Abstract: A method to transfer thermal energy from an interior area includes, among other things, automatically transmitting a request to open a door to provide an opening from the interior area. The opening permits thermal energy to move from the interior area to an exterior area. At least some of the thermal energy within the interior area is generated when charging a vehicle within the interior area. An assembly includes, among other things, a door actuation module that automatically transmits a request to open a door to provide an opening from an interior area. The opening permits thermal energy to move from the interior area to an exterior area. At least some of the thermal energy within the interior area is generated when charging a vehicle within the interior area.

Abstract: A flow control gate system that comprises a first and second elongated barrier members defining a passageway between a first area and a second area. The gate system also comprises a plurality of narrow beam presence sensors with substantially constant spacing therebetween defining a linear array mounted along the first barrier member and defining a presence detection beam orientation crosswise and substantially perpendicular to the passageway. The gate system further comprises a controller electrically connected to the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors. The controller implements an operating program to process signals from the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors and define valid detection periods to determine that an item is detected when a detection period is equal to or longer than a predetermined value and invalid detection periods interpreted as no detection when a detection period is shorter than the predetermined value. A flow control method is further provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for reducing the force required to close a vehicle door. The apparatus may release trapped air in a vehicle to atmosphere, or may otherwise accommodate for a pressure spike in a vehicle as a closing door nears a fully closed position. The apparatus may be active or passive. The vehicle door may be any door on a vehicle, including a trunk door.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of operating a movable barrier operator includes engaging a flexible driven member with a drive of the movable barrier operator. The method includes moving the flexible driven member in a first direction to move a movable barrier connected to the driven member and monitoring the position of the movable barrier. In response to the movable barrier reaching a given position, the driven member is moved in a second direction without moving the movable barrier to remove slack from the driven member. A movable barrier apparatus includes a movable barrier controller operatively coupled to a movable barrier operator. The movable barrier controller is configured to cause the movable barrier operator to reverse direction of a flexible driven member a distance after stopping movement of a movable barrier toward a limit position and without moving the movable barrier.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A mine door control system and method that uses sensor input from a plurality of sensors corresponding to at least one of a position of at least one associated opposing wing mine door and a path through the at least one associated mine door to determine at least one predefined action in accordance with received sensor input. A control command is then communicated a drive mechanism associated with the at least one associated mine door, the control command including instructions for operating the drive mechanism in accordance with the at least one predefined action.

Abstract: A vehicle door control method includes operating a vehicle door handle to disengage a door lock device of a vehicle door, beginning to count time upon the operation of the door handle, if the vehicle door has moved from a fully closed position after the door lock device has been disengaged, operating a power assist mechanism to move the vehicle door in an opening direction, if the vehicle door has not moved from the fully closed position, operating the power assist mechanism to urge the vehicle door to move in the opening direction, if the vehicle door moves while being urged by the power assist mechanism, the operation of the power assist mechanism is continued to move the vehicle door in the opening direction, if the vehicle door does not move while being urged by the power assist mechanism, the power assist mechanism is operated in a direction which urges the vehicle door to move to the fully closed position.

Abstract: A flow control gate system that comprises a first and second elongated barrier members defining a passageway between a first area and a second area. The gate system also comprises a plurality of narrow beam presence sensors with substantially constant spacing therebetween defining a linear array mounted along the first barrier member and defining a presence detection beam orientation crosswise and substantially perpendicular to the passageway. The gate system further comprises a controller electrically connected to the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors. The controller implements an operating program to process signals from the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors and define valid detection periods to determine that an item is detected when a detection period is equal to or longer than a predetermined value and invalid detection periods interpreted as no detection when a detection period is shorter than the predetermined value. A flow control method is further provided.

Abstract: A door control apparatus and methods for controlling a door motion device for a hinged door and, optionally, illuminating a designated area on the floor. During the time the designated area is illuminated, a person can expect that the door will not close. The door control apparatus may include control circuitry, and a sensor, and optionally a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The sensor detects a person proximate to the door and signals the control circuitry upon a detection event. The light emitter is also connected to the control circuitry. Upon a detection event, the control circuitry signals the light emitter to produce light and signals the door motion device to hold the door open. The light emitter directs light to form an image on the floor in the designated area. The light emitter may be, for example, a laser generator or a light emitting diode lamp.

Abstract: A pipe gate hinge comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket, at least one pipe attachment member, and at least two post attachment members. The bracket has a first longitudinally extending leg with the distal end portion angled in the first transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis and a second longitudinally extending leg with the distal end portion angled in the second transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one pipe attachment aperture is in the first leg and one pipe attachment aperture is in the second leg. At least one post attachment aperture is proximate the distal end portion of the first leg and at least one post attachment aperture is proximate the distal end portion of the second leg. At least one pipe attachment member is configured and arranged to be inserted through the pipe attachment apertures to secure the bracket to a vertically extending member of a pipe gate.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for operating a hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle wherein a motor vehicle lock is controlled by means of a control arrangement in a relatch routine in such a way that a renewed latch state (a relatch state) is avoided or cancelled within a predetermined relatch time interval after the releasing process, and wherein in a relatch monitoring process the control arrangement monitors whether a relatch indication, in particular a relatch state, occurs within the predetermined relatch time interval after the releasing process and only then is the relatch routine triggered.

Abstract: A system for use with a emergency exit door, comprising: a door opener including a stationary actuator with a movable distal arm for pushing the door open; a door strike mountable to a door frame having an opening to receive a latch of the emergency exit door, the electric door strike including a gate having a locked condition and a release condition; a controller connected to the door opener and the door strike; a remote activator having a triggered condition, which provides a signal to the controller when the remote activator is triggered, to unlock the gate and then the door opener, to open the emergency exit door.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a garage door is provided. The system controls the closing of the garage door. The system includes a garage door including a motor and a control arm trolley moving along a track. The motor and the control arm trolley control movement of the garage door. The system further includes a switch, which indicates the open or closed status of the garage door. In one embodiment the switch is a magnetic switch connected to the track for performing a mechanical check. Finally, the system includes a control unit including a timer connected in parallel with a push button, IR or RF control. The timer stores a pre-defined schedule for controlling garage door operation. The control unit controls garage door operation based on the mechanical check and the pre-defined schedule.

Abstract: A closure device is provided for opening and/or re-closing a wall element, with an unlocking locking device for opening and re-closing the wall element. A holding device is provided by which the wall element is arranged in a first function position from which it is re-closed again or by which the wall element is arranged in a second function position, from which the wall element is openably held. A control device is provided that releases a tensioning device of the unlocking locking device. For a first release period with which the wall element is loaded with a force in the direction of the second function position. When the wall element on actuation of an actuating device is closed or arranged in the first function position and at least locks the tensioning device after the second release period when the wall element on actuating the actuating means is opened.

Abstract: The concept of being able to turn window glass space into a virtual exterior wall with the touch of a switch is the conceptual basis of this device. These six inch thick, exterior mounted, Window Enclosure panels are designed to close securely with their insulated frame in order to optimize energy efficiency, and achieve unprecedented building security. These fully automated panels can be programmed to close from dusk to dawn for example, or when the building is expected to be unoccupied—away at work, on vacation, etc. And security cameras and other devices are readily integrated, permitting the panels to respond to weather and security events when nobody's home, such as perimeter intrusion, barometric anomalies, target temperatures (beneficial or adverse), etc. As well, most models act as an awning in the raised position, and can be quickly adjusted to shield direct sunlight, or to fully harvest it, naturally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protection against jamming in a motor-driven locking system and a device for the execution of the method.

Abstract: A locking prison door movement for mounting above a prison door adjacent a prison cell for transporting and locking the prison door includes a support frame and a movable carriage mounted to the support frame for reciprocating motion relative to the support frame. A drop bar extends downwardly toward the floor of the prison and is movable between a raised unlocked position and a lowered lock position in which a lower portion of the drop bar is secured adjacent the floor of the prison. An upper lock bar is movable between a first locked position securing the movable carriage in place and a second unlocked position allowing motion of the movable carriage. A cam mechanism is provided for moving the upper lock bar and the drop bar between their locked and unlocked and is operated by the reciprocating motion of the movable carriage such that the reciprocating motion of the movable carriage causes the locking and unlocking of the drop bar and the upper lock bar.

Abstract: A foldable deployable panel device attached to a body of an object is disclosed. The device includes a panel pivotally attached to the body by a first pivot element at first pivot position and a second pivot element at a second pivot position. The first pivot element is disengageable from the first pivot position, when the panel is aligned in a predetermined orientation. The second pivot element is fixed at the second pivot position, when the first pivot element is engaged at the first pivot position. The panel is urged by an energy storing element, when the first pivot element is disengaged from the first pivot position, to move into the deployed position.

Abstract: A motorized operator for moving a barrier, such as a garage door, between open and closed positions, includes a magnetic sensor for determining position and/or velocity of the barrier. The operator motor is drivingly connected to a speed change transmission which is connected to the barrier. The magnetic sensor includes a housing supporting a speed change mechanism including an output shaft supporting a magnet. The magnet is mounted adjacent a Hall effect sensor circuit which measures the change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet to determine position of the barrier, as well as speed. Control circuitry enables accurate determination of the position of the barrier for setting open and closed limit positions, for example.

Abstract: A door opener for opening a door having an external surface comprises a screw mounted for rotary motion and a carriage mounted on the screw such that rotation of the screw causes motion of the carriage along the screw. A motor rotates the screw. An actuator arm has a first end and a second end, where the actuator arm is operatively connected to the carriage such that movement of the carriage causes the actuator arm to move between a retracted position where the door is closed and an extended position where the door is open. The first end of the actuator arm is in contact with but not connected to the external surface of the door such that the first end of the actuator arm rides over the external surface of the door.

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 start gate assembly for use by a racer when racing on a ground surface is provided with a moveable start gate frame that is pivotally attached to a foundation platform and a moving mechanism for placing the moveable start gate frame in a ready position where the ready position is of sufficient height to obstruct forward movement of the racer. A control device is further provided that regulates the movement of the moveable start gate frame from the ready position to a go position and a start switch that activates the control device to initiate the moving mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for selectively allowing light to pass through a substantially transparent substrate or blocking the light, at least to some degree. Some embodiments provide a plurality of reflective vanes that can be positioned in at least two positions. According to some such implementations, when the vanes are in an open position, incident light is allowed to pass through the window. The light may reflect from two or more vanes before passing through the window. When a sufficient voltage is applied between vane electrodes and other electrodes, the vanes are pulled down, reflecting back at least some of the incident light. The voltage may be controlled according to detected temperature, ambient light intensity, etc.

Abstract: A starting gate apparatus and method for use in bicycle races is provided. The starting gate includes a main platform, a plurality of gates connected to the main platform and a gate actuation arrangement to drive the gates from a bike stopping position to a bike releasing position. The gate actuation arrangement permits variations in at least one gate actuation parameter including an intermediate stopping position along a gate travel path, the driving force of the gate along the gate travel path, and/or an interval between initiation of an actuation sequence and actuation of the gate of the starting gate. Embodiments of the gate actuation arrangement permit a gate to independently act on an obstruction, provide for reversing, momentarily actuation of the gate during gate actuation or varying the duration or disposition of the interval of the gate actuation sequence.

Abstract: A parking area entrance or exit barrier includes a control system which receives inputs from various accessories associated with the operation of the barrier, and which provides control signals to the various accessories of the barrier. One of the accessories includes a sensor attached to the barrier. The sensor senses an accident event, such as contact between the barrier and a vehicle. Whenever an accident event is sensed, the control system creates an accident event log of information concerning the accident event. The accident event log may include video images of the barrier, a position of the barrier, a movement direction and speed of the barrier, and an approximated speed of the vehicle. The control system may also monitor a performance of the various accessories of the barrier and create a performance log relating to any malfunction of the accessories.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door actuation device for the actuation of a door of a refrigerator/freezer cabinet having a cabinet body at which at least one door is swivelably arranged. According to the invention, an automatic drive is provided which forms an operative connection between the cabinet body and the door and by which a movement of the door between a closed position and an open position can be carried out.

Abstract: An automated garage door closing device for a remote controlled overhead garage door wherein the device is mounted on one of a pair of parallel tracks receiving rollers suitably mounted on the outer edges of the door panels, the device including a switch housing containing a switch for the leading edge of the door, and a circuit located in a second housing adjacent the garage floor and including an interval timer acting to close the door after a predetermined period of time, an audible alarm which is activated upon the garage door reaching the fully open position, a switch deactivating the entire unit when the garage door is deliberately to be left in the fully open position, and a flexible switch arm extending through the switch housing to a position to engage the upper edge of the garage door panel and acts to activate the automated closing device.

Abstract: A system and method provide a container holding a candle, a covering portion that can cover an opening of the container holding the candle, a device that automatically extinguishes the candle utilizing the covering portion and an attachment portion shaped to fit around the opening of the container holding the candle. The attachment portion can be removeably secured to the container via a securing system. The attachment portion can also be coupled to the covering portion and the device that automatically extinguishes the candle.

Abstract: An opening-and-closing control device is disclosed, in which speed of an opening-and-closing body can be increased even while automatic operation is performed. The device includes an operation knob that performs opening-and-closing control of an opening-and-closing body according to an instruction from an operation switch which is switchable to each of positions of “automatic closing”, “manual closing”, “neutral”, “manual opening” and “automatic opening”, wherein first the operation knob is operated to start the automatic opening operation, and then when the operation knob is held in the position of the “automatic opening”, an opening speed of the opening-and-closing body is increased according to a time period for which the operation knob is held in the position of the “automatic opening”, therefore the opening-and-closing body can be opened at high speed even while the automatic opening operation is performed.

Abstract: A system includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The processor detects a trigger event. In response to the trigger event, the transmitter transmits a detection signal. If the receiver receives a reflected detection signal, the processor determines that a door is in a first position. Additionally, if the receiver receives a reflected detection signal, the processor signals an opener to move the door to a second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a barrier movement operator having a timer-to-close feature are disclosed. The methods and apparatus include arrangements for conveniently inhibiting and re-activating the timer-to-close feature and for providing a mid-stop position during movement toward the closed position. Additionally, the embodiments include methods and apparatus for reversing barrier operation.

Abstract: A wall control unit for a movable barrier operator sends baseband signals over a wire connection to a head unit of a movable barrier operator to command the movable barrier to perform barrier operator functions. The wall control unit has a wall control unit port for connection to the wire connection. A first switch sends a barrier command signal to the head unit commanding the head unit to open or close a movable barrier. A second switch commands the head unit to provide energization to a light source. An infrared detector causes a command signal to be sent to the head unit to control the illumination state of the light source.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dispenser duct door, including positioning an upper side of the door, in a closed position, in a door-opening direction, and rotating a bottom end of the door to a partially open position vertically under the upper side of the door in response to an opening signal. The bottom end of the door is rotated further in the door-opening direction in response to ice hitting a rear of the door and is returned to the partially open position. After a predetermined delay, the bottom end of the door is returned to the closed position.

Abstract: Method of detecting obstructions encountered by a motorized door. The method includes providing a signal processor with one or more signals indicative of a predetermined door trajectory profile for at least a segment of a stroke of the door, the door trajectory profile providing an ideal speed and/or position versus an elapsed time since a beginning of the segment of the stroke. A door position signal from a position encoder for the door is received into the signal processor. The method includes generating one or more signals indicative of the velocity and/or position of the door from the door position signal and generating a trajectory discrepancy signal based on the velocity and/or position in relation to the ideal speed and/or position. A motor control signal is generated based on the trajectory discrepancy signal and the motor control signal is connected to motor control circuits connected to drive the motor for the door.

Abstract: Method of controlling a motorized door by offloading the burden to a separate motion control processor. The method includes generating, in a central processor for the door, one or more signals indicative of a predetermined door speed profile for a stroke of the door. The predetermined door speed profile provides an ideal velocity versus an elapsed time since a beginning of the stroke. The signals are communicated to a motion control processor and the motion control processor also receives door position signals from a position encoder. The motion control processor generates signals indicative of the velocity of the door based on the door position signals and it generates error signals based on discrepancies between the velocity of the door and the ideal velocity. It generates motor control signals based on the error signals and the motor control signals are communicated to the motor of the door.

Abstract: A safety system for a gas process or facility for measuring the concentration of a specified gas in an area or chamber and determining whether it is safe to allow access to such area or chamber. In particular, the safety system is adapted for use in a gas sterilization facility having one or more sterilization chambers, wherein the safety system measures the concentration of the sterilizing gas and unlocks the door of the sterilization chamber if the level of the sterilizing gas in the sterilization chamber is below a predetermined limit. The safety system further limits access to the sterilization chamber after a predetermined period of time if the door of the sterilization chamber is not opened due to the possible continued desorption of the sterilizing gas from the articles into the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: The safety crossing gate for a railway crossing of the present invention includes a secondary gate rotatably mounted or mountable to a primary crossing gate. The secondary gate is a rigid elongated member having first and second opposite ends. The second end of the secondary gate is rotatably mounted or mountable to a free end of the primary crossing gate by a rotatable coupling mounted or mountable to the second end of secondary gate and the free end of the primary crossing gate so as to allow selectively actuable rotation of the first end of the secondary gate relative to the primary crossing gate in a generally vertical plane containing the primary crossing gate when the secondary gate is rotatably mounted to the primary crossing gate by the rotatable coupling.

Abstract: An automatic chute closure for covering a chute opening wherein the chute closure includes a frame disposed around a chute opening, a chute door pivotally connected to the frame for movement between an opened and closed position, a door movement mechanism for opening and closing the chute door, a switch mechanism for activating and deactivating the door movement mechanism and a latch mechanism for securing the chute door in a closed position until the switch mechanism is activated to open the chute door. The automatic chute closure allows an operator to conveniently activate a single switch to open and close the chute door and to insure once the chute door is closed it is properly locked.

Abstract: A system and device for insuring the integrity of an automatic door has a sensor to determine the status of the door with respect to a predetermined position and a programable actuator which provides a positive signal for automatically moving the door to the predetermined position when the programmable actuator is activated and the sensor indicates that the door is at other than the predetermined position. Preferably the programmable actuator is a timer and the predetermined position is closed. The timer can be remotely programmable. The actuator can also be triggered by a sensor of an event such as darkness.

Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the automatic opening and closing of a window of the driver's cab of a working vehicle in which the automatic opening and closing operations and locking operation of the window are carried out smoothly by detecting the opening and closing stop positions of the window and the operation stop positions of the locking units without fail and with high safety.

Abstract: A memory system for an automatic door, the memory system being capable of recording for a specified length of time all relevant operational parameters according to the first-in/first-out principle.

Abstract: An add-on control device is shown that is used in conjunction with existing garage door opener systems. The device includes an electronic control device that will automatically close the door if left open, or can be programmed to stay open, and will automatically close an open door when it gets dark. The device includes a control circuit, connected in parallel with the push button control of the garage door opener, actuated when the garage door is opened. A timing circuit having at least two selectable timing cycles is actuated when the garage door is opened and closes the garage door after a selected timing cycle. A cancel circuit cancels the selected timing cycle when the garage door is to remain open. A reset circuit, called the cancel switch is used for re-initiating the selected timing cycle to close the garage door.

Abstract: A centrifuge for dewatering a fluent aggregate material such as sand. Sand slurry is conducted into a rotating cylindrical drum which has a perforated lateral wall against which a screen is placed. The drum is oriented with the axis disposed vertically. When the centrifuge operates, centrifugal action slings slurry poured into the drum outwardly. Upon contacting the lateral wall, the slurry builds up. When a certain quantity of the slurry has built up at the bottom or floor of the cylinder, additional material cannot resist migrating upwardly. Thickness of the trapped layer varies, being greater at the floor, near the source of the incoming slurry. This trapped layer forms a bed having an inclined wall. Thickness of the bed at the top of the cylinder is determined by a circumferential, inwardly projecting flange or dam located at the top of the cylindrical drum. The sand bed protects metal parts of the centrifuge from abrasion, and also enables water to diffuse therethrough.

Abstract: The welding frame (3) of a film-welding device (2) is at the start of its pivoting movement motor-driven in positive manner over a few radians and is then released from the drive, so that only on the basis of its flywheel energy and weight force is it moved on to the locked closed position. Thus, accident risks can be avoided without separate control means, because for stopping the welding frame (5) it is essentially only necessary to dissipate the relatively low flywheel energy.

Abstract: A sliding roof includes a light transmitting sliding sunroof and a light isolating sliding sunshade disposed beneath the sunroof. The light transmitting sliding sunroof opens a roof opening only while the light isolating sliding sunshade is in its open position. Also, the light isolating sliding sunshade closes the roof opening only while the light transmission sliding sunroof is in its closed position. Damage to the light isolating sliding sunshade, therefore, is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning a drape covering for a window comprise an electric stepper motor and an automated control for actuating the electric stepper motor to move the drape to any selected position at any selected time and in any selected sequence of drape movements.

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

Abstract: A system for detecting objects in the path of a power operated, movable door operating in a mass transit vehicle, which would obstruct door closing. The system also includes an integral method for detection of a "free wheeling" door occasioned by failure of the door mechanical drive. Method and apparatus disclosed utilize door handle locating devices such as electrical switches located at predetermined points along the door closure track. A combination of door locations along the closure track centrally define positions signaling either door linkage failure with attendant "free wheeling" door, and/or door obstruction, in each case, the system disclosed prevents train motion until the improper door condition is remedied. The combination provides a reduction in passenger hazards occasioned by train movement with defective operator linkage and/or door obstruction due to trapped passengers or other impediments to door closure.