Rack Or Screw Parallel To Closure Guide Patents (Class 49/362)
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Patent number: 7140151Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Spaziani, John Murray, Irving Laskin, Macram Bishai, Eric Beishline, John Holloway, Bill Farmer
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Patent number: 7055284Abstract: A window regulator includes a threaded shaft (20) arranged at the concave side of the window (16) and extending in the direction of sliding of the same window, a nut screw (24) engaging the threaded shaft (20), which is movable up and down along the shaft, a driving member (26) fastened to a lower zone of the window (16), and a member for interconnecting the nut screw (24) and the driving member (26), adapted to ensure the interconnection of the driving member (26) and the nut screw (24) independently of their distance. The interconnection member includes at least a rigid connecting rod (36; 36a) articulated on one side to the nut screw (24) and on the other side to the driving member (26), which is able to assume different tilts when the distance between the driving member (26) and the nut screw (24) changes.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventors: Andrea Napoli, Antonio Solari, Roberto Mottola
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Patent number: 7040056Abstract: A gear shaft assembly for actuating linear movement of an object, including a lower channel assembly, which includes: (a) a threaded rod; (b) a first gear adjacent an end of the threaded rod; (c) a second gear engageable with the first gear and attached to the end of the threaded rod; (d) a mechanism for driving the first gear against the second gear; (e) at least one threaded journal bearing threaded on the correspondingly threaded rod; (f) at least one bearing housing supporting the at least one journal bearing; (g) a movable carrier arm mounted on the threaded rod and attachable to the object; wherein, when the drive mechanism activated, the first gear drives the second gear, rotating the threaded rod, and moving the carrier arm on the threaded rod. A tandem gear shaft assembly and a method for installing a gear shaft assembly and shutter on a window are also included.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventors: Monty C. DuBose, William McCaw Howe
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Patent number: 7021491Abstract: An article handler having an article storage area and an article dispensing opening at a top portion thereof, with a hinged lid mounted so as to have at least a predetermined range of arcuate movement thereover. The lid has a lifting portion thereon adapted for engagement with a lid opening/closing mechanism, and a lid opening/closing mechanism mounted adjacent the cooled article storage area.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Fastcorp, LLCInventors: Andris C. Sloss, David K. Giegerich, Munroe Chirnomas
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Patent number: 7021001Abstract: An anti-pinch power window system is comprised of a hub, a motor, a threaded rod, a base, a spring, a frame, a bracket, a threaded drive nut, a reversing switch and an electronic circuit. The motor rotates the hub. The rod is slidably attached to the hub. The base is attached to the rod. The spring surrounds the rod and is positioned such that it is compressed by movement of the base toward the hub. The bracket is attached to the frame and holds the drive nut. The rod is threaded into the drive nut. The reversing switch senses downward movement of the base and in response to such downward movement signals the electronic circuit to reverse the polarity of the motor input voltage, thereby reversing the direction of the travel of the frame. A closing window within the frame will reverse direction when it encounters an obstruction.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Paul T. Schooler
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Patent number: 6891913Abstract: The invention is a door actuator and alignment apparatus for opening and closing the 15,000-pound horizontally sliding door of a storage overpack. The door actuator includes a ball screw mounted horizontally on a rigid frame including a pair of door panel support rails. An electrically powered ball nut moves along the ball screw. The ball nut rotating device is attached to a carriage. The carriage attachment to the sliding door is horizontally pivoting. Additional alignment features include precision cam followers attached to the rails and rail guides attached to the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Gregory M. Andreyko
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Publication number: 20040244295Abstract: A sash window can be adapted for motorised operation using a rack and pinion drive. A preassembled motor unit (24) with a drive pinion (34) is mounted within one window stile (16). A rack (38) engages with the pinion and slides in a track (66) in the window stile. The window sash (14) which is to be driven up or down is connected to the rack through upper and lower hook mountings (48, 50), and the opposite side of the sash is free to travel between vertical guide surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Mike Derham, John Hawker, Timothy Allen
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Patent number: 6820369Abstract: A window lift mechanism for raising and lowering a window in a vehicle door includes a support bracket mounted to the window and a motor supported on the support bracket, wherein the support bracket permits the axial and rotational movement of the window relative to the support bracket. A pair of parallel, vertical racks are mounted to the door and are positioned immediately adjacent to the window. A worm gear is driven by a worm with a lead angle greater than seven degrees coupled to a motor. A clutch mechanism is utilized to prevent back drive of the worm/worm gear system. The worm gear is operatively coupled to a pinion gear with resilient shock absorbers that are provided with notched surfaces to accommodate for compression of the resilient material with an enclosed space.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 6810622Abstract: A power sliding assembly for moving a windowpane within a track within a window frame between an open position and a closed position. The power sliding assembly includes a motor fixedly secured to the window frame. The motor generates a rotational force. The power sliding assembly also includes a lead screw that is operatively connected to the motor to translate the rotational force to axial movement. In addition, the power sliding assembly includes a bracket secured to the lead screw and the windowpane. The bracket travels with the lead screw as the lead screw is driven axially along the track to move the windowpane between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
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Patent number: 6807775Abstract: A vehicle includes an automated drive device for powered sliding movement of the door into open or closed positions. The drive device includes a belt that cooperates with a track. A biasing member urges the belt into engagement with a corresponding portion of the track to ensure adequate engagement to achieve the desired movement of the door responsive to rotary movement of the belt. In one example, the belt and track include teeth that cooperate such that rotary movement of the belt results in linear movement of the door relative to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Ian Christopher Hoare, Steven John Engelgau, Shelley Lynn Bess, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Joseph Allen Wilbanks, II, Rajesh J. Somnay, Silvio M. Yamada
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Patent number: 6803733Abstract: A vehicle power window and power door lock system includes a vehicle pillar adapted for use between openable and closable vehicle doors and a single lock actuation assembly in the pillar adapted for engagement with a front door lock latch assembly on a front door and a rear door lock latch assembly on a rear door for locking and unlocking the doors. The vehicle power window and power door lock system further includes a single reversible electric motor in the pillar adapted for selective engagement with a front window on an adjacent front door and a rear window on an adjacent rear door for driving the windows up and down. A vehicle side door assembly includes a door lock latch assembly, a latch rod operatively connected to the latch assembly, a window, and a driven gear operatively connected to the window. The latch rod is operably connectable to a lock actuation assembly located in a body pillar adjacent to the door when the door is positioned against the body pillar.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale, Philip Walter Leistra
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Publication number: 20040159047Abstract: A mechanical power conversion device for receiving rotary power from a rotary power supply and delivering two independent power outputs, the conversion device having: a drive screw connectable to the rotary power supply, a drive nut engaging the drive screw to receive a drive nut axial force and drive nut torsion therefrom, the drive nut axial force being parallel to the drive screw and the drive nut torsion being about an axis of the drive screw. One of the two independent power outputs is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut axial force and the second is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut torsion so that power from the rotary power supply flows to either or both of the first independent power output and the second independent power output.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven P. Heffner, Peter Heidrich, Robert L. Oakley
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Patent number: 6729072Abstract: A vehicle door lock system comprises a sliding vehicle door, having a door path of travel generally translational to a vehicle frame. A drive unit moves the vehicle door along a door path. A drive component communicates the movement from the drive unit to the vehicle door by moving along a drive component path of travel. A latch is selectively actuated to arrest movement of the drive component and the vehicle door by blocking the drive component path of travel.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLCInventors: Rajesh J. Somnay, Steven J. Engelgau, Shelley Lynn Bess, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Ian Christopher Hoare, Joseph Allen Wilbanks, II, Silvio M. Yamada
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Patent number: 6718694Abstract: The present invention teaches a powered door operator for passenger transit vehicles having a drive nut assembly engaging a door hanger bracket substantially connected to a door disposed within an aperture of the vehicle structure. Such drive nut further engaging a drive screw to move a door for covering and uncovering an aperture for ingress and egress of passengers in a wall of a transit vehicle upon rotation of the drive screw enabled by a rotary prime mover. The drive assembly comprises a housing having an internal cavity, at least one drive nut insert having a helix portion substantially identical to the drive screw helix and disposed within said internal cavity, and a retaining clip engaging said at least one drive nut insert for substantial retainment thereof. Retaining clip further provides for simple replacement of such at least one drive nut insert during maintenance cycles thereby substantially eliminating periodic lubrication generally employed with powered door operators of the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: Andre Stojc, Erich Stephen
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Patent number: 6708449Abstract: A tandem of independent powered door operators for passenger transit vehicles having a central lock mechanism and enabling each of the doors to be moved with a force of less than 80 N. Such door operators can be used on vehicles where the cross-sectional area within which to accommodate a door operator is limited. The door operator comprises an electric motor, a helical drive screw rotatably connected to such electric motor with a universal joint, a drive nut assembly engaged with such drive screw, a door hanger rod, a first door hanger bracket connected to a door and engaging the drive nut, a second door hanger bracket connected to a door and engaging a centrally located lock mechanism enabling locking of such door in a fully close position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventor: Andre Stojc
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Patent number: 6708448Abstract: A drive unit for doors, especially doors having a non-rectilinear profile formed by wings (26, 26′, 24, 24′, 124, 126) comprises a motor (10) whose rotary shaft (20) engages with at least a bar or section (12, 14) connected to at least one of said wings. The drive unit is located either on the roof or the external front of the lower basis or between the wings of an elevator car of story doors. In case of telescopic movement superposed wings, one of the wing is moved by the drive unit, and a transmission unit (100) transmits the rotation of a wing (124) to the other one (126).Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Sematic Italia S.p.A.Inventor: Roberto Zappa
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Patent number: 6679186Abstract: The invention relates to a motorized locking device for a door intended in particular for a rail vehicle, with at least one leaf. The device includes a tilting-body motor intended to be mounted on the vehicle. The axis of the motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of movement of the leaf.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Faiveley TransportInventor: Jany Prevost
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Publication number: 20030204996Abstract: A pet door unit (10) for mounting in a structure (100) , is described. The unit includes a housing (12) , an opening mechanism (22) , a door (18) , a receiver (36) and a transmitter (38) . The door is mounted parallel to the rear wall (12D) of the housing in guide rails (16) extending along the sidewalls (12C) of the housing. The opening mechanism includes a motor (24) having a screw drive (26) and a carriage (34) which is movably mounted on the screw drive. The carriage is connected to the top of the pet door and moves along the length of the screw shaft (28) as the shaft rotates to open and close the door. To open the door, a user presses a button (38A) on the portable transmitter which sends a signal to the receiver. When the receiver receives the signal, it activates the opening mechanism which activates the motor to rotate the screw drive to move the carriage and the door up the shaft to the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: Melvin E. Gillett
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Patent number: 6631586Abstract: An opening and shutting structure for a window member. The structure includes an elevating device for ascending and descending a glass sheet to a housing section. The elevating device is provided with an elevating member fixed to the glass sheet and a driving section for moving the elevating member in the longitudinal direction. The elevating member is attached to a front side portion of the glass sheet. Thus, the structure can hold a heavy article such as a motor in a corner portion in a door main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.Inventors: Kimito Nakagomi, Hideyuki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 6580243Abstract: A door speed is detected at every predetermined detecting time, and a door position is calculated at a timing detected the door speed. A target speed according to the door position is obtained by a map. A microcomputer calculates a speed difference &Dgr;VD between the target speed and the actual or present speed, and an acceleration/deceleration value &Dgr;VC such as the speed difference between the door speed at the last detecting time and the present detecting time. A duty increasing value and the decreasing value of a PWM duty command value for adjusting a torque of the motor are set based on the speed difference &Dgr;VD and the acceleration/deceleration value &Dgr;VC, the motor is driven by the PWM duty command value based on the duty increasing value and the decreasing value.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Itami, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Shintaro Suzuki, Hiroyuki Yogo, Masao Ohhashi
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Patent number: 6560926Abstract: A pet door unit having a housing, an opening mechanism, a pet door, a receiver and a portable transmitter. The opening mechanism includes a motor having a screw drive and a carriage. The carriage is connected to the top of the pet door and moves along the length of a screw shaft of the screw drive as the shaft rotates to open and close the door. A detector is mounted on each of the sidewalls of the housing to detect an object in the opening of the housing and prevent the door from closing when an object is detected in the opening. To open the door, a user presses a button on the portable transmitter which sends a signal to the receiver which activates the opening mechanism to move the door to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: Melvin E. Gillett
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Patent number: 6560929Abstract: A door for an automotive vehicle has an inner metal stamping and an outer metal stamping that are secured together along a perimeter to form a shell that includes an upper window frame and a lower hollow body and a window regulator that is part of a window module that is assembled to the shell. The window module includes a structural belt beam, a drive assembly, a rack, a window pane and a window guide channel. The window guide channel has a front run, a header and a rear run, the window guide channel being attached to structural belt beam so that the front run is attached to a forward end of the belt beam and the rear run is attached to a rearward end of the belt beam. The window pane has a front edge that travels in the front run and a rear edge that travels in the rear run. The rack is disposed in the rear run and attached to the rear edge of the window pane. The drive assembly is mounted in a rearward end portion of the structural belt beam by a bracket that supports a reversible electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian H. Staser, Geoffrey Barr, Brian A. Barnes
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Patent number: 6481161Abstract: A driving device (20) for a sliding wing (2) of a sliding window (1) or a sliding door, comprising a screw (24) rotatably mounted in stationary bearings (26, 27) and driven by a motor (22), a screw nut (28) being axially displaceably arranged on the screw and non-rotationally retained by a stationary guide, and being in drive connection with the sliding wing (2), e.g. via a catch (29), wherein at least one movable bearing element (34, 35) is arranged between the stationary bearings (26, 27), which is axially freely movable along the screw (24) and non-rotationally retained, the at least one movable bearing element being jointly movable by the screw nut (28) during displacement of the latter.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Julius Thurnher
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Publication number: 20020157318Abstract: A by-pass shower door system has a compression mounting system including a horizontal header and curb and upright jambs. The header includes a header rail with parallel tracks for slidably mounting the door panels and a threaded header expansion assembly. The curb is mounted beneath the header and includes two curb rails and a threaded curb expansion assembly coupled to the curb rails. The compression assemblies have threaded shafts that engage nuts mounted to the rails such that adjusting the compression assemblies (by turning the shafts) applies a compressive force on opposing end walls of a shower enclosure to mount the header and curb. A cap overlapping the header rail conceals the header expansion assembly. A center guide, having parallel tracks for bottom ends of the door panels, conceals the curb expansion assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: John A. Teubert, Brian D. Cowell, Alice M. Jandrisits, Raul M. Paredes, Michael T. Seum
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Patent number: 6430874Abstract: The present invention relates to device (50) for guiding and sealing a moveable window (10), especially a side window of a motor vehicle. The device (50) includes at least one guide rail (15, 16) which comprises an inner space for guiding lateral edges (11, 12) of the window (10) and has sealing elements for sealing the window (10). The device comprises at least one driving means (17, 18, 19; 20, 21, 22) for moving the window (10) and which interacts with the guide rail (15, 16).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profiles, GmbHInventor: Hans-Bernd Korte
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Patent number: 6427385Abstract: A window lift mechanism is provided that includes a mounting member and one or more guides which may be integrally formed with the mounting member. The guide includes a cross-sectional shape and defines a path along which the window panel moves. A glass bar assembly is supported on the guide and is movable relative thereto along the path. The glass bar assembly includes a glass bar that supports the glass panel and a drive block that moves relative to the glass bar in a direction transverse to the guide path. A drive mechanism, which preferably includes a worm gear and a drive motor, is supported on the mounting member. The drive motor and the worm gear are supported by a support and a bracket, which are integrally formed with the mounting member. The worm gear is received within a threaded aperture in the drive block. The drive motor rotatingly drives the worm gear to move the glass bar assembly along the path defined by the guides.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLCInventor: Enrico Fin
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Publication number: 20020092236Abstract: A mechanical power conversion device for receiving rotary power from a rotary power supply and delivering two independent power outputs, the conversion device having: a drive screw connectable to the rotary power supply, a drive nut engaging the drive screw to receive a drive nut axial force and drive nut torsion therefrom, the drive nut axial force being parallel to the drive screw and the drive nut torsion being about an axis of the drive screw. One of the two independent power outputs is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut axial force and the second is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut torsion so that power from the rotary power supply flows to either or both of the first independent power output and the second independent power output.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Steven P. Heffner, Peter Heidrich, Robert L. Oakley
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Publication number: 20020088180Abstract: A control method of sliding a vehicle door by a powered sliding device with a clutch mechanism comprises the steps of stopping a motor in a state that a rotation of a wire drum is restricted by an auxiliary brake when the slide door reaches at a desired semi-open position; displacing the clutch mechanism into a second coupled state by the motor while the auxiliary brake is actuated; releasing the restriction by the auxiliary brake when a predetermined time has elapsed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhito Yokomori
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Patent number: 6405782Abstract: A transmission system installed in the track of a motor-driven blind and controlled to move vertical slats of the motor-driven blind between a received position and an extended position and to rotate the vertical slats in regulating the light after the vertical slats have been moved to the extended position. The transmission system includes a first power drive controlled to rotate the vertical slats to the desired angle through a transmission shaft and worm and worm gear sets, and a second power drive controlled to move the vertical slats from the ends of the track toward the middle or from the middle of the track toward the ends between the extended position and the received position through two reversed screws.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventor: Keng Mu Cheng
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Patent number: 6398327Abstract: A magazine insertion slot opening/closing device is able to automatically close a slide door after being opened. The front side of a magazine insertion slot formed in a decorative panel is covered by an outer door and an inner door. Both the doors are coupled to each other through first and second door plates, a gear damper and a rack plate. With this coupling structure, when one of the outer door and the inner door is moved, the other is also moved in the same direction in an interlocked manner. A locking link is urged by a lock spring in the locking direction to lock the doors in the open state through the first door plate. When closing the doors, the locking link is operated to release the doors from the locked state by rotating a cam gear with rotation of a motor or manually moving the outer door to some extent in the closing direction, whereby the doors are closed under a urging force of a door spring.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Momoze
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Publication number: 20020032986Abstract: The pinion pivotally mounted on a vehicle body by the axis parallel to a hinge axis is linked by the motor provided on the vehicle body so as to be rotated in forward and reverse directions, the rack engaging the pinion is provided on the edge of the rack rod having one end portion pivotally secured by a transversely directed axis on the portion spaced from the hinge axis of the opening and closing member, and the guide member which slidably engages the longitudinal guide groove provided on the rack rod and rotatably supports the rack rod around the axis parallel to the axis of the pinion is provided on the partial portion of the vehicle body slightly spaced from the pinion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: OHI SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.Inventor: Masaaki Yuge
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Patent number: 6347988Abstract: A slide door unit for an automotive air conditioner, has a door housing which has a concave inner surface and laterally opposed side walls. The side walls have arcuate guide grooves respectively. A slide door member has a convex outer surface slidable on and along the concave inner surface of the door housing. The slide door member has a concave inner surface. Racks are provided on laterally opposed sides of the concave inner surface of the slide door member. Guide pins are secured to laterally opposed ends of the slide door member. The guide pins are slidably engaged with the arcuate guide grooves of the door housing. A pinion gear unit includes two pinion gears and a shaft by which the pinion gears are connected. The pinion gear unit is rotatably held by the laterally opposed side walls of the door housing having the two pinion gears meshed with the racks respectively. A resilient structure is further provided, which is defined by each of the pinion gears of the pinion gear unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventors: Katsuhiro Kurokawa, Akihiro Tsurushima, Yukio Tanaka
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Patent number: 6343436Abstract: This sliding sash drive assembly includes a rack gear for the sash and a drive unit adapted to be mounted on the window frame and having a driven spur gear. An L-shaped engagement lever is mounted at its vertex on the housing and carries on its short leg a rack guide adapted to embrace the rack gear so that, as the long leg of the lever is moved, the guide moves the rack to a position at which the rack meshes with the spur.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Seitz CorporationInventors: Arthur J. Milano, Jr., Herman J. Parent
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Patent number: 6324789Abstract: A door support and drive mechanism for a door can be mounted either over or in a door opening in a transit vehicle or other structure. The mechanism includes a tube which has a longitudinal slot. The mechanism also has mounts attached to the tube for mounting the mechanism to the structure over the door opening, so that the tube is substantially horizontal and the slot is along a lower portion of the tube. The mechanism includes at least one door hanger which has an upper portion movably disposed within the tube and a depending portion passing through the slot, the depending portion being for attachment to the door. The mechanism has a drive nut attached to the door hanger. A drive screw is positioned in the tube, engaging a threaded inner portion of the drive nut. The drive screw is connectable to a rotary power device to be rotated thereby. Rotation of the drive screw causes longitudinal movement of the drive nut and the hanger to which the drive nut is attached, so that the door is moved longitudinally.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Erich P. Stephen
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Patent number: 6321488Abstract: A power sliding door assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a door structure constructed and arranged to be mounted on a motor vehicle for movement between closed and opened positions and a drive assembly mounted on the door structure. The drive assembly includes a rotatable gear engageable with a gear track provided on the vehicle. The rotatable gear is drivable in a one direction to effect movement of the door towards the opened position and drivable in an opposite direction to effect movement of the door structure towards the closed position. A drive shaft is coupled with the drive assembly and is constructed and arranged to rotatably drive the rotatable gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Maciek Bigoszewski, Thomas Dean, Thomas P. Frommer, Tad Podwysocki, Venkateswar Sagi, Michael Schupp, Brian Wood
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Patent number: 6282970Abstract: A screw drive mechanism connectable to at least one of a first machine portion and a second machine portion for moving the second machine portion relative to the first machine portion from a first position to a second position. The mechanism has a base for attachment to one of the first and the second machine portions and a motor attached to the base. It includes a drive screw having a rotary motion connection to the motor to be rotated thereby and a drive nut having an internally threaded bore engaged with the drive screw to receive a drive force from the drive screw. A drive nut connection is engaged with the drive nut for conveying the drive force to one of the first and the second machine portions. An anti-rotation member is attached to the drive nut connection, the anti-rotation member engaging the drive nut to prevent rotation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Robert L. Oakley
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Patent number: 6256930Abstract: A power drive mechanism for a power vehicle sliding door system is provided. The power drive mechanism includes a hinge member adapted for coupling to a vehicle sliding door, a guide member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a rack member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a drive pinion meshingly engaging the rack member, a drive motor producing a drive torque and a gear train coupling the drive motor and the drive pinion for transmitting drive torque therebetween. The hinge member and guide member cooperate to guide the vehicle sliding door in both generally horizontal and generally vertical directions. The gear train and drive pinion are preferably coupled to said hinge member to maintain meshing engagement of said drive pinion along the length of said rack member. The power drive mechanism also preferably includes a drive clutch for interrupting the transmission of drive torque from the drive motor to the drive pinion to permit the vehicle sliding door.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Robert J. Faubert, Waine T. Brock, Terence W. Haskin, Richard C. Kapes
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Patent number: 6250013Abstract: A device is proposed for opening and closing an opening in a wall by use of a sliding door, in particular for vehicles. The sliding door is arranged so as to be slidable essentially parallel to the wall by a guide device and drivable by a linear drive which comprises a linearly constructed element and a driving element engaged therewith. The linearly constructed element of the linear drive and a slide rail belonging to the guide device on the one hand are attached to the wall, and the driving element of the linear drive and a slider belonging to the guide device and engaged with the slide rail on the other hand are attached to the sliding door. The slider is attached to the sliding door by a joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Apprich Secur 2000 GmbHInventor: Harry Apprich
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Patent number: 6216394Abstract: A window lift mechanism for raising and lowering a window in a vehicle door includes a support bracket mounted to the window and a motor supported on the support bracket. A pair of parallel, vertical racks are mounted to the door and are positioned immediately adjacent the window. Pinion gears driven by the motor are supported on the support bracket and engaged with the rack to permit vertical movement of the window.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
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Patent number: 6174020Abstract: A sliding door system for maintaining electrical communication between a sliding door and a vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Kenneth D. Knettle, Richard Mirolla, Neal G. Stupera, Kurt H. Stroeters, Timothy P. Lyon, Christine L. Alaniz, Richard A. Tabor, Michael De Clercq
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Patent number: 6161336Abstract: A hinged and sliding door assembly for vehicles includes a door surround defining an opening, a door configured for mating with the door surround, and a hinge-and-slide mechanism for supporting, and defining movement of, the door relative to the surround. The hinge-and-slide mechanism has an intermediate element connected to the door by a hinge structure which defines an axis of rotation about which the door rotates relative to the intermediate element. A slide mechanism, associated with the intermediate element and the surround, is configured to define a slide path of the intermediate element relative to the surround. The slide mechanism is further configured to support the intermediate element such that this axis maintains a substantially constant orientation relative to the surround, thereby supporting the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Amir Ziv-Av
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Patent number: 6155630Abstract: A slide door device for an automotive vehicle includes a slide door that is adapted to move between a closed position and an open position, a driving mechanism, and a cable connected between the slide door and the driving mechanism. Turning the driving mechanism on causes the cable to slide along a guide rail, thereby moving the slide door to uncover and cover the opening area in the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryoichi Fukumoto, Katsuhisa Yamada, Masao Ohhashi, Shintaro Suzuki
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Patent number: 6134838Abstract: A power door for a transit vehicle includes a door panel, a base and hanger unit, a door support, a drive member and a motor. The door support is attached to the door panel and includes at least one roller which engages a hanger portion of the base and hanger unit for motion along the base and hanger unit. The hanger portion includes a longitudinal cavity and a slot communicating with the cavity. The drive member is disposed within the cavity and a drive member connector passes through the slot to connect the drive member to the door support.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Redreddy Sukumar Reddy
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Patent number: 6119402Abstract: A power drive system for driving the sliding rear windows in a pick-up truck includes a rack and pinion drive. In one embodiment, there are two sliding window portions, each associated with individual racks. Preferably, the single pinion drives both racks. In a second embodiment a single central window is utilized. Again, a rack and pinion preferably drives the window.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Wisner
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Patent number: 6098341Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a clean room for manufacturing precision parts, chemicals and special foods or for carrying out surgical procedures. The door assembly includes a pair of parallel vertically spaced guide shafts which are inclined at an angle to a horizontal and serve to guide the sliding door as it moves from an upper open position into a closed lower position. A door closing and opening actuator includes an actuator shaft extending between the guide shafts. A sealing arrangement of the door assembly becomes operational upon movement of the sliding door to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Thorsten Gebauer
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Patent number: 6076304Abstract: A window opening and closing assembly formed of molded plastic components which includes first and second housing members suitably secured together with a rack slidably mounted in the housing, the rack being moveable between first and second positions which correspond to fully open and fully closed positions for the window, the rack having a tongue extending exteriorly of the housing and designed to engage window rollers, a pinon operatively engaged with the slidable rack, and a handle having a shaft connected to the pinion whereby rotatable movement of the shaft will cause the pinion to move the rack within the housing. There are preferably provided locking members means for locking the handle in at least filly open and fully closed positions. The assembly is easily manufactured and assembled.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Germain Carrier
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Patent number: 6056037Abstract: A folding curtain wall acts as a large door in an exterior wall of a building such as a garden centre greenhouse. The door includes upper and lower bi-fold panels which are hinged to one another about a horizontal axis. The upper panel is hinged to the wall of the building above the opening to be closed by the door. The door can be opened and closed by raising or lowering the lower panel from its bottom edge. In the open position, the panels are folded generally flat against one another in an overhead position above the opening and effectively provide an awning above the opening. In the closed position, the door panels adopt a flat configuration or an outwardly angled configuration. In the latter case, spaces at the sides of the door are closed by fixed panels that extend outwardly from the wall of the building.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Frank Jonkman and Sons Ltd.Inventors: Frank Jonkman, Sr., Jan-Willem Gritters
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Patent number: 6038819Abstract: A powered drive assembly for positioning various slidable components within a vehicle interior. The powered drive assembly includes a motor assembly operably coupled to a flexible flocked drive cable which is supported for rotation within a housing. The flocked drive cable provides a helical surface. Specific coupling members are adapted to engage the helical surface and operably couple the drive cable with the slidable component. For example, in one preferred embodiment a coupling bracket operably couples the flocked drive cable to a slidable window assembly of the type used in the rear opening of a pick-up cab for opening and closing the window. In a second preferred embodiment, the coupling member operably couples the drive cable to a curtain assembly located within the interior of an over-the-road truck cab for opening and closing the curtain.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventor: George W. Klein
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Patent number: 6024404Abstract: A control configuration for a vehicle sunroof panel which is adjustable by means of drive cables, whereby the transmission of jolts and vibrations from the drive elements to the panel and vice versa is damped or prevented by the intermediate elastic damping element between the driver elements engaging with the drive cable and guide shoes controlling the movements of the panel. The elastic damping element preferably is a rubber block that is secured to the driver elements such that vibrations and jolts are at least partially absorbed by the rubber block.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Meritor Automotive GmbHInventors: Klaus Stallfort, Rainer Hattass, Dieter Federmann
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Patent number: 6009668Abstract: A lock assembly, for a door panel of a transit vehicle, has its locking action directly driven by the door operator into which it is incorporated. The locking assembly holds the door panel in a closed position through direct contact with the door panel, providing improved reliability by bypassing intermediate components of the door operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1996Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Redreddy Sukumar Reddy