Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation is provided. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath and a first end plug assembly having a first end plug and a first end flap. The first end plug includes an engaging structure which is positioned within a first cavity of the sheath in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a body having a top edge and an opposing bottom edge. The top edge includes a first overhang and the bottom edge includes a second overhang. A third overhang is provided between the first and second overhangs. The first overhang is at least in partial facing engagement with an upper surface of the first end plug and the third overhang is at least in partial facing engagement with a lower surface of the first end plug.

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

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath, a first end plug and a first end flap. The elongate sheath has a first end and a second end. A first cavity is located at the first end. The elongate sheath is mounted to the forward edge. The first end plug includes an inner end, an outer end, first engaging structures extending from the inner end and a first vertical groove in the outer end. The engaging structures are positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a relatively flat first body and a first flange structure. The first flange structure is positioned in the first vertical groove in the assembled configuration to secure the first end flap to the first end plug.

Abstract: A system and method which allows automatic recognition of any of three common monitored motorized door or gate safety edges or other entrapment protection devices. The invention allows retrofitting existing motorized door operators without enough monitored input ports to allow for more monitored entrapment devices required on laterally moving motorized gates. The system interfaces with obstruction monitoring devices in normally closed, pulsed, or resistive termination operating environments found in entrapment protection systems. Firmware logically analyzes the state of each edge or entrapment protection device to select and direct an appropriate output signal for a motorized gate operator. An operational example is disclosed which provides for up to six different device inputs and two separate outputs for the motorized door operator, which can be configured through dual inline package switches allowing field configuration.

Abstract: A universally mountable sensing edge comprises an elongated sheath defining a compressible cavity with a force sensor located therein. A center securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath, has a T-shaped base portion and a removable mounting strip extending from the base portion. At least one T-shaped edge securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath at least a distance generally equivalent to the distance that the upward extension of the T-shaped base portion of the center securing member extends from the top wall of the sheath. The at least one T-shaped edge securing member is disposed proximate to at least one of the front and rear sidewalls of the sheath. The universal sensing edge is attachable to a structure compatible with the mounting strip, the base portion of the center securing member, or the T-shaped edge securing member.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath, a first end plug and a first end flap. The elongate sheath has a first end and a second end. A first cavity is located at the first end. The elongate sheath is mounted to the forward edge. The first end plug includes an inner end, an outer end, first engaging structures extending from the inner end and a first vertical groove in the outer end. The engaging structures are positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a relatively flat first body and a first flange structure. The first flange structure is positioned in the first vertical groove in the assembled configuration to secure the first end flap to the first end plug.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to adapt an automatic door motor operator utilizing a photoelectric eye generating a digital pulse train of known amplitude, periodicity and duty cycle to a control signal created through the opening or closure of a moving door edge sensing device or strip which closes or opens when compressed. The invention relates to safety edges used on motorized doors to provide a conversion means to allow a sensing edge switch on the leading edge of a moving door to control a door operator control unit which expects to receive a control signal of a predetermined amplitude, period and duty cycle normally generated through use of a photo eye used to monitor obstructions within the path of the moving door. The invention allows field replacement of an obstruction protecting photo-eye sensor with an safety edge switch type device utilizing the existing door operator and the in-place power source.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation includes an elongated sheath and first and second end plugs. The elongated sheath is mounted to the forward door edge and has a first end, second end and first cavity connecting the ends. First and second spaced apart electrically conductive materials are disposed within the elongated sheath. The first end plug includes an inner end having first engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration and an outer end having a first depression for housing an electronic component. The electronic component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials. The second end plug includes an inner end having a sensing component and second engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The sensing component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath, a first end plug and a first end flap. The elongate sheath has a first end and a second end. A first cavity is located at the first end. The elongate sheath is mounted to the forward edge. The first end plug includes an inner end, an outer end, first engaging structures extending from the inner end and a first vertical groove in the outer end. The engaging structures are positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a relatively flat first body and a first flange structure. The first flange structure is positioned in the first vertical groove in the assembled configuration to secure the first end flap to the first end plug.

Abstract: A universally mountable sensing edge comprises an elongated sheath defining a compressible cavity with a force sensor located therein. A center securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath, has a T-shaped base portion and a removable mounting strip extending from the base portion. At least one T-shaped edge securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath at least a distance generally equivalent to the distance that the upward extension of the T-shaped base portion of the center securing member extends from the top wall of the sheath. The at least one T-shaped edge securing member is disposed proximate to at least one of the front and rear sidewalls of the sheath. The universal sensing edge is attachable to a structure compatible with the mounting strip, the base portion of the center securing member, or the T-shaped edge securing member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to adapt a automatic door motor operator utilizing a photoelectric eye generating a digital pulse train of known amplitude, periodicity and duty cycle to a control signal created through the opening or closure of a moving door edge sensing device or strip which closes or opens when compressed. The invention relates to safety edges used on motorized doors to provide a conversion means to allow a sensing edge switch on the leading edge of a moving door to control a door operator control unit which expects to receive a control signal of a predetermined amplitude, period and duty cycle normally generated through use of a photo eye used to monitor obstructions within the path of the moving door. The invention allows field replacement of an obstruction protecting photo-eye sensor with an safety edge switch type device utilizing the existing door operator and the in-place power source.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath, a first end plug and a first end flap. The elongate sheath has a first end and a second end. A first cavity is located at the first end. The elongate sheath is mounted to the forward edge. The first end plug includes an inner end, an outer end, first engaging structures extending from the inner end and a first vertical groove in the outer end. The engaging structures are positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a relatively flat first body and a first flange structure. The first flange structure is positioned in the first vertical groove in the assembled configuration to secure the first end flap to the first end plug.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation includes an elongated sheath and first and second end plugs. The elongated sheath is mounted to the forward door edge and has a first end, second end and first cavity connecting the ends. First and second spaced apart electrically conductive materials are disposed within the elongated sheath. The first end plug includes an inner end having first engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration and an outer end having a first depression for housing an electronic component. The electronic component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials. The second end plug includes an inner end having a sensing component and second engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The sensing component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: A wireless, automatic door obstruction detection system for protecting a motorized door or gate by signaling various hazardous conditions and reacting to said conditions by signaling control means. The invention utilizes wireless infrared emitter, receiver and controller apparatus. Infrared pulse timing data is sent as pulse repetition rate changes depending upon battery condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the photoelectric transmitter emits timed pulse groups to present control information differentiating between a good battery and a low battery condition in the wireless transmitter. A wireless photoelectric transmitter extends the time period between pulse groups to indicate a low battery condition. A low battery condition signaling thereby presents a low power drain condition allowing for an extended period of low battery condition signaling.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided for a vehicle Which includes at least one opening to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle and a door positioned within the at least one opening. The door has a closed position and an open position. A first infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The first infrared sensor has a first sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the first sensing area. The first sensing area is within the vehicle proximate to the door. A second infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The second infrared sensor has a second sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the second sensing area. The second sensing area is within the vehicle when the door is closed and is outside of the vehicle proximate to the door when the door is open.

Abstract: A bi-directional sensing edge includes a mounting member for securing the sensing edge to a leading member of a gate. An elongate outer sheath has at least first and second portions each respectively corresponding to first and second sides of the leading member. An interior surface of the sheath is spaced from an outer surface of the mounting member to thereby define a second area. A first switch is complementarily positioned within the second area and corresponds to the first portion of the sheath for actuation of the first switch upon application of pressure on an exterior surface of the sheath substantially anywhere along the first portion. A second switch is complementarily positioned within the second area and corresponds to the second portion of the sheath for actuation of the second switch upon application of pressure on the exterior surface of the sheath substantially anywhere along the second portion.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided for a vehicle Which includes at least one opening to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle and a door positioned within the at least one opening. The door has a closed position and an open position. A first infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The first infrared sensor has a first sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the first sensing area. The first sensing area is within the vehicle proximate to the door. A second infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The second infrared sensor has a second sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the second sensing area. The second sensing area is within the vehicle when the door is closed and is outside of the vehicle proximate to the door when the door is open.

Abstract: An automatic door opening system utilizing wireless links to communicate from hazard or obstruction sensors to a controller to react to such conditions. The present invention allows the use of hazard, fault or obstruction switching devices which themselves utilize internal continuity monitoring in a wireless environment. Compressible hazard switch sensors which utilize internal, continuous conducting elements are continually monitored for breaks in such elements through continuity checks. A signal is generated from the wireless transmitter during door operation to indicate to the system that the link between the wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver is fully functioning at all times. The system can determine if an actual obstruction hazard is detected or if there is a loss of communications between the wireless transmitter and receiver link in the disclosed system while also allowing for wireless continuity checking between sensor switches utilized.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction. The system includes a rigid mounting bracket attached to a leading edge of the door, a transmitter extending a distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a first moveable member configured to engage a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal and for generating an output signal. The receiver is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a second moveable member configured to engage the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.