Motor Driven Patents (Class 49/280)
  • Patent number: 11680430
    Abstract: A linear drive assembly for use with a vehicle including a vehicle body and a closure. The linear drive assembly may include a stationary portion and a translating portion. The translating portion may include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion may be configured to pivot and translate about a vehicle attachment member. The second end portion may be configured to pivot and translate about a closure attachment member and be coupled to a cable operatively coupled to an actuator. When the second end translates about the closure attachment member, the cable may be pulled to actuate the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: David Rosales
  • Patent number: 11499350
    Abstract: A system is used to control access into a vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a vehicle exterior, and an access opening. The vehicle also has an access door for selectively covering and uncovering at least a portion of the access opening. The system includes a latch configured to selectively fasten the door to the vehicle body and release the door therefrom. The system also includes a cable configured to operate the latch and thereby release the door from the vehicle body. The system additionally includes a door presenter configured to shift the door away from the vehicle body. The system also includes a mechanism configured to sequentially actuate the cable and the door presenter. The system further includes an electric motor configured to power the mechanism such that the door is shifted away from the vehicle body by the door presenter after the door is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Besi Rrumbullaku, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Jeffrey R. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 11477941
    Abstract: A conditioner unit (6) for conditioning an agricultural crop material comprises a pair of rolls (20a, 20b) configured for rotation in opposite directions and providing a nip (22) through which crop material passes. An adjusting mechanism (31) is provided for adjusting a pressing force applied by the rolls (20a, 20b) to the crop material as it passes through the nip. The adjusting mechanism (31) includes at least one hydraulic actuator (30) connected to at least one of the rolls (20a, 20b) and a hydraulic circuit (33) that supplies hydraulic fluid to the actuator (30), the hydraulic circuit being configured so that in a first operational mode the rolls (20a, 20b) are pressed towards one another and in a second operational mode the rolls (20a, 20b) are pushed apart to provide a gap between the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: KVERNELAND GROUP KERTEMINDE AS
    Inventor: Martin Bode Mortensen
  • Patent number: 11466499
    Abstract: A manipulator for controlling a locking function and a maneuvering function of an access member rotatably coupled to a frame is disclosed. The manipulator includes an actuator configured to provide a substantially linear first actuating movement in a first direction and a substantially linear second actuating movement in a second direction, opposite to the first direction; a latch bolt functionally coupled to the actuator, the latch bolt arranged to move to an unlocking position in response to movement of the actuator in the first direction and arranged to move to a locking position in response to movement of the actuator in the second direction; and a transmission mechanism functionally coupled to the actuator, the transmission mechanism configured to transmit the first actuating movement in the first direction provided by the actuator to an opening movement of the access member. An access member, a system and a method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AB
    Inventor: Lars Elsmark
  • Patent number: 11286702
    Abstract: A power drive module for a vehicle power door includes a housing, a drive mechanism arranged in the housing and configured to move a drive element, and a brake assembly arranged in the housing. The brake assembly includes a brake ring operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. A brake band is wrapped about the brake ring and movable between a normally engaged position relative to the brake ring and a disengaged position relative to the brake ring. A brake release actuator is operatively connected to the brake band and configured to move the brake band between the engaged and disengaged positions with the brake ring in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: Kelsey Dale Krushel, Balathas Nagamany, Victor Gusev, Andrew Peter Marangoni
  • Patent number: 11261644
    Abstract: A hinged-panel opening and closing system includes: an anchor designed to be located on a hinged panel; a gear motor designed to be located on a supporting structure; and a movement-enabling component capable of angularly displacing the hinged panel relative to a receiving structure. The movement-enabling component includes: (a) a movement-enabling shaft located on the supporting structure and, at one shaft end, coupled to the gear motor; (b) a spindle located on supporting structure and coupled to the movement-enabling shaft; and (c) a linear element attaching, at a first end, to the spindle and attaching, at a second end, to the anchor such that said linear element extends between the spindle and the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Jon Erwin Eccleston
  • Patent number: 11220853
    Abstract: A door presenter with a toothed clutch includes an extensible member that is controllable by a motor. The extensible member is driven by a lead screw, which is rotated by the motor via the toothed clutch to translate the extensible member. The toothed clutch includes a coupling disk and a coupling lever. The coupling disk is rotationally fixed to the lead screw, and the coupling lever is rotationally fixed to a drive gear driven by the motor. An axial load applied to the extensible member toward the toothed clutch causes rotation of the lead screw and coupling disk when the load exceeds a clutch disengagement threshold. The clutch will reengage after further relative rotation of the coupling disk and the coupling lever, which may occur in response to rotation of the lead screw or rotation of the coupling lever caused by actuation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES, INC.
    Inventor: Francesco Cumbo
  • Patent number: 11142937
    Abstract: An opening and closing device includes an upper arm and a lower arm spaced apart in an up-and-down direction and extend between a vehicle door and a vehicle body, a connecting member configured to connect a first end portion of the upper arm and a first end portion of the lower arm, a body-side upper hinge and a body-side lower hinge attached to the vehicle body so as to be spaced apart in the up-and-down direction and support the connecting member rotatably, a door-side upper hinge attached to an inner panel of the vehicle door to support a second end portion of the upper arm rotatably, and a door-side lower hinge attached to the inner panel of the vehicle door to support a second end portion of the lower arm rotatably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Kaburaki, Naoya Seto
  • Patent number: 11098504
    Abstract: A vehicle closure system for use with a vehicle closure is provided. The vehicle closure may be pivotally coupled to a vehicle body and movable from an open position to a closed position by a spindle assembly. The vehicle closure system may include a controller configured to, responsive to the vehicle closure moving to the closed position, powering the spindle assembly to retract a slide connected to a latch by a cable so that the latch moves from a secondary latch position to a primary latch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Wuppertal
    Inventors: Kim Taylor, Andrew Lakerdas, Mark Farrugia
  • Patent number: 11072960
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator which allows a user to easily open the doors of the refrigerator. To achieve the aforementioned purpose, provided according to one embodiment of the present invention can be a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having storage chambers; doors for opening/closing the storage chambers; and door opening devices operating so as for the doors to open, wherein the door opening devices comprise: a motor provided so as to generate a driving force; and a rack provided in a direction diagonal to the front side of the cabinet, wherein the rack is moved in the lengthwise direction thereof by the drive of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sunghun Lee, Dongjeong Kim
  • Patent number: 10968667
    Abstract: A method and to a device for impinging on a motor vehicle door in the sense of a deceleration, in particular for avoiding collisions. There is at least one sensor assigned to the motor vehicle door. Furthermore, as a function of signals from the sensor, the control unit actuates the locking device for locking the motor vehicle door. The locking device applies a preferably variable braking torque to the motor vehicle door, taking into account a braking start predetermined by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Nottebaum, Markus Berghahn
  • Patent number: 10958147
    Abstract: A magnetically continuous winding includes a first coil and at least one additional coil substantially fixed in place in at least one direction with respect to a position of the first coil. A core formed by a resin is applied to the first coil and the at least one additional coil to substantially bind the first coil and the at least one additional coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James Dorris, Andrew Doyle, Brogan Bambrogan, Joshua Giegel
  • Patent number: 10858874
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a housing, a sensor, a door, and a primary actuator. The sensor is disposed within the housing. The door is supported by the housing and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The sensor is exposed when the door is in the open position. The primary actuator is operable to (i) apply a first force on the door to move the door from the closed position to the open position and (ii) apply a second force on the door to move the door from the closed position to the open position when the first force does not move the door into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Lynn D. Da Deppo, Ehab Kamal, Steve Bauer, David Newkirk, Jeffrey Root
  • Patent number: 10822844
    Abstract: An actuator for a latch is provided, the actuator having: a motor operatively coupled to a gear train; and a sector gear pivotally mounted to the actuator and operatively coupled to the gear train, wherein rotational movement of the sector gear is translated into linear movement of a link operatively coupled to the sector gear and wherein linear movement of the link causes a linear movement of a portion of a lock lever operatively coupled to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Milne, John Rice, Donald M. Perkins, Ian Dow
  • Patent number: 10767413
    Abstract: A motor drive device for moving a vehicle sliding door is provided. The device includes an electric motor, a force transmission mechanism operationally connectable to the vehicle sliding door and the electric motor to transmit a drive force provided by the motor to the sliding door, sensors at least for determining an instantaneous position of the vehicle sliding door, an electronic control unit for activating at least the motor, and a shift clutch coupled to the force transmission mechanism and couplable to the motor for load-independent coupling of the motor to the force transmission mechanism. The control unit, in the event of application of a sufficient force to the sliding door during a power-driven movement, either elevates a speed of the vehicle sliding door by elevating the transmitted drive force or decouples the force transmission mechanism and the motor with the shift clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jochen Klingbeil
  • Patent number: 10745883
    Abstract: A dipper door trip assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door pivotally coupled to the dipper, a linkage assembly including a sliding latch bar disposed at least partially in the dipper door, and a latch keeper coupled to the dipper. The latch keeper includes a roller that engages and disengages the latch bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Matthew L. Gross, Richard L. Nicoson
  • Patent number: 10472874
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated gate assembly, and a kit for making the assembly are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Bonnie Bergeron
  • Patent number: 10464400
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a door frame coupled to a vehicle frame at a hinge. A door operating mechanism is coupled to the door and vehicle frames for applying rotational force to the door frame about the hinge. The door operating mechanism including external cogs of an inner gear that mesh with inner cogs of an outer gear and a single oblong bearing that biases the inner gear in partial engagement with the outer gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, John Wayne Jaranson
  • Patent number: 10435925
    Abstract: A sliding door controller device may include an inside handle disposed inside a sliding door; a hold open latch release lever disposed to rotate around a hinge, having a first bent portion formed outside the hinge, and disposed to rotate to one side around the hinge by the first bent portion pushed by the inside handle; and an inside handle lever disposed to rotate around the hinge, having a second bent portion formed outside the hinge, and disposed to rotate to the other side around the hinge by the second bent portion pushed by the inside handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jung Hoon Park, Donggun Jeong
  • Patent number: 10400485
    Abstract: A drive control apparatus includes an opening-and-closing body. A first driver drives the opening-and-closing body in a closing direction. A second driver moves the opening-and-closing body from a half-latched position to a fully-latched position. A fully-latched detector detects that the opening-and-closing body has reached the fully-latched position. A stop detector detects whether a predetermined stopping condition has been satisfied for stopping the driving of the opening-and-closing body in the closing direction. A drive controller is configured to drive the opening-and-closing body via the first driver in the closing direction. Upon the fully-latched detector detecting that the opening-and-closing body has reached the fully-latched position, the second driver ends operation and the first driver continues to drive the opening-and-closing body in the closing direction until the stop detector detects that the predetermined stopping condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Kurita, Kenta Ikenori
  • Patent number: 10378263
    Abstract: A power swing door actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing rigidly fixed to the swing door, a motor mounted to the housing, a connector link having a first end pivotably coupled to the vehicle body portion and a second end pivotably coupled to a drive nut of a spindle drive mechanism. A leadscrew of the spindle drive mechanism is rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement between the drive nut and the leadscrew which, in turn, results in pivoting movement of the connector link while the vehicle door swings between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventor: Vadym Podkopayev
  • Patent number: 10377566
    Abstract: A trash collection assembly may include a dumpster housing which may house therein a dumpster to provide a more desirable aesthetic appeal. A garbage truck may be configured to lift the dumpster out of the dumpster housing without the need for the garbage truck driver to get out of the truck. A cover of the dumpster may open and close automatically respectively during the removal of the dumpster from the housing and return of the dumpster to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Red Letter Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony F. Mullet, Bryan S. Mullet, Joshua A. Mullet, James S. Arnold
  • Patent number: 10301863
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle side door motor includes an upper hinge element configured for receiving a side door motor drive shaft and a motor mounting bracket configured to receive the side door motor drive shaft and to allow a radial adjustment of the drive shaft for alignment of an axis of the motor with a side door hinge axis. The upper hinge element may define a clevis including a lower clevis portion having a motor drive shaft mounting aperture dimensioned to allow the radial adjustment feature. The motor mounting bracket includes one or more mounting apertures dimensioned to allow a vehicle fore/aft adjustment and in/out adjustment of the side door motor element. The motor mounting assembly is further configured to allow a vehicle up/down adjustment of the side door motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael M. Azzouz, Larry Dean Elie, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeffrey A. Wallace, Timothy J. Potter, Gerald J. Heath
  • Patent number: 10190344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door, in particular a handleless motor vehicle side door. The basic structure of said side door comprises a door leaf (1), a locking element (4, 5, 6), hinged to a motor vehicle body (2), for locking the door leaf (1) in predetermined angular positions in relation to the motor vehicle body (2), and at least one actuator (10, 11) acting upon the door leaf (1). Said actuator (10, 11) causes the door leaf (1) to open to an at least ajar position in relation to the motor vehicle body (2). According to the invention, the actuator (10, 11) is connected to the locking element (4, 5, 6) and directly drives the latter to adjust the door leaf (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Uwe Reddmann
  • Patent number: 10030431
    Abstract: A method of closing a vehicle door includes the steps of providing a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body, transmitting a door closing signal to a controller, identifying a current position of the door using a position sensor, closing the door using a power assist device powered from a hinge axis of the door, monitoring the door position during closing, releasing a catch of a latch mechanism when a latch striker of the vehicle body is partially received in the latch mechanism, and latching the door to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath
  • Patent number: 10017978
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle door assembly that includes a vehicle door, which defines an interior and is connected to the motor by the linkage, such that actuation of the actuator engages the motor, which thereby moves the vehicle door via the linkage. The vehicle door assembly also includes a powered door override. At least a portion of the powered door override can be disposed within the interior of the vehicle door. The powered door override is configured to disconnect the linkage from the motor so as to isolate the motor from the vehicle door and thereby enable the vehicle door to be moved manually. An interior panel is connected to the vehicle door so as to cover at least a portion of the interior of the vehicle door, such that the powered door override is at least partially enclosed between the interior panel and the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Steven R. Thiele, Erik Anderson, Brandon Roeder
  • Patent number: 9890576
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a door rotatably coupled to a vehicle body, wherein a power assist device is coupled between the door and the vehicle body on a hinge assembly. An audio sensor is disposed on the vehicle and is operably coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to receive voice command data from the audio sensor via a signal, identify a control command correlating to the voice command data, and output a signal to the power assist device to move the door according to parameters defined within the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath
  • Patent number: 9803407
    Abstract: A door opening and closing apparatus includes a rail module including: a rail member extending along a front-and-rear direction; a drive device mounted on the rail member; and a supporting member coupled to one end portion of a closing cable the other end portion of which is connected to the drive device and one end portion of an opening cable the other end portion of which is connected to the drive device. The rail module is provided with the drive device fastened to an outside of a vehicle body such that a part of the drive device goes inside the vehicle body through an opening provided on the vehicle body. A portion of a housing of the drive device located outside the vehicle body closes the opening while a sealing member is interposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Seto, Shuntaro Kimura, Naoki Hanaki
  • Patent number: 9475584
    Abstract: A thrust recovery outflow valve and method for controlling the transfer of air between a cabin in an aircraft and atmosphere outside of the aircraft are provided. An outflow valve is mounted on the aircraft that includes a valve frame, a first valve door, and a second valve door. The first valve door is rotated to a first predetermined open position while the second valve door is in the second door closed position to thereby open first and second flow passages that place the aircraft cabin in fluid communication with the atmosphere. When the first valve door is at a first predetermined open position, a flap is rotated, relative to the first valve door, to at least partially cover the second flow passage and thereby at least inhibit flow through the second flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Horner, Eric Thomas Jeffers, Robert Ryan Lunderville, Mark William Mundell, John Nathan Bowler, Derek Schell
  • Patent number: 9470031
    Abstract: An opening/closing body control device for a vehicle includes: a drive section for driving an opening/closing body; a controller for controlling the drive section; a handle unit that is operable by an manipulation input in an opening direction and is operable by an manipulation input in a closing direction; a manipulation input detector for detecting the manipulation input for the handle unit and the direction of the manipulation input; and an operation position detector for detecting the operation position of the opening/closing body. When the opening/closing body is in a fully open position, the controller executes closing operation control in order to bring the opening/closing body into closing operation in both a case where the manipulation input in the closing direction is detected and a case where the manipulation input in the opening direction is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishikibe, Toshihiko Ishida, Tsuyoshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9333930
    Abstract: In the case of a collision protection method for a displaceable vehicle part of a vehicle, during the displacement of the vehicle part, a focused light beam is deflected by a light deflection unit along a predefined scanning path and reflected radiation of the same light beam is detected by a light-sensitive sensor to scan a travel path region upstream from the vehicle part. The presence or absence of an obstruction in the upstream travel path region is concluded on the basis of the reflected radiation, wherein the displacement is stopped or reversed if an obstruction is recognized in the upstream travel path region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hallstadt
    Inventors: Jan Kaiser, Andre Carl, Silvio Schatke, Thomas Weingaertner, Dalibor Rietdijk
  • Patent number: 9284768
    Abstract: A power door opening/closing apparatus includes: a first unit including the motor, a first unit case including the motor, a first transmission mechanism received in the first unit case, and a rotation sensor which is received within the first unit case, and which is one of electrical components; and a second unit which includes a second unit case connected to the first unit case by a fixing member, a second transmission mechanism rotatably received within the second unit case, and connected to the first transmission mechanism, and an output shaft connected to an output side of the second transmission mechanism, and arranged to transmit a rotation of the second transmission mechanism to the door, and which does not include an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9217271
    Abstract: A method of motorized movement of a vehicle door, wherein the vehicle door can be moved from an open position to a closed position as part of a closing process with a door drive mechanism associated with the vehicle door and a control system. In a first section of the closing process the vehicle door is moved by the door drive mechanism from the open position to a comfortable open position that lies between the open position and the closed position. In a second section of the closing process, the vehicle door is further moved from the comfortable open position in the closing direction, preferably to the closed position, manually by the user and largely free of the door drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst Heissler
  • Patent number: 9198464
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette case is provided, comprising a case body and a case lid hinged with the case body via a rotating axis, a control unit configured in the case body, a driving motor and a switch which are electrically connected with the control unit, and a flipping mechanism. The switch is configured on the outside of the case body. One end of the flipping mechanism is connected to an output shaft of the driving motor, and the other end of the flipping mechanism is embedded into the case lid slidably. The driving motor is controlled by the control unit to drive the flipping mechanism to rotate towards the opening or closing direction, so as to open or close the case lid, thus automatically opening or closing the electronic cigarette case via the flipping mechanism and the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9082247
    Abstract: A modular automated collection point (ACP) comprises an array of electronically controlled lockers for receiving items for sale or for delivery to customers, a controller and user interface, a parcel weighing and dimensional measuring unit, and a package deposit unit with a one-way door for depositing items for subsequent delivery to other customers or ACPs. Each door preferably moves rapidly from the fully-open position to a partially-open position, and then slowly from the partially-open position towards a fully-closed position. Each locker may comprise a retractable handle and an elongate, rotating closure element which moves the locker door between the fully-closed (locked) position and a nearly-closed (unlocked) position. Preferably the closure element has a cylindrical outer wall which conforms slidingly to the fascia of the lockerbank so as to present a seamless appearance and prevent prising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: BYBOX HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Turner, Fabien Pichet, Philippe Michel
  • Patent number: 9061570
    Abstract: A sliding door for a vehicle includes a rail unit may include a center rail provided on an outer surface of a rear side inner panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and an auxiliary rail provided along a lower end of the center rail, a drive unit that has front and rear pulleys respectively provided at front and rear sides of an inner surface of the rear side inner panel, and a wire wound around the front and rear pulleys to be moved by a driving power of a driving motor, a roller bracket that is provided at the center rail to be slidably moved, and is connected to both ends of the wire to be moved along the center rail by the driving power, and a door whose one side is fixed to the roller bracket to be slid with respect to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Myoung Kwon Je, Chi Young Min, Jae Hong Choi
  • Patent number: 9004570
    Abstract: A method of setting a gap or margin between an edge of a decklid and a vehicle surface includes providing a powered cinching latch assembly including a powered actuator that moves a striker member between a presented position and a fully cinched position. The cinched position of the striker is adjusted to provide an acceptable gap or margin between an edge of the decklid and an adjacent vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Bhupendra A. Patel
  • Patent number: 8984811
    Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door, actuating mechanism, and tie rod mechanism, the actuating mechanism actuating the tie rod mechanism to impart a substantially translating motion to the door. The actuating mechanism can include a drive yoke coupled to the tie rod mechanism with a one-way coupling. The tie rod mechanism can include a primary tie rod coupled to a secondary tie rod coupled to a latch. In another aspect a door apparatus includes an actuator, a first door, a second door, a first linkage assembly coupling the actuator to the first door, and a second linkage assembly coupling the first door to the second door, the actuator configured to activate the first linkage assembly to move the first door, the first door imparting motion to the second linkage assembly to move the second door in a synchronous and opposite motion with respect to the motion of the first door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Greenpoint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean J. Fairchild
  • Publication number: 20140373452
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lift and rotation mechanism for a quick door-opening device. The power-output end of a first motor of a lift component of the mechanism is connected to one end of a screw rod and the other end of the screw rod is connected to one end of a circular pipe; one end of a tubular body is provided with a connection component, with one end of a coupling component being connected to the connection component; the other end of the circular pipe is removably connected to a circular door by an annular connection; the output shaft of a second motor of a rotary component is removably connected to one end of a rotary shaft provided within a supporting seat removably connected to an end flange; and a circular disk is removably connected to the other end of the rotary shaft and is fixedly connected to the connection component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yunlan Yang, Feng Zou, Meng Li, Wenyong Li
  • Patent number: 8844200
    Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Globe Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Yulkowski, Gerard Edwards, Steve Gebhart
  • Publication number: 20140190083
    Abstract: A system and method of determining the status of an appliance door is provided. The status of the door of the appliance can be determined based an output signal provided by a door switch coupled in series with a latch motor feedback. A change in the output signal of the door switch can be indicative of either the opening of the appliance door or the actuating of the latch motor. The source of the change in an output of the door switch can be determined based on the latch command provided to the latch motor. The appliance can be controlled based on the status of the appliance door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: David H. Lepie
  • Publication number: 20140173985
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle window opener that includes a power window switch that controls an electrical motor to open and to close a window of a vehicle, a retractable handle that is extended to manually open and close the window of the vehicle, a first pinion gear connected to the retractable handle, a second pinion gear that is engaged with the first pinion gear, an electrical magnet, an electrical switch, an actuator having a controller that receives an emergency signal and controls the electrical switch based on the emergency signal, a coupling part, a coupling button, and a coupling spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Hashim Mohammed ALSADAH
  • Patent number: 8760304
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a security barrier attached to a structure such that the security barrier is operable to move from a first position, in which the security barrier blocks an exterior opening of the structure, to a second position, in which the security barrier does not block the exterior opening of the structure. The system further includes a latch mechanism operable to control movement of the security barrier from the first position to the second position and a sensor operable to generate an emergency signal indicating an emergency condition within the structure. The system further includes a control unit operable to access the emergency signal generated by the sensor and generate, in response to the emergency signal, a release signal to be communicated to the latch mechanism. The release signal is operable to cause the latch mechanism to permit the security barrier to move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Max Samuel Pincu
  • Patent number: 8746756
    Abstract: A vehicle door switch actuation system is provided. The system includes an exterior handle mechanically coupled with a rotatable shaft. The shaft is mechanically coupled with a door latch. Rotation of the exterior handle to an open door position moves the door latch to release a vehicle door. A first arm and a second arm are mounted to the shaft. The first arm engages a close switch in response to rotation of the exterior handle to a close door position. The second arm engages an open switch in response to rotation of the exterior handle to the open door position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Control Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Tezak, James E. Brown, Nicholas J. Scholtes
  • Publication number: 20140144085
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning element (1), with the aid of which the panel (2) or engine bonnet of a motor vehicle can be brought from the closed position (4) into a position in which a gap (9) forms between the upper edge (8) of the opening and the lower edge of the panel (2). The panel (2) can thus easily be unlocked and fully opened. For that purpose the positioning element (1) with inner lever (11) and outer lever (12) is connected to a drive means (17), which via the drive element (16) and the drive pawl (15) with a detent (26) ensures that the panel (2) is brought in a simple manner via the levers (11, 12) into the first raised position (6), for which purpose the detent (26) is pushed into the recess (25) of the outer lever (12) and thus brings the outer lever (12) and the inner lever (11) into the first raised position (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: KIEKERT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Uwe Reddmann
  • Patent number: 8733022
    Abstract: An intuitive exterior door handle assembly is provided for a heavy duty power assisted vehicle door for opening and closing the door. The exterior handle assembly pivots about an axis for movement between pushed in and pushed out positions to actuate the power assist unit in opposite directions and thereby close and open the door, respectively. A switch or valve assembly controls actuation of the power assist unit in response to pulling or pushing the door handle so as to open and close the door. An override system is built into the handle assembly to actuate the power unit without pivoting the handle. The assembly and override system mount through a single common hole in the door. In the method of operating the vehicle door, the exterior handle is pushed inwardly to close the door and pulled outwardly to open the door through retraction and extension of the power assist assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventors: Tom F. Sonnek, Lior Tikozenski
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8677689
    Abstract: A sliding power lift and locking assembly for lifting and locking an object includes a motor, a first drive shaft, a first drive block assembly, a first drive housing, and a link arm. The first drive shaft has a body and a cylindrical axis and is rotationally driven by the motor. The first drive block assembly includes an aperture configured to engage the body of the first drive shaft, a latch dog with a first slot configured to engage a dog catch pin associated with the object, and a slider. A portion of the first drive housing and a portion of the first drive block assembly are provided in a track of the first drive housing, and the track of the first drive housing is configured such that the first drive block assembly is configured to move in a path relative to the first drive housing. The link arm includes a first end and second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: DTS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Draper, Keith S. Attee, Thomas H. Buerkle, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140020299
    Abstract: Provided is a small plug door device capable of performing an opening/closing operation and a plugging operation with a door drive mechanism for causing a force in a vehicle front-rear direction to act on a door, and further applicable also to a one-panel sliding door. A slide base 12 is installed slidably in a vehicle width direction relative to a fixed base 11. A door drive mechanism 13 for moving one door 104 in a vehicle front-rear direction via a connecting portion 19 has a drive portion 13a including an electric motor 21, a drive wheel member 13b, a follower wheel member 13c, and an endless member 13d, and is installed on the slide base 12. A guide portion 15 guides a shaft portion 14 provided on the connecting portion 19 so as to move the shaft portion 14 in a vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutama Takahashi, Atsuhito Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20130340346
    Abstract: Provided is an opening/closing apparatus with a lock capable of performing the opening/closing and closed lock of a sliding door by a single actuator and arbitrarily setting the timing of a lock operation. In the opening/closing apparatus with a lock, an electric motor is driven and the drive force of the electric motor is input to the sun gear of a planetary gear mechanism and output from the internal gear or the carrier. A pair of sliding doors are opened and closed by the drive force output from the internal gear. While the pair of sliding doors are at a fully closed position, the lock and lock-released states of a lock mechanism are switched by a lock restricting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Ueda, Shusaku Torihara