Drive system for a sliding chamber door
US5566508A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2999/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for mounting a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening of a sterilizer or autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used in either motorized or non-motorized embodiments. The weight of the chamber door is offset by a counterweight and suspended using a cable and pulley system. In the non-motorized embodiment, the door/counterweight system is held in place by a securement, which, when disengaged, permits free motion of the door. In the motorized embodiment, a second cable and pulley system is used to connect the door and counterweight. The cable from this second system is looped around a sheave which is adapted to provide a predetermined frictional force. The sheave is then connected to and rotated by a motor, and upon activation of the motor, the rotating sheave displaces the cable, which respectively raises or lowers the door and counterweight. In the event that the door is obstructed during operation or forced open, the cable will slip harmlessly along the sheave, and will neither injure the operator nor induce damaging torques in the motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.