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.

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.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical and electronically controlled access devices are described for controlling access to a building, premises or area in a secure manner such that a subject who is deemed ineligible for access will be barred entry and may be optionally retained. The devices can contain multiple rotatable door panels, which can be positioned behind one another. The door panels can be controlled by mechanized arms or other control devices in order to control the passage through the device. The direction of flow through a device according to these embodiments is electronically controlled and may be changed at any point in time. At any instant in time, the flow through the device is unidirectional. Multiple devices can be stacked together to form clusters, which can be controlled according to traffic, time of day, or other factors.

Abstract: A method for preventing a vehicular door or window panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of the vehicle by measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using a capacitive sensor as a motor drives the panel between the open and closed positions, correlating the measured capacitance to panel position to create closing data, comparing the closing data to a reference map to create a compare value, and detecting an object in a path of the panel as it moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the relative wetness of the sensor, which is determined by comparing the capacitance of the sensor at predetermined panel positions against a calibration wetness profile.

Abstract: In order to activate a control element (4) of a drive apparatus (1) for driving an object that can be moved between two end positions, the control element having a response delay (?tanspr) a parameter (Fakt) influenced by the drive apparatus (1) is monitored and compared with a specified threshold (FTh), upon the achievement of which a control signal is output to the control element (4); a pre-threshold (Fv) to be achieved before the achievement of the threshold (FTh) is defined, upon the achievement of which pre-threshold a pre-control signal is output to the control element (4) for the preparatory activation thereof, and afterwards further monitoring for the achievement of the actual threshold (FTh) is performed, wherein upon achievement of the actual threshold (FTh), the control element activation is retained, whereas if the actual threshold (FTh) is not achieved, the control element activation is rescinded.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently control the operating state of an electromagnetic lock under power on and power off conditions are presented. A lock component includes a solenoid component (e.g., bi-stable latching solenoid) that holds a lock pin in a locked or unlocked position without using power to hold the lock pin in the desired position, and using power to transition from one position to another position. A sensor component senses when power to the lock component will be lost, and if the lock pin is not in the desired position for the power off condition, the lock pin can be transitioned to the desired position, and if the lock pin is in the desired position for power off condition, the lock component can maintain the lock pin in the desired position, while the lock component is in the power off condition.

Abstract: A presence detector for a door assembly which includes a door closing a door entrance is described herein. The detector includes a transducer assembly mounted to the door assembly for emitting at least one ultrasound detecting beam adjacent the door entrance and for triggering a detecting signal indicative of a body located adjacent the door entrance when the body intersects the at least one ultrasound detecting beam and a controller for receiving information indicative of a position of the door and for controlling the emission of the at least one detecting beam accordingly with the position of the door. The detector assembly operates in crossing, ranging or dual modes.

Abstract: A method of powering an obstruction detector. Power is provided to an obstruction detector when a motor is executing a first movement and is suppressed to the obstruction detector when the motor is idle and when the motor is executing a second movement. The first movement moves a movable barrier towards a closed position, and the second movement moves the barrier towards an open position.

Abstract: In a computer-aided detection of the jamming of an object, wherein, when adjusting a component of a motor vehicle using an adjusting drive (6), measurement values related to the adjusting force (F) are compared to a prescribed threshold value (FR), initiating a slowdown, stop, or reversing of the adjusting motion when said value is reached. A spring rate correcting term characterizing the rigidity of the object is determined for correcting the relationship between the adjusting force (F) and the threshold value (FR), and is considered in the comparison.

Abstract: A touch control arrangement is arranged for a container having a foldable cover being folded between an opened position and a closed position via an actuation unit. The touch control arrangement includes a power source and a touch actuator electrically linked to the power source, wherein the touch actuator is located out of the storage cavity of the container body and is arranged in such a manner that when the touch actuator is activated by a presence of a touch, the actuation unit is actuated to move the foldable cover from the closed position to the opened position.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening warning system includes a sensor for sensing the approaching of a car from behind when a person is opening the car door, a car door-opening control unit, which stops the car door from being opened when the sensor senses the approaching of a car from behind, and a warning light and a buzzer that are driven to give a visual warning signal and an audio warning signal when the car door is being opened.

Abstract: An overhead door object detection apparatus that is configured to be utilized with a retractable garage door leading into a garage to determine if there is an object in the downward path of the garage door and, if there is an object, to stop the downward movement of the garage door before it hits the object and reverse to an upward movement. The apparatus generally comprises a transmitter unit that is attached to the leading edge of the garage door to detect the object and a receiver unit that controls the movement of the garage door. The transmitter unit comprises a proximity sensor, a microprocessor, a tilt switch and a transmission source to transmit an object detection signal to the receiver unit. The receiver unit has a receiving device, a microprocessor and a door reversing mechanism that engages the door's standard safety reversing sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an entrance barrier comprising a barrier element movable between an open and a closed position, driving means, by which the barrier element can driven from one position to the other position respectively, a control unit, by which the driving means are controllable, and a sensor unit connected to the control unit. The invention also relates to a barrier element for the entrance barrier and to method for operating the entrance barrier. To provide a possibility of further improving the safety of persons in the area of entrance barriers beyond the mere passive safety of the entrance barrier, the invention proposes for the sensor unit to include a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A obstruction beam protection system for sensing an object in the path of the door during closing of the door by a door operator and for inhibiting operation for closing of the door. The beam protection system comprises a beam transmitter and beam receiver for positioning proximate to a passageway to be closed by the door, so as, when in use, to project a beam from the beam transmitter across the passageway to be receivable by the beam receiver. The beam transmitter and the beam receiver are provided with a local communication system for communication with an operator communication system associated with the operator. The beam transmitter and the beam receiver are both adapted to operate in a low power sleep state and a wake state.

Abstract: A vehicular sliding door structure includes a sliding door having a closure portion configured to undergo abutting engagement with a mating portion of a vehicle body. The closure portion has an opening for allowing the entry of a striker therethrough into an internal space of the sliding door for locking engagement with a lock device. An anti-pinch sensor disposed on the closure portion has a sensor harness arranged to enter an internal space of the sliding door through the opening. A single cover member is provided on the closure portion so as to close the opening and cover a portion of the sensor harness. The cover member has a through-hole for the passage therethrough of the striker.

Abstract: In order to avoid a vehicle door hitting the ceiling or wall when the door opens, it is necessary to provide an open-limiting device for holding the door at any open angle. The door is opened with a gear in the open-limiting device. In the open-limiting device for a vehicle door, a ratchet engages with or disengage from the gear by an electric actuator, so that the door is held at any open angle. When the ratchet engages with the gear, the ratchet is capable of disengaging from the gear only if the door is closed, but the ratchet remains in engagement with the gear if the door is opened. So the door can be closed manually by a small force.

Abstract: System for controlling a door enabling driving from an initial position of its travel in a first direction at a speed v1 as far as a final position, said control system comprising a safety function comprising means for keeping a door in operation despite its having suffered an impact against an obstacle situated on its travel and enabling it to continue its initial movement automatically as soon as said obstacle is removed, through a design reconciling a sufficiently high normal speed of movement v1 of the door with the intention to prevent damage both to the obstacle and to the door by reducing the speed to v3<v1 close to the stored position of the impact.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus is disclosed that includes an opening and closing body, a force transmitting portion, an elongated sensor body, a support member, and a control section. The opening and closing body is actuated to selectively open and close an opening. The force transmitting portion has a drive portion that generates drive force. The force transmitting portion transmits the drive force from the drive portion to the opening and closing body. The sensor body detects an object between a closing-side end of the opening and closing body and a facing part of the periphery of the opening that faces the closing-side end of the opening. The closing-side end is at an advancing side of the opening and closing body when the opening and closing body is in a closing operation. The support member is fixed either to the closing-side end or the facing part. The support member supports the sensor body.

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.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for preventing parts of the body from being trapped between at least two mutually relatively moveable parts including at least one strip which is associated with at least one part. There are provided in the strip at least two mutually spaced conductive elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the strip. An electronic sensor system serves to produce an output signal for a capacitance that is adapted to vary as a result of external influences. Due to the fact that at least one first conductive element sends out a signal which is received by at least one second conductive element due to the capacitive effect of the first conductive element and that the second conductive element is at substantially the same electrical potential as the first conductive element and likewise sends out the received signal, there is provided a capacitive crush protection arrangement which does not react to splashes of water or the formation of dew or frost.

Abstract: Motor control systems comprise a motor control circuit, a processing circuit operably coupled to the motor control circuit, and a current sensor operably coupled to the processing circuit. The current sensor may be configured to sense a current and to convey a signal to the processing circuitry proportional to an amount of current sensed. The processing circuitry may be configured to sample the signal to obtain a plurality of current values, to store the plurality of current values and to generate an operation profile from the plurality of current values. Folding partitions comprising motor control systems are also disclosed, as well as methods of monitoring an operation of an electric motor and of monitoring for an obstruction of a folding partition.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for detecting obstructions, utilizing an obstruction detection system. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a moveable assembly that includes a moveable structure moveable between a stowed and operational configuration and has a leading surface facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving between the stowed and operational configurations. A protective panel is attached to the moveable structure and has an outer surface separated from the leading surface by an over-travel distance. A proximity sensor detects a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface. A control module is responsive to at least one proximity sensor, such that when the proximity sensor detects the displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure so as to shorten the over-travel distance, the control module stops the movement of the moveable assembly.

Abstract: When a worm wheel rotates relative to an object pinching detection plate due to pinching of a foreign object, protruding pieces respectively formed on opposed surfaces of the worm wheel and the object pinching detection plate engage with each other. Through the engagement, the object pinching detection plate axially moves. At this time, the object pinching detection plate axially moves without rotation, and hence the object pinching detection plate is brought into contact with a movable piece of an object pinching detection switch without rotation. Therefore, wear due to rotation does not occur when the object pinching detection plate and the object pinching detection switch are brought into contact with each other. Thus, deterioration in object pinching detection accuracy due to the wear is prevented.

Abstract: To reduce stresses during closing of a manually closable body component, e.g. a door, a control device and a method of controlling closing movement in which, during the closing movement, from an opened position, the body component passes through first movement range in which the body component is moved towards the closed position without any action by a control member, and, thereafter, the body component passes through a second movement range in which the closing movement is varied by the action of the control member that residual kinetic energy of the body component does not exceed a predetermined limit value after passing through the second movement range, irrespective of the initial speed. The residual kinetic energy is not sufficient to close the body component automatically, so it is automatically drawn in a third movement range until a pre catch or main catch of a lock is reached.

Abstract: A method for preventing a vehicular door or window panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of the vehicle by measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using a capacitive sensor as a motor drives the panel between the open and closed positions, correlating the measured capacitance to panel position to create closing data, comparing the closing data to a reference map to create a compare value, and detecting an object in a path of the panel as it moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the relative wetness of the sensor, which is determined by comparing the capacitance of the sensor at predetermined panel positions against a calibration wetness profile.

Abstract: A controller for a door system and an associated method of operation for actuating a door. The controller may be electrically coupled with a motor, an outer door switch and an inner door switch. The controller, activates a motor assist and may maintain a desirable current supply to the motor assist. Determining a relative position of the door and determining whether movement of the door is obstructed is performed. The controller actuates the door to an appropriate position and determines whether door operation exceeds a maximum time threshold. The controller may be configured to deactivate the motor assist once the door reaches an appropriate position or the door operation exceeds the maximum time threshold.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus having an opening and closing body, a drive portion, a control portion, and a detecting device is disclosed. The detecting device has a sensor portion for detecting the capacitance between the sensor portion and an object that is in the proximity of the sensor portion or is contacting the sensor portion. The detecting device detects that the object is in the proximity of the sensor portion or is contacting the sensor portion based on the capacitance detected by the sensor portion. If the detecting device detects contact of the object with the sensor portion when the opening and closing body is not being moved, the control portion controls the drive portion to start opening the opening and closing body. If the detecting device detects that the object is in the proximity of the sensor portion when the opening and closing body is being closed, the control portion controls the drive portion to stop or reverse the movement of the opening and closing body.

Abstract: An automated guide rail apparatus includes a fixed wall that includes a pair of vertical supports attached to and extending upwardly from a floor surface and a horizontal support attached to the vertical supports. The fixed wall is positioned adjacent to a hazardous area. A movable wall is attached to the fixed wall and is movable laterally toward or extended away from the fixed wall to increase or decrease a combined length of the fixed and movable walls. The movable wall prevents access to the hazardous area when the movable wall is extended away from the fixed wall. A drive assembly is mounted on the fixed wall and moves the movable wall outwardly from the fixed wall when the drive assembly is actuated. An actuating assembly is in communication with the drive assembly to actuate the drive assembly when a hazardous condition is determined by the actuating assembly.

Abstract: A door operator for controlling operation of a door, the door operator having a motor to open the door against a spring force, the door operator further comprising a door position sensor for transmitting a signal indicative of door position; and among other things, calculates a door moment of inertia based on a net torque and the time for the door to reach a predetermined angle from the closed position. Also provided is a door operator that compares door speed to a desired door speed based on a door speed-position profile and generates a door speed error signal and minimizes the door speed error signal by adjusting the braking load resulting from charging a chargeable battery using the motor as a generator.

Abstract: System for controlling a door enabling driving from an initial position of its travel in a first direction at a speed v1 as far as a final position, said control system comprising a safety function comprising means for keeping a door in operation despite its having suffered an impact against an obstacle situated on its travel and enabling it to continue its initial movement automatically as soon as said obstacle is removed, through a design reconciling a sufficiently high normal speed of movement v1 of the door with the intention to prevent damage both to the obstacle and to the door by reducing the speed to v3<v1 close to the stored position of the impact.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes a bracket for mounting to an interior of a vehicle, the bracket defining a protrusion portion to engage with one end of a bumper cover and an elastic clip coupled to the bracket, wherein the elastic clip is adapted to contact the bumper cover of the vehicle. A finger protection assembly for a vehicle is provided wherein the assembly includes a bracket for mounting to an interior of a vehicle, the bracket defining a protrusion portion to engage with one end of a bumper cover and an elastic clip coupled to the bracket, the clip adapted to contact the bumper cover of the vehicle, wherein the elastic clip is capable of deforming to prevent injury to the finger inserted between a rear door and the bumper cover.

Abstract: An automatic animal door having a door for closing off an entrance and a controls unit, the door having a vertical axis, a top, and a bottom, comprises means for rotating the door about a vertical axis. It is desired that the automatic animal door of the present invention rotates the door at preset times as follows: door opening at sunrise, door closing at sunset, door opening a short time thereafter, and door closing a final time in a 24 hour cycle a short time thereafter. A method of controlling the containment of birds using an automatic animal door, the automatic animal door having a door for closing off an entrance and a controls unit, comprises the step of automatically rotating the door about a vertical axis, preferably multiple times in a 24 hour period.

Abstract: A method for controlling an opening leaf of a vehicle. The method detects whether a predetermined event is occurring in the absence of a predetermined situation likenable to a trapping incident and, if appropriate, lowers a function of detecting the situation likenable to a trapping incident.

Abstract: A sensor assembly and method includes a window regular mechanism having a main lift arm supporting the pane and a drive mechanism. The main lift arm includes a sector gear plate that is drivingly rotated by the drive mechanism. A slot defined in the sector gear plate receives a guide of a sensor mechanism. The guide is moved along the slot as the sector gear plate is rotated such that the guide is moved into a first portion of the slot when the sector gear plate is driven in a first rotatable direction to move the window pane toward its closed position and moved into a second portion of the slot when the sector gear plate is driven in a second, opposite rotatable direction to move the window pane toward its open position.

Abstract: Time-of-flight (TOF) three-dimensional sensing systems are deployed on or in a motor vehicle to image contact zones associated with potential contact between an avoidable object and the vehicle or vehicle frame and/or remotely controllable motorized moving door or liftgate. An algorithm processes depth data acquired by each TOF system to determine whether an avoidable object is in the associated contact zone. If present, a control signal issues to halt or reverse the mechanism moving the door. A stored database preferably includes a depth image of the contact zone absent any object, an image of the door, and volume of the door. Database images are compared to newly acquired depth images to identify pixel sensors whose depth values are statistically unlikely to represent background or the door. Pixels within the contact zone so identified are an object, and the control signal is issued.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator, includes a drawer mounted within a cabinet for movement between an opened position and a closed position. A driving mechanism, including an electric motor connects to the drawer for driving the drawer between the opened position and the closed position. A control circuit connected to the electric motor and the transmission assembly of the driving mechanism commands the transmission assembly to connect or disconnect the electric motor and the drawer, and further commands the electric motor to drive the drawer to one of the opened position and the closed position when the electric motor is connected to the drawer. The control circuit also senses obstructions and adjusts the movement of the drawer accordingly.

Abstract: A seal profile for the closing edge of a door includes a body and at least one chamber defined within the body. A deformation sensor is disposed within the at least one chamber. At least one sealing lip defines proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being attached to a surface of the body. The at least one chamber is disposed substantially centrally and on an end region of the body. The at least one sealing lip extends outwardly from the end region of the body from a location adjacent to the at least one chamber. The at least one sealing lip protrudes obliquely with respect to the end region. The distal end of the at least one sealing lip extends further from the end region than the at least one chamber.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-jamming device in the field of motor vehicles, which is used for preventing an object from getting caught. Said anti-jamming device comprises an actuating means (1) which can be coupled to a body part (3) of a vehicle and can be moved relative to said body part (3) by resting the same against the object, and an apparatus for detecting a relative movement between the actuating means (1) and the body part (3).

Abstract: A slide door is provided to be movable between a closed position to cover a side opening formed at a vehicle-body side face and an open position. The slide door is configured to move outward and subsequently slide rearward along a rear vehicle-body outer face when the slide door moves from the closed position to the open position. There is provided a detection sensor to detect a foreign matter in coming into a gap from a vehicle-compartment inside. A drive of the slide door is stopped in case the detection sensor detects the foreign matter in coming into the gap when the slide door moves toward the open position. Thereby, any foreign matter can be prevented from being pinched in the gap formed between the slide door and the rear edge portion of the side opening.

Abstract: A microcomputer executes initialization, which causes a memory of the microcomputer to store operational information of a window glass of a door therein in a state where no previous information is stored in the memory. The microcomputer cancels the initialization when an open state signal, which indicates an open state of the door, is outputted from a courtesy switch and/or a door closure. The microcomputer executes the initialization only when a close state signal, which indicates a close state of the door, is outputted from the courtesy switch and/or the door closure.

Abstract: A locking device for flaps or doors that are pivotable in or on a frame or housing. The invention in particular includes a door or flap lock that serves as a protection against collisions of objects and/or persons with moving or rotating machine parts, with the possibility of unlocking said door or flap lock by manual operation. The locking device includes a movable bolt disposed on the pivotable flap or door with said bolt being manually operable via a lever, handle, or knob and interlocking with a receiving opening for the bolt that is disposed on the frame. The bolt includes several engagement elements for interlocking with a housing- or frame-anchored receiving element, with said engagement elements arranged along the direction of the bolt's longitudinal axis, which approximately corresponds to the direction of movement of the bolt on opening or closing the pivotable flap or door.

Abstract: In an electrically powered door actuating system of a motor vehicle with a slide door, there is employed a control unit for controlling a door actuating device of the slide door.

Abstract: An entrapment detection apparatus for an opening/closing member includes an opening/closing member, a driving member configured to be moved by an actuation of a driving power source, a moving direction changing mechanism converting a moving direction of the opening/closing member in accordance with a movement of the driving member and transmitting a force directed based on the movement of the driving member to open/close the opening/closing member, a detecting portion detecting an entrapment of an object by comparing levels of a driving force of the driving power source and a threshold value, an obtaining portion obtaining an opening/closing operational force of the opening/closing member on the basis of a mechanical structure of the moving direction changing mechanism, and a modifying portion modifying at least one of the driving force of the driving power source and the threshold value so that an entrapment detection load is assumed to be constant.

Abstract: An induction actuated container cover includes a control housing having a cover opening, a cover panel pivotally mounted to the control housing to pivotally move between a closed position that the cover panel covers at the cover opening and an opened position that the cover panel exposes the cover opening, and an automatic driving arrangement including a sensor mounted at the control housing for detecting a target movement of a user and an actuation unit supported in the control housing to operatively link with the sensor, wherein the actuation unit is actuated to generate a decelerating and torque enhancing force to move the cover panel between the opened and closed position in a hydraulic manner.

Abstract: A stowage compartment system for use in an interior area. A support structure is supported from a structural subassembly. At least one compartment is rotatably supported from the support structure. An electrically powered actuator is used to rotate the compartment between open and closed positions. A sensor senses an amperage being drawn by the actuator while the actuator is rotating the compartment. A controller is responsive to the sensor and controls the actuator to interrupt rotational movement of the compartment upon detecting an obstruction.

Abstract: A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element is proposed, which safety system comprises an object-detection device for detecting an object in an area of the motion element. The object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and has an electronic unit with which the motion of the motion element can be controlled and which is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches, in which blocked state an object or motion element does not trigger a safety mode, wherein shut-off mechanism are provided which, when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, transfer at least part of the object-detection device into the blocked state.

Abstract: A controller prestores average moving speed data, which corresponds to respective corresponding positions of a window glass of a door driven by a motor at the time of the closing movement of the window glass, as learning data. The controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the learning data and the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller senses a disturbance when the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass exceeds a predetermined value. The controller updates the learning data based on the average moving speed data at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller controls execution and non-execution of updating of the learning data in response to a close state and an open state of the door.

Abstract: A door assist system for use in a motor vehicle, to aid the user in opening doors by providing a power assist and operative controls. The door assist system can be retrofitted to existing vehicles such as armored motor vehicles used in military operations, to aid the user in opening heavy armored doors. The door assist system includes a programmable central controller coupled to internal and external open and close switches and sensors for activating door movement.

Abstract: The invention is a system for gearless operation of a movable barrier utilizing Lorentz forces, and in particular, a movable barrier operator retrofitted with a gearless motor capable of high torque at very low speeds. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of any movable barrier. By utilizing a motor which produces high-torque at low a speeds a system in accordance with the present invention does away with the need for complicated gears and pulley systems in order to achieve control of movable barriers. The present invention allows manufacturers, distributors and consumers to implement movable barrier systems with much more versatility and efficiency.