Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an external obstacle combining contact and non-contact sensing in a common safety edge of a motorized closure includes a sensing edge with an elongate sheath forming a cavity in which two electrically conductive elements are physically and electrically separated. A control circuit includes an oscillator electrically connected to the conductive elements and that drives each at a drive frequency to establish an electric field. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements and determines whether (i) the first and second conductive elements are in electrical contact with one another or (ii) a change to the drive frequency exceeds a threshold value. In response to a finding of either condition (i) or (ii), the controller outputs a signal to initiate or disrupt motion of the motorized closure. Two inductors connected to the conductive elements isolate the oscillator from the controller.

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: A system for detecting presence of an external obstacle combining contact and non-contact sensing in a common safety edge of a motorized closure includes a sensing edge with an elongate sheath forming a cavity in which two electrically conductive elements are physically and electrically separated. A control circuit includes an oscillator electrically connected to the conductive elements and that drives each at a drive frequency to establish an electric field. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements and determines whether (i) the first and second conductive elements are in electrical contact with one another or (ii) a change to the drive frequency exceeds a threshold value. In response to a finding of either condition (i) or (ii), the controller outputs a signal to initiate or disrupt motion of the motorized closure. Two inductors connected to the conductive elements isolate the oscillator from the controller.