Abstract: An automated parking gate structure is disclosed having enhanced safety features for deterring accidents and providing greater protectibility against damage in the event the gate arm strikes a vehicle. The parking gate comprises a base cabinet, a control mechanism disposed within the cabinet, and a gate arm connected to the cabinet, adapted for motion relative thereto in response to operation of the control mechanism. A first light element is disposed along a first surface of the gate arm. The light element being in communication with the control mechanism to regulate operation of the light element in response to operational modes of the gate control mechanism.

Abstract: A conventional dump trailer includes discharge members or doors which are typically mounted beneath the trailer. The movement of the doors is controlled by a control device of the present invention having a position sensor which is mounted on the trailer and a sensor actuator mounted on the discharge member. The amount of movement of a door is automatically limited at a preselected position. The control device allows for the discharge member to be further moved to further positions.

Abstract: A sliding catch with partition release assembly for a fire extinguisher cabinet having a locking mechanism that comprises of a L-shaped member that has a first portion and a second portion that is defined as a stopping mechanism and a slotting mechanism. The slotting mechanism may be moved from a first locked position to a second unlocked position thereby releasing the locking mechanism and allowing the fire extinguisher cabinet to open. A partition release assembly allows for the injury-free access to the fire extinguisher cabinet by a fire-person.

Abstract: The present invention was achieved in order to provide a security system, wherein the safety in an emergency travel using a vehicle such as a car or an emergency evacuation into a building such as a house is heightened, and a security system, which is introduced into a vehicle or a building having one or more doors, comprises a receiving means to receive a prescribed remote control signal, an unlocking control means to make a locking mechanism or locking mechanisms to one or more doors in the unlocked state when the prescribed remote control signal is received, a closing detecting means to detect the closing of a door, and a locking control means to make the unlocked locking mechanism or mechanisms in the locked state, when the door is opened after the door or doors are unlocked, and then the closing of the opened door is detected.

Abstract: A gate arm for retrofitting onto an existing cantilever crossing structure at a railroad crossing. The gate arm is pivotally attached to a mast of the existing cantilever crossing structure so that the gate arm can be lowered to an in use position and alternately raised to an out of use position. A cable extending from the gate arm to a winch secured to the cantilever crossing structure or mast lowers the gate arm in response to the approach of a train. Lights provided on the gate arm also activated in response to the approach of a train. The gate arm raises and the lights on the gate arm deactivated upon the train passing the crossing.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for controlling power to interior functions of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle.

Abstract: A door opening/closing detector for detecting an opening or closing of a double door of a housing, which has a low cost construction and can improve safety of equipment. A tool for the device is to be used for the maintenance of an apparatus covered by the housing. The door opening/closing detector comprises a first projection provided in the side of a first door of the double door, a second projection provided in the side of a second door thereof, a detecting switch being actuated by the second projection, a shutter located in front of the switch and switchable between a block position for blocking the actuation of the switch by the second projection and an unblock position for allowing the actuation, and a plate spring for keeping the shutter urged toward the block position; wherein the shutter is switched by the first projection to the unblocked position when the first door is closed.

Abstract: An overhead door position sensor assembly includes a sensor actuating device, and a position sensor including a roller track clamping device for mounting the position sensor onto a roller track of an overhead door assembly. The sensor actuating device is mountable to an overhead door of the overhead door assembly for actuating the position sensor when the sensor actuating device is located within a minimum actuation distance from the position sensor. The roller track clamping device includes a body having a main member for placement adjacent to a sidewall of the roller track and a curved resilient member extending from the main member for placement along the contour of a curved roller race that extends from the sidewall of the roller track. A bracket of the roller track clamping device is coupled to the body.

Abstract: A gate alarm system includes a gate of a wire or cable between supports, a gate entry and a gate alarm comprising a gate alarm housing, a switch, a switch activating device, a spring or coiled wire for biasing the switch activating device, an alarm, and a power source for the alarm. The switch activating device is maintained under compression by the spring or coiled wire during the gate closed mode and contacts the switch and sets off the alarm in the gate open mode when this compression is relaxed. The gate entry can range from a handle, a clasp and a loop to a handle, a combination of a threaded rod and tube, a clasp and loop. This very simple alarm system warns of unauthorized entrance to parking lots of commercial establishments, driveways to private dwellings, and roads or cart paths to farms and ranches; and to alert personnel of open gates in enclosures around unsafe areas such as wells or in construction and demolition sites.

Abstract: A mat monitor for an automatic swing door system is mountable in-line with an approach mat and a safety mat and the controller for the automatic door system. The monitor emits a visible light to indicate that a mat is properly operating without requiring that the door cycle through an opening/closing sequence. In one embodiment, a green light is illuminated to indicate that the approach mat is properly functioning and a red light is illuminated to indicate that a safety mat is properly functioning. The mat monitor is preferably mounted at the underside of the header adjacent to the controller.

Abstract: A visual display panel is mounted on the exterior surface of a power-operated garage door to display messages for viewing by occupants of a departing automobile after the garage door has closed. The display panel may be part of an integrated home automation system (IHAS) so that, in addition to pre-programmed messages, the operational status of household devices included in the IHAS are presented on the display panel. Actuation of the garage door operator to open the garage door can also cause the IHAS to direct changes in the operation of one or more of the included devices.

Abstract: A safety gate that has a continuously adjustable width for insertion across a lateral opening such as a doorway. The gate has a generally U-shaped gate frame including two tubular frame members that are slidably connected in a telescoping relationship. A latch is operable to displace the telescoping portions by a pre-selected displacement relative to each other, so that part of the tubes are deflected and the gate frame applies an outward lateral force to the doorway opening sides to retain the gate across the opening. The gate includes a walk-through door with a door latch for latching the door closed and an indicator for indicating when it is not fully closed and latched. A force-distribution bar on at least one side of the gate distributes the force from that side of the gate so that it is applied at two points on that side of the doorway opening.

Abstract: An automatically actuated door arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a plurality of slidable doors which are opened and closed by an electric motor/cable arrangement. Open and close switches control the opening and closing of the doors. A sensor device provides the open doors/close doors signals to the controller, and eventually to the motor. The motor is connected to the cable drive by a clutch arrangement which allows slippage should the movement of the doors become obstructed. The door travel path may be arranged in a slight V-shape, to allow for more efficient sealing of the door bottoms. A controller is provided to receive, process, and distribute electronic signals for controlling the extent of the door opening, the speed of opening and closing, and other operating parameters. The controller includes a series of indicators for monitoring the status of the door arrangement, and also includes inputs for altering the operating parameters of the door arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in determining the position of an object such as a sash door of a laboratory fume hood which has an elongated base member for attachment to the fume hood adjacent the sash doors. It includes an electrical switching means having an elongated electrical resistance means that provides a signal indicative of the position of a sash door, and an actuator means associated with each sash door adapted to move when the sash door is moved. The actuator means includes an actuator assembly positioned to operate the switching means at a switch location that varies as the sash door is moved. The actuator means includes a linkage means that permits accurate operation even though there is undesirable movement of the door relative to the base member.

Abstract: A new and improved overhead door safety apparatus is disclosed for a cable controlled door whose movement is guided by a stationary guide track. The new apparatus includes a brake assembly which is attached to the door and which is responsive to a decrease in a predetermined cable tension. When the decrease in the predetermined cable tension takes place, the overhead door safety apparatus is actuated causing the brake assembly to apply a braking action on movement of the overhead door. More specifically, in the brake assembly, a cable-tension-responsive track follower guides motion of the door by following the track. The cable-tension-responsive track follower has a first and a second operating state. The first operating state permits smooth movement of the cable-tension-responsive track follower along the track as the door moves when a control cable maintains a predetermined amount of cable tension.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the slack from motorized cables used to control doors on sterilizers and autoclaves without the need for electro-mechanical brakes or oversized gear motors. The apparatus is adapted to be used with a door systems wherein a cable having the one end thereof attached to a motorized take-up drum and the other end thereof attached to a slack removing weight is used control the opening and closing of a door. The apparatus includes a stop plate that is rigidly fastened to the sterilizer or autoclave and a corresponding stop member that is rigidly attached to the cable. The stop plate, in conjunction with the stop member, serve to restrict the movement of the cable in only one direction thus keeping the portion of cable supporting the door taut. When additional cable is unwound from the take-up drum, the slack weight causes the cable to move in a direction away from the stop plate to keep the cable taut.

Abstract: A control panel includes a first switch to effect selective actuation of a garage door opener motor, with a second on/off switch arranged to effect selective locking engagement and disengagement of the motor relative to the first switch. An indicator light is arranged to indicate separation of a garage door from a garage door framework. An abutment switch is arranged also for engagement with a vehicular windshield for actuation of the garage door motor.

Abstract: A window system is proposed in which windows (41) which can be both locked and tilted mechanically are connected via microprocessors (43) to a monitoring center (49) which can display the locking and closure status of the individual windows (41) via visual display units (51, 57). The microprocessors (43) are located in the vicinity of the windows (41) and connected to the receiver (61) of a radio-controlled remote control unit by which the windows can be remotely controlled. The windows (41) can also be controlled via an operating unit (65) in the monitoring center (49). The remote control unit may involve either portable transmitters (63) or transmitters with a fixed location (67) which control the windows (41) via sensors (69) as a function of ambient air parameters, such as the relative air humidity, temperature or the CO.sub.2 content of the air in the room. The windows (41) have a locking drive integrated in the handle and a separate tilting drive.

Abstract: A switch device for use in a power window for opening and closing a door glass of a vehicle. The switch device is driven by a driving apparatus and has a display unit for displaying whether the door glass can be opened or closed by means of an operating switch via the driving apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to visually confirm whether or not the driving apparatus can be driven.

Abstract: An anti-intrusion window is disclosed comprising a window frame assembly adapted to be attached to a building structure, first and second sash assemblies supported by the frame assembly and relatively movable with respect to each other, a position indicator supported by one sash, a sensor supported by the other sash and an alarm signal generator activated whenever the position indicator and the sensor are at least momentarily adjacent each other. Multiple windows are coupled to a second alarm signal generator which produces an audible alarm when the first alarm signal generator transmits an alarm signal. The sashes may be moved into cleaning positions without triggering an alarm.

Abstract: A casement window wherein the sash is pivotable in the frame about a vertical axis has a self-locking crank drive which pivots the sash between open and closed positions by way of a pivotable lever, a link which is coupled to the lever, and an actuator which is movably installed in the sash, which is coupled to the link and which forms part of a locking-unlocking mechanism for the sash. The first stage of rotation of the crank drive in order to pivot the sash from closed position involves a displacement of the actuator which ensures that the sash is unlocked, and further rotation of the crank drive results in pivoting of the sash to the open position. If the direction of rotation of the crank drive is reversed, the sash is moved to the closed position before the actuator is caused to lock the sash to the frame. A blocking device for the actuator is operated by the frame to release the actuator for movement to its operative position shortly before the sash reaches the closed position.

Abstract: A tamper proof security door track and position means such as a door closer or door position indicator wherein the track is fully enclosed in the door closed position and protected by a slide closure in the open position to prevent debris from entering the track.

Abstract: An alarm system for signalling when a door of a refrigeration unit compartment is not fully closed comprises an alarm condition sensing system having a door sealing gasket magnet and a magnetically actuated switch. The gasket magnet produces an elongated narrow magnetic field for coupling the unit and the door in sealing relationship when the door is fully closed. The switch senses the magnetic field when the door is closed even though the magnet position may be anywhere in a band of possible positions. An alarm system signals when a door of a refrigeration unit compartment is not fully closed. The alarm assembly comprises a housing wall section, a vibratable alarm member, and mounting structure for connecting the alarm member to the housing wall section so that the housing wall section is driven by the number and vibrates relative to the housing when the member vibrates at an operating frequency. A plainly audible alarm is produced when a door ajar condition is sensed.

Abstract: An anti-intrusion window is disclosed having a sash assembly which is movable along two paths; one for ventilating and one for cleaning the sash. A sensor is supported by one of the window frame or the sash assembly and a position indicator such as a magnet is supported by the other. The sensor detects the momentary presence of the position indicator to trigger an alarm. The sash assembly is movable through a range of ventilating positions without triggering the alarm while the alarm is armed. The sash may be moved into a cleaning position without triggering the alarm while the alarm is armed.

Abstract: A window bar security system has a grill of bars positioned outside a building window and held by a plurality of standoffs. Two of the standoffs are latching standoffs and extend from opposite sides of the grill through the wall and into the building and each latching standoffs includes a hole at the distal end. Four other guiding standoffs are inserted into receptacles against coil springs and the four guiding standoffs are positioned in pairs on opposite sides and equi-distant from each latching standoff. A pair of sliding bolt mechanisms are affixed to the inner wall of the building and positioned to permit the sliding bolt of each to fit into one of the latching standoff holes and to be moved towards the center of the window to release the latching standoffs. A pair of security pins are provided with one end designed to fit into a sliding bolt mechanism for preventing the unintentional movement of the sliding bolt and with another end shaped in the form of a hook.

Abstract: A closure for the upper opening on a bin-type livestock feeder which is operable by the delivery elevator on a supply truck. The closure is slidable relative to the bin and is biased to a closed position by springs engaged between the bin and the closure.

Abstract: A window security system including a door disposed over a window and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The door may be selectively locked in the closed position by an electrically actuated lock. The system further includes a smoke detector and an actuator for automatically unlocking the door when the smoke detector detects smoke. The system also includes manual override features for unlocking the door even when the smoke detector detects smoke and also for preventing the door from unlocking when the smoke detector detects smoke. The system may also include audible or visual signals for indicating whether the door is in the open position.

Abstract: A door status detection system is provided for use in a refrigerator having a cabinet defining first and second food storage compartments and corresponding first and second doors hingely mounted to the cabinet for selectively closing the compartments. The doors each include a magnetic sealing strip secured thereto for sealing the doors to the cabinet and for maintaining the doors in closed position. First and second switch arrays are installed into the cabinet generally adjacent a section of the magnetic sealing strips of the first and second doors, respectively, when the doors are in closed position for signaling the opened/closed status of the doors. The first and second switch arrays are electrically connected in series and operated by the magnetic sealing strips of the doors. Circuitry is connected to the first and second switch arrays for signaling a user of the refrigerator if either of the doors remains in an opened position for a defined period of time.

Abstract: A door closer has a cam surface on its pinion shaft. A lever mounted thereadjacent works against the shaft, and when the door is closed, engages a switch to indicate remotely the condition of the door. The lever fulcrum is mounted on an eccentric arrangement so that the change from "door closed" to "door opened" position can be set at a precise point.

Abstract: A security system for detention cells is described. Known means are provided or lock to unlock the doors of all cells in a cell block. In combination with these means the present invention provides improved means for selectively unlocking the doors for individual cells in the cell block by either an electrical or a manual, "key" mode of operation. In all modes of operation the cell doors are locked when drop bars are in their lower positions and unlocked when the drop bars are raised to an elevated position. The selective unlocking means are characterized by latching means which prevent the drop bars from being raised. In the electrical mode, a motor driven cam disables the lever and raises the latching means and raises a given drop bar. In the "key" mode manually actuated means disable the latch means and raise the drop bar of a selected cell. The selective unlocking means are disclosed in combination with both sliding and pivotally mounted cell doors.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a door which is biased toward a closed position by a closer arm connected to and biased by a door control device including a switch responsive to the position of the closer arm and signaling means connected to the switch. The switch is operable to activate the signaling means and establish a signal in response to the closer arm being disconnected from the door control device and when the door is moved from its fully closed position.

Abstract: A combination storm window and security system that fits into the window frame openings of a house. The window frame is normally formed of aluminum material and it has a stationary window panel and a slidable window panel. A pair of vertical sheet metal brackets are spaced inwardly from the aluminum window frame and these metal brackets are rigidly attached to the respective vertically extending window frame side members. Spaced intermediate the metal brackets is a vertical support member having its bottom end rigidly attached to the window sill and its top end rigidly attached to the header. A pair of storm windows have elongated strip magnets attached to their outside surface that are detachably securable to the respective vertical sheet metal brackets. The vertical support member may be formed of sheet metal or a vertically oriented metal plate may be attached to its inner surface for detachably contacting the strip magnets on the outside surface of the storm window panels.

Abstract: A portable vehicle barrier for positioning in a roadway or the like has a base plate carrying first and second spaced stanchions forming a checkpoint therebetween. A shaft is pivotally secured to the base plate and extends transversely between the stanchions. A gate or barrier plate is pivotal with the shaft between a first horizontal position and a second angularly disposed position adapted for preventing vehicle passage through the checkpoint by engagement of the barrier plate with the vehicle. An anti-tampering means associated with said stanchions and said gate is provided for preventing unauthorized interference with the raising and lowering of the gate.

Abstract: An actuation and locking mechanism for sliding prison doors or the like includes a pivotal motor assembly, a movable carriage assembly reciprocally driven by the motor assembly and carrying the door, a drop bar assembly for locking or unlocking the carriage assembly and door, control means for actuating the motor and drop bar assembly as required to open, close, lock or unlock the door, emergency release and means manually to disengage or engage the drop bar assembly and pivotal motor assembly to allow the door to be manually opened, locked opened, closed or locked closed. The components of the actuating and locking mechanism are easily installed and serviced, may be universally used for right or left hand doors with minor electrical modifications, may be readily incorporated in multiple door systems and are concealed in a fail safe mode.

Abstract: An alarm sensor apparatus for closures such as doors and windows, and particularly for closures having loose tolerances such as overhead doors, garage doors or the like, the sensor apparatus comprising a pair of cooperating bracket members, one being attached to the door facing or frame work and the other to the door member, two magnetic sensor elements carried by said bracket members, the bracket members comprising a pair of cooperating orthogonal guide slots and plates and a stop member engageable with one of the sensors for aligning the sensors with respect to each other in all three orthogonal planes when the door is closed.

Abstract: A magnetically operated door chime adapted for mounting on a door and door frame. The door chime includes a casing adapted for mounting on the door frame and having a plunger assembly mounted for reciprocation along a horizontal path perpendicular to the plane of the door when the door is closed. The plunger assembly includes a first magnetic unit on its outer end arranged in face-to-face contact with a second magnetic unit on the door, when the door is closed. A chime bar extends across the path of movement of the other end of the plunger assembly and a spring yieldably biases the plunger assembly in a direction toward the chime bar.

Abstract: A door assembly for a sterilizer includes a rectangular door on which is a vertical rail assembly movable horizontally toward and away from the door on threaded posts. Nuts carried by the rail assembly are rotated on the posts by sprockets entraining a motor driven chain. The rail assembly carries spring mounted axially retractable horizontal pairs of locking bars. The bars are inserted into and removed from sockets in a doorway frame by turning angularly as the rail assembly moves horizontally. A pressure responsive locking mechanism engages the sprockets to prevent their turning when the sterilizer is above a predetermined pressure. Cables carried by the locking bars actuate a switch in an alarm circuit for indicating that any one or more bars is not engaged properly in its respective socket. Limit switches stop operation of the motor when the rail assembly reaches extremes of inward and outward movement.

Abstract: A door-open alarm device comprises alarm means connected to an electric circuit which comprises, arranged on the stationary part (11), a voltage source, a switch (13) having two positions in which the circuit is interrupted and closed respectively, electrical time delay means responsive to a current flow in the circuit to produce a voltage variation across said alarm means after a time delay, thereby triggering said alarm means. Arranged on the door (12) is a mechanical actuating element (14) for said switch, which opens said switch when the door is wide open or closed, and which closes said switch when the door is ajar.

Abstract: A door control system, particularly suited for multiple door rapid transit vehicles wherein car operating parameters including car speed sensing (5), traction propulsion sensing (7), and other indications of internal circuitry establish and continuously test for predetermined conditions under which a power operated door can be opened. A low speed detector (1) incorporates a micro-processor (8) and a no motion relay (3) to evaluate car and circuit operating conditions, providing control of all transit car doors. The micro-processor and associated control equipment also recognize predetermined failure modes. Occurrence of predetermined failure modes results in the overall system (1) reverting to a more conservative state. Coded indication (2) of failure modes is provided for easy indentification and corrective action by train operating crews.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved door position monitoring unit for use in a security door installation. The unit includes track means for mounting with respect to a horizontal edge of a door and movable therewith, a circuit component such as a switch mounted with respect to a stationary surface of the door installation, such as the door frame or the threshold. The circuit component is capable of being operated to attain a first condition, and a second condition which conditions can be detected by suitable circuit means. A control arm is provided to mechanically link the door to the switches, said control arm having one end thereof slidably connected to said track means, and being pivotally mounted proximate the other end thereof to the door frame, such that movement of said door will produce pivotal movement of said control arm.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a digital control circuit for controlling microwave generation, and a multi-digit digital display unit for displaying a cooking condition. A determination system is associated with a door switch for developing a display control signal when a cook start switch is actuated before an oven door is tightly closed. In response to the display control signal, an alarm display, for example, "DOOR" is provided on the multi-digit digital display unit. The microwave oven further comprises a food temperature sensor probe for sensing a temperature of foodstuff being cooked. The multi-digit digital display unit provides another alarm display, for example, "PROBE" if the cook start switch is actuated under the condition where the food temperature sensor probe is not placed in its operative condition even though the food temperature control mode of operation is selected.

Abstract: An emergency air vent structure actuated by smoke, gas or oxygen deficiency sensors to permit the influx of fresh air to an enclosure. The emergency air vent structure is characterized by a spring-actuated panel which is released by means of a rocker arm and latch actuated by a solenoid which solenoid is operated by any one of a number of detectors such as smoke, gas or oxygen deficiency. Upon opening of the panel, an alarm is sounded giving an audible warning of the unsafe conditions within the building.

Abstract: A safety device for a vehicle sliding door which detects any obstacle hindering the door closing movement and which cannot injure a passenger struck by the door. The door closing force is limited to a non dangerous value and the door comprises a tongue groove joint surrounded by a flexible lip joint. An obstacle is first struck by the flexible lips and only after retraction of these lips by the tongue. The presence of this obstacle hinders the penetration of the tongue into the groove and the closing of the door.

Abstract: A door burglar alarm system having, preferably, a door movement intercepting component which may be moved easily in the direction of door movement by an opening motion of a door and which may be connected to a trigger mechanism to initiate an alarm signal in response to a predetermined distance having been traversed by the intercepting component, this intercepting component whereupon may provide a positive resistance prohibiting the further movement thereof in the direction of opening the door whereby the door is also prohibited from opening further.

Abstract: An escape hatch for dwellings, such as mobile homes, is provided with a panel fitting within an external wall opening of such dwelling and equipped with a plurality of peripheral latch assemblies engaging such wall. Each latch assembly has internal and external blades on the opposite faces of the hatch panel, and pivotable on a common pivot pin extending through the panel so that in one position they overlie the adjacent portion of the wall. The internal and external blades are jointed by a guide pin extending through an arcuate slot centered on the pivot pin. Conventional burglar alarm devices may be used in conjunction with the escape hatch.

Abstract: A fire escape window system has a fixed outer, peripheral frame set permanently into a window opening of a wall. An inner frame carrying sash units, screens, storm glass, and the like is mounted in the outer frame on a hinge axis. The inner frame pivots from a position weather-sealed across the outer frame to an open position where the opening in the outer frame is unobstructed for emergency personal egress. A latch retains the inner frame in a closed, sealed position but is quickly releasable for swinging of the inner frame to the open position. A spring may be used to bias the inner frame to move automatically to the open position upon release of the latch. A safety alarm signals upon opening of the inner frame. The latch may be electrically operated and, if so, it may be connected for opening the inner frame selectively in conjunction with a smoke or other fire detector which is activated by an emergency condition.

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: Hydraulic door closer apparatus includes means for counter-balancing the bias of a return spring, to either assist in opening the door by reducing the force needed to open, or, in an alternative embodiment and mode of operation, to open the door by over-balancing the bias of the return spring. In the latter mode, a remotely manually operable switch, such as, for example, a so-called palm button, may initiate opening the door.

Abstract: A signaling device for use with a closure which is movably mounted within a frame having a housing, and a vibratile member mounted on the housing. A striker pin is mounted on the housing. A biasing spring is disposed about the pin and tends to maintain the striker pin at an intermediate rest position spaced from the vibratile member. A magnet is adapted for mounting in movable relation to the housing in accordance with the movement of the closure, for magnetically holding the striker pin in a retracted striking position spaced from the vibratile member when the closure is disposed in a pre-selected position in the frame, and for releasing the striker pin to permit the striker pin to overcome the biasing force of the spring and strike the vibratile member when the closure is moved away from the pre-selected position.

Abstract: A door status detection system is provided for use in a refrigerator having a cabinet defining first and second food storage compartments and corresponding first and second doors hingely mounted to the cabinet for selectively closing the compartments. The doors each include a magnetic sealing strip secured thereto for sealing the doors to the cabinet and for maintaining the doors in closed position. First and second switch arrays are installed into the cabinet generally adjacent a section of the magnetic sealing strips of the first and second doors, respectively, when the doors are in closed position for signaling the opened/closed status of the doors. The first and second switch arrays are electrically connected in series and operated by the magnetic sealing strips of the doors. Circuitry is connected to the first and second switch arrays for signaling a user of the refrigerator if either of the doors remains in an opened position for a defined period of time.