Bipartite, Center Opening Patents (Class 49/366)
  • Patent number: 11976699
    Abstract: An access control system for restricting access through a passageway includes a shaft rotatable about a central axis; a barrier fixed to the shaft to rotate therewith; and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a sun gear rotatable about the central axis, a carrier, and a ring gear, wherein one of the carrier or the ring gear is fixed against rotation and the other of the carrier or ring gear is connected to the shaft to rotate therewith. A plurality of planet gears are rotatably connected to the carrier, each planet gear being disposed between and engaging with each of the sun gear and the ring gear. An electromagnetic brake comprises an electromagnet and an armature. The armature is connected to or integral with the sun gear to rotate and move axially therewith. At least one of the electromagnet or the armature is moveable between an operative position and an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: INTEGRATED DESIGN LIMITED
    Inventor: Derek Huff
  • Patent number: 11952824
    Abstract: A system for adjusting a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body including an adjusting device, a control device for controlling the adjusting device. The control device is configured to receive an operating command and control the adjusting device based on receiving the operating command, and a sensor device for detecting an object. The control device is configured to evaluate for the purpose of collision protection monitoring whether an operating command is received in a near area relative to the vehicle door via an operating device. For collision protection monitoring, the control device is configured to use a first recognition area in a first operating mode upon receiving an operating command via an operating device in the near area, and in a second operating mode to use a second recognition area different from the first recognition area when an operating command is not received in the near area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Wolfgang Uebel, Christian Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10927574
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a tailgate arranged pivotably on a body. The tailgate in a closed position closes a cargo space opening of the body at the rear and in an open position at least partially exposes the cargo space opening. A tailgate latch locks the closed position of the tailgate and has a closing element and a locking mechanism interacting with the closing element in the closed position. In order to make available a variable cargo space size, in which an open position of the tailgate can be secured, a support arm is pivotably articulated with one end between a rest position, in which the support arm is immovably secured, and a functional position, in which the support arm pivots in the direction of the locking mechanism, and is capable of being fixed with another end to the locking mechanism by an actuation of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Igor Fischbein, James Neugebauer, Torsten Gerhardt, Bruce Southey
  • Patent number: 10843504
    Abstract: A pencil-centering assembly for use in pencil sharpeners or the like that includes a frame; a linking member rotatably mounted within the frame; a plurality of pencil contact levers, wherein each contact lever includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of each pencil contact lever is adapted to engage the linking member, wherein the bottom portion of each pencil contact lever, in combination with the other pencil contact levers, defines a pencil insertion aperture having a center axis, and wherein the bottom portion of each pencil contact lever extends in to the pencil insertion aperture to about the same distance; and at least one biasing member in contact with the linking member, wherein the biasing member exerts force on each pencil contact lever by way of the linking member sufficient to bias each pencil contact lever toward the center axis of the pencil insertion aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Sanford L.P.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10309714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a side-by-side refrigerator. The side-by-side refrigerator include a refrigerator body, the interior of the refrigerator body being provided with a refrigerating compartment; a first door body and a second door body, and the first door body and the second door body are respectively arranged on the refrigerator body to jointly open and close the refrigerating compartment, the first door body is provided with a first door seal, and the second door body is provided with a second door seal, and a door body locking assembly, and the first door body and the second door body are locked by the door body locking assembly when the refrigerating compartment is closed, and the first door seal and the second door seal jointly seal a gap between the first door body and the second door body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignees: HEFEI HUALING CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xianghua Jin, Xuezai Zheng
  • Patent number: 9644748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal for a sawing machine (1) for separating electronic components (12), comprising: an elongate form-retaining holder (20,22), a flexible, elongate expandable body (8,9)and a pressure source (24) for a medium, wherein the elongate expandable body (8,9) is provided with a strengthened elongate edge (21) which lies clear of the form-retaining holder (20,22) The invention also relates to a sawing machine (1) for separating electronic components (12) provided with such a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Besi Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Hermans, Lambertus Franciscus Wilhelmus Van Haren, Gerardus Hermanus Johannes Reulink
  • Patent number: 9476240
    Abstract: A double door coordinator includes a release mechanism mounted in a body fixed in a door frame. A restraining mechanism is operably connected to the release mechanism. An actuation mechanism is pivotably connected to the body, is restrained by the restraining mechanism, and includes a buffering spring. When the inactive door is in a non-closed position, the restraining mechanism restrains the actuation mechanism to prevent the active door from pivoting to the closed position. When the inactive door is in the closed position, the release mechanism actuates the restraining mechanism to a position not hindering movement of the actuation mechanism, permitting the active door to pivot to the closed position. When the active door pivots towards the closed position under action of a large force, the buffering spring absorbs a portion of the large force to reduce damage to the double door coordinator and the active door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Wei-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9243807
    Abstract: An oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a pair of doors and a pair of flanges. Each flange of the pair of flanges is mounted to a respective one of the pair of doors. The flanges engage and overlap each other when the pair of doors is in a closed position and include features for limiting wear between the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Mark Chilton, Stephen Bernard Froelicher, Scott Thomas Kershner, Joshua Stephen Wiseman, John Adam Yantis
  • Patent number: 8893914
    Abstract: A temporary sealed double-door junction device, for temporarily communicating a controlled-environment chamber with a controlled-environment removable container having a flexible wall, includes a female flange normally blocked by a female door, forming an assembly for the chamber, and a male flange normally blocked by a male door, forming an assembly for the container, wherein the male flange is to be sealingly coupled to the female flange, and the male door is to be sealingly coupled to the female door and to pass through the female flange. A shaft passes through the male door at a central portion thereof, wherein, on the side of the surface to be joined with the female door, an impeller having at least two blades is mounted by rigid attachment onto the shaft, and on the side of the opposite surface, a crank having at least two arms is mounted by rigid attachment onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lourd 'Innov SAS
    Inventors: Bernard Saint Martin, Claude Imbert
  • 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: 20140007508
    Abstract: The present invention is a pair of oven doors attached to an oven that include a first oven door with a first top facing, the first oven door is attached to a first side of an oven's opening and a second oven door with a second top facing, the second oven door is attached to a second side of the oven's opening. The pair of side hinges each swingably attaches the first oven door to the first side and the second oven door to the second side and a pair of handles are each disposed on the first top facing and the second top facing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: John Bourque
  • Patent number: 8607505
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for a vehicle having independently opening and closing closure panels, such as first and second doors, which are hinged to a vehicle body with opposing hinges. The sealing assembly has a first seal that is mounted to the vehicle body to substantially surround a continuous door opening, and has a first membrane portion that extends over a first portion of the cutline. A second seal is mounted to a surface of the first door that faces the first membrane portion when the first door is closed. A third seal is mounted to a surface of the second door that faces the first membrane portion when the second door is closed. The first membrane portion is configured to be movable toward the closed first and second doors into contact with the second and third seals to seal the first portion of the cutline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Imad F. Bazzi, Ronald P. McKenney, James S. Netherland, III, Raymond R. Lipowski
  • Patent number: 8601743
    Abstract: A side hung and bottom hung double-opening window includes a first casement, a handle, a first top-link hinge and a first down hinge, a first angle-turning device, a second casement, a second top-link hinge and a second down hinge, a second angle-turning device, a latch block, a sliding piece, and a latch piece. The window can realize side hung and bottom hung double-opening, thus providing the user with other options to open it. Furthermore, the window has a smaller size and a higher reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Guangdong Kin Long Hardware Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baokun Bai
  • Patent number: 8595980
    Abstract: A door coordinator includes a base fixed to a mounting face of a door frame to which inactive and active doors are pivotably mounted. A pivotal member includes an axle pivotably mounted to the base. A first arm extends from an end of the axle. A shorter second arm is formed on the other end of the axle. A buffering wheel and a guiding wheel are rotatably mounted to the first and second arms, respectively. A pressing bolt is threadedly engaged in a screw hole in a rear end of the second arm. The pressing bolt is rotatable relative to the second arm to adjust a length of an exposed section of the pressing bolt outside of the screw hole, such that a height of each of the buffering wheel and the guiding wheel in a vertical direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the axle can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8522479
    Abstract: A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to a passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Masonite International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor T. Massey, Kevin Hall
  • Publication number: 20130186003
    Abstract: A laser barrier system for an optical table includes a plurality of laser barrier panels hingeably mounted to the edge of the table by a plurality of spaced hinge brackets. The hinge brackets include a horizontal flange secured to the surface of the table, a lower pivot support extending downwardly from the flange and an upper support column extending upwardly from the flange. Each hinge bracket supports a vertically extending jamb member secured to the upper support column. Each laser barrier panel is hingeably supported by pivot pins between a pair of spaced hinge brackets and their associated jamb members, and is hingeably movable about the pivot pins between a closed position and an open position. Each laser barrier panel is maintained in the closed position by a spaced pair of rotatable latch tabs that selectively engage with the adjacent jamb members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Sean Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130000205
    Abstract: A closure includes a panel closing against a frame. A set of abutment surfaces for supporting the panel against applied forces is completed by a displaceable abutment block which selectively assumes an engaged state disposed between an abutment surface of the panel and an abutment surface of a strike jamb. The geometry of engagement is such that forces acting on the abutment block opposing opening of the panel are primarily compressive forces. Certain implementations additionally, or alternatively, employ abutment blocks for locking along the lintel or the threshold of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DAZ RAZ LTD.
    Inventors: Dan RAZ, Zeev GEVA, Amir RAZ, Yaniv MARMUR
  • Publication number: 20120285096
    Abstract: A spring-loaded door device that fastens to the front of a server rack in order to prevent airflow from exiting through an unfilled space in the server rack. An equipment module can then be inserted through the spring-loaded door device and mounted to the server rack. When the equipment module is removed from the server rack, the spring-loaded door of the present invention closes to prevent airflow from exiting through the unfilled space in the server rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Green
  • Publication number: 20120285095
    Abstract: A door assembly for an equipment rack. A unitary frame includes an upper horizontal member, a left-hand vertical member, and a right-hand vertical member. A left-hand door is pivotally mounted on the left-hand vertical member for movement between an open position, in which equipment is accessible through a left-hand portion of the frame, and a closed position, in which access to equipment through the left-hand portion is blocked by the left-hand door. A right-hand door is pivotally mounted on the right-hand vertical member for movement between an open position, in which equipment is accessible through a right-hand portion of the frame, and a closed position, in which access to equipment through the right-hand portion is blocked by the right-hand door. A locking mechanism locks the left-hand door and the right-hand door in their respective closed positions, thereby blocking access to the equipment through the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Dale Bart Clark, JR., Robert James Trimble
  • Patent number: 8292383
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body, a first door and a second door, where one of their edges is fixed to the opposite side of the opening of the body, and a beam which is joined to one edge of the first door which is opposite the fixed edge of the door. The beam can be pivoted by a guiding projection which can be displaced in a guiding groove on the edge of the opening, between a position when the first door is closed, in which one edge of the second door, which is opposite the fixed edge of said door, is applied to the beam, and a position when the first door is open, wherein the beam can pass to the closed second door. The guiding projection can be displaced in relation to the first door in the direction of the pivotable axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: BSG Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 8291642
    Abstract: A first movable barrier operator is actuated in order to move a first movable barrier to a first predetermined position via a first movement and according to a first operating characteristic. A second operating characteristic is selected for moving a second movable barrier to a second predetermined position via a second movement. The second operating characteristic is chosen so that the second movement of the second movable barrier to the second predetermined position does not interfere with the first movement of the first movable barrier to the first predetermined position. A second movable barrier operator is actuated to move the second movable barrier to the second predetermined position via the second movement according to the second operating characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Jason Jankovsky
  • Patent number: 8252156
    Abstract: Electrode containers and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, an electrode container includes sides and a top, and the top includes an opening adapted to receive a rod of an electrode. A plurality of flexible members are interconnected about the perimeter of the opening, wherein at least some of the plurality of flexible members overlap with one another. In one embodiment, a method includes removing an electrode from a metal electrolysis cell and placing the electrode into a container, where the placing step includes the steps of engaging at least one lever of a top flap of the container with a surface of the electrode and, concomitant to the engaging step, moving the top flap from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dumont, Giovanni Pucella
  • Publication number: 20120145715
    Abstract: A temporary sealed double-door junction device, for temporarily communicating a controlled-environment chamber with a controlled-environment removable container having a flexible wall, includes a female flange normally blocked by a female door, forming an assembly for the chamber, and a male flange normally blocked by a male door, forming an assembly for the container, wherein the male flange is to be sealingly coupled to the female flange, and the male door is to be sealingly coupled to the female door and to pass through the female flange. A shaft passes through the male door at a central portion thereof, wherein, on the side of the surface to be joined with the female door, an impeller having at least two blades is mounted by rigid attachment onto the shaft, and on the side of the opposite surface, a crank having at least two arms is mounted by rigid attachment onto the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Saint Martin, Claude Imbert
  • Patent number: 8171672
    Abstract: A removable teeter lever and gear assembly arrangement (100) for use with a pneumatic cylinder/differential engine for operating vehicle doors. The arrangement comprises a teeter lever (16), which is associated with the vehicle doors, a gear assembly (17) having a toothed portion and an output shaft (20) extending therethrough, and at least one securing member for removably securing and/or retaining the teeter lever (16) and the gear (17) on the output shaft (20). The securing member comprises at least one retention key (18a, 19a) which allows the arrangement to be easily disassembled for maintenance and/or replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Gennady Plavnik, David C. Griffis, Michael O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20110308161
    Abstract: A fire shutter for protecting an opening 10, such as a window 12, having one or more (typically two) fire resistant panels 20 and 21. The panels are hinged along a horizontal portion of the opening such that at least one of the panels can be utilised as an awning when open. The panel(s) have an insulating core that typically provides thermal insulation from the elements and increases fire resistance from fires (such as bushfires) to provide a fire rated shutter that meets the highest building fire standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: COX ARCHITECTS PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Leonard Cox, Gregory Donald Chapman
  • Publication number: 20110304252
    Abstract: A door module for a refrigerated case includes a central panel with a peripheral flange. A first panel is disposed on one side of the central panel and is supported by the flange. A second panel is disposed on another side of the central panel and is supported by the flange. A first seal is disposed between the first side of the flange and the first panel, and a second seal is disposed between the second side of the flange and the second panel. A channel with a desiccant material is disposed within the flange. A first opening extends from the channel to a first space between the first panel and the central panel, and a second opening extends from the channel to a second space between the second panel and the central panel. A frame is coupled to the flange and overlaps the first and second panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Steven O. Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 8006435
    Abstract: A safety gate system having an electronic display for seamless integration into a barrier with electronic display capabilities. The safety gate system includes a post and a gate hinged to the post. The gate face and post carry electronic display modules which appear when the gate is closed, as continuous with and seamlessly integrated into the display of the barrier. Preferably, the hinges are four-bar hinges, most preferably two sets of paired four-bar hinges. The safety gate also includes a lower chase or sill which allows both signal wiring and power to pass under the gate. Braced rear legs compensate for the cantilever forces of the gates when open. A latch, preferably an electromagnetic latch, auto-releases in response to a pre-set sufficient force level, such as arising crowd surge forces, being applied to the gate, as well as being remotely releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay C. DeBlonk, Kent Shane Miller, Douglas John Criddle
  • Patent number: 8006436
    Abstract: A pair of interlocking bi-parting sliding doors includes a first sliding door and a second sliding door, wherein the first sliding door has a first meeting stile that includes a first side portion for maintaining a door glass panel and a first mating side portion for engaging the second sliding door, wherein the first mating side portion includes a plurality of recessed zones, and wherein the second sliding door has a second meeting stile that includes a second side portion for maintaining a door glass panel and a second mating side portion for engaging the first mating side portion of the first sliding door, wherein the second mating side portion includes a plurality of extensions, wherein when the first sliding door and the second sliding door are in a closed position, the plurality of extensions interlock with the plurality of recessed zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle A. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7905058
    Abstract: A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to the passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Masonite International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor T. Massey, Kevin Hall
  • Publication number: 20110056138
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle body including a frame having a first boundary and a second boundary. A first door and a second door with first and second ends are pivotably coupled to the first boundary and the second boundary, respectively, of the frame. The second door includes an end panel at its second end, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the first door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the first door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: David Kovie
  • Patent number: 7823331
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a side-by-side or French style door on a refrigerator in which the sealing gasket is supported on a gasket carrier and pivotably coupled to a base member adapted to be secured along the medial vertical edge of a refrigerator door. A set of magnets are supported by the gasket carrier opposite the gasket. These magnets are arranged such that similar poles are adjacent one another when the doors are in the closed position. The magnets provide a repelling force which operates to rotate the gaskets into sealing engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Holm Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Linkmeyer, Michael J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7819465
    Abstract: A door system includes a vehicle frame defining a door opening. A forward opening door is disposed in the door opening and has a forward edge hingedly connected to a forward support pillar and a rearward edge securely engageable with an intermediate support pillar. A rearward opening door is disposed in the door opening and has a rearward edge hingedly connected to a rearward support pillar and a forward edge securely engageable with the intermediate support pillar. A latching system has frame latches that removably attach the intermediate support pillar to the vehicle frame and door latches that removably connect the intermediate support pillar to one of the forward opening door and rearward opening door, such that the intermediate support pillar is connected to one or more of the vehicle frame, forward opening door, and rearward opening door at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Nicholas Alexander Elliott, Jason Falenski
  • Patent number: 7814897
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes first and second French-style doors connected through a door linkage system. The door linkage system includes first and second control arms, each including a first end linked to a corresponding one of the first and second doors and a second end. The second ends of the first and second control arms are interconnected and mounted so as to travel in an arcuate path when one of the doors is operated. Shifting one of the first and second doors in an open or closed direction results in a corresponding movement in the other door. The first and second control arms are actually interconnected to a linkage control arm that establishes a particular timing of the doors. The door linkage system also employs a camming surface, cam follower and spring element that provides a biasing force to the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20080104891
    Abstract: A closure system for a trough comprising a first closure member and a second closure member, the first closure member being movable between a closed position, where it closes against the perimeter of a first opening in the bottom of a trough and an open position where it retracts to a position away from contact with the perimeter of the first opening, the second closure member being movable between a closed position where it closes against the perimeter of a second opening in an opposite side of the bottom of the trough and an open position where it retracts to a position away from contact with the perimeter of the second opening, and first and second controllers operable to move the first closure member and second closure member respectively between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Toby Adam Lennox Day
  • Patent number: 7367159
    Abstract: A sliding door for selectively opening and closing an opening. The door comprises a first guide track defining a first linear guide path and a second guide track defining a second linear guide path. The second guide track is spaced from the first guide track. The door further comprises a door panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The door panel is adapted to translate laterally relative to the opening between a closed position and an open position. A first portion of the door panel is attached to the first guide track and a second portion of the door panel is attached to the second guide track. The door moves vertically as the door is translated from the open position to the closed position as rollers engage recesses positioned on the first and second guide tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Rytec Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Delgado, Arno Klein, Louis B. Mueller, Mark Semmann
  • Patent number: 7275770
    Abstract: An apparatus to interlock a multi-door enclosure includes an actuating member slidably mountable to the enclosure between a primary door and a secondary door. The actuating member includes a first end extendable through an opening in a door post between the primary door and the secondary door. The apparatus includes a latching member slidably mounted to the actuating member and extending over a second end of the actuating member to engage a portion of the secondary door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Anteneh Guebre-Tsadik, Robert Martin Kalstabakken, Joseph David Ricke, Dean Jerome Bergerson
  • Patent number: 7232012
    Abstract: An elevator shaft door having a door panel composed of a front wall and rear wall, which walls are connected together by a thermally releasable material, wherein at least a part of the closing edge of the respective door panels consists of a profile member that is formed by the back wall or thermally non-detachably fastened to the back wall. In the case of a fire, the back wall separates from the front wall through release of the thermally releasable material, wherein the front wall curves by heat effect while the back wall with the closing edge retains the original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Josef A. Muff, Peter A. Spiess, Jules Christen
  • Patent number: 7140154
    Abstract: An astragal boot provides a substantially weatherproof seal at a lower end of a vertically elongated astragal installed on the free side edge or stile of a semi-active door in a double door entry set or the like. The astragal boot includes at least one and preferably multiple compliant fins for engaging an underlying threshold, when the semi-active door is in a closed position, to provide an effective barrier against penetration of wind and water. In the preferred form, the astragal boot further supports and retains adjacent ends of complaint weatherstripping mounted on the astragal and/or the bottom edge of the door. The astragal boot may be provided in a non-handed configuration for reversible mounting on a left-hand or right-hand installed semi-active door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: W & F Manufacturing
    Inventors: Bernard C. Governale, Paul D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 7059084
    Abstract: An automated garage door opener for opening an outwardly swinging door pivotally mounted about a vertical axis. The garage door opener includes a track, a trolley slidably mounted on the track, and at least one push bar having a first end and a second end. The push bar pivotally couples with the trolley at the first end and with the outwardly swinging door at the second end. A trolley coupling is provided for pivotally connecting the first end of the at least one push bar with the trolley. A door coupling for pivotally connecting the second end of the least one push bar with the outwardly swinging door is also provided. The door coupling is mountable on the outwardly swinging door. The push bar includes a spring biased slip joint for automatically adjusting the length of the push bar as the door opener is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph E. Hoskeer
  • Patent number: 6968657
    Abstract: Sections of extruded rigid plastics material form a rectangular main frame including a pair of vertical jamb members, a top head member and a bottom sill member connected by welded mitered corners. An extruded plastic astragal member is spaced between the jamb members and has laterally projecting stop portions and internal walls which are rigidly connected by long screws to the head and sill members. A fixed door panel and a pivotal door panel have extruded plastic rectangular frames with welded mitered corner joints and which surround corresponding glazing panels. A continuous gear hinge has an inactive leaf secured to the astragal member and a slightly shorter active leaf. The door panel frames have internal walls which cooperate with the welded corner joints to maintain each frame flat, and long screws positively connect the leaves of the gear hinge to the pivotal door panel frame and the astragal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Siudzinski, Jonathan C. Hauberg, David A. Stammen, Donald F. Schmidt, Dennis D. Cox
  • Patent number: 6912812
    Abstract: A side sliding door apparatus for an electric railcar includes a side sliding door suspended from a horizontal door rail with a C-shape cross-section. The side sliding door is capable of moving freely via a door roller, and a gap is formed between the door roller and a ceiling of the door rail. A guide roller with a smaller diameter than that of the door roller is provided adjacent to the door roller. A gap between the guide roller and the ceiling of the door rail is set to be smaller than that between the door roller and the ceiling of the door rail. Preferably, a gap adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting the gap between the guide roller and the ceiling of the door rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Inage
  • Patent number: 6877278
    Abstract: A door closing arrangement includes a first door closer for closing a first door leaf, the first door closer being positioned on the opposite side of the first door leaf from the its hinge, and a second door closer for closing a second door leaf. The distal end of the pull arm of the first door closer moves along a guide member in a direction towards the second edge of the door frame during movement of the first door leaf from a fully open position to a partially closed position and moves along the guide member in a direction towards the first edge of the door frame during movement of the first door leaf from the partially closed position to a fully closed position. The distal end of the second pull arm move along the guide member during closing of the second door leaf at least initially in a direction towards the first edge of the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventors: Vesa Kärkkäinen, Timo Tallus
  • Patent number: 6799395
    Abstract: A horizontal door assembly is provided using a gas spring as a lifting mechanism for the door leaf. A special bracket having a number of pivot pin openings is employed to rotatably couple the gas spring to the door frame, whereby different lifting forces can be applied to the door by the user of the door by adjusting the position of the gas spring in the bracket. A brace is also provided to support the bracket and gas spring to enhance operation of the door. A resilient material such as EPDM is used to decelerate movement of the door leaf to the open position and provide a stable door leaf when in the open position. Sections of the door assembly are provided with screw studs to facilitate on-site construction and packaging and shipping of the door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: The Bilco Company
    Inventors: Gary P. Dabrowski, Roger F. Joyce
  • Patent number: 6772480
    Abstract: A window sash (3) is mounted on a stationary frame (2) so as to be only rotatable about a horizontal axis but not tiltable using a lower corner bearing (5) such as is also used for turning-tilting fittings, and using an upper hinge bearing (9), which is connected to the sash via a support arm (11). The support arm (11) is sufficiently flexible in the vertical direction in order to be able to follow the vertical adjustment movements of the sash which are carried out at the corner bearing (5). Using a guide part (29a) engaging in the rabbet groove of the sash (3), the support arm (11) is guided vertically and is supported against motions perpendicular to the sash plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ferco International Ferrures et Serrures de Batiment
    Inventors: Gérard Prevot, Sylvain Klespert
  • Publication number: 20040134128
    Abstract: A door system for a cold storage locker has increased resistance to damage when by including resilient door panels that flex when hit by a forklift. A high degree of insulation is achieved by the choice and thickness of the resilient foams therein. Also, the resilient door panels are magnetically attracted to a gasket seal on a doorframe to provide an affirmative seal. Active magnetic control may enhance the attraction or repulsion of the door panel. Frost control is realized by warming air from the cold storage locker and passing it through air channels in the door panel proximate to the gasket seal and down an astragal interface between door panels. Door panels of laminate, bagged poured foam formation, and self-skinning foam formation give further reduced cost of manufacture and shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Jamison Door Company
    Inventors: Curtis L. Berry, William B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6742302
    Abstract: A closure sequence controller for a pair of first and second door leaves pivotable with respect to a door frame includes an elongate guide rail for mounting to the door frame, a first elongate sliding bar positioned in the guide rail and functionally connected to the first door leaf in a manner such that the first sliding bar moves in response to pivotal movement of the first door leaf relative to the door frame, and a sequence control unit installed in the guide rail and functionally connected to the first sliding bar. The sequence control unit includes a lock body structure defining a chamber through which the first sliding bar extends and having a guiding surface that is inclined with respect to the first sliding bar. A blocking member is located in the chamber and movable therein longitudinally of the first sliding bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventor: Vesa Kärkkäinen
  • Patent number: 6694676
    Abstract: A center-matched double hinged door assembly for a vehicle having a continuous side aperture at each of opposite side of a vehicle body comprises a front door hinged at a rear end to the vehicle body, a rear door hinged at a front end to the vehicle body, and a door lock/unlock mechanism operative to prevent the rear door from opening prior to the front door while the front door remains closed, to allow the rear door to open while the front door remains open and to allow the rear door to close irrespective of whether the front door remains open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Company
    Inventors: Toshinori Sakamoto, Yoshio Fukushima, Tomoo Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20030221370
    Abstract: A device for urging a door into a first position includes a spring apparatus (16) including a winding drum (22) having a conical outer peripheral surface (27) and a torsional spring (24) for imparting a relatively constant urging force to a cable 23 secured to the door in the direction of the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Hideki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20030110696
    Abstract: A door suspension system includes a rail support attachable to a crosspiece of a door and having a part shaped as a rigid substantially flat plate that supports a rail. A pair of brackets, each having a connector, are attached to support block having an opening in which the rail is partially received. The connectors have a substantially C-profile embracing the flat plate and the rail. A support strip is attached to the connectors and is provided with a connection device for suspending the door of an elevator. A magnetic way is attached to the plate and an elongated primary of a linear motor is attached to the strip in such a manner that the attraction force between the magnetic way and the primary cancels at least partially the weight of the door. The door suspension system further includes a bearing of substantially cylindrical shape with an axial recess. The bearing is mounted in the opening of the support block to guide the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Rennetaud, Tian Zhou
  • Patent number: 6564510
    Abstract: A closure sequence controller for a double door arrangement in which the double door arrangement is provided with a first door closer and a first pull arm for closing a first door leaf and with a second door closer and a second pull arm for closing a second door leaf. A guide rail guides the distal ends of the pull arms relative to the door closers. The closure sequence controller includes a connection piece for transmitting a pulling force from the distal end of the first pull arm to the closure sequence controller. The closure sequence controller prevents movement of the distal end of the second pull arm in the guide rail past the closure sequence controller until the distal end of the first pull arm has exerted the pulling force on the closure sequence controller through the connection piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventors: Harri Juntunen, Vesa Kärkkäinen