The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 09, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2000
John C. Houston, Erie, PA (US);
Mark E. Chiffon, Erie, PA (US);
Arthur T. Nagare, Erie, PA (US);
Aaron L. Hill, Erie, PA (US);
Steris Inc., Temecula, CA (US);
Abstract
A guidance assembly ( ) guides a door ( ) to a cabinet ( ) while it is moved between an open position, in which access to an interior chamber is provided through an opening ( ) in the cabinet, and a closed position, in which the door covers the opening. The guidance assembly includes two pivotable support members ( ) which are pivotally connected to the door. The pivotable support members each include a roller ( ) which rolls along a horizontal rail ( ) mounted to an exterior wall ( ) of the cabinet, adjacent an upper end of the opening. A door positioning system ( ), comprising upper and lower door positioners ( ), maintains a space between the door the cabinet during opening and closing the door. This prevents damage to the door and the exterior wall of the cabinet and to a sealing member ( ) disposed between the door and the cabinet. As the door moves inward or outward, the pivotable support members pivot relative to the front face ( ) of the door and U-shaped portions ( ) the door positioners flex to relieve any stresses placed on the rollers.