Abstract: A safe remote-control door opening-and-closing device for an automotive vehicle by which the door can not be opened or the door now being opened is closed, even if the driver operates the door open switch, in the case where there exists an obstruction within a predetermined warning region near the vehicle door or around the vehicle. The safe remote-control door device according to the present invention comprises an obstruction sensor for detecting the presence of an obstruction, if any, and a switching unit for disconnecting the door open switch from the door driving device or for connecting the door open switch to the reverse revolution terminal of the driving device in order to close the door now being opened, in addition to a conventional remote-control door opening-and-closing device.

Abstract: A light barrier is restricted to detecting blockage in a limited, constant region before the closing edges of a lift cabin-twin door. Two light emitters or transmitters are displaceably arranged in the door sill and are operatively associated with entrainment elements fastened to the lift cabin doors. The light emitters are synchronously displaced with light receivers mounted at the upper edges of the cabin doors. To increase reliability of operation, the lower edges of the lift cabin doors are provided with cleaning devices which clean the light exit locations of infrared luminescent or light-emitting diodes forming the light emitters during every opening and closing operation. Thus, the cleaning device of one door is arranged to clean the infrared luminescent diode of the light emitter of the other door and vice versa.

Abstract: A door is provided having an automatic opening means for the door and a key locking facility for mechanically locking the door in a door closed position and electric circuit means connected with the motor means to sense a change in the electrical operating conditions of the motor above that which is normal for operation of the motor and to remove the above normal power thereby supplied to the motor in such circumstances.The sensing means preferably comprises a means which switches off the power once the electrical operating conditions are sensed above that which is normal and whereby it returns the power some time later and should the motor then reexperience electrical operating conditions above that which is normal the sensing means will again switch off the power to the motor.The sensing means desirably comprise a bimetallic cut out switch means.

Abstract: An obstacle detector is disclosed, being designed to automatically brake a descending or ascending load suspended on at least two spaced cables, should an obstacle be encountered in the path of the load. The detector comprises at least two winch drums and a rotatable horizontal rod having at least two laterally-spaced levers projecting radially therefrom and inclined on opposite sides of the rod. One end of each cable is secured to a drum, passes through a pulley supporting the load and is secured to a corresponding lever at its other end. A change in the tension of one of the cables, due to an obstacle, results in a small rotation of the rod, thus activating an electric sensing device which effectively shuts down the motor driving the winch drums.

Abstract: A safe remote-control door opening-and-closing device for an automotive vehicle in which the door can not be opened or closed by a driver from a remote position when a passenger is in an abnormal sitting position, for instance, when he is leaning against the door or when he is getting out of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the safe remote-control device according to the present invention, it is possible to open the door which is currently being closed if the passenger is getting out of the vehicle. The safe remote-control device comprises one or two abnormal sitting position detection switches of the pressure-sensitive type, which are disposed under the trim of the seat near the door, or under the lining on an inner door panel, in addition to the conventional remote-control door opening-and-closing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a semi-continuous passenger transport system using non-motorized vehicles. Fault conditions corresponding to passengers or articles carried by passengers projecting beyond a surface limiting access to the vehicles in stations are detected. Detection of such fault conditions initiates progressive implementation of fault condition signalling, and slowing and stopping of the tracks which drive the vehicles. These measures are progressively cancelled on clearance of the fault condition.

Abstract: An automatic door operation control apparatus is disclosed which comprises a door operating device a driving device for opening and closing the door, a condition detector for detecting a condition under which the movement of the door by the driving device is required to be discontinued, and a main control device for issuing a driving command to the driving device to actuate the same as required in response to a condition detection signal from the condition detector. The apparatus further comprises an auxiliary control device for stopping the operation of the driving device in the event that the main control device fails to issue a command to the driving device to stop the door movement within a predetermined length of time in response to the condition detection signal from the condition detector.

Abstract: A motor for operating the door is controlled for forward and reverse rotations and stoppage by a control circuit responsive to an operation command signal, an upper-lower limit signal, an obstruction detection signal and a maximum drive time over signal, thus controlling the door stepwise for opening, stoppage, closing, stoppage and opening in that order. Upon generation of an obstruction detection signal or a maximum drive time over signal during the closing operation, the control circuit controls the motor in a manner to open the door for a certain period of time, and subsequently upon application of an operation command signal, the control circuit is set in a manner to open the door again.

Abstract: An anti-clamping device for a vehicle door driven in opening and closing movements by a turnable shaft in turn driven by a transmission rod. The anti-clamping device comprises a telescopic element interposed in the transmission rod and including first and second telescopically engaged parts having retracted and extended positions. A control member is mounted on one of the parts and can be in the form of a projecting pin while spaced switches are mounted on the other of the parts. The pin projects between the switches to operate a selected one thereof depending on whether the parts are telescopically retracted or extended to reverse the direction of door movement. Thereby when an obstacle is present in the path of travel of the door, stress in the transmission rod will be accompanied by telescopic retraction or extension of the parts depending upon whether the door is in its opening or closing movement which produces closure of one of the switches to reverse the direction of door movement.

Abstract: A system for protection against getting caught in automatically operable doors or windows, particularly of vehicles. Specific intervals of time within which the closing or opening door should reach a given position are preset. When the door does not reach one of these positions within the time allowed, the reversing motion is initiated or the cycle of motions is stopped. For this purpose, an electric signal generator coupled to the door motion delivers electric position signals when predetermined positions of the door are reached. An electric storage element is set by the position signals and after a predetermined time interval automatically reset, with the logic value of its output signal changing.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for arresting the motion of a motor driven panel wherein an electrical conductor along an exposed edge of the panel is connected to an electrical sensing circuit. The presence of an object in contact with the electrical conductor is sensed by the sensing circuit, which then operates a switching device. The switching device disconnects drive power to the motor, preventing motion of the panel for as long as the object is in contact with the electrical conductor.

Abstract: Obstacle sensing apparatus for a pivotal door has a drive for operating the door between open and closed positions. Linkage is provided between the pivotal column which supports the door for swinging movement and a platform pivotally mounted on a fixed adjacent structure. When an obstacle is encountered the reactive force pivots the platform through the linkage and activates switches which reverse the drive. Elastic blocks keep the platform centered except when an obstacle is encountered.

Abstract: A garage door operation control apparatus comprises a disc rotatable in interlocked relation with a door driving system, which disc actuates an upper limit switch and a lower limit switch at the door upper and lower limit positions respectively. The interlocked relation of the driving system and the disc may be cancelled thereby to adjust the responsive position of the limit switches.

Abstract: A customer terminal for a single conveyor tube banking service pneumatic tube system. The terminal has a cabinet which can be opened by unlocking and removing a hinged front member to expose system components and terminal mechanism. The carrier receive and send housing has a hinged door and the housing communicates with the system conveyor tube. The mechanism is operative automatically to present a carrier arriving at the terminal to a customer seated in an adjacent vehicle. The presented carrier is conveniently positioned at an angle at the outer end of a pocket on the door for removal and replacement by a customer without requiring precise positioning. The carrier is returned automatically to the conveyor tube system when replaced in the door pocket. The door has safety mechanism automatically reopening the door if it encounters an obstacle on closing.

Abstract: A roller shutter door limit sensing means comprising a screw member for rotation in response to rotation of the drum onto which the curtain of the roller shutter door is wound, a limit switch actuator means threadably carried by the screw member to advance or retreat therealong in response to its rotation operates a corresponding opposite limit switch means, whereby the switch means can be activated for the curtain fully closed or the curtain fully opened positions whereby to switch off an electric drive means which opens or closes said roller shutter door.

Abstract: An electronic safety device circuit is disclosed. This circuit includes two integrated circuit operational amplifiers, the first connected as an operational amplifier and the second connected as a follower. The output pin of the first amplifier is connected to the positive input pin of the second amplifier through a diode. The positive input pin of the second amplifier is connected to a memory capacitor. The output pin of the second amplifier is connected to the negative input pin of the first amplifier. A switching network is provided for grounding the positive input pin of the first amplifier and discharging the memory capacitor.

Abstract: A door operation control apparatus comprising a memory circuit for storing a programmed data on door control processes in the form of a combination of command codes is disclosed. A door operation input signal, a mode or condition detection signal from a door operating device and the condition of the program being executed are used to determine logically the optimum door operating mode, thus controlling the door operating device.

Abstract: The device comprises for each window an electric driving motor and a selector which is adapted to ensure the selective supply of current to the motor, in one direction or the other, through a control circuit acting on a supply source. The supply source is of the type capable of delivering at least two distinct energy levels. The control circuit comprises means for applying to an input of the supply source an energy level control signal which produces, as a function of the position of the selector, the application of a torque to the motor when raising the window which is higher than the torque applied when descending the window.

Abstract: A safety device for a vehicle door of the type actuated by a turnable shaft driven by a piston cylinder unit having a piston rod connected by a hinge bolt to a lever arm fixedly mounted on the turnable shaft. The safety device comprises a carrier coupled to the lever arm and slidably receiving the piston rod, a switch element on the carrier and a control element on the piston rod. When the door encounters an obstacle, the control element is brought into contact with the switch element to reverse the direction of movement of the door.

Abstract: An automatic door closer providing for use as a light duty door opener and having a slip clutch for protecting the electric gear drive power unit from damage due to overspeeding on excess loads applied by overriding manual door operation. Zener diodes across the power supply to the electric drive motor effectively throw a heavy electrical load on the motor and cause the clutch to slip if the motor is sufficiently oversped and caused to act as a higher voltage bucking generator, as by manually forcing the door substantially faster in the direction in which it is being driven. A direct current motor is used at considerably lower than its rated voltage so that electrical power may be safely applied continuously for holding the door closed with the motor stalled, and without the clutch slipping, with the clutch set to slip only when the force applied thereto is significantly higher than the force required to stall the motor yet safe for the drive unit.

Abstract: A door opener has a housing in which is contained a small fractional-horsepower reversible motor whose output shaft is connected to a worm gear journaled in the apparatus and meshing with a main gear in turn connected to an output member constituted as a sprocket. A clutch is provided between the main gear and the sprocket for disconnecting the two when rotation of the output member is resisted with a torque exceeding a given limit torque. A step-down transmission is connected between this output member and a control disk that carries opening and closing stops that are respectively engageable with opening and closing switches of an electrical control circuit. Thus the angular position of the control disk is directly related to the position of a door connected to the output member. A switch is provided which is actuated whenever the torque exerted between the motor and the worm exceeds a predetermined limit, and serves to reverse the displacement direction of the door in this case.

Abstract: An obstruction sensor for an electro-mechanically operated garage door which utilizes a bracket for supporting one end of the trolley that carries the door and which is driven by the motor either through a chain or worm and wherein an obstruction encountered by the door will cause the rail to move relative to a fixed bracket thus causing a reversing switch to be energized due to relative motion between the fixed bracket and the rail which will cause the motor driving circuit to reverse the motor thus causing the door to move away from the obstruction.

Abstract: A safety reverse arrangement is disclosed for reversing the direction of the powered operation of a door upon encountering an obstacle during its opening and closing movement. The arrangement includes a piston fit within a vented cylinder, which is stroked by the opening and closing movement of the door, while a pair of air flow detector switches receive the resulting air outflow developed during stroking of the piston. The air flow detector switches are integrated with a control circuit for the door powering arrangement such that, after an initial short delay period, any interruption in the flow to the flow detector results in a reversing of the direction of the door movement. Such interruption of air flow occurs upon the door encountering an obstacle during its opening or closing movement.

Abstract: Antennae located in the doors of an elevator car are in circuit with a balanced bridge detector coupled to an oscillator. Increased capacitance to ground produced by a person or object between the doors creates a bridge disbalance, which gives rise to the production of a bridge output signal whose level is proportional to the change in capacitance. Each time the car door opens at a floor, the signal level from the bridge obtained at an intermediate door position is stored as a reference indicative of the capacitance change resulting from dynamic environmental and structural factors. When the doors are fully open, the output from the bridge is compared with the stored signal level for detecting the additional capacitance created by a person or object between the doors and controlling door movement accordingly.

Abstract: A security door assembly for use in an automatic document dispensing device having a user access compartment for conveying documents to a user through an opening in the user access compartment is provided. The security door is pivotally mounted to the user access compartment for rotation between a first position in which the security door closes the opening in the access compartment to prevent documents from being withdrawn therefrom and a second position in which the security door is contained within the user access compartment to allow the user to gain access to the compartment through the opening therein for removal of documents. The door assembly further includes structure for rotating the security door between the first and second positions. Structure is also provided for locking the security door in the first or closed position and for automatically opening the security door when a foreign object is encountered in the path of rotation of the security door.

Abstract: A garage door opener includes a radio receiver and a push button each operable to initiate a pulse for effecting a switching device which in turn energizes a latching relay. Operation of the latching relay completes an energizing circuit to the appropriate winding of a reversible motor which moves the door toward an open or closed position. A sensing circuit is operable for effecting the reversal of the latching relay to change the direction of motor operation in the event the door engages an object in its path. A foot switch may also be provided for positively sensing an obstacle and reversing the drive motor. A transmitter may be provided with an impulse circuit to limit the duration of the system actuating signal regardless of how long the transmitter push button is depressed.

Abstract: The toll bar of a tollgate is pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions by a reversible electric motor through the medium of a swingable crank gear. A frame for the motor and crank gear is turnable on the shaft for the toll bar and causes a switch to open the motor circuit when the bar encounters excessive resistance to movement toward its horizontal position. The bar is detachably coupled to a holder and causes a switch to actuate an alarm device when it is detached from the holder in response to engagement by a vehicle which passes the tollgate while the bar is away from the vertical position.

Abstract: A door opener system which includes a compact unit containing a motor, circuitry and various accessories, which can be quickly connected to and disconnected from the operator system, said motor having a first gear which easily is positioned into a meshing relationship with a second gear upon connection of the compact unit to the operator system. The operator system further includes the use of only two common switch actuators for operating the motor to move the door in open and closed positions, and to stop the motor upon the door striking an obstruction in its path of travel, said actuators being cooperatively associated with a cam actuator and drive chain pressure responsive means. Also, a unitary gear and drive sprocket structure is utilized in the drive system. Finally, an adjustable shock absorber type draw bar interconnects the door to the chain drive.

Abstract: An improved garage door operator of the motor-driven chain-and-sprocket type comprising a molded plastic gear case assembly supporting an output shaft for rotation relative thereto. A molded plastic worm wheel is loosely disposed on the shaft for limited rotation relative thereto and is driven by a reversible electric motor through a worm. Camming surfaces on the worm wheel and a second element which is fixedly disposed on the shaft form a low-torque coupling such that under normal conditions the motor drives the shaft to move the garage door. If the door encounters an obstacle and is unable to move, continued rotation of the motor drives the cam surface of the second element up the cam surface of the wheel so as to axially shift the second element relative to the gear case to trip a reversing switch. A rachet knob projects outside of the gear case permitting manual adjustment of the low-torque coupling.

Abstract: An obstruction sensing edge for a bifolding door includes a body secured to the door. The body defines an internal fluid chamber that is in fluid communication with a fluid actuated switch. The switch controls the opening and closing of the door. Defined on the body portion is an edge portion including a leading edge and side portions extending from the leading edge to the body portion. The leading edge and body portion are fabricated of elastomeric material such that upon engagement of the leading edge with an obstruction, the internal chamber is deformed changing the volume thereof and actuating the switch. The edge portion includes elongated fins extending transversely to the sides of the edge portion such that upon complete closing of the door, the fins seal the door.

Abstract: Improved door activating motor control apparatus employs a self latching safety edge relay which is selectively energized by any of "open", one-button universal or obstruction-sensing safety edge contacts. A motor controlling contactor switch has its "open" direction coil and contact portion operated by safety edge relay contacts, and its "close" relay portion operated under control of a "close" or the one-button switch.The composite control apparatus of the instant invention exhibits significant operational advantages over prior art structures including, inter alia, frequency exercise of safety edge relay contacts, responsiveness to the "open" switch in an emergency situation, and retention of an obstruction sensing signal to cause door opening.

Abstract: An improved position control apparatus is disclosed to control a motor-driven door operator to halt movement of a door at an open position and a closed position. The position control apparatus includes a control screw means in the form of a threaded shaft extension of the motor shaft or a threaded rod coupled to the motor shaft which is rotated when the motor is energized. A travel nut is threadedly engaged with the control screw means and is constrained against rotational motion so as to reciprocate along the control screw means. Position detection means, such as switches, are disposed near the control screw means for actuation by the travel nut to control the motor as the door approaches the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, a toggle switch is mounted on the travel nut, and the switches are replaced by stops for actuation of the toggle switch to control the motor.

Abstract: A garage door operator includes a drive screw, rotationally and longitudinally movable in a shuttle track or guide rail, and a screw-driven shuttle mounted on the track and connected to the door. A lever arm is attached to the screw at a rearward end thereof and is pivoted to the operator at one side of the screw. Another end of the lever arm, adjacent an opposite side of the screw, is operatively disposed with respect to control switches and is spring-loaded, whereby door engaged obstructions cause the rotating screw to move longitudinally, against the spring bias, and to actuate, through the lever arm, a switch for stopping or for reversing the operator motor. A sleeve coupling permits longitudinal screw movement with respect to the operator's motor, and is provided with means to permit continued motor operation, drivingly disengaged from the screw, upon control malfunction, in order to prevent damage or injury.

Abstract: A protection system for an automatically openable and closable door is provided in which an increase in the driving force produced when the door encounters with a blocking force in the opening operation as caused by some obstacles is detected to stop or reverse the door opening operation, thereby to suppress or reduce any possible accidents.

Abstract: An improved garage door operator of the motor-driven chain-and-sprocket type comprising a molded plastic gear case assembly supporting an output shaft for rotation relative thereto. A molded plastic worm wheel is loosely disposed on the shaft for limited rotation relative thereto and is driven by a reversible electric motor through a worm. Camming surfaces on the worm wheel and a second element which is fixedly disposed on the shaft form a low-torque coupling such that under normal conditions the motor drives the shaft to move the garage door. If the door encounters an obstacle and is unable to move, continued rotation of the motor drives the cam surface of the second element up the cam surface of the wheel so as to axially shift the second element relative to the gear case to trip a reversing switch. Up and down limits are established by means of a small threaded shaft which is driven off of the worm wheel and which produces linear displacement of a limit switch actuator traveler.

Abstract: An operator for opening and closing an upwardly acting door, which operator includes an elongated rotatable drive screw having one end thereof drivingly connected to a power unit and the other end thereof disposed adjacent the upper edge of the door opening. The rotatable drive screw has a carriage engaged therewith which is slidably confined by an elongated guide rail for slidable movement therealong, which carriage is connected by a drawbar to the door for controlling the movement thereof. A floatable bearing arrangement is slidably disposed within the rail and has portions thereof positioned on opposite sides of the carriage so as to be movable along the rail in response to carriage movement, thereby providing an intermediate support for the drive screw. The drive screw is supported for limited axial movement and coacts with a control device for causing reversing of the door movement when the door strikes an obstruction when moving in its closing direction.

Abstract: A parking lot gate control system having a pivoted normally horizontal gate bar which is automatically elevated to a raised non-obstructing position and then returned to its normal position by a mechanism driven by an electric motor under the control of a circuit including a clearance device at the entrance to the parking lot consisting of a switch unit operated by an identification card or coin and a car presence-sensing loop in the roadway beyond the clearance device. The circuit operates to raise the gate bar after a proper card or coin has been inserted in the clearance device; thereafter, the vehicle moves onto the loop. The gate bar descends after the vehicle leaves the loop. If another card or coin is inserted in the clearance device by the operator of a second car while the gate bar is descending, the gate bar reverses its downward movement and stays up until the second car has left the loop.

Abstract: A door operator includes a threadless drive shaft, a carriage mounting skewed rollers engaging the drive shaft to move the carriage along the shaft upon shaft rotation, a drive motor having a shaft coaxial with the threadless shaft and a helical coupling connecting the shafts together. The coupling comprising a plurality of closely spaced helical convolutions with the end of the coupling secured to the motor shaft and the drive shaft, respectively. The coupling includes means for decreasing the shear stresses imposed on the end portions of the convolutions.

Abstract: A parking gate of the type having a blocking arm located horizontally above the ground during its blocking position and pivotable at one end so as to be raised to permit passage of a vehicle when a switch is activated is disclosed. Electronic logic circuitry is associated with an electrically reversible motor for controlling the timing and direction of the rotation of the motor to control the movement and direction of the blocking arm.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for opening and closing door members and the like such as elevator doors and garage doors, for example, wherein the driver rotatingly drives a driver shaft coupled to a driven shaft via a ball drive assembly, the ball drive assembly not only coupling the driver and the driven shafts so the driven shaft is rotated at a reduced rate of speed, but also cooperating to provide a portion of a torque control for sensing obstructions in the door member path of travel and automatically stopping or reversing the opening or the closing of the door member. The ball drive assembly has a relatively low moment of inertia, which facilitates faster stopping of the door member travel, and the internal friction of the ball drive assembly is greater than a pulley-belt type of coupling, for example, thereby increasing the amount of force required to move the door member from a stopped position.

Abstract: On a rotatable shaft, having no lateral movement in a housing, a slanted collar fixedly received thereon has a given rotational speed being driven by an electric motor. The collar drives two adjacent cylinders slidably received on the shaft, having interlocking slants and kept in working engagement with the collar by two compression springs. When the rotational speed of one of the cylinders differs from the given rotational speed of the collar this cylinder is pushed by the collar on a switch that shuts the motor off or reverses its polarity.