Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing edge for controlling movement of a door by actuation of a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a base member for being secured to the leading edge of a door and a sheath having a plurality of internal cavities extending therethrough for receiving a switch comprising two electrical contacts. The sensing edge assists in providing a failsafe feature for detecting electrical problems (such as open circuits) in the electrical contacts. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the failsafe feature is achieved using an electrical connector, positioned within the sheath, which electrically connects the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A sensing edge for causing a closing door to open by actuation of a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge includes an elongate outer sheath for being attached to a door. The sheath is fabricated of a material which is compressible upon application of an external pressure. An interior surface of the sheath defines an area for receiving a portion of a switch means. A pair of flexible members extend from the exterior surface of the sheath away from the door and toward one another. Mounting walls extend from a different portion of the exterior surface of the sheath for receiving an edge of the door.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing edge for controlling movement of a door by actuation of a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a base member for being secured to the leading edge of a door and a sheath having a plurality of internal cavities extending therethrough for receiving electrical contacts and wiring.

Abstract: A sensing edge for causing an object moving in a first direction to move in a second direction by actuation of a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a base member for being secured to the object. A first elongate wall extends from the base member to form a generally enclosed cavity. A second elongate wall extends from the base member such that the second wall is positioned within the cavity between the first wall and the base member. A switch is positioned within the cavity between the first and second walls for actuation of the device upon application of external pressure to the first wall.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing a sensing edge to a door edge. The fastening device includes a mounting plate having a first surface for being attached to the door edge and a second surface for attachment of the sensing edge. The sensing edge detects objects in proximity to the door edge and includes an elongate sheath compressible upon application of external pressure and a switch for actuating an electrical device upon compression of the sheath. A pair of male and female members are interconnected between the mounting plate and the sheath to releasably secure the sensing edge to the mounting plate and to thereby allow the sensing edge to be releasably secured to the door edge.

Abstract: A flexible, electrically conductive contact for a switch which is actuated upon force being applied thereto includes a first plurality of generally flexible fibers. One portion of the first plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically nonconductive material. Another portion of the first plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically conductive material. The flexible, electrically conductive contact further includes a second plurality of generally flexible fibers. One portion of the second plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically nonconductive material. Another portion of the second plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically conductive material. The second plurality of fibers is interwoven with the first plurality of fibers in the form of a sheet with the electrically conductive first plurality of fibers in engagement with the electrically conductive second plurality of fibers to form a flexible, electrically conductive sheet.

Abstract: A sensing edge for causing a closing door to open by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a first sheet of resiliently compressible material, a first sheet of electrically conductive material, a layer of non-conductive material, a second sheet of electrically conductive material, a second sheet of resiliently compressible material and an elongate inner core arranged in the recited order. The inner core has a predetermined elastic compressibility which is selected in accordance with the desired sensitivity of the sensing edge, such that the sensitivity of the sensing edge directly corresponds to the elastic compressibility of the inner core.

Abstract: A sensing edge having increased sensitivity is disclosed. The sensing edge is for causing a closing door to open by actuation of a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge comprises a compressible outer sheath having a grooved wall surface and at least a portion of a switch assembly positioned within the sheath. The grooved wall surface renders the sheath more easily compressible thereby increasing the sensitivity of the sensing edge.

Abstract: A redundant sensing edge for a door to protect persons, equipment and the door from impact damage by actuating a device upon detecting an object in proximity to the door edge. The sensing edge includes an elongate outer sheath compressible upon application of external pressure. A force sensing switch is positioned within the elongate outer sheath for sensing the application of force to the sheath. Upon force being applied to the sheath, the force sensing switch actuates the device for controlling the door. The sensing edge also includes a proximity sensing switch for detecting the presence of an animate object in proximity to the door edge. The proximity sensing switch includes an electrical circuit positioned near the elongate sheath and a control circuit for detecting changes in the capacitance of the electrical circuit. An animate object in proximity to the elongate sheath changes the capacitance of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A redundant sensing edge for a door causes a closing door to open by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a flexible air-impervious elongate outer sheath which is compressible upon application of external pressure. A substantially sealed air-impervious first chamber is positioned within the elongate sheath. A pressure-sensitive switch is in fluid communication with the first chamber for sensing pressure change within the chamber, such that upon application of external pressure to the sheath, the pressure switch is actuated. A second chamber is positioned within the sheath proximate the first chamber.

Abstract: A redundant sensing edge for a door to protect persons, equipment and the door from impact damage by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a flexible air impervious elongate outer sheath which is compressible upon application of external pressure. An air impervious sealed first chamber is positioned within the elongate sheath. A pressure sensitive switch is in fluid communication with the chamber for sensing pressure change within the chamber, such that upon application of external pressure to the sheath, the pressure switch is actuated. A second chamber is positioned within the sheath proximate the first chamber. A second switch is positioned within the second chamber and includes a first sheet of resiliently compressible material, a first sheet of electrically conductive material, a layer of non-conductive material, a second sheet of electrically conductive material and a second sheet of resiliently compressible material layered in the recited order.

Abstract: A highly, sensitive switch for actuation of a device upon force being applied to the switch and method for making the same. The switch includes a first layer of non-conductive material, a first sheet of resiliently compressible material, a first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material, a second layer of non-conductive material, a second sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material, a second sheet of resiliently compressible material and a third layer of non-conductive material arranged in the recited order. The first, second and third layers of non-conductive material are constructed of a polymeric material and have the same general thickness. The first and second layers of flexible, electrically conductive material include electrical conductors attached thereto for connection with a circuit for controlling the actuation of the device in response to the application of force to switch.

Abstract: A high sensitivity door edge switch including an openwork or perforate spacer for extension along a door edge, flexible conductors on opposite sides of the spacer in spaced apart confronting relation through the spacer perforations, and a resiliently compressible deflection element in facing relation with the spacer, the deflection element being elastically deformable into the spacer perforations to flex the conductive elements into engagement with each other upon low unit pressure applied to the deflection element, even over a large extent.

Abstract: A sensing edge for a door comprised of a pressure sensitive switch. The sensing edge protects persons, equipment and the door from impact damage. The sensing edge includes an outer sheath which is compressible upon application of external pressure. An elongate inner tubular member fabricated of resiliently compressible air impervious material is longitudinally positioned and enclosed within the sheath. A pressure sensitive switch is operatively associated with the inner tubular member. Upon application of external pressure to the sheath, pressure within the tube is increased and thereby communicated to the pressure switch for actuation of the switch to effect a desired result. A substantially rigid transverse structure within a portion of the outer sheath proximate the pressure switch prevents damage to the pressure switch.