Abstract: A solar shutter system including a pair of insulating panels pivotally mounted adjacent a glazed opening. Insulated and uninsulated counterbalance pressure tanks are mounted at opposite ends of one of the panels. The counterbalance tanks are interconnected by tubing and contain a partially vaporized fluid, such as Freon. The uninsulated tank, exposed to the sunlight, heats up during the day forcing liquid Freon from the uninsulated tank into the insulated tank to pivot the panels away from the opening. A solar collection tank beneath the glazed opening absorbs the radiant energy passing through the opening. During normal daylight hours the temperature within the uninsulated tank is greater than the temperatures in the insulated tank so that the panels remain open.

Abstract: A pressure sensing mat utilizes a thin sheet of semiconductor material that has an electrical conductivity generally invariable as to pressure applied to the mat material. The sheet of semiconductor material is sandwiched between sheets of copper, steel or aluminum foil which are in mechanical contact with the semiconductor sheet to define a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to various circuits including a pressure (voltage) threshold detector, a learning circuit for establishing a learned threshold, a circuit for matching time-pressure patterns and a circuit for detecting pressures between a predetermined maximum and minimum level. A matrix of pressure sensing mats is utilized with various circuits to detect sequential pressure patterns.

Abstract: A home security and garage door operator system includes a gas sensor for detecting the level of toxic gas in the garage. When the gas level exceeds a predetermined threshold the garage door is automatically opened. Lock out circuitry is provided for preventing the door from being accidentally closed as long as the gas sensor detects an excessive level of toxic gas in the garage. A two button transmitter is used to sequentially close the garage door and set a security alarm subsystem. Warning devices are activated if the security alarm is attempted to be set without the garage door and windows in the home being closed. Once the security alarm has been set, the lock out circuitry also disables the garage door motor control circuitry until the security alarm is first deactivated. The transmitter generates a digital pulse train according to a preselected code, with the operation of the dual buttons changing the state of a particular control bit in the pulse train.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling a motor which drives an operating mechanism for moving a door, such as an overhead garage door, in either direction between a closed position and an open position in response to actuation of a start switch. The control system includes an encoder including a rotatable disc driven by the motor and control circuitry including an encoder pulse verification circuit associated with the encoder for detecting the direction of door movement as well as increments of travel by the door when the door is moved by the motor under control of a motor command circuit in response to actuation of the start switch. The start switch and a start circuit cooperate with the motor command circuit for energizing the motor to move the door in one direction, for de-energizing the motor to stop the door at any position, and for re-energizing the motor to reverse the door in response to repeated actuation of the start switch.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide improved safety for use in a motor vehicle equipped with a transmission having a "park" setting, a door to allow the operator to enter and leave the vehicle, and a gear shift handle having a park position and being moveable by the operator to select the transmission setting desired. The present improvement involves a connecting spring rod, gear shift assembly and automatic transmission which is capable of causing the transmission and gear shift assembly to move to park upon opening of the door. This apparatus provides that both the transmission and gear shift assembly will be in park when the operator leaves the vehicle via the door.

Abstract: The device comprises for each window an electric driving motor and a selector which is adapted to ensure the selective supply of current to the motor, in one direction or the other, through a control circuit acting on a supply source. The supply source is of the type capable of delivering at least two distinct energy levels. The control circuit comprises means for applying to an input of the supply source an energy level control signal which produces, as a function of the position of the selector, the application of a torque to the motor when raising the window which is higher than the torque applied when descending the window.

Abstract: A proximity detector processes voltages induced across the sections of at least one antenna.The antenna sections are each connected to means (30, 31 and 36 to 39) for rectifying the positive and negative alternations of the alternating signal providing two first and second signals relating, one, to the "peak" value of the voltage induced across the section whose voltage is the highest and, the other, to the mean value of the voltage across the various sections, the first signal supplying an adder controlled by a gate and the second signals are supplied to another input of the adder led by a limiter said means being, in turn, connected to means (21, 22) for analyzing these two signals.The detector may be used with elevator doors.

Abstract: A fluid pressure motor having a normally used internal electrical heating element which vaporizes internal fluid to actuate the motor. The motor further includes means in heat transfer proximity to the outside of the motor which can be caused to convert its stored energy to sufficient heat to actuate the motor.

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

Abstract: A traffic responsive control system for controlling one-way traffic through a door in which the door opening means is disabled when power is initially applied to the control system while permitting the door opening means to respond to a door opening signal on the traffic side of the door immediately after termination of a safety signal on the safety side of the door.

Abstract: Ventilating device for rooms having air passage apertures and closure means movable by an electric drive between an open position and a closed position, a noxious gas sensor and electrical control means responsive to the gas sensor for operating the electric drive so that the closure means is moved to the open position when the gas sensor senses noxious gas concentration in the room above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is associated with otherwise conventional revolving doors which are rotatable about a vertical axis. A pair of closure components are positioned adjacent to the respective sides of a revolving door and are displaceable in the horizontal direction. The closure components include profiled surfaces which delimit access space of the revolving door. In case of emergency situations, e.g. caused by a fire, the closure components are moved away from one another under the power of two respective jacks, leaving access space around the sides of the door wide enough for the passage of persons.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive actuator for opening and closing a louvre window of the type in which the louvre blades are mounted fast with bell-cranks having their free ends pivotally connected to an operating member which has a pivotal link coupled thereto. The thermally sensitive actuator comprises a housing for mounting on the frame of the window and containing a channel of uniform cross-section having a block slideably mounted therein, and a piston and cylinder assembly, the cylinder of which contains a thermally expansible flowable material and is mounted on the housing with the piston in engagement with the slideable block so that expansion of the flowable material causes displacement of the block. The side walls of the housing contain elongate slots through which projects a pivot pin which is movable in an oblique slot in said block and has connecting means on its projecting end for attachment to the pivotal link of the louvre window.

Abstract: A power plant utilizing solar energy as the heat source has a radiant energy heat receiver having a controllable entry aperture for the incoming radiant energy, the aperture being defined by at least three movable shutters, each shutter having a temperature sensing device and operating means which are operable in dependence of the sensed temperature to maintain each shutter in a position corresponding to a predetermined temperature at the entry aperture.

Abstract: An emergency ventilation system especially adapted for use with an electrically-powered fan driven ventilation system in an enclosed livestock confinement structure includes solenoid actuated, hydraulically driven ventilation door control apparatus which is responsive to the presence or absence of the delivery of commercial electrical power service to the main ventilation system for automatically opening or closing one or more spring biased access doors in lower regions of the structure in order to assure ventilation of the structure at all times, even in the event of electrical power failures. A hydraulic cylinder assembly for shifting the position of each of the doors is operated by a hydraulic control system provided with a normally closed, solenoid operated valve which is electrically connected with the commercial power lines delivering power to the main ventilation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety interlock system that is associated with the door of a vehicle such as the door of a school bus, and which assures that the door of the vehicle is not inadvertently open and that certain safe conditions exist before the door can be opened. The safety interlock system comprises an electrically actuated locking mechanism, that includes a manual override, for locking the door handle of the vehicle. Forming a part of the safety interlock system along with the locking mechanism is an array of switch control means, all of which must be simultaneously actuated in order to unlock and release the door handle in order that the door be opened. First, the array of switch control means includes two independent switches that must be actuated by two separate individuals, preferably the driver of the vehicle and another individual such as the passenger or a monitor.

Abstract: A sensing system for use in a garage or other similar enclosure having an automatic door operator for automatically opening a garage door responsive to a lack of sufficient oxygen therein including a gas detector located within the enclosure responsive to actuate a detection relay which in turn will close a normally open detection switch, the closing of the detection switch will normally cause operation of the door operator to allow oxygen to enter into the enclosure through the door opening, the detection switch being located in a door opening control circuit which includes therein a first limit switch which is open whenever the door is open in order to prevent actuation of the door operator when the door is already open, the door opening control circuit also including a delay clock and delay switch which will be normally closed to allow operation of the door operator, this system also including a time delay circuit with a second limit switch therein which is adapted to be normally open and to close only whe

Abstract: An illumination and ventilation system for buildings and other enclosures utilizing at least one closure unit mounted in one or more sides of the building or other enclosure. The closure unit has a frame within which are a plurality of pivotally mounted, independently, movable, downwardly extending, blades. The blades are mounted within the frame with the pivot axii of the blades parallel and lying in a sloping plane when the closure unit is installed in the side of a building, or other enclosure. In a rectangular plan building or enclosure, four or more closure units should be employed; one or two for the windward side or sides, and three or two for the nonwindward and leeward sides. With this system, the windward and leeward and nonwindward closure units, will operate independently of each other and will be individually responsive to the net resultant wind pressures on each side of the building.

Abstract: A relay system maintains an emergency door opening device circuit open so that a door of a structure remains closed as long as an electrically energized ventilation system of the structure is supplied with electrical energy from a commercial power source. When the power fails, the relay system closes the emergency door opening device circuit, which includes its own power source, to operate a door opening device which opens a door to the structure to provide emergency ventilation for the structure.

Abstract: A device for opening a door on an airplane to expose a refueling receptacle having latches for connection to a fueling nozzle deployed from a tanker airplane so that the airplane may be refueled in flight. The device has a hydraulic actuator for opening and closing the door, first valve means for controlling the first actuator, a second valve means for controlling another hydraulic actuator that locks and releases the latches, a spring for opening the door when there is a failure in the supply of pressure fluid for the first actuator, and a means to prevent closing of the door before the latches are released from the nozzle.

Abstract: A new and improved smoke and heat vent including a frame assembly pivotally attached to a curb member adapted for placement on the roof of a building or the like. The frame assembly supports a dome-shaped cover and is movable between a closed, dome supporting position and an open, released position in which the dome-shaped cover is allowed to fall or slide downwardly by itself to clear an opening for the escape of heat and smoke under emergency conditions. The initial fall of the dome-shaped cover is retarded to remove any extra load such as snow on the cover and the cover is caught by several bands attached to the curb member so that it will not fall to a floor below.

Abstract: A sonar device for controlling movement of an object such as a transport drawer for delivery of material or things under security conditions to a customer. Examples of such transport drawers are bank drive-up window deal drawers or similar deal-type drawers for secure delivery and sale of pharmaceuticals fast foods, library books and packages of valuable things. The sonar device detects when a predetermined fixed distance has been established or occurs between a moving object such as a banking equipment deal drawer, and an object or body such as a vehicle being served by or using the drawer; and signals that the fixed distance exists, which signal may trigger stopping of a motor drive for the drawer to avoid collision of the drawer with the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic opening smoke vent door is provided which serves as a normal, self-closing exit door, and which is capable of being connected to a fire alarm circuit so that the door opens automatically in the event of a fire to allow smoke to be vented. The invention provides a member, preferably an L-shaped sub-frame, hinged to the normal door frame, and with an opening device acting between the door frame and the hinged member to urge this member from a closed position to an open position disposed at about 90.degree. to the door frame. The hinged member is normally held in the closed position by a solenoid operated latch, which is released to allow the member to open in the event of a fire. The door is itself hinged to the hinged member, and a normal door closer is connected between the hinged member and the door to allow the door to operate in the usual way when the hinged member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A door or hatch operating mechanism is blocked by a bolt when the aircraft moves in that dynamic pressure is sensed by a spring biased displaceable large piston moving a small piston which acts on a hydraulic link acting, in turn, on another spring biased piston which holds the bolt in locking position or releases it.

Abstract: A releasable door hold-open device or assembly is mounted on the header over a door panel. The assembly has a track channel with a top web and depending flanges. A door panel connector arm has a traveller movable in the track channel. A solenoid operates a detent in the track channel near the hinge end of the traveller path. A conductor channel is fastened to the top web and communicates with the track channel through an opening. A connector block releasably adjoins the track channel and the conductor channel at the hinge end thereof. A smoke detector underlies the connector channel at the other end of the track channel. Conductors from outside extend through the connector block, through connecting plugs in the block and track channel and to the solenoid and through the conductor channel to the smoke detector.

Abstract: A normally pressure-free, failsafe, emergency door closer for use in hospitals, nursing homes or other locations where handicapped persons are housed, comprising an actuating mechanism triggered by a sensing device such as a smoke detector, a spring-loaded arm with a bumper on one end to engage the door and the other end of the arm rotatably attached to the wall adjacent to and above the door and free to rotate in a horizontal plane. The spring-loaded arm is retained in an open position by a vertical pin engaging the horizontal closer arm. The pin is mechanically linked to the armature of an electromagnet opposed by a coil spring. On signal from the sensing device the electromagnet releases the armature and the coil spring urges the pin upwards releasing the closer arm, the end of which engages the door and closes it.

Abstract: A vent structure for equalizing the pressure on opposite sides of a structure including a plenum formed at least in part by movable vent panel and a hinged panel supporting wall having overcenter biasing means, the plenum being pneumatically connected to the side of the structure which will be the high pressure side so that the condition requiring venting applies a differential pressure across the hinged wall which tends to force it overcenter against the overcenter biasing means thereby removing the normal support from the vent panel which moves to open a vent passageway. Spring-loaded flapper doors may be included in the plenum forming structure to enable relief of pressure in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An automatic date-stamping system for vehicles entering a parking area for a relatively long period of time, i.e., for more than one day rather than several hours, so that the accumulated charges of the parking costs at the time of leaving, are easily and reliably determinable. The date is stamped automatically on the side-wall of a tire of the vehicle in invisible ink, so as not to mar the appearance of the vehicle, before the blocking and/or signalling means are operated to permit entry of the vehicle into the parking area. Exposure of the date-imprint to ultra-violet light or other rays to which the printing ink is responsive, renders it visible for reading at the time of leaving the parking area, or before that time, if such is necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the operation of a door comprises a microwave transceiver responsive to detect the movement of a randomly moving object and operative to develop a Doppler signal representative of such movement, the Doppler signal being generally sinusoidal with a zero crossing in each cycle, a strobe generator responsive to the Doppler signal and operative to develop a timing pulse upon the occurrence of each such zero crossing, a pair of integrating circuits responsive to the Doppler signal and operative to develop first and second signals of unlike polarity in the absence of the movement and of like polarity in the presence of the movement, a pair of OR gates for detecting the respective polarities of the first and second signals, a sample and hold circuit responsive to the timing pulse and operative to develop a control signal when the first and the second signals are of like polarity, and a relay driver responsive to the control signal and operative to open the door.

Abstract: A cold frame for providing an environment conducive to the growing of plants having walls and a flexible, light-transmitting cover member which is flexed to form a ventilation opening. The cover member is flexed manually or by means responsive to the temperature of the interior of the cold frame.

Abstract: A timing gate adapted to admit passengers to a chair ski-lift loading area is synchronized with the lift to allow passengers in the required number to approach crossing the path of the chairs around the lower bullwheel. At a timed interval after a chair has passed a chair operated switch, the gates open for a brief interval, a red light is turned off and a green light is turned on, and a gong is struck. After the brief interval the gates close and are locked and the green light is changed back to red. A weight operated switch may be used to prevent opening of the gates unless there are passengers waiting or the gate may open automatically after the passage of each chair. An inverted U-shaped frame has a pneumatic cylinder attached to each leg, the piston of each has secured thereto a rod-like gate projecting transversely through a helically extending slot in the cylinder 90.degree. therearound.

Abstract: A system for controlling the air and radiant temperatures, ventilation, illumination and humidity within an enclosed building is described. The system comprises a double glazed window which is transmissive to light and heat energy mounted in the wall of the building. Means are provided for measuring the net energy flow through the window and for automatically adjusting the energy flow through the window responsively to seasonal as well as weather conditions. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the building for storing some of the insolation received so that it can be released as the temperature drops in the building. The system can also include an auxiliary roof heating system. Also ventilation and humidification means for circulating and humidifying exterior air drawn into the building are provided.