Abstract:
A dishwasher includes a tub, a hinged door for closing the tub, a sealing gasket disposed between the tub and the door, a device control unit, a closing plate connected to the tub and movable by a motor, a latching element disposed on the door, and a closing tab disposed on the closing plate for engaging with the latching element for closing the door and enabling the device control unit to partially open the door. The closing plate is movable into first and second positions to bring the door into respective first and second partially open positions with respective first and second gap widths. The second gap width is larger than the first gap width.
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:
A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; 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 a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.
Abstract:
A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein, at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel, a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail, a movable window panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe. The movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary panel along a movable panel path. The lead screw drive unit engages the shoe and is adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail.
Abstract:
A vehicle-based door opening system for opening a door at a building includes a vehicle-based transmitting unit, a control and an actuating device. The transmitting unit is positioned at the vehicle and operable to transmit a first signal, and the actuating device is positioned at the building and receives the first signal from the vehicle-based transmitting unit. The control is operable to control at least one vehicle-based accessory, such as a door lock mechanism, in response to the first signal. The actuating device receives a domestic hand held garage door opener transmitting unit associated with a door opening device at or near the door and actuates the domestic hand held garage door opener transmitting unit in response to the first signal. The domestic hand held garage door opener transmitting unit transmits a second signal to actuate the door opening device to open or close the door.
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:
A container body with a lid hingedly joined thereto for movement about a pivot axis utilizing an elastomeric spring of generally ellipsoidal configuration extending transversely across the pivot axis and having opposed ends seated within the container body and lid, the spring folding centrally at the area of maximum thickness with the elastic deformation biasing the lid to its open position upon release of the closing force on the lid. The pivotal hinge assembly is enclosed by an integral transversely extending handle panel outward of the hinge assembly.
Abstract:
A flexible hinge including a first set of plies and a second set of plies, and a hinge area where the first set of plies and the second set of plies bend. A damping material is disposed between plies of the first set and the second set at least at the hinge area thereof to control the deployment of the hinge.
Abstract:
A submergence detection sensor installed in a vehicle, having a control circuit board mounted on the vehicle for controlling the operation of a power window which is opened/closed by an electric motor. A pair of pad-like electrodes are installed on the control circuit board which are electrically conductive upon entry of water to generate a leak current therebetween and a submergence detection circuit is connected to one of the electrodes to receive the leak current and to compare with a threshold value to discriminate whether the vehicle submerges into water. A slot is provided in a gap between the electrodes which penetrates the control circuit board such that water present at the gap is discharged from the control circuit board, thereby enabling to effect submergence detection when the vehicle, in fact, submerges in water, while without making false detections owing to water condensation on the control circuit board or migration occurring therein. Instead of the pad-like electrodes, the sensor may use bar-like ones whose resistance is different when submerged in water or not.
Abstract:
An actuating device for a motor used in a power window of an automobile which can drive the motor reliably to open the window even when the automobile is submerged in water. This device has a simple configuration is relatively small and inexpensive. This activating device comprises a drive circuit for a motor which has first and second relays to allow electric current to flow so as to drive the motor in either the forward or reverse direction. The contact of the second relay, which drives the motor in one direction, is used in such a way that the contact forms a part of an electronic circuit for the magnetic coil of the first relay. When the second relay operates, the electric circuit for the magnetic coil of the first relay is closed off. This activating device can ensure that a power window will be opened even if the automobile is submerged, and the first and second relay are switched ON at the same time.