公开(公告)号：US07971393B2

公开(公告)日：2011-07-05

申请号：US11929226

申请日：2007-10-30

Applicant: Xiujie Gao ,  James H. Shoemaker ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Louise E. Stauffer ,  Robert L. Vitale ,  Jack L. Bailey

Inventor： Xiujie Gao ,  James H. Shoemaker ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Louise E. Stauffer ,  Robert L. Vitale ,  Jack L. Bailey

IPC: E05F1/10

CPC classification number: E05F15/60 ,  E05F15/627 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/531 ,  E05Y2900/548 ,  Y10S292/72 ,  Y10T16/53835

Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door that is movably mounted with respect to the structural member for movement between an open position and a closed position. A spring is mounted with respect to the structural member or the door and being sufficiently positioned to bias the door toward its open position when the door is in its closed position. Active material based actuators may selectively compress the spring prior to door closure to minimize door closing effort.

Abstract translation: 门系统包括结构构件和门，其相对于结构构件可移动地安装以在打开位置和关闭位置之间移动。 相对于结构构件或门安装弹簧，并且当门处于其关闭位置时，弹簧被充分地定位成将门偏向其打开位置。 基于活性材料的致动器可以在门关闭之前选择性地压缩弹簧，以最小化门关闭力。

公开(公告)号：US07963360B2

公开(公告)日：2011-06-21

申请号：US12044104

申请日：2008-03-07

Applicant: Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Kenneth A. Strom ,  Diann Brei ,  Brian M. Barnes ,  Jonathan E. Luntz

Inventor： Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Kenneth A. Strom ,  Diann Brei ,  Brian M. Barnes ,  Jonathan E. Luntz

IPC: G05G5/05 ,  G05G5/06 ,  G05G5/18 ,  G05G5/24

CPC classification number: F16H31/007 ,  E05F1/16 ,  E05F15/60 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  H02N2/021 ,  Y10T74/18416 ,  Y10T74/20684 ,  Y10T74/214

Abstract: A ratchet apparatus includes a first member, a rack, and a second member that is selectively movable in first and second directions with respect to the first member. A first pawl is mounted with respect to the first member and is biased into engagement with the rack. The first pawl and the rack are configured such that engagement of the first pawl with the rack prevents movement of the first pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. A second pawl is mounted with respect to the second member for movement therewith in the first and second directions. The second pawl is biased into engagement with the rack. The second pawl and said rack are configured such that engagement of the second pawl with the rack prevents movement of the second pawl relative to the rack in the first direction.

Abstract translation: 棘轮装置包括第一构件，齿条和第二构件，其可相对于第一构件在第一和第二方向上选择性地移动。 第一棘爪相对于第一构件安装并且被偏置成与齿条接合。 第一棘爪和齿条构造成使得第一棘爪与齿条的接合防止第一棘爪相对于第一方向上的齿条运动。 相对于第二构件安装第二棘爪以在第一和第二方向上与其一起运动。 第二棘爪被偏置成与齿条接合。 第二棘爪和所述齿条被构造成使得第二棘爪与齿条的接合防止第二棘爪相对于齿条沿第一方向移动。

公开(公告)号：US07815232B2

公开(公告)日：2010-10-19

申请号：US11077498

申请日：2005-03-09

Applicant: Christopher P. Henry ,  William Barvosa-Carter ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Cameron Massey ,  Nancy L. Johnson

Inventor： Christopher P. Henry ,  William Barvosa-Carter ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Cameron Massey ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: E05C17/56 ,  E05C19/16

CPC classification number: E06B7/2314 ,  B60J10/15 ,  B60J10/16 ,  B60J10/244 ,  B60J10/40 ,  B60J10/50 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05B15/16 ,  E05B15/1607 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05B47/0011 ,  E05B81/00 ,  E05B81/20 ,  E05C19/001 ,  E05C19/166 ,  E05F1/00 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2400/614 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/531 ,  E05Y2900/55 ,  F16J15/022 ,  F16J15/025 ,  F16J15/027 ,  F16J15/028 ,  F16J15/061 ,  F16J15/064 ,  F16J15/0806 ,  Y10S277/921 ,  Y10S292/65 ,  Y10T16/56 ,  Y10T292/11

Abstract: Door closure assist assemblies that assist in providing a final closing motion generally includes an extender portion comprised of an active material adapted to linearly expand in response to an activation signal and a releasable fastener having one component in movable communication with the extender portion and a second component attached to the other selected one of the door and doorframe. During operation, the door closure assist assembly provides the final closing action.

Abstract translation: 有助于提供最终关闭运动的门关闭辅助组件通常包括由适于响应于启动信号线性膨胀的活性材料组成的延伸部分和具有与扩展器部分可移动连通的一个部件的可释放紧固件，以及第二部件 连接到另一个选择的门和门框之一。 在操作期间，门关闭辅助组件提供最终的关闭动作。

公开(公告)号：US07770959B2

公开(公告)日：2010-08-10

申请号：US11929209

申请日：2007-10-30

Applicant: Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Jack L. Bailey

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Jack L. Bailey

IPC: E05F15/00

CPC classification number: E05F1/105 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05C17/203 ,  E05F15/60 ,  E05F15/614 ,  E05F15/627 ,  E05F15/70 ,  E05F15/73 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2800/104 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/531 ,  Y10T292/0841

Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door being selectively movable with respect to the structural member. An actuator includes an active material that is configured to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The actuator is configured such that the change in at least one attribute causes the door to move relative to the structural member.

Abstract translation: 门系统包括结构构件和门，其可相对于结构构件选择性地移动。 致动器包括被配置为响应于激活信号而改变至少一个属性的活动材料。 致动器构造成使得至少一个属性的变化使门相对于结构构件移动。

公开(公告)号：US20100101050A1

公开(公告)日：2010-04-29

申请号：US12683127

申请日：2010-01-06

Applicant: John A. Cafeo ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Gary L. Jones ,  Nancy L. Johnson

Inventor： John A. Cafeo ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Gary L. Jones ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: E05D7/00 ,  B60J5/04 ,  E05C1/08 ,  B23P11/00

CPC classification number: E05D9/00 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05D7/0018 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2800/104 ,  E05Y2800/342 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/531 ,  E05Y2900/538 ,  Y10T16/5323 ,  Y10T16/5324 ,  Y10T16/53247 ,  Y10T16/5326 ,  Y10T29/49771 ,  Y10T29/49895 ,  Y10T292/03 ,  Y10T292/096 ,  Y10T292/1014

Abstract: An adjustable closure hinge assembly, includes a first hinge portion having a first aperture, a second hinge portion having a second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, a hinge member disposed in the first and second apertures for joining the first and second hinge portions, wherein the hinge member further comprises a spacer intermediate walls defining the first and second apertures and the hinge member, wherein the spacer comprises an active material, and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in at least one property of the active material, wherein the change in the at least one property is effective to provide up to six degrees of freedom to the hinge member and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal.

Abstract translation: 可调节的闭合铰链组件包括具有第一孔的第一铰链部分，具有与第一孔同轴对准的第二孔的第二铰链部分，设置在第一和第二孔中的用于接合第一和第二铰链部分的铰链部件， 其中所述铰链构件还包括限定所述第一和第二孔和所述铰链构件的间隔件中间壁，其中所述间隔件包括活性材料和与所述活性材料可操作地连通的激活装置，其中所述致动装置可操作以选择性地施加 活化材料的活化信号并且在活性材料的至少一个性质中产生可逆变化，其中至少一种性质的改变有效地为铰链构件提供高达六个自由度并且小于或等于 到没有激活信号的两个自由度。

公开(公告)号：US07523585B2

公开(公告)日：2009-04-28

申请号：US11300397

申请日：2005-12-15

Applicant: Francesco Butera ,  Stefano Alacqua ,  Alessandro Zanella

Inventor： Francesco Butera ,  Stefano Alacqua ,  Alessandro Zanella

IPC: E05F11/38

CPC classification number: E05F15/70 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05F11/445 ,  E05F15/60 ,  E05F15/689 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2400/358 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/508 ,  E05Y2900/55

Abstract: A door for a motor vehicle of the type without frame for the side window is provided with a device for controlling a slight movement of the window from and into its completely raised position upon opening and closing of the door. Said device comprises shape-memory actuating means.

Abstract translation: 具有用于侧窗的类型的机动车辆的门设置有用于在门的打开和关闭时控制窗口从其完全升高的位置的轻微移动的装置。 所述装置包括形状记忆驱动装置。

公开(公告)号：US20080223158A1

公开(公告)日：2008-09-18

申请号：US12044104

申请日：2008-03-07

Applicant: Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Kenneth A. Strom ,  Diann Brei ,  Brian M. Barnes ,  Jonathan E. Luntz

Inventor： Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Kenneth A. Strom ,  Diann Brei ,  Brian M. Barnes ,  Jonathan E. Luntz

IPC: F16H21/00

CPC classification number: F16H31/007 ,  E05F1/16 ,  E05F15/60 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  H02N2/021 ,  Y10T74/18416 ,  Y10T74/20684 ,  Y10T74/214

Abstract: A ratchet apparatus includes a first member, a rack, and a second member that is selectively movable in first and second directions with respect to the first member. A first pawl is mounted with respect to the first member and is biased into engagement with the rack. The first pawl and the rack are configured such that engagement of the first pawl with the rack prevents movement of the first pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. A second pawl is mounted with respect to the second member for movement therewith in the first and second directions. The second pawl is biased into engagement with the rack. The second pawl and said rack are configured such that engagement of the second pawl with the rack prevents movement of the second pawl relative to the rack in the first direction.

Abstract translation: 棘轮装置包括第一构件，齿条和可相对于第一构件在第一和第二方向上选择性地移动的第二构件。 第一棘爪相对于第一构件安装并且被偏置成与齿条接合。 第一棘爪和齿条构造成使得第一棘爪与齿条的接合防止第一棘爪相对于齿条沿第一方向移动。 相对于第二构件安装第二棘爪以在第一和第二方向上与其一起运动。 第二棘爪被偏置成与齿条接合。 第二棘爪和所述齿条被构造成使得第二棘爪与齿条的接合防止第二棘爪相对于齿条沿第一方向移动。

公开(公告)号：US20080104796A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-08

申请号：US11972560

申请日：2008-01-10

Applicant: Christopher Henry ,  William Barvosa-Carter ,  Alan Browne ,  Cameron Massey ,  Nancy Johnson

Inventor： Christopher Henry ,  William Barvosa-Carter ,  Alan Browne ,  Cameron Massey ,  Nancy Johnson

IPC: E05F1/00

CPC classification number: E06B7/2314 ,  B60J10/15 ,  B60J10/16 ,  B60J10/244 ,  B60J10/40 ,  B60J10/50 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05B15/16 ,  E05B15/1607 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05B47/0011 ,  E05B81/00 ,  E05B81/20 ,  E05C19/001 ,  E05C19/166 ,  E05F1/00 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2400/614 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/531 ,  E05Y2900/55 ,  F16J15/022 ,  F16J15/025 ,  F16J15/027 ,  F16J15/028 ,  F16J15/061 ,  F16J15/064 ,  F16J15/0806 ,  Y10S277/921 ,  Y10S292/65 ,  Y10T16/56 ,  Y10T292/11

Abstract: Door closure assist assemblies that assist in providing a final closing motion generally includes an extender portion comprised of an active material adapted to linearly expand in response to an activation signal and a releasable fastener having one component in movable communication with the extender portion and a second component attached to the other selected one of the door and doorframe. During operation, the door closure assist assembly provides the final closing action.

Abstract translation: 有助于提供最终关闭运动的门关闭辅助组件通常包括由适于响应于启动信号线性膨胀的活性材料组成的延伸部分和具有与扩展器部分可移动连通的一个部件的可释放紧固件，以及第二部件 连接到另一个选择的门和门框之一。 在操作期间，门关闭辅助组件提供最终的关闭动作。

公开(公告)号：US20080100079A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-01

申请号：US11555288

申请日：2006-11-01

Applicant: Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Robert E. Doty

Inventor： Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Robert E. Doty

IPC: B60R7/00 ,  E05C7/04

CPC classification number: E05B47/023 ,  B60R7/06 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05B17/0058 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05B47/0011 ,  E05B53/003 ,  E05B79/20 ,  E05B81/64 ,  E05B83/30 ,  E05F15/60 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/538 ,  G07C9/00912 ,  G07C9/00944

Abstract: Accessing interior compartments for storage or other purposes is improved by the use of one or more active material components. Activating one or more active material components carries out one or more of the following functions: opening or closing the compartment (which may include cinching a closure) and/or latching or unlatching a closure from a frame. Activation may result from a remote trigger signal. A method is provided for controlling access to an interior compartment that may be carried out by a controller operatively connected to various active material components that unlatch the closure from the frame, close the closure and cinch the closure to the frame, respectively.

Abstract translation: 通过使用一种或多种活性材料组分来改善用于存储或其它目的的内部隔室。 激活一个或多个活性材料部件执行以下功能中的一个或多个：打开或关闭隔室（其可以包括闭合闭合件）和/或从框架锁定或解锁闭合件。 激活可能由远程触发信号引起。 提供了一种用于控制对内部隔间的通路的方法，所述方法可以由可操作地连接到各种活动材料部件的控制器执行，所述控制器分别将闭合件从框架上解开，闭合闭合件并将闭合件分别固定在框架上。

公开(公告)号：US07258347B2

公开(公告)日：2007-08-21

申请号：US11074575

申请日：2005-03-08

Applicant: Andrew C. Keefe ,  William Barvosa-Carter ,  Christopher P. Henry ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson

Inventor： Andrew C. Keefe ,  William Barvosa-Carter ,  Christopher P. Henry ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: F16J3/00 ,  F16J15/02

CPC classification number: E06B7/2314 ,  B60J10/15 ,  B60J10/16 ,  B60J10/244 ,  B60J10/40 ,  B60J10/50 ,  C08L2201/12 ,  E05B15/16 ,  E05B15/1607 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05B47/0011 ,  E05B81/00 ,  E05B81/20 ,  E05C19/001 ,  E05C19/166 ,  E05F1/00 ,  E05Y2201/43 ,  E05Y2400/614 ,  E05Y2800/67 ,  E05Y2900/531 ,  E05Y2900/55 ,  F16J15/022 ,  F16J15/025 ,  F16J15/027 ,  F16J15/028 ,  F16J15/061 ,  F16J15/064 ,  F16J15/0806 ,  Y10S277/921 ,  Y10S292/65 ,  Y10T16/56 ,  Y10T292/11

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract translation: 主动密封组件采用可被控制和远程改变以改变密封效能的活性材料，其中主动密封组件主动地改变诸如刚度，形状取向等的模量性质。 以这种方式，在诸如车门应用的密封应用中，可以最小化门打开和关闭的努力，从而可以最大化密封效果。