Processes Patents (Class 49/506)
  • Publication number: 20140150349
    Abstract: A barrier has an expandable width barrier having opposing first and second ends. A locking arm is pivotably coupled to the expandable width barrier at the first end and slidably coupled to the expandable width barrier at the second end. The locking arm may be an adjustable-length construction. The pivoting of the locking arm causes the barrier to move between locked and unlocked states. When the locking arm is pivoted to lock the barrier, it causes the barrier to linearly expand a supplemental amount and fits the barrier to opposing sides of a passageway opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • Publication number: 20140150346
    Abstract: A hybrid sash counterbalance and assist operated window includes a frame having upper and lower sashes slideable within the frame. A sash coupling element extends between the upper and lower sashes. A counterbalance and assist mechanism is coupled with the sash coupling element. The hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is operable in a sash counterbalance mode and an independent sash movement mode. In the sash counterbalance mode, movement of the upper or lower sash causes converse movement of the lower or upper sash through the sash coupling element, and the movement of the upper or lower sash is assisted by the converse movement. In a first independent sash movement mode, one of the upper and lower sashes is held static while the other of the lower or upper sashes is moved, and the moved sash is assisted by the counterbalance and assist mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan H. DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20140138488
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for counterbalancing weight of a bottom-hinged door (such as a clamshell-type airstair door of an aircraft) includes an operator handle, a hoist rod pivotally connected at one end to the operator handle and at an opposite end thereof to the door near a bottom region thereof. A force accumulator assembly is provided which includes a force biasing member which accumulates and dissipates a bias force when opening and closing the door, respectively, to provide mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the door. A bellcrank assembly operatively connects the operator handle to the force accumulator. In such a manner, weight counterbalancing of the door is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventor: Marcelo BERTHOUD
  • Publication number: 20140137481
    Abstract: A sliding door with reversible hand configurations can include a plurality of mounting locations along a top and a bottom edge thereof. The plurality of mounting locations can be configured to allow the sliding door to selectively hang and operate according to multiple orientations in order to satisfy site-specific handedness requirements. In one implementation, the sliding door includes a door frame and mounting hardware for selectively mounting the sliding door to a roller track affixed near the upper portion of a doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LTD.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens F. Smed, Colin V. Blehm, Steven M. van Beveren
  • Publication number: 20140130419
    Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Modular Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Rhett SLAGEL
  • Patent number: 8720119
    Abstract: A device includes a base attachable to a first side of a door; a swing arm coupled to the base, the swing arm including a bracket flange configured to extend across an edge of the door between the first side of the door and a second side of the door opposite the first side of the door; and a biasing member coupled between the swing arm and the base and configured to urge the swing arm from a retracted position in which the bracket flange is adjacent the edge to an extended position in which the bracket flange is apart from the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: ADCO Industries-Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Davis, Clifton Glenn Hampton
  • Patent number: 8713854
    Abstract: Some aspects relate to weather seal systems for forming water barriers and air barriers. Some air barriers include a sill portion, a frame portion, and a transition portion extending between the sill and frame portions, where the transition portion extends inwardly and downwardly from the frame portion of the air barrier, toward an interior side of an associated door assembly, to the sill portion of the air barrier. The transition portion optionally provides a buffer zone, or transition zone of air at a greater spacing from the water barrier. In some embodiments, the transition zone is equilibrated to external pressures and supplies substantially dry air to air leaks in the air barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Schroder, Joseph A. Ritzert
  • Publication number: 20140115965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supervising access to a restricted area, including at least one obstacle that is mobile between a deployed configuration, in which said obstacle extends across a passageway for the entry and/or exit to/from said restricted area, and a stowed configuration in which said obstacle is removed from said passageway. The system also includes a unit for driving the obstacle between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration, a device for measuring the position of the obstacle, and a module for controlling the drive unit. The control module is suitable for comparing the measured position of the obstacle at at least one moment in time with a theoretical position of the obstacle at said moment in time, and to derive a rule for controlling the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventor: Christophe Raynal
  • Patent number: 8708396
    Abstract: A system and method is provided to index the door window glass of a vehicle to disengage the glass from the window sealing interface prior to opening the door. A door latch including an unlatching lever selectively connectable to the inside and outside door handles is configured such that moving either handle to actuate the latch causes an initial change in the position of the unlatching lever prior to latch release. A sensor in the latch detects the initial change in position of the unlatching lever and signals an indexing mechanism to move the glass to the indexed position prior to latch release, such that the glass does not substantially interfere with the sealing interface when the door is moved from a closed position. The system may be configured such that the door lock mechanism must be unlocked prior to the indexing mechanism moving the window to an indexed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Patent number: 8707627
    Abstract: A method of operating a movable barrier operator includes engaging a flexible driven member with a drive of the movable barrier operator. The method includes moving the flexible driven member in a first direction to move a movable barrier connected to the driven member and monitoring the position of the movable barrier. In response to the movable barrier reaching a given position, the driven member is moved in a second direction without moving the movable barrier to remove slack from the driven member. A movable barrier apparatus includes a movable barrier controller operatively coupled to the movable barrier operator. The movable barrier controller is configured to cause the movable barrier operator to reverse direction of the flexible driven member a distance after stopping movement of a movable barrier without moving the movable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James Scott Murray, William George Gioia
  • Patent number: 8707628
    Abstract: A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sunburst Shutters Nevada, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Publication number: 20140109488
    Abstract: A method for operating a door-opening mechanism of a household appliance includes: providing a first signal using a door-opening sensor; providing a second signal using the door-opening sensor; and providing a third signal using the door-opening sensor. A total signal is calculated based on the first, second and third signals so as to determine a spatial direction from which a signal source originates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Volker Backherms, Dominic Beier, Stefan Tiekoetter
  • Publication number: 20140109482
    Abstract: A flood barrier device that includes a fluid-tight flexible chamber with front panel, a rear panel, opposite lateral sidewalls, top end walls, bottom end walls and an opening to allow the introduction of fluid into said chamber. The device includes a pair of support members that include a rigid spar connected to the chamber and having a bend at a medial position to orient a first section of the chamber in a first horizontal plane and a second section of said chamber into a second upright plane and a re-sealable waterproof seal device between the chamber and an adjacent fluid tight flexible chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Rakhmanin
  • Publication number: 20140109839
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a door frame assembly that includes a frame that defines an opening therein for allowing access therethrough. The door frame also includes a door pivotally coupled to a first vertical wire of the of the frame for pivoting the door between an open position and a close position. The door frame further includes a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame and is formed by a first horizontal wire. The first horizontal wire forms a hooked end protruding outward toward the door and spaced inwardly of the frame to intersect with the opening. The second coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame. The second coupling mechanism includes a portion configured to limit movement of the door relative to the frame until the second portion is pivoted in a direction toward the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Stew Kerr
  • Publication number: 20140102008
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a resealable opening is a locket that includes at least an inner ring and a hatch. The hatch includes a door and a mounting portion, the mounting portion including protrusions and the door being pivotably coupled to the mounting portion. For example, the door may be pivotably coupled to the mounting portion via a two-part hinge. The inner ring includes bosses configured to receive the protrusions, such that when the inner ring and hatch are installed on opposite sides of an item, the protrusions may extend therethrough and be secured within the bosses, thereby securing the locket to an item. A method for creating a resealable opening includes installing the inner ring to a first side of an item, installing the hatch to a second, opposite side of the item, and securing the plurality of protrusions within the plurality of bosses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mary G. Mastrosimone-Gese
  • Publication number: 20140102007
    Abstract: In an aspect, a window regulator module kit is provided, comprising a guide rail having substantially no helical twist, a carrier plate having a selected mounting arrangement configured to bring the guide rail to a selected helically twisted position when the guide rail is mounted to the carrier plate, a lifter mountable to the guide rail, wherein the lifter is configured to hold a window glass, and a cable drive assembly connectable to the lifter so as to slide the lifter along the arcuate rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Milos Pavlovic, Vesna Pavlovic
  • Publication number: 20140096452
    Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a door inner panel that has a header portion that at least partially defines a window opening. A reinforcement panel is configured to abut the door inner panel along the header portion and further defines the window opening. The door inner panel and the reinforcement panel each have a respective first flange extending at least partially outboard and a respective second flange extending at least partially inboard. The first flange of the door inner panel abuts the first flange of the reinforcement panel and the second flange of the door inner panel abuts the second flange of the reinforcement panel. A trim member is secured to the reinforcement panel and to the header portion to cover the second flanges without contacting the second flanges and has an inboard-facing planar portion as a furthest inboard extent of the trim member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Koichi Inaba, Rinaldo M. Lucchesi, James C. O'Kane, Michael G. Poss
  • Publication number: 20140096454
    Abstract: A method of establishing a seal between a casket vault lid and a casket vault base comprises the steps of positioning a gasket between confronting generally horizontal surfaces of the lid and base, positioning a base engagement member of a clamping assembly in a recess in the base, positioning a lid engagement member of the clamping assembly in a recess in the lid, and operating the clamping assembly so as to draw the base engagement member and the lid engagement member toward one another to thereby compress the gasket between the confronting generally horizontal surfaces of the lid and base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Meiser, Ilija Rojdev
  • Publication number: 20140090300
    Abstract: A door actuator assembly comprising a base plate mounted to a container. The container includes a distribution orifice and a trap door mounted to the container that moves selectively between a closed position covering the distribution orifice, and an open position not fully covering the distribution orifice. The assembly includes a hook member mounted to the base plate including a hook. The hook engages with the trap door. The trap door moves linearly when the hook member moves. The assembly includes a hook actuator assembly mounted to the base plate, including a hook actuation arm coupled to the hook member. The hook actuation arm extends and retracts, moving the hook member linearly along the base plate when the hook actuation arm extends and retracts, causing the hook member to move the trap door selectively between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20140083017
    Abstract: A fluid-based spring counterbalance mechanism comprising an elastic flexible fluid-based spring disposed between two surfaces is used to support some or all of the weight of a movable barrier. A linkage mechanism comprising at least one rotating rotatable shaft is configured to receive rotational motion from a jackshaft associated with the movable barrier. A translational mechanism coupled to the at least one rotating shaft and coupled to at least one of the two surfaces is configured to compress the flexible fluid-based spring between the two surfaces in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft. By compressing the fluid-based spring, the counterbalance mechanism provides a force that partially or fully supports the weight of the movable barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Roy Skotty
  • Publication number: 20140083012
    Abstract: A dual function lavatory door and methods are presented. A hinged door panel comprises a doorway hinge coupled to a first side of a lavatory doorway of a lavatory. The doorway hinge positions the hinged door panel to couple to a first interior side-wall of the lavatory in a deployed position. An extendable door panel is coupled to the hinged door panel by a vertical hinge and can couple to a second side of the lavatory doorway opposite to the first side. The extendable door panel folds along the vertical hinge into an interior space of the lavatory in the deployed position. An extension panel is coupled to the extendable door panel and extends from the extendable door panel to couple to a second interior side-wall of the lavatory opposite to the first interior side-wall in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Kelly L. Boren
  • Patent number: 8677693
    Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes sensors (30, 50) such as microswitches positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (26). The sensors provide an indication of different levels of relative movement between the door panel and the door frame member at an interface (28) between them. Such relative movement includes an increase in a gap between them that corresponds to a situation when an object is at the interface (28) and may be caught. The sensors (30, 50) respectively provide an indication of when an object may become caught and when one has. Automated movement of a door is controlled responsive to an indication of the presence of an object in a location where the object may become caught during automatic movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Tadaaki Nabetani, Jiro Kashima, Atsushi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140075846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a living hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMEC IP CORP
    Inventor: WILLIAM WOODBURN
  • Publication number: 20140077033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus operating a moveable partition. The moveable partition is configured for use with a first lavatory and a second lavatory. The moveable partition is further configured to separate the first lavatory and the second lavatory into separate spaces within a fixed perimeter for the first lavatory and the second lavatory when the moveable partition is in a first configuration. The moveable partition is further configured to define a single space within the fixed perimeter when the moveable partition is in a second configuration. The moveable partition is connected to a door for the first lavatory in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Lee Scown, Paul Joseph Wilcynski, Jeffrey Nix, Marc Anton Spane
  • Publication number: 20140069017
    Abstract: A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock- out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael A. Barton, Gordon H. Liebel, Eric A. Baczuk
  • Publication number: 20140069020
    Abstract: Pneumatic door system of fluid lines, valves, switches, and sensors integrated into hinge mechanisms, door frame, and door connected to a fluid pressurization system to inflate and deflate one or more fluid seals attached to outer perimeter of door adjacent to inner perimeter of door frame to close gap between outer perimeter of door and inner perimeter of door frame to provide radio frequency shielding against, for example, high-altitude electromagnetic pulse. Air seal creates a substantially impermeable barrier against radio frequency transmission, as well as air infiltration, when fully inflated. Separate fluid channels in each component interconnect to act as one fluid circuit or network when door is closed. Pneumatic door system can be fluidly connected to a conventional fluid pressurization system in communication with a programmable logic controller to respond to user input or automatic commands with system overrides to react to system air pressure and air flow conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Gaven Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Gaviglia
  • Publication number: 20140069018
    Abstract: A roll-up door seal that may be monolithically formed from a single material of uniform density. The seal is sized and adapted to assemble to a standard roll-up door frame without a separate or dedicated frame structure. The seal provides redundant sealing surfaces, positioned to cooperate with both the door and door frame, which ensure an effective and durable fluid tight seal between the cargo space enclosed by the roll-up door and the ambient environment. The seal may be produced by extrusion from a flexible, weather resistant material such as EPDM, thereby providing a low cost solution for sealing roll-up doors having industry standard door frame constructions. The seal is firmly engageable with the door frame, such that the seal may be installed with little or no secondary fixation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: PRESS-SEAL GASKET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham E. Blackwood, Michael R. Miller, John M. Kaczmarczyk
  • Publication number: 20140059937
    Abstract: An exit device includes a rail having opposite first and second ends and a rear portion with a first opening adjacent the first rail end for attachment to the door surface, the first rail end further having a front portion that inhibits access to the first rail opening in a direction normal to the rail rear portion. The method for installing it includes securing a mount having a cantilevered portion extending therefrom to the door at the surface first end such that the mount cantilevered portion provides a space between the cantilevered portion and the door and placing the rail against the door surface such that the mount extends through the first rail opening, sliding the rail to engage the rail rear portion adjacent the first rail opening between the mount cantilevered portion and the door and securing the second rail end to the door surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ASSA ABLOY INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Harris, David Eveland, John F. Kelly, III
  • Publication number: 20140062135
    Abstract: A door and method for assembling such door for a vehicle are disclosed. The door may comprise a window having a visual surface area and a frame. The frame may include an outer panel surrounding the window and defining a cavity having a draw depth and a mouth, and an inner panel having a first end and a second end. The inner panel may be joined to the outer panel at an inner coupling disposed at the first end and joined to the outer panel at an outer coupling disposed at the second end of the inner panel. The inner panel may substantially cover the mouth of the cavity. The door may have a door area. The visual surface area of the window may be in the range of about 65 percent to 95 percent of the door area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew James Gielda, Derick Lee Hinderliter, Rajesh Mishra, Thomas Allan Jenne
  • Patent number: 8661735
    Abstract: The invention, in certain embodiments, specifies an actuation method for an electric window winder (10) of a front window (1) of a vehicle (3) without a B-pillar and with a moveable rear window (2), which actuation method allows all the windows to be closed in a particularly rapid and reliable manner. According to the method, provision is made for the front window (1) to be closed by the window winder (10), taking into consideration a trapping-prevention means (25). Furthermore, a closing condition is checked during the actuation method. If, on account of this closing condition, it can be assumed that trapping prevention-related reversing of the front window (1) has been caused by a collision with the rear window (2), the front window (1) is closed again after the trapping prevention-related reversing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG., Hallstadt
    Inventor: René Zellmer
  • Publication number: 20140053466
    Abstract: An improved barrier door one way wireless communication system for operating a barrier, such as a garage door, includes the transmission and reception of multibit code hopping data packets in combination with automatic RF channel switching. Packet data is transmitted automatically on more than one RF channels in a switching style while sending two or more redundant multibit code hopping data packets on each of the RF channels. The system also provides for the learning of a transmitter to a receiver where two or more code hopping data packets must be received and decoded by the receiver on all RF channels before a transmitter can be learned to a receiver. Once the transmitter is learned, actuation of the transmitter during a learn mode can open a window for learning of a single channel transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Grant B. Carlson, Brett A. Reed
  • Publication number: 20140053467
    Abstract: An escape window assembly having a structure attachment frame for attaching the assembly to a structure; a window located on the outer side of the structure and pivotally attached to the structure attachment frame, the window corresponding to the structure attachment frame and comprising a window frame and a window pane; and a window release mechanism. The window release mechanism has a window release actuator; a first connection portion attached to the window; a second connection portion attached to the frame, the second connection portion releasably holding the first connection portion; and a biasing mechanism for pushing open the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Zvika Bar, Vitaliy Shcheglov
  • Patent number: 8657361
    Abstract: An actuating system for a vehicle having a body that defines an access opening includes a panel arranged to selectively open and close at least a first portion of the opening. The system also includes multiple components operatively connected to the panel and adapted to be actuated. The system additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the panel and adapted to actuate the multiple components. A vehicle employing the system and a method for sealing an access opening in a body of a vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Nilesh D. Mankame
  • Publication number: 20140041311
    Abstract: A temporary cover assembly for a void comprising a cover plate 209 configured to close an opening in the void and means 201, 202, 207 to releasably attach the cover plate 209 to a cover slab 105 of the void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Richard Auckland
  • Publication number: 20140041301
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an operation of a power door of a vehicle are presented. An activation of a user interface device associated with the power door is detected. A cue is provided using a notification device after detecting the activation of the user interface device. In one implementation, the notification device includes an audible alarm. When the user interface device is activated for greater than a predetermined time period, the power door is caused to be in a power mode of operation, and the notification device is used to indicate a current operational mode of the power door. In one implementation, when the user interface device is deactivated within the predetermined time period, the power door is caused to be in a manual mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Michael D. Oakley, Craig T. Kline, Dean A. Scott, JR., Hideaki Arai, Joseph P. Whinnery, Saeed Namakydoost, Yoshitomo Ihashi, Trevor Scott Whitten, Makoto Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140041326
    Abstract: A window includes a weather seal system that employs two seals. The first seal is located towards an exterior surface of the window and forms an air-permeable water barrier between an active sash and a sill. The second seal is located towards an interior surface of the window and forms a substantially air-impermeable and water-impermeable barrier between the active sash and the sill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Robert Kadavy, Jonathan S. Hoogland, Andy Breuer, Todd A. Bernhagen
  • Publication number: 20140041308
    Abstract: A device for fixing a glazed element into an opening for the glazed element to be pivotable with respect to the opening. The device includes at least one projecting element including an axis for fixing the device to an upright of the opening, and at least one baseplate including interior and exterior faces facing a surface of the glazed element. The baseplate is at least partially integrated into a portion of elastic material adhering at least to the interior face. The projecting element rigidly fixes the projecting element to the upright of the opening so that the orientation of the axis with respect to the upright remains unchanged during opening or closing movement of the glazed element and so that during the opening movement, at least part of the portion of elastic material is squashed between the baseplate and the upright or between the baseplate and the glazed element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Bastien Grandgirard, Nicolas Coutellier, Gerard Huchet
  • Publication number: 20140033611
    Abstract: The door system disclosed herein includes a frame and a door fabricated from a plurality of horizontal and vertical wire rods. The door may have an inverted hook which is aligned to a horizontal wire rod of the frame when the door is pivoted to the closed position. To close the door, the door is dropped so that the horizontal wire rod of the frame is traversed into the inverted hook. At this point, the animal inside of the pet crate cannot open the door by pushing on the door. Rather, the door must be raised so that the inverted hook clears the horizontal wire rod of the frame to pivot the door to the opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Precision Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Link
  • Publication number: 20140033614
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a weatherstrip assembly may include forming an elongated reinforcement member, forming an elongated seal member, and trimming ends of the seal member and the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member and the seal member may be formed from first and second materials, respectively. The seal member may be formed around the reinforcement member such that the reinforcement member is at least partially embedded in the seal member. The seal member may include a plurality of sealing lips. The ends of the seal member and the reinforcement member may be trimmed using a laser cutter that is movable in multiple axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Mark Bartolomucci, Chao Xu
  • Publication number: 20140026491
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is an adjustable support adapted to support an access hatch frame for access to a sub-surface chamber or the like. The support has a lower frame member that at least in part defines a first aperture, the first aperture having or defining a first plane, the lower frame member having at least one upper interface surface. A similar upper frame is present that defines a second aperture, a second plane, and a lower interface surface. Upper frame member also has number of height adjustable mount points. The upper and lower interface surfaces define an interface plane. Rotation of the upper frame member, relative to said lower frame member on the interface plane, adjusts the relative angle of the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: OPUS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Neil Watson Gumbley
  • Patent number: 8635757
    Abstract: A method for installing a spring-assisted liftgate in opposition to the gravity force includes temporarily fixing a coupling rod in a defined position corresponding to an installation position of the liftgate, and holding the in an open position or in an intermediate position above the installation position and placing the apparatus in the vehicle. After lowering the liftgate from the open position or intermediate position into the installation position, the coupling rod is connected to the hinge lever and then released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Knut Bartsch, Franz Sinseder, Manfred Schindler, Franz Binder, Jürgen Sendtner
  • Publication number: 20140023836
    Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. LYNCH, Robert C. ALLEN, Gregory J. WYSOCK
  • Publication number: 20140020298
    Abstract: A door system includes two bi-parting, center-opening, bi-directional door panels disposed for counter-rotating swinging movement in a doorway. An operator is coupled to the door panels via a synchronizing system such that the door panels may be selectively opened in either direction relative to the doorway, and closed in the opposite direction, and such that the door panels swing through substantially equal angular distances. The synchronizing system may include a linkage, among other systems, and the operator may include an electro-mechanical operator, a mechanical door closer with spring, or a hybrid of both. A person may effect an emergency breakout by manually using a single-motion, low-force push against one of the door panels to simultaneously open both door panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Kowalczyk, Frank Howard Luke, John Andrew Nurse, Vinay Namabhai Patel
  • Publication number: 20140021842
    Abstract: A door with a window for an appliance, such as a clothes dryer, and a method for assembling such a door in the appliance are provided. A tempered glass pane may be supported by one or more packaging structures disposed on borders of the glass pane. Each packaging structure may accommodate a retainer. The glass pane may be sandwiched between an inner frame and an outer frame coupled to one another to form a joined assembly effective to tightly seal the borders of the glass pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: MABE, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Najera Bernal, Roberto Perez Maza, Sergio Reyes Miranda
  • Publication number: 20140007505
    Abstract: A garage door opening module is disclosed, the module comprises a power unit having a rotatable output drive, an endless transmission drive adapted to transfer movement from the rotatable output drive to a door drive, and a sensor mechanism positioned along the endless transmission drive and adapted to sense a transmission drive slack, the sensor mechanism adapted to stop the power unit when a transmission drive slack displacement threshold is reached. A method for actuating a garage door and a sensor module for preventing movements of an assisted garage door are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: MICANAN SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Micanan Systems Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140007506
    Abstract: A barrier means suitable for use as a child safety gate, said barrier means including hinge means to allow the barrier means to be hingedly moved between a first closed position, wherein access past the barrier means is substantially prevented, and a second open position, wherein access past the barrier means is possible. User actuation means are provided on or associated with said hinge means, and actuation of said user actuation means allows said hinge means to be moved from a first engaged position to a second disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Tyler Huang
  • Patent number: 8621785
    Abstract: A method of assembling a z-bar extension member to a z-bar that negates the need for trimming the z-bar. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Larson Manufacturing Company of South Dakota, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Kibbel, Kelly Nordgaard
  • Publication number: 20140000166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a motorized flap, wherein the flap arrangement comprises a flap which may be a pivotable flap, a drive arrangement associated with the flap and a control arrangement associated with the drive arrangement, wherein the deflection of the flap is limited in at least one first direction of movement, by a mechanical end stop on the motor vehicle side, wherein the motorized flap movement in the first direction of movement is limited by means of the control arrangement by an end stop provided by control technology, in order to prevent the flap from running in a motorized manner in the first direction of movement into the mechanical end stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Groewe, Dirk Hellmich, Juergen Eggeling, Klaus Duenne
  • Publication number: 20130340347
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a glass assembly, a lift plate, and an actuator mechanism coupled with the glass assembly by the lift plate. The glass assembly has an aperture formed therethrough, and the actuator mechanism moves the glass assembly by applying a load at the aperture. A fastener may extend at least partially through the aperture from a shoulder at one side of the glass sheet to an end at an opposite side of the glass sheet. The window assembly may also include a coupling layer, such as an adhesive layer, between the fastener and the glass sheet. The window assembly can be constructed in a relatively compact configuration to save space within a vehicle door or panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Twork
  • Publication number: 20130340348
    Abstract: A glass run includes a forked outer lip, wherein: one interval between a base root and an intermediate part of the inner lip is swelled and curved toward an inner-cabin side wall side and another interval between the intermediate part and a top end is swelled and curved toward an outer-cabin side wall side; a displacement point is on the connecting wall side compared with a top end of the outer-attaching lip of the outer lip; and the door glass abuts the inner lip and slidably moves toward the top end side and an outer-cabin side surface of the door glass abuts the outer-attaching lip and the inner-attaching lip while an inner-cabin side surface of the door glass abuts the inner lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Toshifumi MATSUURA