Abstract: A detection system includes an infrared emitter (2) and an infrared detector (8) having optical axes (6) and (12) extending parallel to one another but being offset from one another. As the detector (8) and the emitter (2) approach one another the distance between them decreases but their angular separation increases. Accordingly, the increase in signal engendered in the detector as it approaches the emitter is countered to some extent by the greater angular separation. Accordingly, the net result is that any change in output of the detector resulting from a change in its spacing from the emitter is substantially reduced. Instead of the detector and emitter moving relative to one another they may be fixed and the light path between them varied by a moving reflector to achieve a similar result.

Abstract: A combination manual and electric door opener having a bracket mounted to a door frame at a hinged side of the door. An electric motor is connected to the bracket and in turn connects to a threaded rod. A threaded nut is positioned around the threaded rod. Connected to the threaded rod is a cam arm. Upon engagement by the motor, the threaded nut rotates in a translational direction along the threaded rod. The cam arm is pivoted about a pivot point fastened to the top of the doorway and engages a closed door. The door is thus pivotally acted upon until it is in an open position.

Abstract: A self-contained automatic gate system is disclosed wherein all system components are built into the gate system itself thereby allowing the user to simply provide a footing for mounting the system and then mounting it with no need for further assembly.

Abstract: Remote control equipment for remotely opening a vehicle door. A manual operated remote control transmitter transmits a signal to a receiver mounted on the vehicle which causes door mounted motor actuators to unlock and unlatch the door after which a prebiased mechanical door opener functions to open the door wide enough to permit ready access to the vehicle.

Abstract: A turnstile provided with an electronic control unit having a photoelectric cell (8, 9) connected therewith, located downstream from the turnstile revolving member (3), in the user walking-through direction, in order to check if the user has actually walked through. Therefore, the turnstile has the ability to detect and issue a signal for, a simulated walking-through attempt performed by a user who actuates turnstile revolving member (3) without actually walking-through said turnstile, and it proves particularly effective for checking the arrival and the presence of personnel at the working posts.

Abstract: An automatically actuated door arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a plurality of slidable doors which are opened and closed by an electric motor/cable arrangement. Open and close switches control the opening and closing of the doors. A sensor device provides the open doors/close doors signals to the controller, and eventually to the motor. The motor is connected to the cable drive by a clutch arrangement which allows slippage should the movement of the doors become obstructed. The door travel path may be arranged in a slight V-shape, to allow for more efficient sealing of the door bottoms. A controller is provided to receive, process, and distribute electronic signals for controlling the extent of the door opening, the speed of opening and closing, and other operating parameters. The controller includes a series of indicators for monitoring the status of the door arrangement, and also includes inputs for altering the operating parameters of the door arrangement.

Abstract: A barrier system works in conjunction with an automatic fee collection system to prevent persons from gaining entry to a fee-paid area without payment of the required fee. The barrier system includes a physical barrier that controllably blocks a passageway through which the person who attempts to gain access without payment must move. A barrier actuator controllably drives the physical barrier from the open to the closed position under the direction of a controller. The controller receives sensor signals that warn of an attempt to gain admission without payment, processes those signals through a logic that prevents unauthorized admission, guards against injury to persons by operation of the physical barrier, and permits exit through the barrier system.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.

Abstract: An object sensing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a region of space and a plurality of closely arranged light detectors for receiving light reflected from an object. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatically operated doors.

Abstract: A cable gate is arranged to include a plurality of spaced housings, with the first housing including a lift arm, the lift arm providing guidance for a gate cable directed therethrough, with the gate cable including a second distal end mounted to the second housing, with the first distal end fixedly secured interiorly of the first housing, with a slide member mounted upon a track to effect displacement of the cable within the first housing effecting lifting of the lift arm and the gate cable from a first lower position within a storage channel to a second horizontal position adjacent an upper distal end of each housing.

Abstract: A revolving door with a passage space (3) enclosed by a housing (1) in which the door panels (4) are mounted onto a central rotatable support (5). One or more sensors (6) are present which, at the presence of an object within a certain distance of a door panel (4) may emit a signal. The signal serves to actuate a controlling device so as to operate the drive of the revolving door.

Abstract: A light beam transmitter and receiver are located in or near a door opener enclosure, and fiber optics connect the transmitter and receiver to the sides of the door opening. Lens arrangements are attached to the ends of the optic cables and are mounted near the bottom of the door frame. Thus, the transmitter and receiver do not need to be located near the door which eliminates the need for wiring from the enclosure to the door area and protects the transmitter and detector from physical abuse at the doorway.

Abstract: Both a motion detector and a presence detector receive doppler shifted reflected microwave radiation to detect the passage of a person or an animal in a field of view. The motion sensor is adapted to detect the passage of a person or an animal near a doorway and to actuate the doorway in response thereto, to permit the passage of the person or animal thereto. The presence detector detects "swaying motion" of a person or an animal in a field of view much closer to the location of the sensor as its gain is much lower than that of the motion detection channel. In addition the presence detector is activated only in the event the motion sensor is deactivated. The output signals from the motion sensor and presence sensor are gated through an OR gate and to a timer to activate the door opener.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.

Abstract: An automatic pet door apparatus includes a frame having a parallel-spaced pair of rigidly connected columns for mounting vertically oriented between wall studs, a lower portion of the frame defining a doorway passage between opposite sides of the walls; a door vertically movable in the frame between closed and open positions; a driver supported by the frame and coupled to the door for lifting the door from the closed position to the open position in response to a motor signal; a radiation transmitter for wearing by the pet and operable for producing a predetermined transmitter signal; a transducer located proximate the frame for producing a transducer signal in response to the transmitter signal when the pet approaches the frame from one side of the wall; and a controller responsive to the transmitter signal for activating the motor signal, whereby the door is raised by the driver, the door opening by sliding within the wall.

Abstract: A sliding door sensor employs two arrays of IR emitters which are pulsed to provide an approach detection zone and a threshold detection zone. Radiation reflected from the detection zones is converted to signals which are processed in microprocessors. The sensor periodically automatically adjusts for changes in background. Both presence and motion detection is provided. The sensor also detects dark objects.

Abstract: A vehicle operated remote control access system for obtaining access to a controlled environment using the headlight system of a vehicle having a high beam operation and a low beam operation. The remote control access system comprises a switching sensor circuit for detecting a sequence of switching from a low beam to a high beam operation or from a high beam to a low beam operation of the vehicle. Two or more of these switching sequences may be employed in the present invention. A timing means is provided with the circuit in order to determine if a switching sequence from a low beam to a high beam operation and then from a high beam operation back to a low beam operation, and possible with a second sequence of back to high beam and then low beam operation, occurred within a predetermined time interval. If the one or more required switching sequence did occur in this time interval, then the remote control system is energized to open a gate or a door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic remote controlled opening device which may be used to open and close doors, windows or similar closure systems. The opening device includes a receiver to detect control signals generated at a remote location from the device. The control signals are then utilized to effect selective operation of a mechanical system coupled with the closure system for opening and closing thereof. The mechanical system enables smooth and efficient automatic opening and closing, but does not inhibit manual operation of the door or the like. Control circuitry associated with the device enables various functions to be performed for selective operation of the device. The device may also be provided with a stored energy source of power such that it can be retrofit for use with an existing closure system. Auxiliary control of the device enables opening or closing in response to an emergency situation or other circumstances.

Abstract: A garbage container is disclosed, which will open automatically when a user is present in front of the container and will close after a predetermined time of the departure of the user. This garbage container comprises an infrared ray transmitter and an infrared ray receiver to detect the presence of a user.

Abstract: The invention provides a scanning beam along the forward edge of an elevator car closure which leads the edge a predetermined distance to provide sufficient time when an object interrupts the beam to stop or reverse the closure and which retracts relative to the closure during final closing movement to dwell adjacent the line at which the closure forward edge closes.

Abstract: A photoelectric garbage bin, which includes a rectangular housing having an opening on its beveling upper portion covered by a pivotal cover board and defining therein a space for the setting therein of a dustbin. Through the detection of an electric eye on the housing, a motor is driven to carry a rope pulley to take up or let off a rope, which extends from the rope pulley through an idle wheel to secured to the back side of the cover board, so as to drive the cover board to open the opening of the housing or permit two torsion springs to automatically turn the cover board back to original position to completely close up the opening of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic remote controlled opening device which may be used to open and close doors, windows or similar closure systems. The opening device includes a receiver to detect control signals generated at a remote location from the device. The control signals are then utilized to effect selective operation of a mechanical system coupled with the closure system for opening and closing thereof. The mechanical system enables smooth and efficient automatic opening and closing, but does not inhibit manual operation of the door or the like. Control circuitry associated with the device enables various functions to be performed for selective operation of the device. The device may also be provided with a stored energy source of power such that it can be retrofit for use with an existing closure system. Auxiliary control of the device enables opening or closing in response to an emergency situation or other circumstances.

Abstract: A sensor system for an automatic sliding door employs multiple sensor modules. Each of the sensor modules includes both a presence sensor and a motion sensor. In addition, each of the sensor units includes switches for adjusting the size of the presence zone, for selecting either a continuous or a triggered scan mode and for selecting an operating phase to prevent interference. The sensor units are generally mounted above the threshold of the doorway and their opeations are synchronized to provide both a traffic sensor and a safety sensor for a sliding door system.

Abstract: A safety device, particularly intended to be used in roll-up doors to cause reversal of the door closing movements in case an obstacle obstructs the path of movement of the door. The device comprises at least a couple of photoelectric cells which are arranged at a certain distance from the closing edge of the door leaf in alignment with the door leaf on a support arm which is displaceable in the direction of closing of the door.

Abstract: A three-piece, compact wireless railroad grade crossing motorist warning device comprising: a locomotive mounted transceiver which simultaneously communicates (upon close proximity) with a similar transceiver mounted at railroad grade crossing, and motor vehicles equipped with sympathetic receivers. Upon signal receipt verification, the grade crossing transceiver emits a coded radio signal to local motoring public sympathetic receivers. Upon signal reception, an audio/visual alert is presented to the motor vehicle operator, alerting the motor vehicle operator to the locomotive-occupied railroad crossing. Additionally, a contact verification display is displayed to the operator of the locomotive, upon activation of the grade site transceiver.

Abstract: A parking barrier that is remotely controlled and includes a vertically, pivotally mounted post having an L-shaped arm secured at one end thereof to the post and projecting outwardly therefrom, lying in a generally horizontal plane. The post is positioned at or near one of the boundary lines of a defined parking space and the post may be moved through an arc from one position to another wherein the L-shaped arm, in one position, projects into the parking space preventing unauthorized parties from using that space for parking a vehicle. In the other position, the L-shaped arm overlies two adjoining boundary lines or in proximity thereto, allowing a vehicle to park in the designated space. The pivotally mounted post is mounted on a base that is weighted down by a curb stone so that no modification need be needed to the surface of the parking area. The curb stone is detachably connected (by suitable security devices) to the base plate thereby making the unit itself portable for moving from one site to another.

Abstract: A safety system is disclosed for universal attachment to existing garage door openers. A transmitter of infrared energy transmits a beam laterally of the door opening to detect any obstruction to door closing movement. A safety control circuit is adapted for connection to the main control circuit of the existing garage door opener, the existing push button switch is disconnected from the main control circuit and connected to the new safety control circuit, a flexible cable or cord is connected for actual movement in accordance with movement of the door and is connected to the safety control circuit at a reel on which the cord is wound, and the safety control circuit determines if there is actual door movement and actual door closing movement, as well as being responsive to an obstruction to door closing movement to apply a signal to stop the door and then apply another signal to start the door in its opening movement.

Abstract: Mechanism primarily suited to automatic sliding door applications wherein at least a pair of object presence sensing detectors, preferably of the ultra-sonic transducer type are arranged to be placed in linear spaced relation to one another effective to cast sonic beams produced thereby spanning the doorway to which applied. So as to assure satisfactorily a beam path to be intercepted by an object stationary or moving in the beams, they are purposely overlapped. The door upon being operatively moved by motion sensing detectors or manual means acts at different opening positions to switch the object sensing detectors on and upon reverse closing positions switches the object sensing detectors off.

Abstract: A movable door incorporates a proximity detection system for sensing obstructions in the path of the door. The system comprises an array of transmitter/receiver pairs, each pair comprising a transmitter for tranmitting an energy pulse, a receiver located adjacent the transmitter and directed to receive any reflected transmitter pulses, and a shielding for shielding the receiver from receiving energy pulses directly from the transmitter. At least two transmitter/receiver pairs are mounted on a leading edge or face of the door to transmit energy pulses in a direction which is not at right angles to the leading surface or edge of the door, to monitor for obstructions in the path of the door. Another two transmitter/receiver pairs are mounted on the leading edge or surface of the door to transmit energy pulses at right angles to the surface or edge of the door. Different transmitter/receiver pairs may transmit on different frequencies, and means for suppressing unwanted reflected signals is provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic lock which mounts at the top of a door frame and magnetically bonds with an armature employs both an ultrasonic sensor and a passive infrared sensor to detect the approach of an individual at the doorway. Both the ultrasonic sensor and the passive infrared detector have fan-shaped sensing regions which are positioned forwardly from the doorway. Upon detection of an individual approaching the doorway, the lock is capable of automatically releasing to allow egress through the doorway.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gate includes a microprocessor which normally automatically recloses a gate after it has been opened in response to a radio or sensor loop signal, and which normally locks the gate against movement when the gate motor is stopped. When an obstruction is sensed in the path of the gate, the automatic reclosing feature and the sensor loops are disabled, the gate drive remains unlocked even though the motor is stopped, and the response of the system to a radio signal is changed to produce alternating opening and closing of the gate on successive radio signals. At all times, the gate drive lock is released before the motor is started and is not engaged until after the gate has come to rest.

Abstract: A system for controlling the opening and closing operation of a sliding door wherein at least two presence sensing detectors are disposed effective to cast beams in overlapping relation to one another and extending across the pathway of the door to be controlled, and manual means or motion detecting detectors effective to provide for the initiation of movement of the door to open position. Furthermore programmed computer means are included in the system for the controlled sequencing and pulsing of the presence sensing beams in the opening and closing operation of the door.

Abstract: An automatic electro-mechanical device for opening and closing a curtain or drapery in response to changed light striking a photoelectric cell on the device. The device comprises a miniature high torque reversible electric motor and control packaged in a container of substantially the same size as a conventional cord tensioner of curtains or draperies. To close the drapes at sun-down and open the drapes at sun-up automatically without actuation if the lighting changes for short periods of time, the device comprises a dual timer circuit with individual ramping circuits. One timer circuit monitors the sustained presence or absence of light for a predetermined amount of time. The other timer regulates the motor drive run time. A flip flop circuit signals the current state of the curtains or drapes by providing memory of the last directional movement of the motor.

Abstract: A solar protection device includes slats of refractive material rotatable about a longitudinal axis, having an even, flat upper side and having on their lower side prisms arranged serially without gaps and running parallel to the longitudinal axis. In order to maintain the condition for retroreflection with variations of the sun's position, the angle of inclination to the horizontal of the slats must be readjusted from time to time, at least seasonably. For automatic adjustment thereof a light sensing arrangement of two light sensors arranged oppositely on both cathetal legs of one of the prisms whose hypotenuse is formed by the upper side of the rotatable slat. Control by a drive and associated electronics is undertaken and continued as long as solar rays impinge on one of the light sensors with intensity exceeding a predetermined illumination level.

Abstract: A door controller for roller type doors is disclosed incorporating a microprocessor control system. The microprocessor measures and stores the door speed over segments of the door travel to generate a door speed travel characteristic. This characteristic enables the door controller to accurately assess obstruction conditions by comparing a real time characteristic with a stored characteristic. The microprocessor also stores electronically the upper and lower limits of door travel. The microprocessor monitors electric motor duty cycle to avoid overheating of the motor and possible burnout while also controlling locking of the drive mechanism when the motor is inoperative. The microprocessor is also used to set the radio control signal code used to activate the door drive mechanism, the setting procedure allows for immediate verification of the set code.

Abstract: A threshold safety sensor for a sliding door system employs infrared transmitters and a photo diode for detecting traffic at or near the threshold of a sliding door system. The transmitters are pulsed in a time spaced sequence. An input signal derived from the operate initiating signal of the automatic door operator is employed for enabling a latch. The latch sets a relay to a state for maintaining the doors in an open position when traffic is detected in the sensor detection zone.

Abstract: A transom member for a sliding door having an elongate support member and a cover member secured to the support member. The transom member has a cavity defined between the support member and cover member and sensing means for sensing approach of a person towards the transom member is housed in the cavity. The sensing means includes an energy detector for detecting energy from a person approaching the transom member, and the detector is positioned for receiving such energy through the cover member.

Abstract: A radio remote-controlled door operator for use, among other uses, as a residential garage door operator. The transmitter contains two buttons, one to produce normal door operation and the other to set the operator into a "secure" mode wherein it will be non-responsive to further valid operating codes until reset. In addition, a second deeper level of security may be established by means of a vacation switch which disconnects the operator from the AC power supply. The operator system comprises a microprocessor which is programmed to perform various accessory functions even through the accessories may not be present. Various microprocessor inputs are tied to a false "safe" level so that even though the accessory programs are run, no outputs result and no interference with normal door operation is produced.

Abstract: The moving housing parts of an analytical balance are couplable with drive apparatus, which receives the appropriate control commands for opening or closing, for instance, from sensors operating in a contactless fashion. Proximity sensors or voice control sensors can be utilized as sensors. The mechanical process of the opening-or closing movement occurs by means of a drive housed in the housing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door lock system employs an electromagnetic lock which magnetically bonds with an armature plate. An acoustical sensor generates a detection beam. The detection beam is directed toward the doorknob. Reflected energy is received and electronically processed to detect the presence of a foreign object in the vicinity of the doorknob. The lock automatically deactuates when a foreign object is detected in the vicinity of the knob. The electromagnetic lock, sensor and processing circuitry are mounted in a housing which is located near the top of a doorway. An audio alarm and status light indicators are mounted at the housing to indicate the status of the lock.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for remote control of garage doors and other devices wherein an extremely large number of codes are available for remote transmitters for operating the garage operator and wherein each transmitter has its own unique and permanent nonuser changeable code. The receiver at the garage door operator is capable of storing and remembering a number of different codes corresponding to different transmitters such that the receiver can be programmed so as to actuated by more than one transmitted code thus allowing two or more transmitters to actuate the same garage door operator and wherein the receiver stores the valid codes for the different transmitters.

Abstract: Capacitively sensitive antennas are located at the closing edges of automatically controlled elevator doors to generate error signals by way of differential amplifiers if capacitively influenced by an obstacle or a disturbance. A door travel detector and pulse generator divide the entire door region into incremental travel distances of, for instance, one centimeter steps to control a compensator which consists of a threshold value detector, a forward/reverse counter and a digital/analog converter. Every error signal is subjected to compensation at every door movement for the associated travel distance increment and floor and the determined compensation value is stored for use in the next compensation cycle.

Abstract: A method for sensing a human body has the steps of projecting infra-red rays from a projector, receiving infra-red rays reflected from a background and a human body by a photo-sensor, deriving a difference between a reflection amount from the background and that from the human body on the basis of an output from the photo-sensor by the action of first and second integrator circuits, and outputting a human body sense signal from a response circuit when the difference in the reflection amount is held at a predetermined period of time. The first integrator circuit has a relatively small time constant, while the second integrator circuit has a relatively large time constant.

Abstract: For the temporary blocking of the access to parking places, driveways and cess roads a post is used, which is anchored in the ground and is foldable about an articulation arranged over the ground, whereby a drive is located in the post which can be activated over a receiver in correspondence with a portable emitter. Thereby, the post is suitably built as a hollow body, so that the drive and the remaining parts can be safely lodged therein. This way, the barrier post can be remote-controlled without difficulty from an approaching vehicle by means of a portable emitter, or for instance in the case of blocking the access to football stadiums, from a control center.

Abstract: The invention comprises a pulse transmitter (2,3) for infrared light, the reflected radiation from which is received by photo-diodes (5) converting the light pulses to electric pulses (FIG. 3), which are amplified (9) and applied to a balancing circuit (12), which operates digitally and with a given working or threshold level. Applied pulses give the output of the balancing circuit (12) a low state, which is supplied to a first integration circuit (16) having relatively rapid integration time, and which is in series with a second integration circuit (18). The integration circuits each control an input (21,26) of a comparison circuit (22), which generates an operation signal on its output (27,28) when there is a difference in integration conditions, the slower integration circuit (18) controlling the working or threshold level of the balancing circuit (12).

Abstract: Obstruction detector apparatus operatively coupled to an automatic electric door operator compares the time span of transmission and receipt of reflected echoes of ultrasonic energy within a door passageway obstruction zone with predetermined time spans in order to prevent door closure under conditions indicating passageway obstruction or system malfunction. Signal generators provide timing signals respectively representative of the anticipated time span of reflected echoes from locations in front of, and beyond, the door jamb opposite the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver transducers for comparison by a relay controller with the time of generation of a signal representing a reflected echo at the transducer receiver, the relay controller appropriately actuating a door operator relay in response to such comparison.

Abstract: An automatic door installation with two traffic sensors mounted on each side of the door adjacent the opposite side edges thereof, each having a reflected energy receiver and a plurality of radiant energy emitters with angularly spaced beam axes to provide broad coverage areas intersecting the traffic path of travel. The emitters of each sensor are selectively activated at different radiant energy levels and/or selectively deactivated to vary the affective coverage area as the door is swung between its closed and open positions.

Abstract: A controlling device for an automatic door which can detect a human body approaching the door assuredly in a relatively early stage and hence can assure smooth passage thereof by a person after another person has passed it. The controlling device comprises a controller, a first human body detecting sensor having a small detecting area near the door, and a second human body detecting sensor having a wider detecting area which extends remotely from the door and covers the detecting area of the first human body sensor. The controller develops a door opening signal in response to a human body detection signal received from the first human body detecting sensor when a door closing signal is not being developed from the controller whereas it develops a door opening signal in response to a human body detection signal from the second human body detecting sensor when a door closing signal is being developed from the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting door movement data in an automatic door system is improved in that an opening-direction sensor and a closing-direction sensor are provided on a horizontal member of a slide door frame, while a slide door is provided with a dog having a plurality of actuating portions adapted to switch ON or OFF the opening-direction sensor and the closing-direction sensor as arrayed at an interval in the direction of sliding, so that the opening direction sensor and the closing direction sensor may be switched ON and OFF repeatedly as the door is moved in the opening or closing direction.

Abstract: A radio frequency (r-f) transmitter has an electric oscillator circuit for producing an oscillating r-f signal in an antenna. A feedback sub-circuit of the oscillator circuit includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator for stabilizing the oscillations. The feedback circuit has a Q of less than 12000. There is a modulation sub-circuit of the oscillator circuit which includes a voltage variable capacitor. The voltage variable capacitor responds to input voltage variations to modulate the capacitance of the feedback circuit, thereby modulating the frequency of the transmitter. A garage door opener system employing the transmitter is also disclosed.