With Starting Or Driving Means Patents (Class 160/7)
  • Patent number: 11851021
    Abstract: An airbag of a sunroof for a vehicle is proposed. The airbag includes: a roof panel for a vehicle with the sunroof; an airbag module positioned at a lower portion of the roof panel and securely coupled to the roof panel; and a head lining positioned while being spaced downward from the roof panel, and fixed to a lower portion of the airbag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD., INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS KOREA, LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Ho Min, Dong Oh Lee, Kwang Won Seo, Sang Gi Jang
  • Patent number: 11428040
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and a conductive layer. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position, and a second voltage is applied to a stop to electrostatically hold the shutter in the closed position. The first and second voltage levels can be reduced once the shutter is extended to the closed position, the reduction to the first voltage level being greater than the reduction to the second voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: GUARDIAN GLASS, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Koskulics, Joshua Finch, David Lawrence
  • Patent number: 11400880
    Abstract: A roof airbag for a vehicle including deployment guides configured to extend in forward and backward directions of a vehicle and disposed to be spaced laterally apart from each other, an inflator located between the deployment guides spaced apart from each other and configured to discharge gas therefrom during operation thereof, and a cushion located between the deployment guides spaced apart from each other, deployed in an extension direction of the deployment guides and including a deployment chamber configured to be deployed while the gas discharged from the inflator flows thereinto and delay chambers configured such that the gas flows thereinto in a deployed state thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.vvvvvvvvv
    Inventors: Choong Ryung Lee, Byung Ho Min
  • Patent number: 11390231
    Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus may include: a deployment guide part mounted on a sunshine roof part of a vehicle; a cushion part mounted in the sunshine roof part, and deployed in a longitudinal direction of the deployment guide part; and an inflator part mounted in the cushion part, and configured to discharge gas to the cushion part in case of a collision of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD., INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS KOREA LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Oh Lee, Byung Ho Min, Kwang Won Seo, Sang Gi Jang
  • Patent number: 11254277
    Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus including a rear cushion unit deployed from a rear part toward a front part of a roof when gas is supplied, and covering a rear region of the roof; a front cushion unit coupled to a front end of the rear cushion unit to communicate therewith, deployed forward when the rear cushion unit is deployed, and covering a front region of the roof; a pair of guide bars guiding left and right ends of the rear cushion unit and the front cushion unit at left and right sides of the roof; and a pair of connection members coupled to front ends of the guide bars in a state in which the pair of connection members are fixed to the front part of the roof, and decoupled from the guide bars and deploying the front cushion unit downward when a front collision sensing signal is transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hun Hee Jeong
  • Patent number: 11014523
    Abstract: An airbag device for a panorama roof may include: a roller disposed under a panorama roof and having a blind wound therearound, the blind serving to cover the panorama roof; a head liner covering the roller; an inflator disposed at sides of the panorama roof; a guide tunnel connected to the inflator to guide gas; and a cushion connected to the guide tunnel, and deployed by gas guided through the guide tunnel so as to cover the panorama roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Ho Min, Sang Won Hwangbo, Kyu Sang Lee, Hae Kwon Park
  • Patent number: 10933833
    Abstract: An airbag device for a panorama roof may include: a roller disposed under a panorama roof and having a blind wound therearound, the blind serving to cover the panorama roof; a head liner covering the roller; an inflator disposed between the panorama roof and the roller; a guide tunnel connected to the inflator to guide gas; and a cushion connected to the guide tunnel, and deployed by gas guided through the guide tunnel so as to cover the panorama roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hae Kwon Park, Byung Ho Min
  • Patent number: 10907398
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator system including a movable barrier operator configured to be connected to a movable barrier and move the movable barrier. The system includes a remote control configured to utilize a first security protocol to wirelessly transmit a communication to the movable barrier operator and cause the movable barrier operator to move the movable barrier. The movable barrier operator is configured to receive information representative of a second security protocol and to eliminate a compatibility of the movable barrier operator with communications from the remote control utilizing the first security protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Casparus Cate, David R. Morris, Brian Roy Skotty, Cory Sorice
  • Patent number: 10744971
    Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus may include: a cushion having an inlet through which gas discharged from an inflator is introduced; a plurality of tethers connected to the cushion, and arranged along the edge of the cushion so as to be separated from each other; a plurality of steel tabs each having a connection hole formed therein; and a tether guide installed in a pillar shape through the connection holes, and supporting the cushion. The tethers may be connected to the cushion through the respective connection holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Won Hwangbo, Hae Kwon Park, Jiwoon Song, Byung Ho Min
  • Patent number: 10718157
    Abstract: A method for determining a fully extended position of a screening body (14) of a screening device (12) for a roof window. The screening device (12) comprises a control unit comprising a data storage device, an electric motor (18) comprising a tachometer (181), a roller tube (15), a screening body (14) and a first and a second spring element (164, 174).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Midskov Wulff, Peder Solsø Thomsen
  • Patent number: 10556564
    Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus includes a roof airbag cushion disposed in a folded state in a panorama roof and configured to inflate and deploy as gas is supplied from an inflator; and a diffuser disposed in the roof airbag cushion and configured to guide a deployment of the roof airbag cushion in a width direction of a vehicle when the roof airbag cushion is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Min Lee, Byung Ho Min, Hae Kwon Park, Kyu Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 10544624
    Abstract: A system for a closure lock comprises a battery-powered remote module with a lock mechanism for operating the lock, the remote module communicating with a base station coupled to a closure controller, the base station able to send lock control signals to the remote module to operate the lock. The module is arranged to have an operation mode and a non-operation mode, power consumption in the non-operation mode being lower than that in the operation mode, and is further configured to switch between the modes based on instructions from the base station. In the non-operation mode, the module maintains a communication link with the base station based on a pre-established synchronisation protocol. The invention provides reliability against interference between base station and remote module, whilst greatly limiting the power consumption of the remote module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventors: Geoffrey Baker, Raymond Hawkins, Serguei Pimenov
  • Patent number: 10464749
    Abstract: A lid body is provided for being assembled on a barrel body and defining a receiving space with the barrel body, and the lid body includes a main body and an opening and closing system. The main body has an opening for communicating with the receiving space. At least one of sensing unit of the opening and closing system is angle-adjustably disposed on the main body, each said sensing unit and an object to be sensed have a sensing distance therebetween along a sensing direction, a length of the sensing distance projected to a detection plane is defined as a detection range, and the detection range changes according to change of the angle of the sensing unit relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Shek
  • Patent number: 10273745
    Abstract: Fire can spread extremely quickly within structures. To prevent this, fire doors or fire shutters are usually installed. However, security aspects of such doors or shutters are not renown. An attempt to alleviate this problem may be provided by an insulated fire panel shutter including a guide, adapted to receive a shutter and having one or more retractable members moveable between a retracted and extended position; a shutter, moveable between an open and closed position and formed from a plurality of panels each of which is moveable between a stowed and deployed position; their arrangement being such that as the guide receives the shutter during shutter closure, the panel arrangement alters from a stowed side by side relationship to a deployed stacked end to end relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Gliderol Doors (s) PTE., LTD.
    Inventor: Lok Yung Wong
  • Patent number: 9728020
    Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Randall Lee Planck
  • Patent number: 9598900
    Abstract: A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Dwayne Joseph Kornish, Alvin Eiterman
  • Patent number: 9162094
    Abstract: A door machine mechanism for a rolling door has an electric machine mechanism, a brake mechanism and an output mechanism. In normal power supply condition, the rolling door is opened by the electric machine mechanism. In case of fire, the brake mechanism releases brake so that the rolling door moves downward by its own weight. However, in an emergency condition, if an external force is applied to push the door upward, the rolling door will be reopened by an assistance of spare electricity to the electric machine mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9038693
    Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Smoke Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Paul Gonzales, William L. Ziegert, Paul R. Walters, Jr., Ben Tolman
  • Publication number: 20150136334
    Abstract: The invention refers to a quick-opening door comprising: a flexible canvas secured to a motor-driven drum and provided with vertically aligned arrangements of abutment elements that are guided in vertical uprights of the door; an electric duct secured to one of the sides of the canvas and provided with cables connected to a wireless signal transmitter; a plurality of guiding abutment elements distributed along the sides of the canvas with different spaces there between, disposed either singly or in groups; sensors which are disposed in an abutment passage zone and which capture different sequences of pulses during the passage of the abutment elements, thereby determining the position of the canvas at all times; and a contact-detecting band connected to the transmitter via the electric duct and housed in a bag by means of which the canvas is fitted against the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Publication number: 20150114574
    Abstract: A shutter control system for use with a network. The shutter control system includes a network device coupled to the network to communicate an indication. The shutter control system also includes a shutter controller configured to receive the indication, to determine if the indication meets a predefined condition, and, in response to the indication meeting the predefined condition, to communicate an actuation signal. A shutter device, having at least one motor, receives the actuation signal, and operates the at least one motor based on the received actuation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Maciej Fiedler, Robert Zdunek, Bartlomiej Arcichowski
  • Publication number: 20150107788
    Abstract: A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove. Further specific embodiments include a sensor, such as an accelerometer, that detects a disturbance or vibration on the drive element, such as a tug, slide or tap, and activating the motor in response to the disturbance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Daniel T. Matthews, Michael D. Fox, Richard Scott Hand
  • Publication number: 20150096693
    Abstract: Controlling movable barrier movement with respect to selectively overriding a safety system includes determining whether a safety system is in an operation failure or misalignment state, the safety system being configured to detect obstruction in a path of movement of a movable barrier, receiving a state change request for the movable barrier while the safety system is in the operation failure or misalignment state, determining whether a safety override condition exists, and overriding the safety system and actuating the movable barrier if the safety system is in the operation failure or misalignment state and the safety override condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Thomas Jason Jankovsky, Michael Lorch, Larry Strait
  • Publication number: 20150090409
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Ben L. Garcia, Victoria Baynes Mullet, Matthew Warren Kirkland
  • Patent number: 8960260
    Abstract: A motorized roller shade includes a shade tube, including an outer surface upon which a shade is attached, an inner surface defining an inner cavity and two end portions, a motor/controller unit, disposed within the shade tube inner cavity and mechanically coupled to the shade tube inner surface, including a support shaft configured to attach to a mounting bracket, and a DC motor having an output shaft coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket. A wireless receiver is coupled to the motor/controller unit to receive wireless signals and an antenna is arranged on or in at least one of the two end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Homerun Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Peter Anderson, Ben L. Garcia, Matthew Warren Kirkland
  • Publication number: 20150013920
    Abstract: A Venetian shade and Roman shade assembly is presented having a header with a drive shaft assembly positioned in the header, the drive shaft having a plurality of lift and tilt spool assemblies. A motor controller assembly is removably positioned within the header and connected to the drive shaft assembly. The motor controller assembly includes a motor, a plurality of batteries and a motor controller that is wirelessly controllable by a remote. When the motor of the motor controller assembly is activated, the motor rotates the drive shaft assembly thereby raising or lowering the shade material as well as tilting the shade material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: QMotion Incorporated
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Dale McCarthy, David Wayne Ward
  • Publication number: 20140345807
    Abstract: Presented is a motorized roller shade system. The system includes a flexible shade material, a roller tube configured for windingly receiving the flexible shade material, a shade motor coupled to the roller tube, a motor controller in communication with the shade motor, and a sun angle sensor. The sun angle sensor is configured for determining the angle of the sun and transmitting the angle of the sun to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured for driving the shade motor to rotate the roller tube to wind or unwind the flexible shade material in response to the transmitted angle of the sun to limit sunlight penetration to a predetermined maximum distance into a room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Derk
  • Patent number: 8887785
    Abstract: An awning control system provides automatic retraction of an extended awning upon detection of awning motion in multiple dimensions caused by windy conditions. The awning control system includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based accelerometer for motion-based auto-retraction. A single, combined motion sensor/controller module may be located in the motor head and connected to switches and a 12V power source through wires routed along or within the awning framework. The control system operates by gauging the vertical, horizontal (inward/outward), and lateral motion of the leading edge or lead rail of the awning when in a fully or partially extended position. When persistent motion or gust exceeds preset thresholds, the control system will automatically engage the motor to retract the awning. The control system provides full automatic retraction of the awning unless halted or interrupted by additional user input. Manual switching also controls the extension and retraction of the awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Co.
    Inventor: Mark Goth
  • Publication number: 20140305599
    Abstract: The invention provides a closure system comprising an obstacle detection system for detecting objects in or near the path of a moving closure. The system comprises a remote module, a remote module timer, and a communication unit. The system further comprises a motor to drive the closure between open and closed positions, a controller for controlling operation of the motor, and a base station coupled to the controller for communication with the remote module and to transmit synchronisation signals at first prescribed intervals. The remote module is arranged to have at least three modes of power usage: an operation mode, a standby mode, and a sleep mode. The system is further arranged such that, when in sleep mode, the remote module is configured to switch for a preset duration to said standby mode at or substantially at said first prescribed intervals to detect said synchronisation signals so as to monitor the communications link between the base station and the remote module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: AUTOMATIC TECHNOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
    Inventor: Serguei Pimenov
  • Publication number: 20140262058
    Abstract: An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Matthew Warren Kirkland, Richard Gean, Steven T. Rosenmarkle
  • Publication number: 20140246154
    Abstract: The present invention presents a method to permit emergency egress through an access opening covered by an overhead coiling fire door. Upon receiving an alarm notification from a first detector located on one side of the access opening the door is power closed to a predetermined height and held there for the predetermined time, then power closed to a fully closed position. Upon receiving a second alarm notification from a second detector located on the opposite side of the access opening the door enters into a secondary alarm condition. The door is power closed and awaits notification to initiate a secondary emergency egress sequence. The secondary emergency egress sequence comprises receiving a door opening notification, opening the door, holding the door open for a predetermined time, and reclosing the door. Upon primary power restoration or a return to a non-alarm condition the door returns to its preset open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CIW Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: David Dawdy
  • Publication number: 20140202643
    Abstract: Alight control panel is provided, comprising: a transmissive substrate; a transmissive electrically conductive layer arranged on a surface of said substrate; a transmissive dielectric layer arranged on said electrically conductive layer; a flexible roll-up blind attached to said dielectric layer, said flexible roll-up blind layer comprising a flexible electrically conductive layer and a flexible optically functional layer, said flexible layer having naturally a rolled configuration and being capable of unrolling in response to electrostatic force; and an optoelectronic device. The panel may be useful in various energy saving applications including smart windows for buildings or vehicles, e.g. providing an energy efficient light source or utilizing solar radiation for energy conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Ties Van Bommel, Wilhelmus Johannes Hendricus Ansems, Cornelis Eustatius Timmering, Jacobus Johannes Van Glabbeek
  • Patent number: 8746321
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rolling protective shutter having an improved stopping mechanism that prevents the shutter from completely rolling up onto the shutter support member, and that is hidden within the shutter housing or the side tracks. The stopping mechanism may include a limit switch operatively connected to a drive motor to detect a disposition of the base slat of the shutter curtain proximate the shutter housing. The limit switch may actuate to turn off the drive motor at an appropriate position to retain the base slat within the side tracks and to prevent damage to the shutter housing due to engagement by the base slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Qualitas Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140138033
    Abstract: A method to be used for controlling a screen (1) including a load bar (2), a flexible element (4) supporting the load bar, and at least one controlled member for winding the flexible member, in order to move the load bar (2) between a first high or low position and a second low or high position, the movement resulting from an angular movement of the winding member. The method includes at least one step in which the angular movement of the of the winding member (52) is controlled with a temporal set value (?(t)) of the instantaneous angular position (?(t)) of the winding member (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Lagarde, Frédéric Maraval
  • Publication number: 20140090787
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example architectural opening covering assembly includes a tube and a covering coupled to the tube such that rotation of the tube winds or unwinds the covering around the tube. A motor is operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube. The example architectural opening covering assembly also includes a gravitational sensor to generate tube position information based on a gravity reference. The example architectural opening covering assembly further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the motor to control the motor. The controller is to determine a position of the covering based on the tube position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Wendell Colson, Dan Fogarty, Paul G. Swiszcz, William Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140076502
    Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Curtis Paul Gonzales, William L. Ziegert, Paul R. Walters, JR., Ben Tolman
  • Publication number: 20140060754
    Abstract: A door machine mechanism for a rolling door has an electric machine mechanism, a brake mechanism and an output mechanism. In normal power supply condition, the rolling door is opened by the electric machine mechanism. In case of fire, the brake mechanism releases brake so that the rolling door moves downward by its own weight. However, in an emergency condition, if an external force is applied to push the door upward, the rolling door will be reopened by an assistance of spare electricity to the electric machine mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8651164
    Abstract: The present invention presents a novel alternative to side-hinged swinging doors that offers access to a broad egress opening width needed to meet higher occupancy egress requirements while simultaneously qualifying as a fire/smoke barrier. In a preferred embodiment, a single overhead coiling fire door shaft assembly is counter-balanced to allow a fire door curtain to automatically close at a governed controlled descent upon reaching an established critical low battery condition. An operator is provided that will run the door under both normal condition and during a power failure or fire/smoke condition at an established average door speed, and also provide established levels of low battery warning signals/actions while also providing the ability to open as required for emergency egress until the temperature at the opening is not conducive for human life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: CIW Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Klish, Brian Reklaitis
  • Patent number: 8646510
    Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a control system coupled to the drive assembly and configured to command operation of the drive assembly. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to the control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: James N. Cloninger, Kelsey S. Aldrich
  • Patent number: 8639387
    Abstract: A method of controlling a controllable device related to a building aperture, whereby a climate related characteristic for the aperture is adjusted by the device, and whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a climate and comfort program which is dependent on a control parameter, whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a time schedule provided by the climate and comfort program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Raun Byberg, Ulrik Vagn Ebbe
  • Publication number: 20130228289
    Abstract: A vertically coiling door assembly that is used for emergency egress. The door assembly is capable of both powered and manual emergency egress upon entry into a predefined alarm state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: CIW Enterprises, Inc
    Inventors: Ian Klish, Joseph D. Kondash, Joseph L. Balay, Thomas Balay
  • Publication number: 20130222979
    Abstract: In a system with two electronic panels arranged with a plurality of busses between them, the removal of one of the electronic panels exposes the live busses to a user. To shield the user from the exposed busses, a mechanism operates shutters to close and cover the busses. The mechanism operation can be based on the rotation of a cam supporting the shutters in the open position. A manual override allows the shutters to be kept in the open position even when the busses are exposed due to the removal of an electronic panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Srinivas Salugu, Sudarshan Allada, Pravin Pralhad Kulkarni, Kok-Hann Lew
  • Publication number: 20130199736
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatically closed fire protection louver device, which is installed on a window or the like in an apartment building without a balcony function or in a curtain wall type building structure to adjust natural lighting and automatically block spread of flames to an upper floor without using electrical energy when a fire breaks out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yoo Sun Ro
  • Patent number: 8365800
    Abstract: A solar battery is partially attached to each blade of a blind. The position of each blade is adjusted based on position information such that each blade tracks sunlight. Electric energy obtained by the generation of electricity using an indoor illumination source is used to charge a battery. In addition to the generation of electricity, some of the blades are folded to let in light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hyuk Oh, See Young Choi, Seong Je Wu, Seong Joo Han
  • Publication number: 20120318465
    Abstract: An insulating shade assembly for an architectural opening includes a roller and an insulating shade. The insulating shade includes a shade core attached to and between first and second outer shade sheets. The shade core includes a number of inner shade sheets which are stacked upon one another and attached to one another in an offset manner. The shade core is expanded by moving the first and second outer shade sheets relative to one another, creating a number of cells for insulating air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
  • Publication number: 20120261079
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment to automatically control the position of a covering material in front of a window to save energy. The motorized window treatment has an eco-mode whereby to at least one climate characteristic is measured by a sensor to save energy by decreasing the load on a heating and/or cooling system of the room in which the motorized window treatment is installed. The motorized window treatment opens the covering material on sunny winter days to allow energy from sunlight to be stored in the mass of the room, and closes the covering material at night to insulate the room and allow the energy from the sunlight stored in the mass of the room to heat the room and reduce the load on the heating and cooling system at night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Justin J. Mierta, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8281795
    Abstract: A retractable awning, comprising a screen which may be extended and retracted, wherein there is provided a first motor arranged to extend the screen, a second motor arranged to retract the screen, and a control unit arranged to control the first and second motors, wherein the first and second motors are synchronized so as to maintain tension in the screen within predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Cutler
  • Patent number: 8251118
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that provides protection for a window from exterior fires which might ignite combustibles by radiation through the glass and/or break the glass and allow direct flame impingement, and also operates as a non-solid shutter or shade allowing privacy and shade. The shutter consists of metal or other noncombustible screen, mesh or slats spaced or pierced so that they allow some light to penetrate for shade control but protect the window glass from heat radiation and flying debris created by an external firestorm. The shutter can be raised and lowered manually, or with mechanical assistance, as by means of a chain lift or other roll-up/down mechanism for shade and privacy control, but will drop (close) automatically when released by a fusible link of the appropriate temperature setting to provide the fire protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald J. Loar
  • Publication number: 20120118513
    Abstract: A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (100). The shield system includes at least one flexible sheet (304) and at least one arrangement (106) for fixing, in use, the at least one flexible sheet to an air cooler structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Simon Melhuish, Richard Collins, Andrew John Gardner
  • Patent number: 8069896
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door having a drive mechanism. The method comprises the activation of a circuit in response to an external stimuli to a switch. This actuates a timer and raises a timing bar. A cable passes across the timing bar and is connected to the switch on one end and to a solenoid on a second end. The cable passes through a top portion of a rocker arm assembly having a one-way bearing. The solenoid is actuated as a result of the raising of the timing bar; and activates the one-way bearing to cause the door to be raised to a pre-set position for a pre-set period of time. To reverse the door, the timer bar is dropped after the lapse of the pre-set period of time. The solenoid is re-activated and reverses the one-way bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Alpine Overhead Doors, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastian Magro
  • Publication number: 20110259529
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for blocking direct light from a light source, wherein the device comprises two arrays of elongated slats and a means to coordinately move the two arrays relative to each other within a range of configuration, wherein in at least one configuration the two arrays block direct light from a light source to more than one location incident to the light source while not blocking other views through the two arrays from the more than one location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Robert D. Clear