Patent ID: 8291644
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: E05F,E05Y,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A locking mechanism for use with a differential engine for a power-operated door, said differential engine including a pair of aligned cylinders and a pair of associated pistons having a rack and pinion assembly including a pinion gear, said rack and pinion assembly connected between and controlled by movement of said associated pistons for opening and closing of said door, said locking mechanism comprising: (a) a locking rod extending in a radial direction relative to the axis of the pinion having a leading end and a trailing end; (b) a plunger associated with said trailing end of said locking rod wherein movement of said plunger causes extension and retraction of said locking rod with respect to said pinion gear; (c) a spring member associated with said plunger for maintaining said plunger and said locking rod in an extended position during a door closed position; (d) said pinion gear having a sidewall portion with an outside hub surface; (e) an aperture located through the outside surface of said sidewall portion of said gear, said aperture being sized and shaped to receive said leading end of said locking rod when said locking rod is in an extended position to lock said gear in a door closed position; and (f) a linear actuator associated with said plunger for overcoming the spring member to retract said locking rod.