Abstract: A system and method which allows automatic recognition of any of three common monitored motorized door or gate safety edges or other entrapment protection devices. The invention allows retrofitting existing motorized door operators without enough monitored input ports to allow for more monitored entrapment devices required on laterally moving motorized gates. The system interfaces with obstruction monitoring devices in normally closed, pulsed, or resistive termination operating environments found in entrapment protection systems. Firmware logically analyzes the state of each edge or entrapment protection device to select and direct an appropriate output signal for a motorized gate operator. An operational example is disclosed which provides for up to six different device inputs and two separate outputs for the motorized door operator, which can be configured through dual inline package switches allowing field configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to adapt an automatic door motor operator utilizing a photoelectric eye generating a digital pulse train of known amplitude, periodicity and duty cycle to a control signal created through the opening or closure of a moving door edge sensing device or strip which closes or opens when compressed. The invention relates to safety edges used on motorized doors to provide a conversion means to allow a sensing edge switch on the leading edge of a moving door to control a door operator control unit which expects to receive a control signal of a predetermined amplitude, period and duty cycle normally generated through use of a photo eye used to monitor obstructions within the path of the moving door. The invention allows field replacement of an obstruction protecting photo-eye sensor with an safety edge switch type device utilizing the existing door operator and the in-place power source.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to adapt a automatic door motor operator utilizing a photoelectric eye generating a digital pulse train of known amplitude, periodicity and duty cycle to a control signal created through the opening or closure of a moving door edge sensing device or strip which closes or opens when compressed. The invention relates to safety edges used on motorized doors to provide a conversion means to allow a sensing edge switch on the leading edge of a moving door to control a door operator control unit which expects to receive a control signal of a predetermined amplitude, period and duty cycle normally generated through use of a photo eye used to monitor obstructions within the path of the moving door. The invention allows field replacement of an obstruction protecting photo-eye sensor with an safety edge switch type device utilizing the existing door operator and the in-place power source.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided for a vehicle Which includes at least one opening to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle and a door positioned within the at least one opening. The door has a closed position and an open position. A first infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The first infrared sensor has a first sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the first sensing area. The first sensing area is within the vehicle proximate to the door. A second infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The second infrared sensor has a second sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the second sensing area. The second sensing area is within the vehicle when the door is closed and is outside of the vehicle proximate to the door when the door is open.

Abstract: An automatic door opening system utilizing wireless links to communicate from hazard or obstruction sensors to a controller to react to such conditions. The present invention allows the use of hazard, fault or obstruction switching devices which themselves utilize internal continuity monitoring in a wireless environment. Compressible hazard switch sensors which utilize internal, continuous conducting elements are continually monitored for breaks in such elements through continuity checks. A signal is generated from the wireless transmitter during door operation to indicate to the system that the link between the wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver is fully functioning at all times. The system can determine if an actual obstruction hazard is detected or if there is a loss of communications between the wireless transmitter and receiver link in the disclosed system while also allowing for wireless continuity checking between sensor switches utilized.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction. The system includes a rigid mounting bracket attached to a leading edge of the door, a transmitter extending a distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a first moveable member configured to engage a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal and for generating an output signal. The receiver is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a second moveable member configured to engage the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: An automatic door opening system utilizing wireless links to communicate from hazard or obstruction sensors to a controller to react to such conditions. The present invention allows the use of hazard, fault or obstruction switching devices which themselves utilize internal continuity monitoring in a wireless environment. Compressible hazard switch sensors which utilize internal, continuous conducting elements are continually monitored for breaks in such elements through continuity checks. A signal is generated from the wireless transmitter during door operation to indicate to the system that the link between the wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver is fully functioning at all times. The system can determine if an actual obstruction hazard is detected or if there is a loss of communications between the wireless transmitter and receiver link in the disclosed system while also allowing for wireless continuity checking between sensor switches utilized.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-contact door safety system comprising two spring-loaded legs on either side of the door and a photo-optic system that creates a beam the desired distance in front of the leading edge of the door. The beam can be considered an imaginary leading edge of the door.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction. The system includes a rigid mounting bracket attached to a leading edge of the door, a transmitter extending a distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a first moveable member configured to engage a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal and for generating an output signal. The receiver is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a second moveable member configured to engage the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: A sensing edge for controlling movement of a door by actuation of a device upon an external force being applied to the sensing edge includes an elongated generally flexible tubular sheath secured to the leading edge of the door. The sheath has a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a leading edge of the door and includes an elongated hollow cavity extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first open end and a second open end. The sensor system includes a transmitter near the first end of the sheath for transmitting a signal through the cavity toward the second end of the sheath. The sensor system also includes a receiver near the second end of the sheath in alignment with the transmitter for detecting a signal at the second end and for generating an output signal upon detection of an absence of the signal when the passage of the signal through the cavity is blocked.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction by actuation of a device. The system includes a transmitter extending a predetermined distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the door by a first moveable member which is capable of engaging a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a predetermined distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal, and for generating an output signal when the signal is blocked. The receiver is attached to the door by a second moveable member which is capable of engaging the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: A sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge. The door has a sensing edge surface, which includes an elongated sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door and is compressible upon application of an external force. Within the sheath is a cavity where a sensor is positioned which is responsive to an external force applied to the sheath. A closure is positioned proximate an end of the sheath. The closure has a channel in an outer surface which extends the width of the closure. The closure further includes a passageway therethrough extending from the cavity to the channel. At least one electrical conductor, which extends through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides, is in electrical communication with the sensor.

Abstract: A sensing edge for controlling movement of a door by actuation of a device upon an external force being applied to the sensing edge includes an elongated generally flexible tubular sheath secured to the leading edge of the door. The sheath has a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a leading edge of the door and includes an elongated hollow cavity extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first open end and a second open end. The sensor system includes a transmitter near the first end of the sheath for transmitting a signal through the cavity toward the second end of the sheath. The sensor system also includes a receiver near the second end of the sheath in alignment with the transmitter for detecting a signal at the second end and for generating an output signal upon detection of an absence of the signal when the passage of the signal through the cavity is blocked.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction by actuation of a device. The system includes a transmitter extending a predetermined distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the door by a first movable member which is capable of engaging a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a predetermined distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal, and for generating an output signal when the signal is blocked. The receiver is attached to the door by a second movable member which is capable of engaging the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.