cause sliding movement of the door in the first direction and in a second position to cause sliding movement of the door in the second direction. A device for indicating whether a driving system is suitable for driving a sliding door includes a first end, a region including one or more calibrations; and a second end. The first end is adapted to be pulled by a user. The second end is adapted to be selectively and detachably attached to one of the calibrations. The region is located between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Autoslide Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Steven Hancock, Tim Gulliver
  • Patent number: 8474186
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a peripheral frame, at least one fixed panel located within the frame and adjacent an opening and a slider panel located within the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the slider panel covers the opening and an open position wherein the slider panel does not entirely close the opening. A drive assembly is operably connected to the slider panel to selectively move the slider panel between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a rack secured to the slider panel, an electric motor secured to a fixed position on the slider window assembly, and a gear operably connected to the motor and operably engaging the rack so that operation of the motor in opposite directions moves the slider panel in opposite directions between the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventors: William T. Dufour, Robert J. Cicala
  • Patent number: 8381848
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles having window mechanisms, and window mechanisms for such vehicles. In some embodiments, the window mechanism is a manual window mechanism, and in some embodiments the window mechanism is a powered, or motorized, window mechanism. The window mechanism includes a window drive assembly that selectively drives movement of a window member relative to the vehicle body. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a powered window drive assembly that includes a window motor assembly and a window linkage to couple the output of the window motor assembly to the window member. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a manual window drive assembly. In some embodiments, the window member includes a receiving region coupled to the window linkage. In some embodiments, the window mechanism includes a window support assembly that maintains the window member in a predetermined orientation relative to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, David M. Bapst, Kurt J. Huntsberger, Jacob J. Clark
  • Patent number: 8166705
    Abstract: A resin window includes a plate-shaped main body portion and a gear projection portion that is molded integrally with the main body portion so as to project in a thickness direction of the main body portion from a rear end portion of the main body portion. A part of a side face of the gear projection portion is surrounded by a gear-side guide frame for guiding the raising/lowering of the resin window. The gear projection portion includes a meshing gear provided along a vertical direction to mesh with a drive gear, and positioning members provided respectively on upper and lower end portions of the gear projection portion to abut on an inside surface of the gear-side guide frame. When the drive gear is rotated, the positioning members slide relative to the inside surface of the gear-side guide frame, and thus the resin window can be raised or lowered along the gear-side guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yasushi Iimori, Kenji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8079179
    Abstract: A sliding door structure comprises at least one door or plate (12), and a substantially horizontally arranged track device (13). The track device (13) includes a stationary track part (14) and at least one door carrier (16) for carrying the door. The door carrier is supported by the stationary track part (14) at one or more supporting points and displaceable horizontally in relation to said track part between first and second opposite positions. The door (12) is connected to the track device (13) such that the center of gravity of the door or plate (12) is spaced horizontally from the adjacent supporting point by a distance being a substantial fraction of the width of the door or plate (12). Thus, the door (12) is supported by the carrier (16) in a cantilever-like manner and the length of the track (13) may be reduced to a value substantially corresponding to the width of the door opening (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Erik Lemming
  • Patent number: 8004108
    Abstract: An electric power-feeding structure for feeding electric power to a moving body which is driven to be raised or lowered, includes: an arm having a distal end connected to the moving body movably in a direction perpendicular to a raising or lowering direction of the moving body, and a proximal end adapted to be rotatably driven so as to swing, to thereby drive the raising or lowering of the moving body. An electrical wire is routed alongside the arm, and one end of the electrical wire extending from the distal end of the arm is connected to the moving body to feed electric power to the moving body. In a vicinity of a rotating shaft of the arm, the electrical wire is routed around the rotating shaft to be bent and deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kaoru Suzuki, Atsuyoshi Yamaguchi, Takehiko Uehara, Katsuaki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7971391
    Abstract: A door driving apparatus includes a rotary actuator, a rotary transmission member integrally fixed to an output shaft extending from the rotary actuator, and a pair of linear transmission members opposed to each other via the rotary transmission member. The linear transmission members are configured to be in mesh with the rotary transmission member and to move approximately parallel to each other in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Harie
  • Patent number: 7861462
    Abstract: A window regulator including a drive rod having a linear axis; a runner connected to the drive rod for movement therealong; a window carrier pivotally secured to the runner for supporting a window; and a guide engaged by the window carrier having a radius of curvature such that the window carrier moves the window along a path coincident with the radius of curvature as the runner moves linearly along the drive rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Smith, Dan R. Gidden, Noel Chingcuanco
  • Patent number: 7856758
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electromechanical drive for a door or the like, with a motor and a transmission, which are connected with each other, wherein a drive gear in the form of a gear wheel or the like is present on a drive shaft of the transmission and cooperates with means for moving the door or the like, preferably in or on a guide rail. The drive has a modular design, and it has a compact power unit that can be used with different types of mounting units for different doors. In this regard, the power unit is equipped with a standard mounting bracket. In addition, different housings can be used for different areas of application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Novoferm formatic GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Ressel, Ulrich Theile, Ralf Sojka, Christian Dietz
  • Patent number: 7810282
    Abstract: A power door drive system for moving a sliding side door on a vehicle body having an aperture between an open position substantially clear of the aperture and a closed position substantially covering the aperture. A guide track having channel and rack portions is mounted to the vehicle body adjacent the aperture. The rack portion includes a plurality of rack teeth. A hinge member is adapted for mounting to the side door and includes a plurality of guide rollers for rollingly engaging the channel portion of the guide track. A power drive mechanism mounted to the hinge member includes a reversible motor for producing a drive torque, a pinion gear having a plurality of drive teeth meshingly engaging the rack teeth, and an endless belt for transferring the drive torque from the motor to the pinion gear thereby driving the sliding door between the open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Lance Oxley
  • Publication number: 20100212229
    Abstract: A movable body driving device includes upper and lower racks movable in a lengthwise direction; a motor which can rotate forward and backward; a drive pinion fixed to a rotary shaft of the motor; and a driven pinion engaging the upper and lower racks to move linearly by the drive pinion. The driven pinion is driven to rotate by the upper or lower rack to thereby drive the lower or upper rack linearly in a direction reverse to the other rack. A sliding door is connected to the upper or lower rack and is opened or closed in accordance with forward or backward rotation of the motor. The drive pinion transmits its driving force while the rack to which the driving force is transmitted is changed from the upper rack to the lower rack or from the lower rack to the upper rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kitabata
  • Patent number: 7752789
    Abstract: An exemplary display device includes a support member, a pair of displays slidably attached to the support member, and positioning members disposed between the displays and the support member. The support member includes a straight slideway, and a curved slideway defined therein. The curved slideway includes a slanting portion, and a first straight portion and a second straight portion extending out from opposite ends of the slanting portion. The straight slideway is parallel to the first straight portion of the curved slideway and in line with the second straight portion of the curved slideway. The displays are slidably received in the straight slideway and the curved slideway respectively. The displays may be positioned to form a large screen, or slid to overlap leaving a single display visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ke Sun, Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Patent number: 7685772
    Abstract: The present invention provides a platform door device in which two movable fences 33, which are provided along the side edge 30a of a station platform 30 for getting on and off a car and each supported movably by a support member 32, move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the platform 30 to open and close a passage between the platform side and the car side, wherein the platform door device is configured so that the two support members 32 are erected on the platform 30 and are housed in the two movable fences 33; the two support members 32 are housed in the two movable fences 33; and each of the support members 32 is arranged in a plane in the thickness direction of each of the movable fences 33 so as to be covered with the movable fence 33, by which the movable fence 33 can be moved relatively between the inner surface thereof and the outer surface of the support member 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyasu Ohata
  • Publication number: 20100024308
    Abstract: The barrier operator system, method and kit described herein contemplate the use of a rack and pinion drive mechanism which is mounted on tracks of the operator system such that the pinion is positioned to ideally engage the rack which is coupled to the barrier to move the barrier along the tracks in both the upstream and downstream direction. Pre-positioning the pinion relative to the rack and using the rack and pinion drive as described herein permits coupling the rack and motor at any variety of points along the barrier to move it. Further when the barrier is an over head door, such as a garage door, the door is connected to the rack through a coupling assembly which connects the door to the rack without making the latter connection through the motor driving the pinion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Arthur Coubray, Alan Keith Coubray
  • Patent number: 7552561
    Abstract: The drive for a sliding door or a swinging-sliding door of a rail vehicle, comprising a guide rail which is fixed inside the rail vehicle and on which a carriage carrying a door leave is arranged in a longitudinally displaceable and optionally rotatable manner, and a spindle drive provided with a spindle which extends parallel to the guide rail and a spindle nut which is connected to the carriage in a fixed manner in the direction of the axis of the spindle. The spindle nut and the carriage are connected by means of a rotative sliding joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Schneckenleitner
  • Patent number: 7536927
    Abstract: A window lift system (10) includes a support bracket structure (12) including gear structure (18, 20). A fixed rack structure (22, 24) is associated with the gear structure. A motor (16) is carried by the support bracket structure and the motor has a rotatable shaft. A gear train (28, 30, 32, 34) is associated with the shaft and with the gear structure such that rotation of the shaft moves the gear train, with the gear train driving the gear structure so as to move the support bracket structure with respect to the rack structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Würzburg
    Inventor: Yakov Fleytman
  • Publication number: 20090090476
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing screen device for closing an opening (3) by a cover in a motor vehicle component, including a drive mechanism through which a closing screen (5) can be drive-displaced from an uncovered opening position exposing the opening (3) to a closed position closing the opening (3), and in said closing position, the closing screen (5) is located flush to the edge area of the motor vehicle component which surrounds said closing screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Grandel, Georg Nehm, Marcel Rigorth, Gunter Uriaub
  • Patent number: 7509773
    Abstract: A sliding window for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a fixed component and a moving component. To provide a drivable sliding window, a drivable pinion (3) is rotatably supported at the fixed component and a rack (2) is provided at the moving component and the pinion (3) engages into it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Plettenberg Entwicklungs-und Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Vornbäumen, Joachim Volke, Holger Rau
  • Patent number: 7452026
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding door system for a vehicle, in particular, a motor vehicle. The system comprises at least one sliding door (33A, 35B) that can be displaced along a track. The system is equipped with at least one power conduction device (1, 34, 35), which is connected at one end (3) to the sliding door (33A, 35B) and at the other end (2) to a fixed part of the vehicle. At least one section (4, 36) comprising articulated elements (5, 36), is situated between the two ends (1, 2) of the power conduction device. The system is equipped with at least one support (6, 13, 16, 18, 21, 38), along which the section or sections (4, 36) of the power conduction device are horizontally displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Wehler, Uwe Kemper
  • Patent number: 7410201
    Abstract: An improved lead screw actuator for use in applications including power vehicle windows is provided that significantly reduces the amount of machining that must be performed on the lead screw to enable secure attachment of a gear or pulley. The lead screw has a plurality of threads on its outer annular surface and a first and second axially spaced circumferential groove. A gear or pulley disposed about the lead screw has a female thread formed into an inner annular surface that is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of threads of the lead screw between the first and second grooves. A pair of rings are disposed within the first and second grooves in order to restrict axial movement of the gear or pulley on the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Wilson, Scott L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080163553
    Abstract: A control device for controlling opening and closing of a window comprises: a motor, a gear reduction mechanism and a supporting member with a rack. The motor and the gear reduction mechanism are fixed on the window. The rack and the supporting member are mounted to the window by mounting members. The motor serves to drive the gear reduction mechanism, and then the gear wheel of the gear reduction mechanism drives the rack and the supporting member to move, and consequently moves the window, thus providing a function of automatically opening and closing the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: YU-TSUN LIAO
  • Publication number: 20080155901
    Abstract: A window lifter for a motor vehicle is provided. The window lifter comprising a guide rail with a rack toothing, along which a follower drive unit, which carries the pane, can be moved by means of a pinion which meshes with the rack toothing, and the follower drive unit is guided in relation to the guide rail via rolling bodies. The follower drive unit comprising a drive motor, a guide and gearing unit which holds the pinion and the at least one rolling body, and a support which holds drive motor and the guide and gearing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Dalibor Rietdijk
  • Publication number: 20070277442
    Abstract: A motorized in-line sliding window structure is described. The sliding window structure comprises a window frame having upper and lower slide rails. A fixed glass is provided in the frame and a displaceable window panel. Guide channels are provided in the slide rails to guide the displaceable window panel from a closed position, where the displaceable panel is disposed in a substantially common plane with the fixed glass, to an offset open position, where the displaceable window panel is retracted out of the common plane and displaced along the guide channels in the slide rails to a desired position behind the fixed window panel. An electric motor is connected to flexible cables to displace the displaceable window panel along the guide channels. The flexible cables and their connectors are displaceable in a concealed routed channel associated with a guide channel of said slide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Sabin Dery, Rejeap Daoust, Gino Grondin
  • Patent number: 7140151
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator for a window lift mechanism including a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft. The actuator may be incorporated into a window lift mechanism including a dual rack and pinion assembly, for driving the pinions along the racks. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a variety of anti-back-drive mechanisms, e.g. clutches. A clutch according to one embodiment includes locking pawls that resist back-drive. In another embodiment, locking cams rotate relative to a carrier to resist back-drive. An actuator consistent with the invention may incorporate an impact mechanism including a flexible carrier. The carrier flexes to prevent impact forces at an output gear train from coupling to an input gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Spaziani, John Murray, Irving Laskin, Macram Bishai, Eric Beishline, John Holloway, Bill Farmer