Safety Means Responsive To Obstruction To Closure Patents (Class 49/26)
  • Patent number: 11976507
    Abstract: A method for allocating operating parameters to at least two local control units intended to control a door movement for a motor vehicle, wherein: a plurality of parameter records of operating parameters is stored in each local control unit; a plurality of values of a detection criterion is stored in each local control unit, said detection criterion being based on at least two values of an electric variable; for at least one local control unit, a value of the detection criterion is prepared using the electric variable; in each local control unit the detection criterion is queried; and, a parameter record is selected in accordance with the value of the detection criterion determined during the query, and the corresponding operating parameters are allocated to the local control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Florian Pohl, Udo Geuther, Thomas Fischer, René Bekendam
  • Patent number: 11921253
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a light emitter that emits a light signal and a light detector configured to receive a portion of the light signal reflected back from an object. The system includes a processor operatively coupled to the light emitter and the light detector to determine a presence of an obstacle based on the portion of the light signal received by the light detector. The system includes a heater operatively coupled to a power source and at least one sensor configured to determine an ambient temperature and an ambient relative humidity. The processor is operatively coupled to the power source, the heater, and the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to calculate a dew point of the environment from the ambient relative humidity and the ambient temperature and to activate the heater in response to the ambient temperature being less than the dew point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP LLC
    Inventor: James J. Fitzgibbon
  • Patent number: 11891096
    Abstract: A portable, single-fixation, magnetic derailment mitigation device may be fixed on a rail track for measuring the deflection of the rail track. The magnetically fixing device is used for measuring vertical track deflection (sleeper voids), horizontal track deflection, ambient and rail temperature, rail angle, vibration, displacement, and location. The derailment mitigation device sends digital notifications and/or alarms during the live train and/or freight operations to help prevent derailments, rail buckles, breaks, and pull apart. The measured data and/or all events obtained from the derailment mitigation device is stored in the data storage such as cloud storage and viewed from any smart devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: PB Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Bartek, Michael S. Davis
  • Patent number: 11418705
    Abstract: A detection system detects an occurred event at a plurality of positions with high accuracy. The detection system includes a plurality of cameras, each of which performs detection processing to output detection information, a network that transmits pieces of detection information from the plurality of cameras and a system control unit that provides notification of occurrence of a predetermined event on the basis of the pieces of detection information from the plurality of cameras. Each of the plurality of cameras includes an image capturing element that captures an image of a target object, and generates image-data frames that time-sequentially line up and a detection frame determination unit that determines relationship between the target object and a predetermined detection frame, and generates a result of the determination as the detection information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Nose
  • Patent number: 11261650
    Abstract: A special detection area in which detection in accordance with an activation detection algorithm for detecting a person or an object and detection in accordance with a protection detection algorithm having a higher detection sensitivity for the person or the object than the activation detection algorithm are performed is provided. Results of the detections in accordance with the activation detection algorithm and the protection detection algorithm are individually output to an automatic door device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeaki Sasaki, Hisayuki Kanki, Yasutaka Kanda
  • Patent number: 11215002
    Abstract: A sealing structure includes a sliding door, a touch sensor, an inner seal, a drip seal, a buffer, and a projection. The inner seal couples to a door opening. The drip seal extends in a front and rear direction of an automobile body, is above the door opening, and is closer to an upper part of the automobile body than the inner seal. The drip seal and the inner seal make elastic contact with the sliding door. The buffer extends in an upper and lower direction of the automobile body and protrudes outwardly. The buffer is provided on a part of a body panel, which is closer to a front part of the automobile body than the door opening, and faces and is close to a flange when the sliding door is in a closed position. The projection extends from the touch sensor and makes elastic contact with the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kamitani, Masaru Koshimichi
  • Patent number: 11187025
    Abstract: A method for operating a system of a motor vehicle including a first electromotive door adjusting device having a first door, and a second electromotive door adjusting device having a second door. A request for carrying out a closing movement of the first door and for carrying out a closing movement of the second door is detected, and a priority rule is ascertained for activating the first electromotive door adjusting device and the second electromotive door adjusting device. The first electromotive door adjusting device and the second electromotive door adjusting device are activated on the basis of the priority rule. A system for a motor vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventor: Sebastian Bars
  • Patent number: 11187308
    Abstract: An actuator for driving a rotatable component includes a first, rotating member comprising a screw and a second member comprising a nut threaded to said screw, wherein rotation of said first member causes axial movement of said first or second member. The component also includes a third member coupled to the second member, wherein axial movement of said first or second member causes axial movement of said third member and a fourth, rotating member coupled to said third member and connectable to said component. The system also includes a bearing system located between said third member and said fourth member, said bearing system configured to cause said fourth member to rotate upon said axial movement of said third member so as to drive said component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: HS WROCLAW SP. Z O. O.
    Inventor: Daniel Trybula
  • Patent number: 11180080
    Abstract: A system for assisting in the opening of a vehicle door includes a camera disposed on the vehicle for obtaining a plurality of images of an object at the periphery of the vehicle. The example system includes a controller which is configured to determine a distance between the object and a door of the vehicle based on the plurality of images and to initiate a vehicle response based on the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Brian Burtch
  • Patent number: 11142939
    Abstract: An exemplary method relates to operating a door closer assembly including a closer body, a pinion rotatably mounted to the closer body, a motor including a motor shaft, and a bidirectional clutch connected between the pinion and the motor shaft. The method generally involves permitting, by the clutch, rotation of the pinion in each of a first direction and a second direction without transmitting rotation of the pinion in either direction to the motor shaft; sensing, with a sensor, a rotational position of the pinion; comparing, by a controller, the rotational position of the pinion with a desired rotational position; based upon the comparing, driving the motor to rotate the motor shaft; and by the clutch, coupling the motor shaft with the pinion in response to rotation of the motor shaft, thereby transmitting torque from the motor shaft to the pinion and urging the pinion toward the desired rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Brady Plummer, Subashchandra G. Rai, Brian C. Eickhoff, Benjamin L. Miller, Prajna Poojary
  • Patent number: 11078704
    Abstract: A method of adjusting the closing force of a door coupled to a door closer assembly having a bias element. The method includes determining the kinetic energy of the door without using the weight or other dimensions of the door. The determined kinetic energy is used to adjust the closing force of an electro-mechanical door closer that includes a spring and a motor. The door includes the use of one, some of, or all of an accelerometer, an angular position sensor, a time to close, a breaking torque, and a controller to identify values a acceleration, velocity, and/or position of the door. The identified values are provided to the controller, which is configured to calculate the kinetic energy of the door. The calculated kinetic energy is used to determine the closing velocity of the door closure to ensure proper operation of the door at the point of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Long, Aaron P. McKibben, Jason Fodstad
  • Patent number: 10962957
    Abstract: A collision position estimation device allowing extraction of data related to a torque of a section related to collision of a cushion member includes a machine learning device. The machine learning device includes a state observation unit for observing axis movement data indicating information related to movement of the axis and motor torque data indicating data related to torque of a motor driving the axis as a state variable representing a current state of an environment, a label data acquisition unit for acquiring collision position data indicating the position of the axis during collision of the cushion member as label data, and a learning unit for associating and learning the information related to movement of the axis and the data related to the torque of the motor driving the axis with the position of the axis during collision of the cushion member using the state variable and the label data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chao Zhi, Kazuhiro Satou, Keita Hada, Takeshi Sumi, Ryutaro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10783407
    Abstract: One general aspect includes a memory configured to include a program and a processor configured to execute the program, where the program enables the processor to: after a first vehicle ingress/egress event, activate a sensor to capture a reference image of a portion of a vehicle body; after a second vehicle ingress/egress event, activate the sensor to capture a test image of the portion of the vehicle body; determine whether the test image includes one or more objects not found in the reference image; and release the door from the body or produce a notification or prevent vehicle movement or some combination thereof, based on the determination of whether the test image includes one or more objects not found in the reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Radhika Ciripanga, Donald K. Grimm, Wei Tong, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 10410448
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a countdown notification relating to a movement of a barrier that include measuring a duration of the movement of the barrier. The system and method also include determining a current state of the barrier and sending at least one barrier control signal to remotely control movement of the barrier. The system and method further include presenting the countdown notification relating to the movement of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Kevin Lamm
  • Patent number: 10301860
    Abstract: A boundary position, which determines the range of the positions of the window within which trap prevention control is disabled, is set according to the sum of a first amount of rotation and a second amount of rotation. The first amount of rotation approximates a change, in a reference amount of rotation, that corresponds to a change in a detected voltage from a reference voltage. The second amount of rotation is set to a value that is smaller than the difference between a specific amount of rotation at a stop and the reference amount of rotation and is larger than the amount of variations in the reference amount of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Endo, Satoshi Hayasaka, Takuya Sugita
  • Patent number: 10221610
    Abstract: A door system is provided and includes=a door assembly operable to assume an open position at which an aperture is opened and a closed position at which the aperture is closed, a sensor assembly and a controller. The controller is coupled to the door assembly and configured to instruct the door assembly to normally assume the closed position and to assume the open position in accordance with an open signal being issued by the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to track the individual, determine whether the individual is likely to be approaching the aperture from the tracking and issue the open signal in accordance with a determination that the individual is likely to be approaching the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Arthur Hsu, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Patent number: 9540858
    Abstract: In the course of an easily implemented anti-trap protection method for an adjustable vehicle part, a test variable is continuously determined by way of a distance sensor during the adjustment of the vehicle part. A direct anti-trap protection test determines, based on the test variable, whether an obstacle is detectable in the adjustment path of the vehicle part. The adjustment is stopped or reversed if necessary. An indirect anti-trap protection test determines on the basis of the same test variable whether the movement of the vehicle part has slowed down irregularly or come to a stop, and the adjustment is stopped or reversed if necessary. An associated anti-trap protection device includes an anti-trap protection control unit, which is designed for automatically performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hallstadt
    Inventors: Holger Wuerstlein, Christian Herrmann, Florian Pohl
  • Patent number: 9243695
    Abstract: A two-stage linear actuator particularly applicable to aircraft control surfaces. The first stage comprises a rotary input shaft driven by an electric motor having a helical threaded zone in its external surface at its inner end and a plurality of first helical roller gears configured to engage with the rotary input shaft in its helical threaded zone for rotating together. The second stage comprises a plurality of second helical roller gears configured to engage with the first helical roller gears for rotating together and with an output shaft having a helical threaded zone in its external surface at its inner end for converting the rotation of the second helical roller gears in a linear movement of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A.
    Inventors: Santiago Flores Giraldo, Francisco Javier Fernandez Garcia
  • Patent number: 9097049
    Abstract: An opening-closing control device drives an opening-closing member with use of a drive device and controls the opening-closing member to open or close an opening portion. The opening-closing control device includes a load detector and a drive-force stopping device. The load detector detects an increase of load on the opening-closing member due to pressing of the opening-closing member against an elastic member that is disposed on an end of the opening portion and is opposed to the opening-closing member in a moving direction of the opening-closing member. The drive-force stopping device stops a drive force supplied to the drive device at a timing just before the opening-closing member reaches a mechanically limit position in a closing direction of the opening-closing member when the increase of load is larger than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shin Sakai
  • Publication number: 20150143750
    Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets are identified by sensors and allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example. The feeder further includes a door structure and control system that keeps the pet safe through the use of a door which is made up of several repeated panels which together move to cover the food when access is not allowed and having a jam sensing system in order to protect pets from being caught in the closing door. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: VET INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: David B. Jalbert, Diane Eaker
  • Patent number: 9022456
    Abstract: Hinged assemblies, and children's products including at least one hinged assembly, include a base member and a hinged member operatively and pivotally coupled to the base member to define a hinge. The hinge is configured to release if an obstruction is positioned between the hinged member and the base member while the hinged member is being closed and if a closing torque is greater than or equal to a release torque. The hinge also may be configured to not release when an opening torque is applied when the hinged member is in its open position even when the opening torque is greater than the release torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Howell, Charles D. Smith, Jon Paul Castiglione
  • Patent number: 9015993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for carrying out an operating method for an electric window lifter for moving a rear pane (3) in a motor vehicle, in which the rear pane (3) is moved in a lowering direction (?z) along an approximately s-shaped path of movement. In the case of trapping, the movement of the rear pane (3) in the lowering direction (?z) is stopped and the rear pane (3) is moved in the lifting direction (+z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG., Hallstadt
    Inventors: René Zellmer, Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 9015994
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method conducted by a movable barrier gateway device is disclosed for controlling a movable barrier, comprising receiving, by a communication interface, a remote command from a remote control device to move the movable barrier, the remote command sent over a network, delaying transmission of a signal to a movable barrier controller to move the movable barrier, by a processor, for a predetermined time period after the remote command is received, detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period by a barrier movement detector, and ignoring the remote command by the processor in response to detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lamb, Michael Bailey, Jay Stone, Carlo Petrucci
  • Publication number: 20150059248
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic door sensor device (1) capable of preventing a door (3) which is transitioning from an open position to a closed position from being erroneously detected as an object by temporarily changing a detection area (A, C2, C3). The automatic door sensor device (1) includes a doorway area sensor (7a) that detects the presence of an object in a doorway area (B) which includes at least a portion of an area defined by the path of a door (3), detectors (6, 7b) that detect the presence and/or the movement of an object in changeable detection areas (A, C2, C3), and a detection area changer (31) that changes the detection areas (A, C2, C3) when it is determined, by using the doorway area sensor (7a), that the door (3) is transitioning from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: OPTEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei IWATA, Masanao SHIRAISHI, Takayasu IKEDA, Takashi KONDO
  • Publication number: 20150033628
    Abstract: A room access control system including a base attachable to a wall or door jamb adjacent a door opening to a room, an arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end, wherein the arm is positionable in a first position wherein the arm is in a generally vertical, undeployed position with the second end of the arm positioned above a floor located adjacent the door opening, and wherein the arm is pivotable from the first, generally vertical undeployed position, to a second generally horizontal, deployed position, where the arm extends across the door opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph R. Barwick, Stephen F. Blackler
  • Publication number: 20150013226
    Abstract: An access system for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a perimeter frame and least one display case door mounted within the perimeter frame. The perimeter frame and the at least one display case door are configured to move substantially vertically along a surface of the temperature-controlled storage device between a raised position and a lowered position. The at least one display case door is further configured to move substantially horizontally between an open position and a closed position when the perimeter frame is in the lowered position. The access system further includes a torsion spring and motor assembly coupled to the perimeter frame and configured to move the perimeter frame and the at least one display case door between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Artwohl, Jack R. Christensen, Virginia Ramirez
  • Patent number: 8907608
    Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy G. Krupke, Mark Kenneth Siegesmund, Mark Raymond Wilzbach
  • Patent number: 8898956
    Abstract: A sliding door device for a vehicle includes a sliding door installed to be slidingly moved, a door weather strip attached to the sliding door, a pressure switch for sensing internal pressure of the door weather strip, a pneumatic line for connecting the door weather strip and the pressure switch to communicate with each other, an electronic control unit (ECU) for receiving a sensing signal of the pressure switch to control opening and closing of the sliding door, and an opening and closing valve for having the pneumatic line communicate with the atmospheric pressure or blocking the pneumatic line from the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent an object or an occupant from being jammed in a process of closing the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyunghyun Nam
  • Patent number: 8882174
    Abstract: An operating system and method for a vehicle having an automatically closing hatch, includes an operating switch, a programmable electronic controller, and a device for monitoring the hatch opening when the hatch is open. The operating switch generates an operating request signal for closing the hatch when the switch is actuated, the signal being an input signal to the controller. The monitoring device is a light barrier device having at least one light-emitting actuator and at least one light-detecting sensor arranged at the edge region of the hatch opening and also connected to the controller by electrical cables. The controller is programmed such that, when the operating request signal is present and the hatch is open, the controller outputs a pivot command to a closing system for closing the hatch only if the presence of an obstacle is not detected by the monitoring device for the hatch opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Wechs
  • Patent number: 8875441
    Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptive ultrasound detecting system for a door assembly include an ultrasound transducer assembly mounted to the door assembly and a controller coupled to the ultrasound transducer assembly. The ultrasound transducer assembly is adapted to emit ultrasound detecting beams within the door path, and to trigger a detecting signal indicative of a body located within the door path when the body intersects at least one of the ultrasound detecting beams. The controller is adapted to receive information indicative of a position of the door along the path, and to vary emitting at least one detecting beam in accordance to the position of the door relative to the ultrasound detecting beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sensotech Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Agam, Pino Marcovecchio
  • Patent number: 8869449
    Abstract: An apparatus automatically closes and opens a door in a frame. The door is controlled by a controller providing a safety mode for retaining the door in an open state and, if need be, a door reopening mode if an obstacle blocks the closure of the door. A camera having a vision axis intersecting a plane of the frame, provides an image of a space divided by the plane of the frame. An image analysis unit isolates the regions of interest of an obstacle in the space. A calculator extracts a geometrical characteristic of each region of interest, for classifying the same into a closest category of different safety scenarios of known characteristics, and for outputting, to the controller, a safety signal which activates the safety mode and which is dependent on the evaluation of a safety alarm value calculated by a formula, in accordance with the category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens S.A.S.
    Inventors: Said El Fassi, Clara Nogueira Alves
  • Patent number: 8832996
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Castello, Krishnaraj Tejeswi, Gary Leigh, Jack Provenzano
  • Patent number: 8826592
    Abstract: A window regulator device including an object pinching detection unit which includes an input-side rotational member; an output-side rotational member coupled to an output shaft; an elastic member interposed between the input-side rotational member and the output-side rotational member; a cam formed respectively on opposed surfaces of the input-side rotational member and the output-side rotational member; and an object pinching detection switch for performing a switching operation based on the axial movement of the output-side rotational member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidefumi Katayama, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Ryujiro Akizuki, Koichi Hirota
  • Publication number: 20140245664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for carrying out an operating method for an electric window lifter for moving a rear pane (3) in a motor vehicle, in which the rear pane (3) is moved in a lowering direction (?z) along an approximately s-shaped path of movement. In the case of trapping, the movement of the rear pane (3) in the lowering direction (?z) is stopped and the rear pane (3) is moved in the lifting direction (+z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: René Zellmer, Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 8818646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and adjusting a motor-driven adjusting device, especially a window lifter, a seat adjusting device or a sliding roof of a motor vehicle, comprising an anti-jamming protection. The motor drive is switched off or blocked at a value below a predetermined load limit when said predetermined load limit is exceeded. The aim of the invention is to provide a method with which the adjusting device is subjected to as little loads as possible under all operating conditions. To this end, state variables of the motor drive are continuously detected and the load actually generated by the motor drive is determined from said state variables on the basis of a mathematical model of the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Peter Heinrich, Mike Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 8756863
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for an electric window lifter for moving a rear pane (3) in a motor vehicle, in which the rear pane (3) is moved in a lowering direction (?z) along an approximately s-shaped path of movement. In the case of trapping, the movement of the rear pane (3) in the lowering direction (?z) is stopped and the rear pane (3) is moved in the lifting direction (+z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG, Hallstadt
    Inventors: René Zellmer, Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 8726573
    Abstract: A position detection unit includes a rotational member rotatable by a rotational drive force of an output shaft, an operation lever configured to avoid engaging with the rotational member when an a position of a window glass is situated out of an insensitive area, and engage with the rotational member when the position of the window glass is situated within the insensitive area, the operation lever being rotated by the rotational drive force of the output shaft transmitted via the rotational member when the operation lever engages with the rotational member, and an insensitive area detection switch for performing a switching operation based on a rotational operation of the operation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidefumi Katayama, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Ryujiro Akizuki
  • Publication number: 20140109478
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control device at an opening/closing section of a vehicle and a method for controlling the opening/closing section of the vehicle for controlling a motor so that pinch at the opening/closing section is determined accurately while its constitution is very simple. The control device includes a pinch determination device that is mounted to a motor for opening/closing an opening/closing section of a vehicle and determines pinch of a foreign matter based on a change in the rotation number of the motor, and demagnetization pulse applying means for supplying power with reverse polarity to motor in a pulse-like manner at completion of the opening/closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., RiB Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Setsuro Mori, Tsuyoshi Eguchi, Toshikazu Karube
  • Patent number: 8684426
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a frame having a header including comprising the steps of providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to the arm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; while the door is closed causing the positioning member to make a mark on the top of the door; and opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the location of the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Joseph Morales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8677693
    Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes sensors (30, 50) such as microswitches positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (26). The sensors provide an indication of different levels of relative movement between the door panel and the door frame member at an interface (28) between them. Such relative movement includes an increase in a gap between them that corresponds to a situation when an object is at the interface (28) and may be caught. The sensors (30, 50) respectively provide an indication of when an object may become caught and when one has. Automated movement of a door is controlled responsive to an indication of the presence of an object in a location where the object may become caught during automatic movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Tadaaki Nabetani, Jiro Kashima, Atsushi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140069014
    Abstract: A safety apparatus of an automatic door may include a body mounted with an entrance, a door slidably mounted on the body and opening or closing the entrance, and a safety device including a safety part slidably mounted at a side of the door and an elastic part mounted at the side of the door to elastically support the safety part, wherein the safety part may be slidably mounted on an upper portion and a lower portion of the side of the door, respectively, and includes upper and lower moving members slidably mounted on the side of the door and elastically supported by the elastic part, and a rotating member rotatably mounted between the upper and lower moving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Wan Lee
  • Patent number: 8662564
    Abstract: Hinged assemblies, and children's products including at least one hinged assembly, include a base member and a hinged member operatively and pivotally coupled to the base member to define a hinge. The hinge is configured to release if an obstruction is positioned between the hinged member and the base member while the hinged member is being closed and if a closing torque is greater than or equal to a release torque. The hinge also may be configured to not release when an opening torque is applied when the hinged member is in its open position even when the opening torque is greater than the release torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Howell, Charles D. Smith, Jon Paul Castiglione
  • Patent number: 8650799
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening warning system for a car includes a sensor for sensing the approaching of another car from behind when a person is opening the car door, a car door-opening control unit stops the car door from being opened when the sensor senses the approaching of the other car from behind, and a warning light and a buzzer are activated to give a visual warning signal and an audio warning signal when the car door is being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Chen
  • Patent number: 8646206
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system of presence detection in a door assembly for the prevention of patient/detainee suicide, comprising: a door frame, wherein the door frame defines an opening; a door mounted in said opening, wherein the door is allowed to operate from open to closed position with respect to the door frame; a presence sensing arrangement, which allows detection of the presence of an object near the surfaces of the door, door frame, and the upper and lower surfaces of the door or door frame from open to closed position. Placement of presence sensors on the upper or lower surfaces of the door allows presence detection when a patient/detainee attempts to drape a ligature object across or underneath said surfaces. A control system may monitor the system, and can activate an alarm system for early detection and prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Door Control Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy Don Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 8635809
    Abstract: The invention specifies an anti-trapping device, comprising a motor for driving a pivotable actuating element of a motor vehicle, a sensor for contactlessly identifying an obstacle in the way of the actuating element with an electrode, which has a plurality of segments for producing an external electrical field with respect to a mating electrode and a control unit. The electrode extends in a radial direction with respect to the pivotable actuating element and is split in the radial direction into the plurality of segments, which can each be evaluated separately for the purpose of generating an interference signal. The control unit is designed to drive the motor as a function of an interference signal from one of the segments. Such an anti-trapping device has particularly high flexibility when driving the pivotable actuating element if an obstacle in the way of the pivotable actuating element has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventors: Holger Wuerstlein, Thomas Weingaertner, Wolf-Christian Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140020296
    Abstract: A high-pressure mine door assembly for use in mine shafts configured with opposing wings, which enable the door to open and close quickly. The assembly includes a major hub and a minor hub positioned at or above the cap of the door assembly and coupled together via a connecting bar. A drive mechanism is coupled to the cap and the connecting bar, which facilitates the opening and closing of the wings of the door. The door assembly is configured in a 12-6 pitch orientation, requiring only a ? rotation of the wings of the door assembly to fully open the door. Such a configuration also negates the effect of air pressure on operation of the door, as regardless of the direction of the airflow, with the airflow assisting one wing in opening and the other in closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN MINE DOOR CO.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Zenisek, Robert H. Chorman
  • Patent number: 8627600
    Abstract: A pinch-protection mechanism adapted for use with a closure panel and method for use of the same, said mechanism comprising at least one structural component defining an adjustable edge section manipulable between first and second configurations and an active material element coupled to the component, such that the change causes or enables the edge section to be manipulated to one of said first and second configurations, and manipulating the edge section between said first and second configurations eliminates, warns of, or mitigates a pinch condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Craig A. Kollar, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Pablo D. Zavattieri, Nilesh D. Mankame, Paul W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8615927
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hesham A. Ezzat, James C. O'Kane, Pei-Chung Wang, Doru N. Serban, Bradley W. Jewell
  • Patent number: 8595977
    Abstract: A driving system for an automatic sliding door includes a driver and a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion is selectively attachable to the driver in a first position to cause sliding movement of the door in the first direction and in a second position to cause sliding movement of the door in the second direction. A device for indicating whether a driving system is suitable for driving a sliding door includes a first end, a region including one or more calibrations; and a second end. The first end is adapted to be pulled by a user. The second end is adapted to be selectively and detachably attached to one of the calibrations. The region is located between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Autoslide Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Steven Hancock, Tim Gulliver
  • Patent number: 8584809
    Abstract: In a safety device for an elevator, on one car door among a pair of car doors, a light-emitting/light-receiving unit is disposed facing downward at an upper end position of a vertical line separated by a predetermined distance from an end face in a closing direction, which is to abut the other car door, toward the side of the other car door, and a first reflecting member is disposed facing upward at a lower end position of the vertical line. A housing space that houses the light-emitting/light-receiving unit in a state where both car doors are closed is formed on the other car door, and a second reflecting member is disposed facing upward at a bottom portion of the housing space and extends from the same position as an end face in a closing direction of the other car door toward the back of the housing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao Sun, Weifeng Chen, Kunpeng Yang, Hiroshi Kashiwakura, Takuya Fujii, Keishiro Hirohata