Abstract: A failsafe or self-monitoring sensing edge for an overhead door comprising a channel mounted on the bottom edge of the door having a pair of downwardly extending arms which are spaced. An outer covering of soft material is attached to said channel for enclosing the arms. The covering supports within a rigid member extending upwardly through said arms terminating in an actuating member. On one end of the channel is a light source and the other end is a photoswitch. When the covering is depressed upwardly as a result of an obstacle in the path of the door, the actuating member blocks the light beam and the photoswitch gives off a signal which can be used to terminate or reverse motion of the door.

Abstract: An injury-preventing system for automobiles comprises a radiation emitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation, detectors for detecting the electromagnetic radiation and an electronic control circuit which is designed to sense any disruption in the impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the detectors. The system is located to monitor the space normally occupied by an automobile door. When impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the detectors is disrupted, as by the placement of a person's hand in the space normally occupied by the automobile door, the electrical circuit activates a mechanical device, for example a solenoid, which places a small rubber rod in the path of the closing door, causing the door to bounce off the rod without closing, avoiding injury to the hand of the person.

Abstract: A safety edge switch for power-actuated devices such as roller gates, roller grilles, etc., and lifting platforms, working platforms and the like, as well as for the guarding of machines or spaces, for example as safety flooring, with a hollow rubber profile (1) within which there is a knife-edge rib (5), the surface of the rib and the opposing surface of the hollow rubber profile being made electrically conductive and the mutual contact of the surfaces leading to a switching pulse. The requisite conductivity of the hollow rubber profile is achieved by virtue of the fact that the rib (5) and the main part of the hollow rubber profile (1) are made wholly electrically conductive, the conductivity arising through the admixture of conductive substances such as carbon black, graphite, metal powder and the like. The rib and the main part of the hollow rubber profile are insulated from each other by virtue of the fact that ordinary nonconductive rubber is present between these parts.

Abstract: An operator for moving a door between an open position and a closed position. The operator includes linkage for being attached to the door; a motor assembly having a drive shaft; and a drive train for coupling the drive shaft of the motor assembly to the linkage structure, the drive train includes a clutch for selectively disconnecting the linkage from the drive shaft of the motor assembly and a variable torque control assembly for varying the torque produced by the clutch.

Abstract: A system for driving and controlling an open-area shield such as a window frame or door includes an open-area frame member having an opening; an open-area shielding member defining an open area together with the open-area frame member and made movable for shielding the open area; drive means for driving the open-area shielding member; closing drive instructing means for producing a closing drive instruction to drive the open-area shielding member in a direction to reduce the open area; a detection electrode disposed in at least one portion of the substantial peripheral edge of the open area; electrostatic capacity detecting means for detecting the electrostatic capacity of the detection electrode; obstruction setting means for setting the presence of an obstruction in the open area in accordance with the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic capacity detecting means; and energization control means for energizing the drive means to close the same in response to the closing drive instruction of t

Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a spherical head. A housing member connected to the cable has an elongated slot formed in a lateral wall and receiving the spherical head of the pin. A ramp surface formed on the housing member at the end of the elongated slot furthest from the cable is engaged by the head of the pin. A spring clip mounted on the housing member has opposed spring arms which encircle the spherical head to retain the head of the pin in the elongated slot of the housing member to connect the motor driven drive element and the vehicle body closure. The spring arms yield in response to a predetermined level of forced imposed thereon by the spherical head of the pin so that the pin is ejected laterally through the opening to disconnect the drive element from the closure.

Abstract: A safety system is disclosed for universal attachment to existing garage door openers. A transmitter of infrared energy transmits a beam laterally of the door opening to detect any obstruction to door closing movement. A safety control circuit is adapted for connection to the main control circuit of the existing garage door opener, the existing push button switch is disconnected from the main control circuit and connected to the new safety control circuit, a flexible cable or cord is connected for actual movement in accordance with movement of the door and is connected to the safety control circuit at a reel on which the cord is wound, and the safety control circuit determines if there is actual door movement and actual door closing movement, as well as being responsive to an obstruction to door closing movement to apply a signal to stop the door and then apply another signal to start the door in its opening movement.

Abstract: Mechanism primarily suited to automatic sliding door applications wherein at least a pair of object presence sensing detectors, preferably of the ultra-sonic transducer type are arranged to be placed in linear spaced relation to one another effective to cast sonic beams produced thereby spanning the doorway to which applied. So as to assure satisfactorily a beam path to be intercepted by an object stationary or moving in the beams, they are purposely overlapped. The door upon being operatively moved by motion sensing detectors or manual means acts at different opening positions to switch the object sensing detectors on and upon reverse closing positions switches the object sensing detectors off.

Abstract: A power door operator for transit vehicles utilizing a rodless pneumatic cylinder as a prime mover in opening and closing doors in the sidewall of a transit vehicles. Door movement having a controlled, predetermined door edge force is achieved through mechanical coupling an external piston of the rodless cylinder and vehicle doors through an endless toothed belt. Magnetic coupling between internal and external pistons of the cylinder provide controlled force having a maximum or breakaway value applied to the operated door. A novel reaction lock operated by admission of pressurized air to the cylinder latches or unlatches the operated door in its closed position subsequent or prior to door closing or opening. Control of door motion at the ends of its travel is achieved through the use of a novel differential area internal piston in the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gate includes a microprocessor which normally automatically recloses a gate after it has been opened in response to a radio or sensor loop signal, and which normally locks the gate against movement when the gate motor is stopped. When an obstruction is sensed in the path of the gate, the automatic reclosing feature and the sensor loops are disabled, the gate drive remains unlocked even though the motor is stopped, and the response of the system to a radio signal is changed to produce alternating opening and closing of the gate on successive radio signals. At all times, the gate drive lock is released before the motor is started and is not engaged until after the gate has come to rest.

Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a head supported by a necked down stem. A cylindrical housing member has an opening in a lateral wall thereof which receives the pin. A slide member is attached to the drive cable and is reciprocably carried by the housing member. The slide member has an open ended slot smaller than the head of the pin and receiving the necked down stem. A spring acts between the housing member and the slide member to urge the members to relative positions in which the head of the pin is captured to effect a connection between the drive cable and the closure. The spring yields upon imposition of force to permit energy absorbing limited relative movement between the members and yields further to permit withdrawal of the open ended slot of the slide member beyond the head of the pin so that the pin is released from the housing member.

Abstract: To provide, for a sliding door with a pneumatically operated door panel servomotor, a safety device which operates independently of the usual reversing device and which limits the maximally active door closing force to an exactly settable value in a simple and reliable manner, there is associated with the servomotor, a limit value control circuit with a closing force sensor which senses the reaction force of the servomotor acting on the door jamb side during the closing process and a sensor-controlled three-position control valve which freely vents the closing pressure side of the servomotor above a given response value of the closing force sensor.

Abstract: A capacitive safety system for controlling a door, e.g. an elevator door, so as to automatically avoid obstacles, employs electronic control for antennas operating as capacitive measuring elements for establishing shield voltages of identical phase on the antennas and on shield voltage antennas to counteract ambient capacity variations. In order to improve the operation and safety of the elevator door, the elevator shaft door, which closes simultaneously with the elevator door, is provided with similar capacitive measuring antennas and electronic controls as the elevator door, as well as with similar shield voltage antennas, which operate on a shield voltage having the same phase as that of the elevator door. Operation of the elevator shaft door and the elevator door with identical phases is effected by means of a wireless shield voltage transfer unit.

Abstract: Capacitively sensitive antennas are located at the closing edges of automatically controlled elevator doors to generate error signals by way of differential amplifiers if capacitively influenced by an obstacle or a disturbance. A door travel detector and pulse generator divide the entire door region into incremental travel distances of, for instance, one centimeter steps to control a compensator which consists of a threshold value detector, a forward/reverse counter and a digital/analog converter. Every error signal is subjected to compensation at every door movement for the associated travel distance increment and floor and the determined compensation value is stored for use in the next compensation cycle.

Abstract: An automatically openable lid for a receptacle structure has a safety device for preventing any accident in the presence of an obstacle in the range of opening and closing movements of the lid. The device includes a safety guard extending around a front surface of the lid and beyond a rear surface thereof. The guard is mounted on the lid in a semi-fixed manner such that the guard is normally kept immovable relative to the lid during the movement thereof and such that the guard is pivotally movable relative to the lid when the guard is hit by any obstacle during the movement of the lid. Responsive to the movement of the guard relative to the lid, a detecting means is operable to energize a brake for stopping the movement of the lid.

Abstract: A process for controlling the movement of a motorized door is disclosed. Also, a control apparatus that has a close loop feedback system for use in controlling a motorized door is disclosed. The invention provides for improved safety by incorporating improved obstacle sensing thresholds through the use of a comparator system.

Abstract: Mechanism for automatic swing doors including three motion detectors, two associated with the approach side of the door and one on the swing side of the door, with the detectors on the approach side effective, when activated, to open the door and the detector on the swing side effective, when activated, to slow down the moving door.

Abstract: A lift mechanism provides for movement of a platform, or the like, vertically within a cabinet between use and storage positions and is characterized as featuring a compact supporting and guide structure, wherein electrical controls defining the extent of vertical movement of the platform are carried for movement therewith. A safety mechanism is provided to interconnect cabinet lid lifting/lowering stay arms to the platform in a manner serving to prevent pinching of the fingers of a user by the lid, as the latter is moved into a cabinet closed position incident to movement of the platform into its storage position.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a new and novel fume hood sash operator system and a fume hood containing such a system. The sash operator is constructed to operate with a belt drive and a clutch mechanism so that the sash member can be stopped, started, moved up or down to accommodate changes in the flow or air moving through the hood structure and to provide a safe, durable, energy-saving sash operating system.

Abstract: The control mechanism is for pneumatic apparatus of the kind comprising a piston-and-cylinder motor coupled between two relatively-movable parts (such as door-leaves) for driving them, when energized, to a predetermined relative position. A pilot valve is actuated when required to switch the apparatus to an emergency mode by isolating the motor from its power source and discharging it into an emergency reservoir having a volume large compared with the maximum volume of gas in the motor. While the pilot valve is actuated, the relatively-movable parts are urged towards their predetermined relative positions by a force small compared with the normal operating force. The pilot valve may be arranged to operate operation of an emergency release bolt, on obstruction detected by a detector valve (in which case a timing reservoir provides time delay before full power is restored), on power failure, or as required.

Abstract: Apparatus for an electrically moved sliding window, used illustratively in automotive applications, having first a built-in safety device, for providing a signal whenever the window has been raised or lowered to a preselected height and second a proximity detector is described. The proximity detector comprises a conductive strip constituting a capacitive pickup running along on a surface of the window and its upper edge. The pickup is connected to a control circuit by a conductive line which runs vertically along a side edge of the window and, more particularly, positioned at a predetermined distance inward from the side edge of the window. A plurality of vertical conducting lines, used for switching and height sensing purposes, runs vertically on the surface of the window and, more particularly, in the space between the side edge and the conductor which runs to the pickup.

Abstract: A door edge including an elongate hollow resiliently flexible body for securement to a door generally in the plane of the door, the body having an outer wall remote from the door of a cross-sectional configuration generally sinuous or corrugated, and a compression actuable switch extending longitudinally within the hollow body for actuation upon compression by a trough or depression of the sinuous outer wall.

Abstract: A door member such as a garage door is driven by a motor through a roller chain having a finite length to travel in the garage opening and closing directions. The roller chain is driven by a single drive sprocket driven by the motor to make its reciprocating movement along the same path while making rolling engagement at its roller portion with a guide rail constructed to support the roller portion of the roller chain from the opposite sides. A trolley connected to the door member by an arm is releasably coupled to the roller chain and is also guided along the guide rail while making sliding engagement therewith. A mechanism for detecting abutment of the door member with an obstruction present on the traveling path is provided to detect the above situation when a physical force is imparted to the roller chain due to the abutment. The opening and closing movement of the door member, stopping of rotation of the motor and detection of the presence of an obstruction are electrically controlled.

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: Electromagnetic radiation object position detection system and method are disclosed for detecting when an object is located in the path of a powered sliding gate. In a preferred embodiment, polarized microwave radiation is emitted from a source fixed relative to the sliding gate. This radiation is projected along and spaced ahead of the leading edge of the sliding gate by a redirecting means which moves with the gate. A second redirecting means also moves with the gate and redirects the radiation back to a detector fixed relative to the sliding gate which provides a signal when this radiation is detected. The presence of an object in the path of the sliding gate is indicated by the blockage of radiation in the beam moving with the leading edge of the sliding gate.

Abstract: A pneumatic powered door operator including a pneumatic differential engine with an output shaft having a slide bar applying driving action through a roller to a multiplying lever wherein the multiplying lever is pivotally mounted at one end and provided with a roller at the other end and linkage means for interconnecting the multiplying lever to a slidable door. An electropneumatic control circuit controls the operation of the engine and includes a pneumatic spring arrangement which allows manual operation of the door during electrical failure with air available while being capable of maintaining the door in a closed position when not manually actuated.

Abstract: A safety apparatus which includes a gate positioned adjacent the free edge of a loading dock and swingable between a substantially horizontal position wherein it is adapted to extend across the rear of a truck, and a vertical position permitting access between the dock and the truck. In a preferred embodiment, the swinging movement of the gate is controlled by an electrical switch mounted on a wheel chock located within the truck parking area. When a truck is positioned adjacent the dock, the chock is wedged in front of the truck tire. This causes activation of the switch so that a motor is energized to cause the gate to be swung upwardly into an approximate vertical position. Whenever the switch is released, as due to removal of the chock from engagement with the tire, then the motor is automatically reversely energized to swing the gate into its lowered horizontal position.

Abstract: A door has a flexible channel along its free edge which flexes upon striking an obstruction and brings together two conductive ribbons within the channel. The ribbons are part of an active circuit which includes a relay coil. Temporary contact of the two conductive ribbons resulting from contact with the obstruction de-energizes the relay coil, fully opening the door. Since door opening results from de-energizing a coil, a power or circuit failure will also cause the door to open.

Abstract: A pocket door is moved between open and closed positions by an electric motor unit mounted on the studs framing the rough opening in which the door is installed. The rotary motion of the motor is translated into linear motion by a cable and pulley arrangement with one of the pulleys being a drive pulley on the shaft of the motor unit and the other being an idler pulley mounted on the track on which the door slides. The cable is attached to the door through a coil-type tension spring. Hence, the door will move when the motor is energized and should the door encounter an impediment upon closing the spring will expand and permit the pulley to slip within the loop of the cable. The motor is controlled by a timer which when activated causes the motor to run for sufficient time to open the door, then hold to enable one to pass through the door opening, and then run in the opposite direction for sufficient time to close the door.

Abstract: A driving and locking mechanism which employs pivoted links for coupling and transmitting motion between driving and driven members. During motion, the links are constrained to a particular mutual position for transmission of driving forces, but at one end of the range of movement, the constraint is removed and the links pivot so that one link comes into normal or over-normal contact with an abutment and so locks the driven member in position. Forces on the driven member will not move it (except in the case where the abutment is resilient to allow limited movement of the driven member in the "locked" position) and movement of the driven member can only be accomplished by movement of the driving member. Thus a separate locking or latching mechanism is not required. The mechanism is particularly applicable to sliding doors, such as those of railway vehicles, where the door needs to be locked or latched in the closed position against forces applied to the door to tend to open it.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for opening and closing door members and the like such as elevator doors and garage doors, for example, wherein the driver rotatingly drives a driver shaft coupled to a driven shaft via a ball drive assembly, the ball drive assembly not only coupling the driver and the driven shafts so the driven shaft is rotated at a reduced rate of speed, but also cooperating to provide a portion of a torque control for sensing obstructions in the door member path of travel and automatically stopping or reversing the opening or the closing of the door member. The ball drive assembly has a relatively low moment of inertia, which facilitates faster stopping of the door member travel, and the internal friction of the ball drive assembly is greater than a pulley-belt type of coupling, for example, thereby increasing the amount of force required to move the door member from a stopped position.