Abstract: A failsafe or self-monitoring sensing edge for an overhead door includes a channel mounted on the bottom edge of the door having a pair of downwardly extending arms which are spaced apart. An outer covering of soft material is attached to the channel for enclosing the arms. The covering supports within a rigid, separate free-floating actuating member extending upwardly through the arms. On one end of the channel is a light source and the other end is a photoswitch. When the covering is depressed upwardly as a result of an obstacle in the path of the door, the actuating member blocks the light beam and the photoswitch gives off a signal, which can be used to terminate or reverse motion of the door.

Abstract: A failsafe or self-monitoring sensing edge for an overhead door comprising a channel mounted on the bottom edge of the door having a pair of downwardly extending arms which are spaced. An outer covering of soft material is attached to said channel for enclosing the arms. The covering supports within a rigid member extending upwardly through said arms terminating in an actuating member. On one end of the channel is a light source and the other end is a photoswitch. When the covering is depressed upwardly as a result of an obstacle in the path of the door, the actuating member blocks the light beam and the photoswitch gives off a signal which can be used to terminate or reverse motion of the door.