Abstract:
A locking latch for an appliance provides an improved three-wire interface that reduces the chance of malfunction if the door is forcibly opened when it is in the lock state and a bi-stabile actuator is used. In one embodiment, the door switch is positioned to disengage the major load of the washing machine when the doors open, regardless of the lock or unlock state.
Abstract:
A locking appliance latch (24) employs a rotating hook (27) to engage a loop (26) together releasably retaining the door (18) of an appliance. The latch (24) provides for a folded actuation path in which a momentarily activated solenoid (34), moving along an axis (65) aligned with the rotation axis (28) of a rotating hook (27) of the latch (24), unlocks the latch (24). The folded actuation path is facilitated by a locking member (42) sliding parallel to the axis of the solenoid (65) and the rotation axis (28) of the hook (27) to provide a ward and key interface with the rotating hook (27) preventing a rotation of the hook (27) in a locked state and allowing rotation of the hook (27) rotation in an unlocked state.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an electrical rotary actuator suitable for use in a refrigerator ice-dispensing door. The actuator provides a rotating shaft driven by a DC permanent magnet motor through a gear train and subject to a returning force of an internal spring. The gear train communicates with a switch to reduce current to the motor when a limit of travel is reached and a shunting path is provided around the motor to produce generative braking when power is removed from the motor and the actuator rotates backward to its initial position. The invention also relates to an ice dispenser door system.
Abstract:
A door latch for an appliance provides a U-shaped spring for engaging a strike having an expanded tip and passing between the arms of the U-shaped spring in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extent of those arms. Locking of the latch may be provided by collaring the distal ends of the arms to prevent their expansion once the strike is engaged.
Abstract:
A latch for an appliance or the like provides a floating bolt assembly (22, 30) spring biasing a door (16) against a sealing gasket in different positions depending on gasket compliance. A lock provides a stop (60, 68) that may adjustably bridge a distance between the latch frame (42) and the floating bolt assembly as the gasket ages thereby providing positive locking of the door over the life of the appliance.
Abstract:
A latch for an appliance or the like provides a floating bolt assembly spring biasing a door against a sealing gasket in different positions depending on gasket compliance. A lock provides a stop that may adjustably bridge a distance between the latch frame and the floating bolt assembly as the gasket ages thereby providing positive locking of the door over the life of the appliance.
Abstract:
A rotary actuator suitable for use in a refrigerator ice-dispensing door provides a rotating shaft driven by a DC permanent magnet motor through a gear train and subject to a returning force of an internal spring. The gear train communicates with a switch to reduce current to the motor when a limit of travel is reached and a shunting path is provided around the motor to produce generative braking when power is removed from the motor and the actuator rotates backward to its initial position.
Abstract:
A motorized lock for a vending machine [10] provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door [14] and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.
Abstract:
A motorized lock for a vending machine [10] provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door [14] and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.
Abstract:
A transportation-robust bi-stable latch mechanism preserves low actuation forces by means of an auxiliary mechanism blocking the effects of shock forces during transportation.