Electric Operation Or Control Patents (Class 160/310)
-
Publication number: 20080216972Abstract: A side window roller blind for a window opening of a motor vehicle, and a method for fitting, includes a winding shaft, a roller blind web which is fastened at a first edge to the winding shaft, an extension profile which is operatively connected to a second edge of the roller blind web such that the roller blind web can be unwound from the winding shaft. An actuating device and a drive for driving the actuating device are provided. The extension profile can be displaced by the actuating device, and the drive is arranged in the region of the winding shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Bernd Starzmann, Matthias Maier, Melf Hansen, Herbert Walter
-
Publication number: 20080202708Abstract: A retractable door assembly for an entrance/exit of a portable shelter comprises a door having a panel of flexible material. The door is rolled onto the support rod. Supports are operatively connected to ends of the support rod and are adapted to connect the support rod on a structure of the portable shelter with respect to the entrance/exit of the portable shelter, such that the support rod is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. An actuator system is operatively connected to the support rod to actuate a rotation of the support rod to deploy the door to close the entrance/exit and retract the door to free the entrance/exit of the portable shelter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Glenn OPENDO
-
Publication number: 20080202699Abstract: End-of-travel device (10) for roller blind actuating systems, comprising a member (22) displaceable as far as an end-of-travel position (26), coupling means (20) in engagement with the displaceable member (22) and rotationally actuated by a motor, and lever means (40) for converting the displacement of the displaceable member (22) into activation of an end-of- travel switch (60). The lever means (40) comprise a movable member (50) pivotably hinged on a frame and engageable with pressure by the displaceable member (22) when its reaches the end-of-travel position (26). The member (50) can be engaged with an actuating member (58) of the switch (60) where an actuating member of the switch (60) is positioned radially with respect to the axis of displacement of the member (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2006Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: NICE SPAInventor: Andrea Malausa
-
Patent number: 7413000Abstract: A sun screen device includes a pair of slide rails, a screen body, and a pair of rods. Each of the slide rails has an end portion. The screen body has lateral ends, and an operating end that interconnects the lateral ends of the screen body and that is movable along the slide rails. The rods are respectively disposed in the slide rails. Each of the rods has an end portion that is coupled to the end portion of the respective one of the slide rails. Each of the lateral ends of the screen body is formed with a loop that is sleeved on a respective one of the rods.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Paul Lin
-
Publication number: 20080190571Abstract: The invention relates to a shade assembly for a transparent bodywork surface (10) of a vehicle, said assembly comprising at least one section of variable light transmission. The assembly comprises at least one film, whose light transmission characteristics can be modified by the application of an electric current. According to the invention, the film forms part of a displaceable window blind web (12). The invention also relates to a vehicle roof comprising a roof opening, which is closed by a transparent pane (10) and can be shaded by a shade assembly as cited in the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Rudolf Wimmer
-
Publication number: 20080163989Abstract: A drive unit (10) for a roller shutter assembly is disclosed. The drive unit (10) includes at least two electrical motors (14) and a reduction gear train (12). Each electric motor (14) includes an output shaft that is mechanically coupled to an axle engaging means (20) via the reduction gear train (12). The electric motors (14) are operable to generate mechanical power generated by the combination of the electric motors (14) is coupled to the axle engaging means (20) via the reduction gear train (12) to wind a roller shutter of the roller shutter assembly onto or off an axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Michael Pal Sales, Stephen Noel Corboy
-
Patent number: 7389806Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Inventor: Lawrence Kates
-
Patent number: 7337825Abstract: An electric motor moves drapes on a carrier by a cord wound on a sheave attached to a shaft thereof. The motor is attached to a housing along with a second shaft. The second shaft has an arm on an end thereof and carries a disc with first and second cam surfaces thereon and an axial projection. An arcuate slot on an end cap receives the projection on the disc. In response to an actuation signal, a control activates the motor causing the shaft and sheave to rotate and linearly move the cord and drapes. A limit member on the cord engages the arm and rotates the second shaft causing the first cam to close a first switch and cancel the actuation signal while the second cam closes a second switch such that the rotational direction of the shaft is reversed on receipt of a next actuation signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventor: J. Ralph Erbe
-
Publication number: 20080036245Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with an at least partially transparent roof section (10) and a shade arrangement (12) located underneath the transparent roof section. In one of three embodiments, with two take-up shafts (16, 18) located in succession in the lengthwise direction of the roof and a length of shade (14) which extends in between, and the front end of the length of shade can be taken up onto the front take-up shaft and the back end onto the rear take-up shaft, the two take-up shafts each being pre-tensioned in the take-up direction, the two take-up shafts being movable along one laterally arranged guide in the lengthwise direction of the roof, and there being a common drive (70, 72, 74, 76) in order to move the take-up shafts (16, 18) in opposite directions toward one another in the lengthwise direction of the roof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2005Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: WEBASTO AGInventors: Michael Koelbl, Wolfgang Suess, Horst-Martin Schulz, Karin Langguth, Michaela Nowak, Thomas Rudolph
-
Patent number: 7322395Abstract: Disclosed is a tambour door comprising a door leaf that can be rolled up. The door comprises a vertical roller frame for receiving the door leaf, a sliding bar, to which the rollable door leaf is fixed, and an upper horizontal guide rail, in which the sliding bar is displaceably mounted. The invention facilitates a particularly simple, space-saving, modular construction. The rear face or external face of the roller frame is fixed to a wall and the guide rail is configured as a floating guide rail, which is fixed on one side at least indirectly to the roller frame and on the other side in a fixing element that is fastened at least indirectly to a wall. The door can be used as a lavatory door, or in situations requiring privacy protection for a door opening that economizes on space as much as possible.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Kaba Gilgen AGInventors: Jürg Nyffenegger, Erich Kaufmann, Pascal Bürki
-
Publication number: 20080017330Abstract: This actuator device (1) is for actuating a release member for a motor and gearbox unit for applying rotary drive to a tube for winding a closure or solar protection screen. The release member is controlled by means of a cable. The device comprises a tensioner mechanism (20, 30) for tensioning the cable (11) in an actuation direction (Fa, Fa?), at least one locking means for locking the tensioner mechanism, and at least one unlocking means (41a) for unlocking the tensioner mechanism. The unlocking means are actuatable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: SIMUInventor: Jerome Tyrode
-
Patent number: 7315146Abstract: The motorized blind (4) device (1) with orientable slats (5) comprises an orders transmitter (2) and an orders receiver (6) which is attached to the motorized blind, the orders transmitter (2) comprising a first control interface (2a) and a second control interface (2b). This device is one which comprises means of interpretation for differentiating between the orders to translate and to orient the slats on the basis of the actions performed on the two control interfaces, in which the second control interface (2b) comprises an element (14) that can be moved in two opposite senses along substantially one and the same first direction and in which two electric contacts are respectively actuatable by movement of the element (14) in the first sense and in the second sense. Such a device is simple, inexpensive, multi-purpose and its ergonomics for orienting the slats is intuitive.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Somfy SASInventor: Alain Bejean
-
Publication number: 20070272374Abstract: Calibration of a motorized roller shade is accomplished by calculating a radius of a roller tube and thickness of a shade fabric rotatably supported by the roller tube. First, a lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a first position at a first linear distance from a predetermined position. Second, a first number of revolutions of the roller tube between the first position and the predetermined position is determined. Next, the lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a second position at a second linear distance from the predetermined position and a second number of revolutions between the second position and the predetermined position is determined. Finally, the tube radius and the fabric thickness are calculated from the first and second linear distances and the first and second numbers of revolutions. The tube radius and the fabric thickness are used to control the linear speed of the lower edge of the shade fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Robin C. Moseley, David A. Kirby, Justin Mierta, Thomas W. Brenner, Wendy Margaret Moseley
-
Patent number: 7281565Abstract: A system for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a shade fabric varies roller tube rotational speed for constant linear shade speed. The desired linear shade speed, roller tube diameter and shade fabric thickness and length are stored in a memory for use by a microprocessor. Preferably, the roller tube rotational speed is varied by the microprocessor depending on shade position determined by signals from Hall effect sensors. The microprocessor maintains a counter number that is increased or decreased depending on direction of rotation. Based on the counter number, the microprocessor determines shade position and a corrected rotational speed for the desired linear shade speed. Preferably, the microprocessor controls roller tube rotational speed using a pulse width modulated signal. The system may be used to control first and second roller shades having roller tubes of differing diameters or shade fabrics of varying thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., David J. Dolan, Mark A. Walker
-
Patent number: 7261139Abstract: An upward acting door, such as a flexible curtain rollup door, is moveable between open and closed positions by an electric motor drive unit wherein the motor has a drive shaft with an external drive tang for engagement with a hand crank member. The crank member is adapted for mounting on a wall bracket and in engagement with a switch connected to a motor control unit. When the crank member is removed from its bracket, the switch causes the motor control unit to prevent transmission of electrical power to the motor. A manually disengageable brake is associated with the motor drive unit and is connected via an actuating member to a foot pedal which may be operated by a person using the crank member to disengage the brake and to allow free rotation of the motor drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: David A. Varley, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
-
Patent number: 7240716Abstract: A coupling assembly for a multiple-tube roller shade includes a support assembly for rotatably supporting and connecting adjacently located tube-end portions and a clutch mechanism providing relative rotation therebetween. The support assembly includes a tube-end fitting and a torque-transferring drive transfer member contacting the tube. The clutch mechanism includes first and second clutch members respectively engaged and separated in closed and opened positions. A pull bar is translatable within one of the shafts and is moved by a draw pin received in aligned openings of the second clutch member, the shaft and the pull bar. The shaft openings are elongated for movement of the second clutch member between the closed and opened positions. An adjustment member threadedly engages the tube-end fitting for vertical adjustment of the fitting with respect to a support panel. The tube-end fitting is secured to a bracket having elongated openings for horizontal adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Nichols, Jr., Mark A. Walker
-
Patent number: 7237592Abstract: A mechanism (1) comprising a driving element (4) for rotationally driving a winding shaft (2) for a closing or sun-protection installation of an opening (0) and at least one spring (5) for compensating a weight of the installation. The spring (5) is mounted around the driving element (4) and is jointly associated with a sub-unit (10), which can be at least partially introduced in a unitary manner inside the shaft (2). The spring (5) includes a first end (51) kinematically linked to said driving element (4) so that the first end (51) is immobilized in rotation abut an axis of rotation (X-X?) of the shaft (2), and a second end (52) kinematically linked to the shaft (2) when the sub-unit (10) is placed inside the shaft (2) so that the second end (52) rotates about the axis of rotation (X-X?).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: SIMUInventors: Franck Arnoux, Christophe Bresson, Benjamin Bousson, Hassan Chaiba
-
Patent number: 7231953Abstract: A flexible curtain rollup door includes a drum mounted on a door frame and drivenly connected to an electric right angle gear motor unit. The frame includes opposed channel shaped guide tracks for receiving opposed side edges of a door curtain. Spaced apart elastically deflectable combination curtain stiffening struts and windlock members are secured to the curtain and include opposed windlock parts receivable in the guide tracks and configured, respectively, to provide for releasing only one side edge of the curtain from its guide track. A flexible transverse bottom bar includes plural side by side flexible bags filled with particulate material, secured to the curtain bottom edge and enclosed by a flexible envelope member. The curtain bottom edge includes a stiffener formed of interconnected links.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: David A. Varley, Richard D. Aiken, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
-
Patent number: 7232176Abstract: The all vision visor is an extendable retractable polarized sun visor that utilizing a prism and light source that is rotative relative to a housing slot whereby the user can vary the color wavelength projected into the sun visor that refracts incoming sun rays, while allowing full vision through the windshield from the interior of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventor: Patrick Dopwell
-
Patent number: 7228883Abstract: A movable barrier operator system includes a motorized operator which moves a barrier between limit positions, and a photo-electric safety system connected to the motorized operator. The photo-electric safety system monitors for obstructions at more than one height along the barrier's path between limit positions. This is done by installing a supplemental photo-electric safety system to work in conjunction with a pre-existing photo-electric safety system connected to the motorized barrier operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S Murray
-
Patent number: 7152653Abstract: A multi-section roll-up curtain is raised and lowered by plural support/rotational drive mechanisms disposed in a spaced manner along the length of the curtain. Each drive mechanism is symmetrically loaded with a curtain section attached to opposed sides of each drive mechanism. Each curtain section includes plural vertically spaced curtains which are simultaneously rolled-up and unrolled. Each drive mechanism includes plural vertically spaced drive motors each connected to first and second curtain-bearing roll-up tubes disposed on opposite sides of a drive motor. A generally vertical guide member is coupled to each drive motor by a respective carriage assembly allowing the drive motors to travel up in rolling up the curtains and down in unrolling the curtains. This arrangement accommodates the large torques encountered in operating long curtain sections permitting multi-section curtains 600? and longer in length to be reliably and safely operated without using large, powerful motors.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Larry J. Kubly, Richard P. Schmelzer
-
Patent number: 7152652Abstract: A load detection system for lateral and vertical arm awnings generally includes a motorized roller with a fabric wound thereabout in a retracted position and extendable therefrom. Arms are provided for supporting the fabric in an extended position and at least one sensor is utilized for sensing strain due to extended awning loading and producing a load signal corresponding thereto. A controller is incorporated and responsive to the load signal for causing the motorized roller to retract and extend the fabric.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Girard SystemsInventor: Robert G. Heitel
-
Patent number: 7151450Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ryan P. Beggs, Lucas I. Paruch, James C. Boerger
-
Patent number: 7134474Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic coupling device comprising a first cylindrical part (46), a second cylindrical part (47), at least partly tubular and enclosing the first part with its tubular part and provided with internal teeth (9), at least an elastic means (12) mounted inside the first part in a housing (11) and operating in substantially radial compression, at least a pinion (7) mounted in the first part and meshing with the teeth of the second part to drive a compression means (5) for the elastic means, the compression means consisting advantageously of a clamp. Said construction is particularly compact. Said device combined with rotation detecting means can constitute a torque sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Somfy SASInventors: Eric Lagarde, Didier Maurice Menetrier
-
Patent number: 7131481Abstract: A flexible curtain rollup door includes a drum mounted on a door frame and drivenly connected to an electric right angle gear motor unit. The frame includes opposed channel shaped guide tracks for receiving opposed side edges of a door curtain. Spaced apart elastically deflectable combination curtain stiffening struts and windlock members are secured to the curtain and include opposed windlock parts receivable in the guide tracks and configured, respectively, to provide for releasing only one side edge of the curtain from its guide track. A flexible transverse bottom bar includes plural side by side flexible bags filled with particulate material, secured to the curtain bottom edge and enclosed by a flexible envelope member. The curtain bottom edge includes a stiffener formed of interconnected links.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: David A. Varley, Richard D. Aiken, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
-
Patent number: 7111662Abstract: A roller tube including a body having a tube wall that defines an interior and an exterior. The body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A surface feature is formed in the tube wall proximate the exterior. The surface feature is configured to receive a sheet material and is configured to deformably fix the sheet material to the tube wall. The surface feature maintains a circular profile in the tube wall proximate the interior.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Inventor: Stephen Lukos
-
Patent number: 7107126Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a shading and ventilation position of a a roller blind. The method including steps of identifying the final slat position in which the bottom slat is at the limit of contact with the bottom end stop of the blind, assigning to this final slat position a data defining the position, and calculating a shading and ventilation position data defining the shading and ventilation position from the data of the final slat position. The method also includes steps of storing the shading and ventilation position data in a shading and ventilation position memory. The method enabling storing of the best shading and ventilation position without necessitating the storage in memory at the site of manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Somfy SASInventors: Valérie Maistre, Claude Desbiolles, Alain Hubault, Patrick Mercier
-
Patent number: 7089991Abstract: A drive apparatus includes an electrical motor, a power supply unit, a transmission mechanism, a rail part, and an encapsulating part. The drive apparatus is moveable between a first position and a second position and adjustable in these positions and in any position between these positions. The rail part and the encapsulating part are connected to each other in a heat-conducting connection. A method for operating the drive apparatus includes the steps of changing from one operational mode to another mode and subsequently moving the drive apparatus to a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: VKR Holding A/SInventors: Kent Mølsted Jorgensen, Ove Kold
-
Patent number: 7059376Abstract: A roller blind device including a fabric, which can be wound on a rotationally drivable fabric shaft that is mounted on a frame, and including a pull rod that is placed on the free edge of the fabric. Prior art roller blind devices reduce the window surface area. The aim of the invention is to further develop a prior art roller blind device in order to obtain a simple, inexpensive and compact design that reduces the incidence of light only minimally. To this end, the invention provides that a cord reel is connected to the fabric shaft in a rotationally fixed manner while being coaxial to said fabric shaft and located in the extension thereof, and the free end of the cord that can be wound on the reel is connected to the pull rod via a cord diverter. When the fabric is pulled from the fabric shaft, the cord is wound on the cord reel and vice versa. A spring device is provided over the course of the cord in order to adapt the cord to the varying winding state of the fabric shaft and cord reel.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Philipp Tussinger
-
Patent number: 7051782Abstract: A coupling assembly for a multiple-tube roller shade includes a support assembly for rotatably supporting and connecting adjacently located tube-end portions and a clutch mechanism providing relative rotation therebetween. The support assembly includes a tube-end fitting and a torque-transferring drive transfer member contacting the tube. The clutch mechanism includes first and second clutch members respectively engaged and separated in closed and opened positions. A pull bar is translatable within one of the shafts and is moved by a draw pin received in aligned openings of the second clutch member, the shaft and the pull bar. The shaft openings are elongated for movement of the second clutch member between the closed and opened positions. An adjustment member threadedly engages the tube-end fitting for vertical adjustment of the fitting with respect to a support panel. The tube-end fitting is secured to a bracket having elongated openings for horizontal adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Nichols, Jr., Mark A. Walker
-
Patent number: 7034682Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ryan P. Beggs, Lucas I. Paruch, James C. Boerger
-
Patent number: 7028742Abstract: A system and method for rapidly and reliably sealing off a selected opening from the passage of smoke, noxious fumes, or contaminated air includes a powered clutch and viscous governor that provides a fail-safe mode of operation. A curtain is positioned in a housing adjacent to an upper limit of an opening such as a hoist access-way. The curtain is wrapped around a spindle that is connected to a spool via two cords. The curtain is held in the housing in a stored configuration by a powered clutch so that upon removal of power, either via a controller or by power loss, the clutch releases the spool allowing the cord to unwind lowering and thus deploying the curtain. A capacitor can be included to prevent inadvertent deployments due to momentary power loss. The speed at which the spool rotates, and correspondingly the curtain deploys, is limited by a viscous governor coupled to the spool.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Smoke Guard CorporationInventors: John J. Sears, Tasche L. Strieb, Eric Holstine, Kevin Klocek, Thomas A. Allen
-
Patent number: 6978822Abstract: Assembly composed of a number of devices for rolling up/rolling down shading. On a side higher up, the said shading is immovably fastened to a frame and is wound onto or unwound from a tube from the bottom. Rotation of the tube is achieved by via a transmission device that can be slid along a vertical shaft. The vertical shaft is also the drive shaft. The transmission device is provided with clutches, so that on reaching the end positions when the drive shaft slips the transmission device can be brought to a standstill.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: N.V. Holding Nutsbedrijf WestlandInventor: Marinus Henricus Maria Schoonen
-
Patent number: 6964289Abstract: An impact sensing system for a powered roll-up door combines an electrical switch and a breakaway coupling. To avoid damage or injury resulting from the door's roll-up curtain accidentally closing upon an obstacle or something striking the curtain, the breakaway coupling responds to such a collision by breaking away, which releases a lower portion of the curtain from between its two vertical guide tracks. Each breakaway coupling includes a set of electrical contacts that make or break in response to the coupling breaking away. When the curtain's lower portion becomes effectively derailed from its guide track, the electrical contacts disable continued operation of the door to prevent the door's drive motor from jamming the curtain. In some embodiments, the breakaway coupling is releasably held together by way of magnetic attraction between two coupling segments, with one electrical contact on each segment to comprise one set of functional contacts.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventor: Peter S. Schulte
-
Patent number: 6918623Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle comprising a flat sheet which is movably supported between a compactly rolled-up rest position and a pulled-out deployed position, which flat sheet is supported over its pull-out path in guideways in the sides of the vehicle. A drive system is associated with the flat sheet on each side thereof. The two drive systems are connected to one another through a mechanical synchronization gearing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Melf Hansen, Herbert Walter
-
Patent number: 6907323Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle comprising a system enabling a user to control remotely an actuating mechanism (1) connected to an opening panel, in particular a boot opening panel (8). The control system comprises means, equipping the vehicle, for controlling at least an action of the actuating mechanism, according to the movement of an object, such as a hand, vertically in a delimited control zone adjacent to the opening panel. Said movement is determined from signals obtained from at least a movement sensor (7) placed on or proximate to the opening panel and whereof the radiation pattern if fixed to delimit the control zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Valeo ElectroniqueInventor: Jean-Jacques Avenel
-
Patent number: 6843301Abstract: An awning drive assembly with a motor internal to an awning roll-up tube and/or the awning using the awning drive assembly. A transmission linkage is attached to a motor assembly which is at least partially inserted into the roll-up tube of the awning. The transmission linkage is a disk connected to a motor shaft and the disk has notches which engage corresponding projections within the roll-up tube, allowing the motor to deploy and retract the awning. The awning drive assembly also has a mechanism for releasably connecting the motor assembly to a support arm mounting assembly. When the means for releasably connecting is released, a spring retracts the awning, even when the motor is not operable.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventors: Alejandro Carrillo, Brent Wagner, Thomas Lozito
-
Patent number: 6816800Abstract: In relation to a vibration isolation system, which comprises at least one vibration isolation device that can be assigned to an isolation element, the fact that a method of recording the system with the aid of a closed-loop and/or open-loop control device is provided, in which a closed-loop and/or open-loop control structure can be predefined and in which signals and/or variables related to the isolation system are picked up, processed and/or provided, and in which, on the basis of the definable structures and variables, at least one isolation system characteristic data set for assessing the vibration isolation system is formed, means that for the first time the indicative fundamentals for an open system for evaluation, closed-loop and open-loop control are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventor: Peter Heiland
-
Patent number: 6814129Abstract: The invention concerns a powered rolling shutter whereof the stator of the motor is connected to a fixed support via elastic means (R1, R2) for stopping the shutter in high and low abutment when the resisting torque exceeds a selected value, consisting of two springs (R1, R2) compressed by the stator rotation. The travel distance (12) before on of the springs (R2) is compressed is greater than the travel distance (11) before the other spring (R1) is compressed. The compression is ensured by a mobile element (12) also actuating a switch (18). The travels (c1, c2) required for activating the switch can be inverted. The motor can be mounted on the left or on the right with a differentiated resisting torque for stopping in high abutment and low abutment.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: SomfyInventors: Norbert Dupielet, Alain Serasset
-
Patent number: 6812662Abstract: A photoelectric power supply system for motorized window coverings includes a light detector electrically connected to a relatively high dielectric capacitor. In turn, the capacitor is connected to an electric motor, and the capacitor is the primary source of power for the motor. The light detector converts solar energy to electric energy that is used to charge the capacitor. The electric motor utilizes electricity from the capacitor as needed.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Harmonic Design, Inc.Inventor: Winston G. Walker
-
Publication number: 20040123960Abstract: Drive means comprising an electrical motor, a power supply unit and a transmission mechanism, said drive means being moveable between a first position and a second position and adjustable in these positions and in any position between these positions. The drive means (9) comprises at least one rail or plate part (25) extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the drive means, said rail or plate part being positioned near a first outer side of the drive means (9). Furthermore, an encapsulating part (30) for at least part of the drive means (9) is positioned with at least part of its surface near a second outer side of the drive means, and said rail or plate part (25) and said encapsulating part (30) are connected to each other in a heat-conducting connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Kent M?oslash;lsted Jorgensen, Ove Kold
-
Patent number: 6752193Abstract: A novel device to provide protection from the elements adjacent to a vehicle using a flexible material supported by a pair of arms to create an awning. The flexible material is mounted to a roller and may be wound around the roller. The support arms are mounted to a vehicle on a pivot and will swing according to the length of the unwound flexible material. Two alternate mechanisms are introduced by the present invention for causing said roller to rotate. Also introduced by the present invention is a stabilizer arm that will provide the present invention with sufficient support to withstand strong winds.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Michael J. Molloy
-
Patent number: 6719033Abstract: The present invention discloses the novel placement of two pairs of vertical track disposed adjacent to each other together with a pair of radiused horizontal tracks being attached to the outer pair of vertical tracks allowing the use of a flexible lift and reverse cable system to open, close and reverse multi-paneled garage doors. Use of an inner and outer pair of vertical tracks disposed adjacent to each other allows the lowermost rollers to be guided on the inner vertical tracks and the remaining rollers to be guided on the outer vertical tracks and, ultimately, the horizontal tracks as the garage door opens. This configuration allows the lift cable a clear pathway to travel from the drum down the center of the inner vertical tracks to the connection with the shaft journal mounted near the bottom of the garage door.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Karl Stoltenberg
-
Patent number: 6715528Abstract: An actuation assembly for double-glazing units with a frame with two glazed panes that form a hermetic air space accommodating shutters movable to be gathered or rolled-up, which comprises rotary motion speed varying elements, with a first rotor, with a magnet ring external to the unit and a second rotor, with a magnet ring arranged inside the unit to surround coaxially thereto, the rotation shaft on which the cords, from which the shutters hangs, are wound.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Finvetro S.p.A.Inventor: Mauro Rossini
-
Publication number: 20040045683Abstract: An awning drive assembly with a motor internal to an awning roll-up tube and/or the awning using the awning drive assembly. A transmission linkage is attached to a motor assembly which is at least partially inserted into the roll-up tube of the awning. The transmission linkage is a disk connected to a motor shaft and the disk has notched which engage corresponding projections within the roll-up tube, allowing the motor to deploy and retract the awning. The awning drive assembly also has a means for reassembly connecting the motor assembly to a support arm mounting assembly. When the means for releasably connecting is released, a spring retracts the awning,even when the motor in not operable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Alejandro Carrillo, Brent Wagner, Thomas Lozito
-
Publication number: 20040035535Abstract: An opening and closing device (D) for operating an awning retracting and extending mechanism comprises a casing (14) and a motor (22) therein, an elongated member (10) extending from the casing and adapted to be removably connected at a distal end thereof to the awning retracting and extending mechanism, and a handle (16) also extending from the casing (14). Therefore, upon rotation of the motor (22), the motor (22) is adapted to rotatably drive the elongated member (10); also, upon actuation of the handle (16), the elongated member (10) is caused to rotate. The elongated member (10) and the handle (16) extend from opposite sides of the casing (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Emilio Petrongolo
-
Patent number: 6688447Abstract: An improved electrical rolling door transmission including one door controller with one pair of transmission gears, two cams, one position cover and two adjustable shafts, all contained in the FixDisc, allowing the user to adjust manually and directly in the limited maintenance space, keeping the limiting position steady after adjustment, thus facilitates the maintenance. One positioning board is installed between the wheel and the driving motor for the user to dismantle the driving motor directly while eases maintenance and assemblage. Furthermore, several sockets on one side of the clutch disc of the FixDisc allow the inserting shaft to insert into any of these sockets for reposition, instead of waiting for reposition by revolving for a big circle, providing better reposition mechanism. While no replacement for a new clutch is needed in case of any socket being damaged, the maintenance cost generates more economic benefits.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Curtis Liu
-
Patent number: 6684928Abstract: In an awning, in particular a sun room awning, comprising a fabric-roll shaft for retracting and extending an awning fabric; wherein the inward end of the awning fabric is joined to the fabric-roll shaft and the outward end of the awning fabric to a drop-out bar, and the drop-out bar is run in lateral guide rails; wherein elastic pull straps act on the drop-out bar on the side opposite the awning fabric, the pull straps being deviated by a deflection pulley in the vicinity of the end of the guide rail, and reversed towards the fabric-roll shaft and wound on the fabric-roll shaft upon extension and unwinding of the awning fabric and exercising tensile stress on the drop-out bar and thus on the awning fabric; wherein unwinding the awning fabric and winding up the pull straps take place by an electric motor drive of the fabric-roll shaft, and switchgear is provided for switching off the drive of the fabric-roll shaft upon complete extension; it is provided that the switchgear acts on the drive of the fabric-rollType: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Schmitz-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Martin Dieckmann
-
Patent number: 6680594Abstract: An apparatus for effecting and controlling the movement of a window covering member between different positions in response to a disturbance of the window covering. Also, an apparatus for assisting the manipulation of a window covering by way of potential energy stored in a spring. Also a torque sending device having a design that is insensitive to component tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Techniku, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Collett, Daniel A. Huber, Steven J. Wolf, Paul Y. Timmer
-
Patent number: 6672363Abstract: The invention pertains to a window shade with a shade panel, with a rotatable winding shaft 1 for winding up the panel onto the winding shaft 1 to form a roll 2 and for unwinding the panel from this winding shaft 1 to form a panel surface 3, and with a drive M. The invention is characterized in that control means R are provided upline of the winding shaft 1 to vary the rotational speed of the winding shaft in such a way that the winding shaft 1 has several periods in each revolution, where the angular velocity changes in a predetermined manner within each period.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Manfred Schmidt