Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 49/31)
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Patent number: 11318833Abstract: It is provided an adjustment mechanism, comprising a closure flap for at least partially closing a closure opening on a vehicle, via which, when the closure flap is opened, a connection element for connecting a line and/or a port for topping up a liquid, in particular a fuel, is accessible, a drive for adjusting the closure flap by external force in response to an operator control event, and an electronic control unit which is coupled to the drive and by means of which the drive is activated to open the closure flap in response to an operator control event which is detected in a contactless manner, and, on the other hand, is automatically stopped or reversed in so far as, when the closure flap closes, a possible obstacle is detected in a contactless manner in the adjustment path of the closure flap by means of an anti-pinch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Ralf Daiminger, Stefan Richter
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Patent number: 11250280Abstract: An occupant service provision apparatus includes: a recognition unit configured to recognize an occupant and an object from an acquired image of the inside of a vehicle; a matching unit configured to match a specific part of a body of the occupant that is related to the object; a distance-tracking unit configured to track a distance between the matched specific part of the body of the occupant and the object; and a controller. The controller is configured to check whether the tracked distance satisfies a set service condition, to check whether an additional set service condition is present when the set service condition is satisfied, and to control a specific function of the vehicle, corresponding to the set service, when there is no additional set service condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Jong Hyuk Kim
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Patent number: 11187022Abstract: A method for controlling a door, comprising the steps of storing energy during a manual opening of a door, sensing an object within a doorway, selectively applying a force derived from the stored energy, to close the door, based on the sensing of an object in the doorway. The closure is preferably controlled by an electronic control. A door closing device comprising an energy storage device for storing energy during door opening and releasing the stored energy to subsequently close the door, a damping system for damping a closure of the door, a sensor for detecting an object within a doorway, having an output, a controllable device for selectively restraining the energy storage device from closing the door, and a control system for controlling the controllable device based on the output.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
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Patent number: 11072965Abstract: An automatic door operator (30) for a swing door assembly (10) having a door leaf (14) rotationally supported by a door frame (12) is disclosed. The automatic door operator has a motor (34) for causing opening of the door leaf (14) with respect to the door frame (12), and a controller (31) being configured for performing different functions (60) of the automatic door operator. The controller (31) is configured to detect (42) a movement of the door leaf (14), not caused by the motor (34), identify (44) a predefined movement matching the detected movement, determine (46), among the different functions, a function (61-A, 61-B) being associated with the predefined movement, and perform (48) the determined function.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems ABInventor: Sven-Gunnar Soderqvist
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Patent number: 10941609Abstract: A system for controlling a louver blind mobile panel that is moveable along a rail installed in a living space construct. The mobile panel featuring an inner volume capable of housing at least one motor that is functionally coupled to an electronics unit. The electronics unit is controlled with a wireless remove controller to control the activity of the at least one motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Inventor: Amir Noy
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Patent number: 10907386Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a controller and a powered latch that is configured to selectively retain a door structure in a closed position when the powered latch is latched. The powered latch permits the door to be opened when the powered latch is unlatched. An electronic door release pad is disposed on an outer side of the door structure. The door release pad includes a pad surface that faces outwardly away from the door structure. A generally flat outer side of the door structure extends around the perimeter of the pad surface. The pad surface preferably comprises a sensor. The controller is configured to generate a signal to unlatch the powered latch if the door release pad generates a signal indicating that a user has touched the pad surface and/or that an object has been detected adjacent the pad.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chester Stanislaus Walawender, Rajesh K. Patel
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Patent number: 10709076Abstract: A smart home gardening cabinet is disclosed that includes a plurality of plant growing drawers each having a vertical lift door and an automatic precision weather system to grow a specific type of plants, each automatic precision weather system includes an array of lights for photosynthesis, an air circulation system, and a water circulation system that provides nutrient water to the specific plants in each plant growing drawer; each plant growing drawers having a plant growing tray that includes an array of growing holes filled with a sponge materials to absorb and retain nutrients which are misted to the roots of the plants, excess nutrient water being returned to the water circulation system to save water.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: TREANT PROTECTOR PTE. LTD.Inventor: Tuan Anh Pham
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Patent number: 10612379Abstract: The present invention discloses a combined automatic anti-explosion method for a gas drainage pipeline, comprising specific steps of: preparation of an anti-explosion installation piping; connection of the installation piping and the gas drainage pipeline; assembly of a porous foam material and an automatic control valve; installation of an automatic powder-spraying device and a signal analyzer; installation of a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor; and signal processing and automatic anti-explosion. According to the present invention, the porous foam material is located in a bottom groove of an arched pipeline when no gas explosion occurs in the gas drainage pipeline, without affecting the extraction effect of the gas drainage pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignees: China University of Mining and Technology, XUZHOU JINBO SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventors: Caiping Lu, Heng Zhang, Yang Liu, Ding Li
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Patent number: 10596669Abstract: A machining system comprises a machine tool, a machine tool controller that controls the machine tool, an auxiliary device that assists the machine tool, and an auxiliary device controller that controls the auxiliary device. The machine tool and the auxiliary device work cooperatively for machining. The machining system comprises a signal management unit that receives a first signal and a second signal. The first signal indicates information about the machine tool as a criterion used for determining whether the machine tool and the auxiliary device are operable or inoperable. The second signal indicates information about the auxiliary device as a criterion used for determining whether the machine tool and the auxiliary device are operable or inoperable.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Taiki Endou, Masanori Itou
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Patent number: 10072453Abstract: A vehicle door control system includes a camera disposed at a portion of the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses a region exterior of the vehicle that is swept by a door of the vehicle as the door is opened and closed via a powered door opening/closing system of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to detect an object present in the region that is swept by the door when the door is opening and to determine if the door may collide with the detected object when the door is being opened. During opening of the door and responsive to determination of a potential collision of the opening door with the detected object, the vehicle door control system positions the door at a partially open position whereby a gap is established between the door and the detected object.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Joern Ihlenburg, Michael Schaffner
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Publication number: 20150128497Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a closure element arrangement of a motor vehicle, wherein the closure element arrangement comprises a control arrangement and an operator-control-event sensor arrangement with at least one operator-control-event sensor element which is configured, in particular, as a proximity sensor, wherein within the scope of operator-control-event monitoring by means of the control arrangement the sensor measured values of the operator-control-event sensor arrangement are monitored to determine whether a predetermined operator control event is occurring, and the closure element arrangement is actuated as a function of the result of the operator-control-event monitoring. It is proposed that externally activated lifting of the motor vehicle is detected by means of the control arrangement, and the actuability of the closure element arrangement which is due to an operator control event is deactivated when a special condition due to the lifting of the motor vehicle occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Axel Schuetz, Christian Weidenbacher, Rainer Wunsch
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Publication number: 20150128496Abstract: Automatic doors have become commonplace in hospitals or retirement homes to facilitate entry into auxiliary rooms, such as bathrooms. Unfortunately, when a patient becomes incapacitated inside the bathroom, the door often becomes obstructed by the patient, making entry into the bathroom through the door impossible without further injuring the patient. In many instances removal of adjacent walls is required to gain entry into the room. The automatic door of the present invention includes a retractable door stop enabling reverse rotation of the door, and sensors for automatically setting and resetting the automatic door controls when the door is opened and closed in either direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: Complete Entry Systems and Services (2004) Inc.Inventor: Parrish Phillips
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Publication number: 20150113876Abstract: A door closer comprises a piston cooperating with a rotating pinion. Upon rotation of the pinion in the door opening direction, the piston moves toward the second end of the housing forcing fluid from a second variable volume chamber through a passage to a first variable volume chamber and compressing a spring assembly for storing energy. The spring assembly urges the piston toward the first end of the housing for forcing fluid from the first variable volume chamber to the second variable volume chamber and rotating the pinion in the door closing direction. A controller controls the position of a valve in the passage based on the sensed angular position of a door and the position of the valve for determining the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, JR., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
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Publication number: 20150101249Abstract: A method for controlling movement of a window glass (12) in a vehicle using an electric motor (26) associated with a drive mechanism (1,2,3,4) through a cable (50), said method comprising the steps: determining an actual position (X2) of the window glass (12) based on the movement of the motor (26), determining a cable stiffness (S2), determining a position lag (400) of the window glass (12) based on the determined actual position (X2) of the window glass (12), a predetermined position (Z2) of the window glass (12) and the cable stiffness (S2); and continuously correcting the position of the window glass (12) based on the determined position lag (400).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Holger Pruessel, Scott Averitt, Kumar Saurabh
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Publication number: 20150096233Abstract: In an opening control device in a vehicle door, in order to stop the door at a desired position, a control unit stops power supply to a motor, and a short circuit is made in an electric circuit between a first terminal and a second terminal of the motor. In the electric circuit, there is formed a regenerative brake circuit in which regenerative braking can be applied to rotation of the motor. When the door is positioned within a fully-open-position-adjacent range that is adjacent to a fully-open position of the door, regenerative braking is applied to normal rotation of the motor for opening the door and is not applied to reverse rotation of the motor for closing the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Ayahito Kojima, Yasuyuki Watanabe, Kazuhito Yokomori
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Patent number: 8973303Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (10) for use in an ambient light control system (20) for controlling ambient light entering a space (1) through an opening (2). An ambient light prediction unit (11) provides ambient light prediction values, which are predictions of an ambient light property at the opening (2). An ambient light adjusting unit (12) provides, at different ambient light adjusting time points, an ambient light adjusting signal depending on the ambient light prediction values for an upcoming ambient light prediction time period. The ambient light adjusting signal is adapted for use by an ambient light modifying element (22) for modifying the entering of ambient light into the space (1) through the opening (2). By taking the predicted ambient light conditions at the opening (2) into account, necessary adjustments can be made at temporally spaced ambient light adjusting time points, resulting in fewer disturbances of the users.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.Inventor: Dagnachew Birru
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Publication number: 20150059249Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
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Publication number: 20150054931Abstract: The present specification discloses a system for controlling a movement of at least one person into a controlled location. The system includes an X-ray screening system having an entrance area defined by walls and a gate, and an exit area defined by walls and a gate. The gates are automatically controlled based upon the output of the X-ray screening system. Additional gates, defining an additional holding area, are used for subsequent analysis and inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Timothy James Rayner
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Patent number: 8952811Abstract: The present invention includes, a failure sensing part to sense the failure created in the encoder mode and sensorless mode to control the door; a main control part to convert the main operation part and backup control part mutually when a failure is sensed by the primary operation mode by the failure sensing part after deciding either of the encoder mode or sensorless mode as a primary operation mode and another one is decided as a backup operation mode; and a location/speed conversion part to perform the door control by calculating the door moving distance according to the corresponding mode when the operation mode is converted by the main control part.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: The Korea Development BankInventor: Jun Hyung No
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Publication number: 20150033630Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic operation of a power door of a vehicle is presented. An actuation of an interior switch by a user is detected and, upon detecting the actuation of the interior switch, whether at least one door of the vehicle is locked is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked, whether a vehicle security is set is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked and the vehicle security is set, the automatic operation of the power door is prohibited. When the at least one door of the vehicle is not locked or the vehicle security is not set, the automatic operation of the power door is permitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Michael D. Oakley, Craig T. Kline, Dean A. Scott, JR., Hideaki Arai, Joseph P. Whinnery, Saeed Namakydoost, Yoshitomo Ihashi, Trevor Scott Whitten, Makoto Watanabe
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Publication number: 20150027058Abstract: The disclosure relates to a drive device for embarkation and disembarkation devices of public transportation vehicles, comprising a drive unit arranged within and drives a rotary column. The drive unit rotates the rotary column about the rotary column longitudinal axis Z-Z during opening and closing processes of the embarkation and disembarkation devices. The drive device is supported on the vehicle. The drive unit has a drive motor, a non-self-locking reduction gear, and a controllable blocking means with which a rotation of the rotary column can be blocked. The drive device further includes a sensor for detecting the magnitude of an external force, the force acting on the drive device. The drive device further has means for analyzing signals of the sensor and for triggering the blocking effect of the blocking means when an external force measured by the sensor exceeds a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: GEBR. BODE GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Lars Linnenkohl, Alfons Harding
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Publication number: 20150020450Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing device, which enhances the operation feeling during opening and closing of a vehicle door, includes: an outside door handle provided to a power sliding door for opening and closing a door opening, the outside door handle being supported to move between an initial position and a maximum movement position relative to the power sliding door, and being operated to open and close the power sliding door; a spring unit urging the outside door handle to move from the maximum movement position to the initial position; an opening/closing operation detection unit for detecting movement of the outside door handle from the maximum movement position to the initial position; a door drive mechanism for driving the opening and closing of the power sliding door; and a control unit for actuating the door drive mechanism on the basis of a detection signal outputted from the opening/closing operation detection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Satoshi Shibayama, Takeshi Nishikibe, Toshio Machida
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Publication number: 20150013228Abstract: A window in an asset, having stealth plates mounted adjacent the window, in an active adaptive stealth system, the window including a pivotally mounted window pane, a motor drivingly coupled to the window pane causing the window pane to tilt relative to the asset, and a tilt control mechanism controlling the motor to change the tilt position of the window pane relative to the ground to approach a best match of IR image from the window pane with the stealth plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: ELTICS LTDInventor: Ronen Meir
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Publication number: 20150013226Abstract: An access system for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a perimeter frame and least one display case door mounted within the perimeter frame. The perimeter frame and the at least one display case door are configured to move substantially vertically along a surface of the temperature-controlled storage device between a raised position and a lowered position. The at least one display case door is further configured to move substantially horizontally between an open position and a closed position when the perimeter frame is in the lowered position. The access system further includes a torsion spring and motor assembly coupled to the perimeter frame and configured to move the perimeter frame and the at least one display case door between the raised position and the lowered position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Paul Artwohl, Jack R. Christensen, Virginia Ramirez
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Publication number: 20150007499Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a latching system is provided for use with machines with front or rear guards assembled to protect certain components, that otherwise may get damaged during machine reversing or turning operations in narrow workplaces, such as a mine site. The locking system comprises a hood assembly, a guard assembly, a motor structured and arranged to move the hood assembly between an open and closed position, a sensor to detect position of guard assembly, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly including a support member enables or disables the guard assembly movement. When the guard assembly is in open position it is restricted and simultaneously the sensor urges to interact with a hood operating system that would allow the hood to operate. Alternatively, when the latching system of the guard assembly is unlocked manually, the sensor disables the hood operating system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Krishnamoorthy Gurusamy, Jagadeesh Subramanian, Balasubramany Gupta Narayana Mohan, Rafael Nardo
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Publication number: 20140373447Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for driving a motorized closure element of a motor vehicle, wherein, in order to detect operator control events, at least one sensor control means and at least one elongate distance sensor which extends along a sensor extent are provided, wherein the sensor control means drives the associated distance sensor and/or evaluates the sensor signals from said distance sensor, and wherein the distance sensor detects a distance from a user. It is proposed that, with the control system installed, a vehicle component is arranged or can be arranged in or along the sensor extent, and that the distance sensor is designed such that it has a blind section in the region of the vehicle component, said blind section having no sensitivity or a lower level of sensitivity compared to that region of the distance sensor which adjoins the blind section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Andre Gunreben, Henning Moenchen, Holger Wuerstlein, Thorsten Kuhnen, James Troeger
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Publication number: 20140373446Abstract: A servo system and an actuating method for adjusting a vehicle window that can be adjusted with a servomotor. For the sake of improved driving comfort, to permit adjustment of the vehicle window with a sensor, a measurement volume which adjoins the vehicle window in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is monitored for the presence of a body part of a vehicle occupant and/or the presence of a lighted cigarette. The vehicle window is lowered here from its closed position by a portion of its actuating path if the presence of a body part or the presence of a burning cigarette is detected in the measurement volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT, HALLSTADTInventor: CHRISTIAN WEIDENBACHER
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Publication number: 20140352216Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle doors closer comprising a working unit of a vehicle doors closer, comprising a housing, having at least two mounts with clamping holes; at least two guiding elements fixed within the housing; a movable rack with a lock plate, placed within the housing of the door closer so as to move along the guiding elements; an actuation mechanism, transmission element transmitting power from the actuation mechanism to the working unit, connected with one end to the movable rack with a lock plate of the working unit, and connected to the actuation mechanism with the other end; a state detector; a control unit; and a bracket placed on the car body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Viktor Mykolaiovych KAPUSTNYK, Volodymyr Vitaliiovych SAMSONENKO, Serhii Valeriiovych KLIEPCHEV
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Publication number: 20140352215Abstract: A modular gate system for a vehicle travel lane employs a plurality of various modules to control the traffic flow and to sense and monitor the vehicles traversing the travel lane. The power and communication for the modules are provided by power and communication lines which are carried in a conduit is mounted to the rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventor: James S. Bianco
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Patent number: 8890452Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Ozaki
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Publication number: 20140325911Abstract: A combination door operator assembly and door, wherein the door operator assembly includes an operator unit mounted to the door on the pushing side thereof, an arm linkage having a driving arm and a driven arm, a second mounting bracket preferably on the frame of the door, a rechargeable power storage pack having at least one of a rechargeable battery and one or more capacitors, and a controller, for monitoring a speed and a position of the door, wherein when the door moves faster than a predetermined speed, the motor is used as a generator to charge the rechargeable power storage pack and the speed of the door is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Brian D. Hass
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Publication number: 20140327353Abstract: A door coupling and rotation assembly and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, at least one door to open and close the storage compartment, and a door coupling and rotation assembly that rotatably couples the at least one door to the main body. A door opening/closing determination device may determine whether or not a user wishes to open the door, and a controller may drive at least one motor in response a signal sensed by the door opening/closing determination device to open or close the at least one door. The assembly may include a hinge bracket coupled to the main body, a hinge shaft coupled to the hinge bracket and defining an axis of rotation of the door, and a motor coupled to the hinge shaft to rotate the at least one door in a forward or reverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Woonkyu SEO, Soonho Jung, Jinhee Park
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Patent number: 8868376Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a door with a 3D sensor which is able to detect distances to an object in the monitoring area as the third dimension, the 3D sensor being arranged in a housing, and immovably arranged transmission means for transmitting a measurement beam and receiver means for receiving a reflected measurement beam being provided in the housing, characterized in that provision is made of a control unit which is designed to obtain an item of information relating to the position of the apparatus, and in that the control unit evaluates the measurement beam on the basis of an item of position information.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Cedes AGInventor: Beat De Coi
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Patent number: 8844200Abstract: A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Globe Motors, Inc.Inventors: Leon Yulkowski, Gerard Edwards, Steve Gebhart
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Publication number: 20140259929Abstract: A sliding door assembly is provided comprising a first door having a tortuous leading edge, a door frame, a guide track, and a member having a complementary tortuous edge to that of the door. The drive assembly includes magnets to drive the door between open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Veritas Medical Solutions, LLCInventors: David P. Farrell, Herbert Todd Ferrence
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Publication number: 20140265805Abstract: A system is provided for automatically opening the doors of appliances such as refrigerators and freezers. In one example, an appliance door handle includes a capacitive touch sensor. When a user touches the touch sensor, visual and audio indicators are activated. After a slight delay, a motor and drive mechanism opens the appliance door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: MICHAEL T. CHAMBERLIN
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Publication number: 20140259928Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Donald E. Morris
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Publication number: 20140250787Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is provided having a base portion configured to be secured to a mounting surface and a sensor connected to the base portion that is configured to interface with an elongate member and measure one or more characteristics of the elongate member as the elongate member moves y from being wound up on or paid out from a rotatable drive of a movable barrier operator. The one or more characteristics can include, for example, position, velocity, and direction of movement of the elongate member. By measuring the one or more characteristics of the elongate member, corresponding properties of a movable barrier connected to the elongate member can be accurately determined. The apparatus may be also used to supplement an estimate of the properties of the movable barrier obtained from measurement of the rotatable drive and provide a more accurate estimate of the movable barrier properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Olmsted
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Publication number: 20140237898Abstract: A sliding door device for a motor vehicle includes a slidably movable sliding door, a door weather strip attached to the sliding door, and a vehicle body weather strip tightly attached to the door weather strip to maintain airtightness in a state in which the sliding door is closed. A pressure switch senses an internal pressure of the door weather strip, and a pneumatic line connects the door weather strip and the pressure switch such that they communicate with each other. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls an opening and closing operation of the sliding door upon receiving a sensing signal from the pressure switch, and an opening and closing valve allows the pneumatic line to communicate with atmospheric pressure or closes the pneumatic line to atmospheric pressure. An object or a passenger is effectively prevented from being caught when a sliding door is being closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Kyunghyun NAM
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Publication number: 20140223825Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James Scott Murray, William George Gioia
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Publication number: 20140196372Abstract: A no touch lavatory has a first sensor outside the lavatory that is operable to cause a motor assembly to open the door of the lavatory in response to a person making a motion in close proximity to the first sensor, a second sensor inside the lavatory that causes the motor assembly to close the door and causes a lock to lock the door in response to the second sensor detecting the person entering the lavatory, and a third sensor inside the lavatory that causes the lock to unlock the door and causes the motor assembly to open the door in response to the third sensor detecting a motion made by the person inside the lavatory.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventor: The Boeing Company
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Publication number: 20140190084Abstract: A variable gate with control for grain elevator applications utilizes a sliding gate panel. Two proximity sensors are arranged to provide full sensing and control functions of the gate remotely located. A first proximity sensor confirms gate is shut, and a second proximity sensor outputs a serial pulse train signal for detecting movement of the gate panel. The second proximity sensor can be operatively coupled with gear teeth inherent to the drive mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion mechanism), or with a passive device such as a free sprocket on the motor shaft to sense the passage of each sprocket teeth, or may be placed at a linear portion that moves with the gate that has sequential indicating positions, such as metal or no metal positions. In one embodiment, the controller tracks the direction of the gate as pulses are receive, allowing the subsequent positioning of the gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventor: Bill Schlagel
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Publication number: 20140182207Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Norman Charles Kerr, III
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Publication number: 20140173985Abstract: An emergency vehicle window opener that includes a power window switch that controls an electrical motor to open and to close a window of a vehicle, a retractable handle that is extended to manually open and close the window of the vehicle, a first pinion gear connected to the retractable handle, a second pinion gear that is engaged with the first pinion gear, an electrical magnet, an electrical switch, an actuator having a controller that receives an emergency signal and controls the electrical switch based on the emergency signal, a coupling part, a coupling button, and a coupling spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventor: Hashim Mohammed ALSADAH
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Publication number: 20140173986Abstract: Apparatus for operating a door or hatch on a vehicle, wherein the apparatus has a sensor unit in order to allow detection of an object in at least one detection area which joins the motor vehicle, with the result that the detection can he used to activate the operation of the moving portion, wherein the sensor unit is in the form of a coaxial cable, wherein a conductor of the coaxial cable which is in the form of a metal, core is used as an active screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Peter Van Gastel, Iko Lindic
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Publication number: 20140165421Abstract: A dishwasher, a door assembly for the dishwasher and a method of drying the dishware in the dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a tub portion adapted to hold dishware, a heating element proximate a bottom of the tub portion and configured to heat air inside the tub portion during a drying cycle, and a blower configured to direct the air and vaporized water into a duct having an inlet proximate the top of the tub portion. The heat causes the air to rise toward a top of the tub and collect vaporized water from the dishware. The duct is configured to receive the air and the vaporized water. The dishwasher includes a sensor configured to measure a humidity level. A control unit is in communication with the sensor and selectively actuates and de-actuates at least one of the heating element and the blower, based on the humidity level.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
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Publication number: 20140157671Abstract: A sliding door device for a vehicle includes a sliding door installed to be slidingly moved, a door weather strip attached to the sliding door, a pressure switch for sensing internal pressure of the door weather strip, a pneumatic line for connecting the door weather strip and the pressure switch to communicate with each other, an electronic control unit (ECU) for receiving a sensing signal of the pressure switch to control opening and closing of the sliding door, and an opening and closing valve for having the pneumatic line communicate with the atmospheric pressure or blocking the pneumatic line from the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent an object or an occupant from being jammed in a process of closing the sliding door.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Kyunghyun NAM
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Publication number: 20140157672Abstract: A door opener includes a detector configured to detect a relative and/or absolute position of mobile structural components of the door opener. The detector has at least one magneto-sensitive sensor configured to be accommodated in a carrier of at least one printed circuit board, the magneto-sensitive sensor being at least partially disposed within the printed circuit board. Contacts of the magneto-sensitive sensor are coupled to the at least one printed circuit board, either directly or via a conductor foil. The magneto-sensitive sensor cooperates with at least one magnet at a structural component, which is mobile in relation to the magnet, to generate a position signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Kai Gröne, Marc-André Schneider, Michael Suberg
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Publication number: 20140137474Abstract: A door actuating apparatus includes an engagement mechanism configured to retain a door at a full close position, an operating portion configured to output a signal to open the door, a control unit actuating an actuator by receiving the signal, an engagement member advancing and retracting relative to the door in accordance with rotation of the door, and a door opening mechanism operating by actuation of the actuator, positioning the door at a full close position to a predetermined rotational position by rotating the door in a vehicle exterior direction by biasing the engagement member by engaging with the engagement member when the door is released from an engaged state by the door opening mechanism engaging with the engagement mechanism, and releasing engagement with the engagement member when an external force rotating the door in the vehicle exterior direction is exerted on the door at the predetermined rotational position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shintaro SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20140130419Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Modular Security Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert Rhett SLAGEL